Meet Odunayo Majekodunmi | Actor, Playwright, Filmmaker, Producer, Director, Event Planner and Podcast Host

We had the good fortune of connecting with Odunayo Majekodunmi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Odunayo, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My Work life balance has changed tremendously over the last 6 years because I’ve been extremely focused on accomplishing a lot of goals. Before covid in 2019, I had a basic structured life with working a 9am to 5pm Corporate job and struggling to balance my dream of writing and producing my own projects. During covid in 2020, I became unemployed and I had plenty of free time. Therefore, I learned the value of using my time wisely. That’s when I started writing my play FaithNLove and started my Youtube channel “Ask the Girl From Schenectady” which is now a Podcast. I realized how fast time is moving, and balancing work with my personal life has been easier for me as well because I’m forced to make room for friends and family and taking a break or time off from being creative and exploring life is second nature to me. The free time lifestyle I gained during the pandemic taught me the importance of living a balanced life with work, playtime and rest time.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m Nigerian, A New York native and a Christian Creative. I’m also an Actor, Playwright, Filmmaker, Producer, Director, Podcast Host and Event Planner. My Journey started as an Actor in New York, where I studied and Trained at the American Musical And Dramatic Academy(AMDA). I performed in numerous Plays then moved to Los Angeles in 2006 and continued to study acting and audition for roles. Fast forward to 2019, I wrote, produced and performed my One woman Show, “Girl from Schenectady” and evolved into writing and producing more plays, “FAITHNLOVE” (2022) and my New play, Romantic Comedy “LOVE HURDLE” which had 2 successful staged Readings in 2024 and will premiere in 2026. I’m also the writer and executive producer of “SALSA LOVE”(2023) My first Short Film and female Lead Role, which screened in 6 film festivals and won an award for Best Actress at the Indie Vegas Film festival(2024) and an Award for Best Dance at the Golden State Film Festival (2025). I also have a new upcoming short Film entitled “LOVE AFTER DESPAIR” which will be in production at the end of this year. I think what sets me apart from other creatives is my intention for every project I’ve created is to inspire, motivate, uplift and encourage my audience; Specifically in Relationships, Spirituality, Dating, Romantic love and Self-Love. My faith and Christianity is what drives me, and it repeatedly shows up in my projects. Even though my journey has been challenging and continues to be, I’m excited for the growth and skills that I’ve learned and keep developing along the way. I recently created a singles event entitled “Battle of the Sexes Competition” which is a dating Game Night for Single Men and Women ages 25 to 50. My intention is to provide a safe space for Singles to meet other singles and have conversations about their dating experiences, ups and downs about the opposite sex in a fun, competitive, playful atmosphere. My first event was on February 22nd, 2025 and My second event was on June 22nd. My next event will be September 28th, 2025. My events are always posted on Eventbrite. I believe i still have a lot of growing and learning to do but what I’ve learned the most is to never give up, keep thriving and most importantly, surrounding myself with a positive community, mentors, friends and successfully artists that are on the same path as me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would start with breakfast or brunch at Urth Caffe’ in West Hollywood, the delicious bites and beautiful outdoor sitting is very refreshing. Then we would take a walk around the Santa Monica Pier, take a stroll on the beautiful beach, then have lunch. Then we would take a trip to the Grove, West Hollywood and do some walking and sight seeing then, have dinner at the beautiful and classy Mexican restaurant Alma. Then we would get some cupcakes for dessert at Sprinkles downstairs. Lastly, we would go Salsa dancing outdoors at the 3rd street Promenade or take a drive to Stevens Steak & Seafood House in commerce for some Salsa Dancing and delicious dinner.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to start with my spirituality and my Church Families. A very big shout out to several Church Organizations that I’ve had the privilege to be a part of over the last 19 years, Hopes House Christian Ministries, The Living Room and In His Presence Church. I’ve developed amazing relationships from these churches with friends that I call family now throughout my years of living in Los Angeles. These relationships include people who have become my Mentors, family and my Co-workers. I’ve also been encouraged and supported artistically over the past couple of years by my Church families. My spirituality and guidance from God and the Artists that I’ve met and grown with have shaped the woman that I’ve become. I also have to give a big shout out to Ascend Bible Movement led by Dr. Holly Carter, Robi Reed and DeVon Franklin. In Addition, The African Artists Association President, Francis Onelum. I’ve met a lot of amazing Artists and friends from being a part of these two organizations for several years. Lastly, I have to give a shout out to my actual family, especially my mother and my siblings. They continue to support me and encourage me to keep pushing, thriving and accomplishing my dreams and goals.

Website: https://battleofthesexescomp.carrd.co/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omajekodunmi77/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/odunayo-majekodunmi-b1a2a714/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/odunayo.majekodunmi

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNUwU8YT0X0

Image Credits
First and Second photos are by Aimee Garcia
The Third, Fourth, Fifth photos are by Sade Oyinade
The Sixth photo is by Tate Hildyard
The Last 2 Photos are Lazy Pickle Studios