Merop Media CEO Merollyne Opiyo |Photo Merop Media|
Standards—yes, that is the one word that ignited a purpose in the life of Merollyne Opiyo from a young age.
Having been born into a relatively well-off family, with her dad an accountant at the then-prestigious Mumias Sugar Company and her mother a seasoned businesswoman, Merollyne brushed shoulders with kids from rich families. From wealthy Indian families of the top management of the sugar miller, Opiyo says that her community of friends were living life on big terms.
She says her admiration was on the higher living standards and the dignity that kids from these families were accorded that challenged her to always work hard.
“I admired their higher living lifestyle and dignity every day of my schooling. I remember sharing and dining with my father and his colleagues from their mess, not once but several times, and that was not as normal to other kids. The experience henceforth challenged me to give my best to every single opportunity,” she said.
Opiyo began her educational journey at Mumias Central School and successfully pursued Journalism and Mass Communication from Eastern Africa University. She also holds a Diploma in Psychology from Mt. Kenya (DICOSE).
Her love for media was influenced by her father, Mr. Joash Opiyo, who she says made it a habit to have her invited to attend live TV performances like the famous Tausi program and live football matches. That was an experience that would later shape Merollyne in Kenya’s media space.
Having spent three years in the media industry, and more particularly in radio, Merollyne said that she has stood for her values and boldly honored them with dignity no matter who tries to compromise them.
She points out that the corporate space is very dynamic with numerous challenges, and for one to succeed, they must be very objective and uphold reputable values.
“At the corporate level, it is very critical because this is where you meet very potential contacts who can easily help you succeed but will test your morals and capabilities, so you must remain professional at all costs,” she said.
After working in radio for seven years, Merollyne quit to start her own media production company focusing on photojournalism and video journalism.
The Merop Media provides all media pre- and post-production services in photography and videography for events and corporate setups like conferences, teleconferences, interviews, documentaries, live streams, weddings, burials, and church services.
The company which is now five years old, offers media consultation and training to individuals and organizations.
In such a competitive and ever-changing career, I’m concerned about how young women like Merollyne are able to stand strong in the face of economic instability.
Merop’s CEO notes that it is not an easy task but by upholding her values, trusting in God, and building a good social network, she’s able to sail through.
“Running a production company is quite a task. I have always trusted God in my business, I hold my values so dearly, and I embrace social networking. I think these three have been my greatest strengths and are what is keeping me going even in times of extreme challenges,” she says.
In her professional life, the youthful media personality-cum-entrepreneur gives priority to quality in every assignment she undertakes. From her childhood memories of higher standards.
She says that good quality work is what will build trust between your brand and your social networks.
“It’s one thing to get into a social network, it’s another thing to keep yourself in. I always give my very best when it comes to service delivery. I believe that’s the best way to keep and grow your social networks,” Miss Opiyo explained.
Merollyne has tapped into the growing media marketing and is using social media to leverage her market and audience reach.
As an accomplished freelance photojournalist, Merop’s CEO believes in imparting knowledge, and this, to her, is the best way to influence a community. She challenges young girls, especially those with dreams of establishing their own businesses, to make their visions clear, work patiently but consistently towards achieving their goals.
“There are challenges that might make you give up, but trust me, when you clearly define your goal and passionately work towards it consistently, there will be a reward at the end,” she says, adding that most dreams are shut down because the majority of people quit when challenges knock.
Merollyne looks forward to extending her company to the global market and to making it one of the most respected and efficient media production companies in the region, a goal she’s so passionate about.