Media Personality | Advocate | Lifestyle Content Creator
Once upon a time, there was a petite but eloquent girl in primary school who always volunteered to read course books to her classmates whenever the teacher asked. Her love for being heard and the joy people had in listening to her led her to discover her passion for journalism. This was further ignited when a teacher remarked on her reading skills, saying she sounded like a renowned journalist even at such a young age. That girl was me.
Prior to that declaration, I had aspirations of becoming a doctor, which pleased my parents. However, my innate love for all things art and entertainment led me to pursue Visual Arts at Mfantsiman Girls High School, where I was elected Entertainment Prefect during the 2008/2009 academic year. This role ultimately led to my career as a media personality. The journey thus far has been both rewarding and challenging, but I've learned valuable lessons along the way.
Born Elinam E. Amenyo, I am known to the world as Eli Kharis, a radio and television host, producer, and lifestyle content creator. My journey in media began when I joined the campus radio station, Focus FM, as a presenter and producer while studying for a degree in Industrial Arts with a major in Textiles at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology from 2010 to 2014. These experiences laid the foundation for the person I am today - tenacious, authentic, and empathetic in my approach. I remain committed to establishing a unique and impactful brand.
My advice to aspiring media personalities is to pursue their passions with tenacity and authenticity, and to establish a unique brand that sets them apart from others in the industry. After completing my university education, I was fortunate enough to do my national service at Charter House, Ghana's leading event and production company, working in the event department. During my time there, I auditioned to host the fashion segment on 'Glam TV' at GhOne TV, one of the country's biggest television stations. I was thrilled when I got the job, and it marked the beginning of my television career.
With the guidance of some incredible managers, my career in television blossomed. Through determination and hard work, I moved from being a national service personnel to hosting two different shows simultaneously. I also doubled as a producer at GhOne TV, and worked on the flagship program, the morning show 'GhToday'. Diversifying my portfolio and making an impact in the lives of young people has always been a goal of mine. In 2020, I founded the 'Shine on Queen' initiative, a lifestyle hub that celebrates women, empowers each other to evolve, and collectively advocates for positive change in society.
In 2018/2019, I took on the role of producer for 'The Curfew', a movie inspired by the late Asante Hemaa's funeral. The film focused on three friends whose activism leads to finding their missing friend and was directed by Mclistowel Korateng. In 2022, the movie was licensed to airlines like Kenya Airways, Emirates, United airlines, and Brussels.
That same year, I also graduated from the University of Stirling with an MSc in International Journalism. This experience was incredibly rewarding, providing me with increased insight into journalism ethics and further preparing me for what's ahead. While I have not yet reached my ultimate goal, I continue to learn, expand my impact, and stay true to myself. I believe that authenticity always wins.
What were the biggest initial hurdles and how did you overcome them?
Looking back on my journey so far, I wouldn't necessarily call them obstacles, but rather experiences that presented challenges that I had to push through. One of the biggest challenges I faced was the pressure from my parents to pursue a career in medicine at a young age. Even after I decided to pursue my passion for the arts, I still struggled with identifying my purpose early on. Looking back, I realize that having guidance and mentorship in my younger years would have helped me avoid some of that uncertainty.
However, I refused to let these challenges hold me back from pursuing what I loved. Over time, I have shown those around me, especially my parents, that I am capable of achieving success in my chosen career path. It brings me joy to know that my father is proud of me when his friends tell him they watched me on television. I am also happy to see that contemporary times have shifted the perception of the arts, and families now encourage their children's creativity and passion. While there were challenges along the way, I remain focused on my journey and excited about what the future holds.
I also faced challenges related to feelings of inadequacy and inferiority complex at some point in my life. I felt that people looked down on me because of my humble beginnings, and some even underestimated my abilities because of my small stature. It's unfair to judge someone based on their background or physical attributes, but unfortunately, it's something that some people do. However, I refused to let such negative attitudes get in my way. Instead, I chose to focus on my strengths and make the most of the opportunities that came my way. I accepted who I am, embraced my strengths, and channeled my energy into improving my skills. While it's normal to have doubts and concerns about certain things, I learned not to let them become a habit that could limit my potential.
What advice do you for upcoming youth or talents locally and internationally?
While I don't claim to have all the answers, my experiences have taught me the importance of staying true to yourself and believing in your abilities. My advice to upcoming youth and talents, whether local or international, is to start working towards your goals today, no matter how small the steps may seem (earn your crown). Remember, greatness is earned, not given. Along the way, don't forget to be of service to others and inspire positive change in their lives. Supporting others, even in small ways, can make a big impact. Let's all work together to achieve success and make a difference in the world.
Social Media Handles
Instagram: eli_kharis
https://instagram.com/eli_kharis?igshid=YWJhMjlhZTc=
Facebook: Eli Kharis
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100047784708161&mibextid=LQQJ4d
YouTube: Eli Kharis
https://youtube.com/@eli_kharis
LinkedIn: Eli Kharis
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eli-kharis-a6906a66
Email: elinamkharis@gmail.com