Llewellyn Ouya, now a thriving content creator, recently opened up about his remarkable transformation from losing a steady job with a KSh 60,000 monthly salary to earning a six-figure income through TikTok and other ventures.
In a heartfelt social media post, Ouya reflected on the challenges he faced after being fired and how he managed to turn his struggles into stepping stones for success.
The defining moment of his journey came one morning when he was unexpectedly let go from his job. He recalled the harsh words of his supervisor: “Lewis, take all your things and leave.” As if the sudden dismissal wasn’t enough, Ouya faced further humiliation when his colleagues distanced themselves from him. To add insult to injury, his salary was withheld over a minor issue—he hadn’t returned two company T-shirts.
Despite the adversity, Ouya refused to let these setbacks define him. He ventured into business, starting with a PlayStation and movie shop that initially performed well. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown measures forced him to close down this promising business. Undeterred, he shifted to selling electronics, though this venture, too, was short-lived.
It was during the pandemic that Ouya discovered content creation as a potential path forward. He began posting videos on TikTok, pouring his energy into building his online presence. For six long months, his efforts yielded no financial returns, but Ouya’s resilience and consistency eventually paid off.
His TikTok and YouTube channels gradually gained traction, eventually generating an income that far exceeded his previous salary. Today, a single short video can earn him over KSh 60,000—equivalent to his entire monthly earnings in his old job.
Ouya’s success doesn’t end with TikTok. He has diversified his income streams to include business consultancy, brand collaborations, ebook sales, and monetized YouTube content. His inspiring story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the opportunities that can arise when one dares to pivot in the face of adversity.