Olus Adeneye and Dorothy are not your normal Amazing Race Canada competitors. The duo, who participated in the show’s 10th season, offered a special blend of perseverance and creativity that comes from their unique experiences. Dorothy, who changed her career path from studying law to content production, and Olus, who has a day job in marketing and helps runs their joint content creation company share their inspirational story of perseverance and commitment.
A creative change
Although Dorothy’s path started with a law degree, her heart’s desire was elsewhere.
“I’ve always been a creative person,” she said, noting that she always felt that being a lawyer wasn’t her true calling. Looking at other options she found success in marketing, an area that satisfied her desire for independence while simultaneously providing plenty of opportunities for creativity.
“I went into marketing to express myself through ads and working with clients, but I still felt limited,” said Dorothy. She then discovered a new outlet for her creativity with the rise of platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, which finally led to her full-time video creation career.
For Olus, balancing his day job with a content creation career is a constant push and pull. He recalled taking time off work last year to participate in the YouTube Black Voices Class of 2023, an experience that was enriching.
“I work in marketing, so there’s a lot of creative stuff there. But content creation usually happens in the evenings and weekends,” he explained. Regardless of the obstacles, he finds a way to make it work, motivated by a common desire for creativity.
Rising above obstacles as BIPOC entrepreneurs
Being BIPOC business owners has given the Adeneyes some unique problems to solve. One big problem they face is that individuals have the wrong impression about their clientele.
“We started in Nigeria, so our stats show a large following there,” said Olus. “Brands often fixate on this and overlook our reach in North America.”
The Adeneyes’ appeal to a Canadian audience is frequently overlooked by businesses, which can lead to missed opportunities. Olus added, “Canada is multicultural and our audience reflects that. But brands have fewer dollars for people who look like us.”
Amazing Race Experience
Being selected for the 10th season of Amazing Race Canada was a dream come true for them.
“When we got the call, we screamed,” Dorothy recalled.
The couple’s selection this time was all the more significant since they had applied the year before without success.
The preparation for the race was extensive. The couple increased their gym sessions, practiced mathematical puzzles, and studied previous episodes to identify patterns. Despite their extensive preparation, nothing could entirely prepare them for the race.
“When they say ‘Go,’ you’re thrown into circumstances you never imagined,” said Dorothy.
And throughout the race, the couple remained grounded and enjoyed the experience.
“We reminded ourselves that we’re here to have fun and create memories,” he said.
Dorothy explained that one important strategy was consistency.
“We decided to listen to each other and stick with a decision until it clearly wasn’t working.”
This strategy reduced overthinking and allowed them to solve problems more effectively. The race also demonstrated their strengths.
“Our cooperation and positive mindset were crucial,” noted Dorothy.
They were determined to complete each obstacle, no matter how difficult it was.
Racers flew to Vancouver and had to sign up for one of five port flights to Sechelt, which departed at various times. The Adeneyes chose an early flight rather than attempting to obtain an Express Pass.
The first obstacle was a kayak self-rescue, in which they struggled to flip, re-enter, and bail excess water.
At the Detour, they chose Mallet Fest, where they played an African tune on the Marimba instead of the Palate Test, which involved predicting olive oil and vinegar flavours.
The Roadblock asked the racers to memorize and perform a routine with a “hobby horse,” which surprised them since they expected real horses. The final obstacle was to discover the clue that led to the pit stop at Roberts Creek Pier, a beachfront park with views of the Georgia Strait.
Despite their best efforts, Dorothy and Olus were eliminated after failing with the kayak challenge and falling behind on subsequent challenges.
Looking Ahead
The Adeneyes hope that their experience inspires others to achieve their ambitions.
“Believe in yourself. If we can do it, so can you,” said Olus.
They also stressed the significance of having fun while representing their community.
“Putting ourselves out there got us on the show, and we’re not going to stop trying,” Dorothy added.
The Amazing Race experience drew Dorothy and Olus closer together while giving them valuable knowledge for their content creation business.
“Seeing Dorothy rappel down Niagara Falls, I realized how strong she is,” said Olus.
Dorothy, in turn, appreciates Olus’s decision-making skills even more.
Their involvement in the Amazing Race has not only demonstrated their perseverance and innovative thinking but has also led to more exposure and opportunities in their content creation path. With an increased sense of purpose, the Adeneyes are ready to continue inspiring others while making an impact.
