Meet Vicheka Ek | Creative Director | Social Media Strategist

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

Hi Vicheka, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I believe that authenticity has played a big factor in why I’ve continued to pursue creative marketing and story-telling, as well as why folks resonate with the messaging and creative work I’ve produced throughout the year. The human to human connection, of how we’re able to feel, and the feeling our creative work elicits, is the difference between us and AI ( I actually wrote this, it is not a ChatGPT special!). Listening to one another, our stories, our journeys, our perspectives, not just to respond, but to understand has been the absolute pleasure I’ve been able to enjoy while producing engaging campaigns.

Of course, success is subjective, and to truly believe that if you love what you do, you produce your best even if only 3 people are watching, as you would for 3,000! Success is defined by the impact that is made by your existence, and so, as Maya Angelou said, ” Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and how you do it.” As life has its ups and down, this statement has never lead me astray.

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.
Our hard work and shared journey is a domino piece set into motion, to those who are touched or moved by it, to create their own movement.

A ripple effect, with the broader vision of a better future and present for the communities around us, I have been luck enough to be surrounded by of mentors, colleagues, family friends, and friends, that helped raise me.

Lastly, to my family – from surviving the Killing Fields to contributing to a positive landscape around me. I am a child of, not only immigrants, but refugees; who survived seeing the worst parts of humanity, and even still, continued to see and give the best of themselves to strangers in times of crisis and survival. With this, have taught me to do the same.

I am every ounce of who I am today, because of human kindness and simple pure humanity. Thus, it has been my ultimate goal to find ways to use my natural gifts and abilities to help others any way I can. To turn around and pay it forward for all I’ve been blessed with receiving.

Be a part of positive change in the places where we live, and intentional about the stories that are told. That, the one person or being ( fur animals) who is treated with kindness and empathy, matters, as much as the thousands.

And – In memory of my grandma, who taught two generations, to be of service to others, the lasting effect you had on others using your kindness and love continues to live on within everything I do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are some many gems in the small town of Bakersfield, California, I’ve called home since I was 3 years old. The places I love to show my out-of-towners places, where the care and passion are the shining attribute in the establishment. Our small businesses, are bar none the best places to hang out, relax and catch up. Everything from the details of the wall fixtures to the herbs used in the dishes are intentional and a subtle nod to the bread basket of the United States, ( Bakersfield, CA). Places that have been around for decades like KC Steakhouse or simply the daring and nuanced establishments like Locale Eatery, The 18 hundred, Primetime BBQ, Mama Roombas, Imbibe, Campo, Tommy’s Pizza, Harrington House, and more of the places, that feel like home; are places I hang my hat and let myself soak in the inspiration behind my work.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Climbing a hill can be done, alone, but, it will be a long arduous and dull journey. However, when you allow people to guide you, to show you the most beautiful lookouts, plants and lend their experience and perspective to the climb, you allow your heart to experience life and add to how you share it with others. It’s like painting in different shades and colors instead of just black and white. I have a strong group of mentors who have been my guiding light in dark times and have provided me with incredible knowledge. They are women and men, who absolutely aren’t afraid to be the first to explore the terrain, and ensuring the door continues to stay open, so they aren’t the last. They’ve touched my life, seen something in me before I could even see it in myself, nurtured me and have given me opportunities to shine in spaces beyond my wildest dreams!

Instagram: @vicheka.ek

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicheka-ek-b43817157