Founder Of We’re Not Really Strangers, Koreen Odiney

ArtPhotography
Written By Guest User



Koreen Odiney is a name you may have heard over the past three years, and for a pretty good reason.  The 26 year-old model and photographer created a game that has become a media sensation, We’re Not Really Strangers.  But first, rewind to about a decade ago when Odiney was a teenager shooting portraits on the streets of L.A.  In the process of photographing people, she also found a great way to connect with them, developing a sincere love and interest in photography and hoping to make it a career someday. But when Koreen found financial obstacles in her way, she turned to modeling as a way to pay for school, finding that she enjoyed the financial independence that it gave her.  Odiney didn’t give up on photography, however, which is what she calls her “first love.” In fact, photography was the starting point for We're Not Really Strangers, and the first thing she offered to her online audience (which by the way is right around four million followers). 

(Vogue interview, 2020) 

So, what exactly is We’re Not Really Strangers, (also known as WNRS and pronounced ‘winners)? It happens to be Koreen’s “brainchild” as it has been referred to on a few online platforms.  Recognized by its distinct red box and white writing, WNRS is a purpose-driven card game meant to make connections between people. Its 150 questions are grouped into three carefully crafted levels of questions, Level 1 is perception, Level 2 is connection, and Level 3 is reflection.  These deep questions allow those playing to deepen existing relationships and create new ones.    

And in fact, new connections and interactions are what Koreen describes as her first inspiration for WNRS.  On one particular day while walking to her car from a modeling job, she spotted a man sitting, reading poetry.  Odiney was intrigued by him and felt compelled to approach him for a photograph. “I always asked people my three signature questions, at the time, when taking their photos; What is your name? What is your age? What are you passionate about?” The man replied to her three questions, and as she was walking away he stopped her specifically to tell her that she would write a book one day, and it would be called, We're Not Really Strangers.  “That's how the name originated. It was this random stranger I photographed who gave me this name. But it didn't happen quickly, from there it took me at least two more years of not knowing what this thing would be and not knowing what to do with it. And then there were a few more interactions with different strangers that helped me formulate the idea more.” To that end, Odiney hopes that WNRS can be a useful tool for others wishing to increase their understanding of friends, family, and, most importantly, those whose lives differ from their own. (Forbes, 2020)

It just goes to show you, you never know the lasting impact that interactions with others can have on any given day.

“I’m trying to use my talents, team, and resources to empower people with these questions.  The game is what my camera was for me - a passport to people.” - Koreen Odiney

Although WNRS was launched in 2018, with the uncertainty we have faced over the past year in a global Pandemic, a game like this seems to have a renewed significance, and also seems ahead of its time.  A time when many people were isolated, missing connections with loved ones they couldn’t see in person.  This game served as a way for people to reconnect, to find something to talk about.  Koreen Odiney even made it free to download during that time.

People have big feelings about We’re Not Really Strangers, which is kind of the point.  Reviews for the games are off the charts positive, with even celebrities like Hailey Beiber, and Penn Badgely weighing in, and playing for their Instagram followers to see.   Tracee Ellis Ross sang its praises to PEOPLE Magazine in 2020, “I love the game so much.  WNRS is a game about connecting - something that feels tough to do in a Pandemic.  You get to have fun and lean in.” (PEOPLE, 2020)  Jada Pinkett- Smith also praised the game after being introduced to it by her daughter, Willow.  Jada, Willow, and Jada’s Mom, Adrienne, were brave enough to play it on their Facebook platform, Red Table Talk. In fact, the ladies from Red Table talk liked WNRS so much, they partnered with Koreen Odiney to create an expansion pack of the game.  And this expansion pack doesn’t even scratch the surface of WNRS merch.  From phone cases to greeting cards, to hats, mugs, bags, stickers, and clothes, the clever and inspirational phrases WNRS offers can be taken with you wherever you go.  


It isn’t clear what her next step is after such success with WNRS and her presence on Instagram, but I can’t help thinking that Koreen Odiney is just getting started in her journey to share her art with the world. 

“Find the lesson. Because I'm finding the lessons every day. And that's what I turn into art.”  - Koreen Odiney□



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