Desk Tour: Ochuko Akpovbovbo

Where one of Substack's most popular writers works.

Welcome to Desk Tour, a series where I interview creative folks about their desks and workspaces. In case you missed it: Chelsea Devantez’s Desk Tour from last time. You can also browse the entire catalog of Desk Tours.

If you are on Substack, then you probably already know Ochuko Akpovbovbo of as seen on. Her razor sharp takes on business, culture, and youth trends have generated a dedicated readership and quite a few viral articles. When I talk to my friends about the newsletters they love to subscribe to, as seen on is almost always one of the first mentioned. In addition to being the voice behind a popular newsletter, Ochuko is also an avid reader (her book content is excellent!) and brand strategist, currently working as a Global Membership Manager at Adidas. I’m so excited to share some of her space on Desk Tour today. Get ready for gorgeous light and lots of color.

OM: Describe your workspace.

OA: The first thing you should know is that I don’t actually have a desk. When I work from home, I’m either in bed, on my sofa, and occasionally on my breakfast table. Its an ergonomic nightmare. I do like to cultivate an aura of calm wherever I’m working, though. Candles, a nice playlist going in the background… all that good stuff.

OM: What are your three favorite items on your desk right now?

OA: Another place I work from is my coffee table, so we’ll go with that. Sometimes I sit on my floor, legs crossed, sofa behind me, and make that my workstation for the day. I love these Scent Lab candles. Unfortunately the company shut down, but their pistachio candles were gold. I also have these coasters I brought with me from Portland. I usually have a beverage going when I work- tea that goes cold or a smoothie that eventually separates- and so the coasters come in handy.

OM: Do you keep anything specific at your desk that you use as inspiration to stay creative or positive?

OA: My coffee table books for sure. I got into collecting them when I loved here and by now have quite a few. Having them around when I work is pretty creatively inspiring.

OM: Is there anything you absolutely HAVE to have at your desk/workspace or you can't be productive?

OA: I’m pretty flexible when it comes to my workspace. I can work from almost anywhere as long as I have a clean and organized surface. For me, that's the key. If there's a stain on my desk, or a bunch of loose sheets or sticky notes or note pads, yeah that won't work. It's always like the clean surface of wherever I'm working represents the clean surface of my mind. I get overstimulated pretty easily and so having blank space around me is pretty important.

OM: Is there anything you'd change about your workspace? If so, what?

OA: I’d get a desk! I didn't expect to work from home much when I was putting together my apartment and it's a big regret I have. In my old place I had this wonderful desk that looked out of my bedroom window and there was something about sitting there at the beginning of the day that put me in a certain mindset. I miss that but am now too attached to my apartment layout, which of course makes me feel pretty silly.

OM: Describe your ideal work day at your desk.

OA: Wake up early- been trying to get into that habit- eat a single tangerine, make a beverage, light a candle, put on some lamps, start a fun playlist, airpods on, and just zone in. I usually start with getting admin out of the way, so emails, scheduling things, all of that. And then I get down to business. I love when I get into that deep work state. I can just go on and on and when I snap out of it, there’s a real sense of accomplishment. Something I’m trying to do is get more steps each day. So after lunch, I’d go on a nice long walk in the park around my house, and then come back and put in a few more hours.

OM: Where can people find you on the internet?

OA: I write as seen on, a newsletter about business, culture, and youth trends. And if you’re a reader, or would like to be, follow my bookstagram.

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Note from Olivia: I have never seen such buttery, delicious light in a space before. Just gorgeous.

Be sure to check out all the past editions of Desk Tour!

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PS: One last thing before I go… you can order my first novel NOW! If you’ve already read and enjoyed, I would be honored if you would leave a kind review or rating on Goodreads or Amazon. It makes a world of difference. I appreciate your consideration, time, and support immensely.

A portion of April’s subscriber proceeds will go toward the Emily’s List, an organization that trains Democratic women (who are pro-choice) in the basics of running for office, from school board to senator.