Ghanaian media personality, event host, voice-over artist and actress Portia Freelove has encouraged young people to pursue their dreams with determination, patience and confidence, regardless of the challenges they may encounter along the way.
Portia Freelove, who has built a career spanning television, events, voice-over work and acting, said achieving one’s goals requires a willingness to keep moving forward even when progress appears slow.
Reflecting on her childhood, she said her passion for entertainment developed from an early age. She was actively involved in activities such as acting, singing in her school choir and sports throughout her years in school.
According to her, she also had a natural ability to express herself and capture the attention of people around her, which helped shape her eventual career in the creative industry.
Portia said her journey into professional entertainment was influenced by her willingness to explore opportunities and take risks.
She recalled that she initially hosted events for family and friends without charging because she genuinely enjoyed interacting with people and creating memorable experiences.
However, being invited to host a wedding became a turning point in her journey.
She said the experience of taking the microphone, engaging the audience and successfully navigating the event made her realise that professional hosting was something she was meant to pursue.
Her television career also came with its own challenges, particularly the nerves she experienced before making her first appearance as an on-air personality.
She eventually took what she described as a “10-second leap of faith” when she secured her first television hosting opportunity on DStv’s Blind Date.
Portia credited the support of a boss who believed in her for helping her navigate the early stages of her television career.
Beyond television and event hosting, she has also established herself in voice-over work and acting.
She identified acting as her first love within the creative space and credited actress and producer Kafui Danku for giving her an opportunity to grow in the industry.
Portia also highlighted her appearance in Ghana Jollof, which featured Nigerian comedian Basketmouth and Ghanaian actor James Gardiner, as one of the major highlights of her acting journey.
Her entrepreneurial journey began after she spent years searching for employment following university.
After submitting numerous applications without securing the breakthrough she wanted, Portia said she took time to reflect on her strengths and what she could build around the skills people already associated with her.
That reflection eventually led her to establish Freelove Events.
She said the business is driven by her passion for excellence, commitment to clients and determination not to give up despite difficulties.
Through Freelove Events, Portia hosts and provides services for a range of occasions, including wedding receptions, award shows, conferences and seminars.
She said her ability to manage her different professional roles comes from effective time management as well as preparing herself emotionally and mentally for her responsibilities.
For Portia, however, passion remains one of the strongest forces behind her continued growth.
She said her belief that God has a purpose for her life also motivates her to keep pursuing her goals.
Offering advice to young people who aspire to build careers in media, entertainment or entrepreneurship, Portia urged them to believe that their dreams are achievable.
She referenced Bob Marley’s famous words about every great person once being a baby, using the message to emphasise that everyone starts somewhere.
Portia acknowledged that success does not happen overnight and that people pursuing their dreams will inevitably encounter difficult periods.
She encouraged aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs to take breaks when necessary but stressed the importance of continuing to move forward.
“Everything is possible when you pursue your dream,” she said, urging people not to allow temporary setbacks to prevent them from pursuing their ambitions.
