Eva Toby: How To Stay Empowered When You Feel Life Sucks!
Eva Toby is an Amazon Bestselling author, media personality and presenter. With a degree in psychology and Masters in Social Work from the University of Michigan, and an MBA, Eva is passionate about helping women and young adults bring clarity to their purpose. She is the creator of The Purpose Blueprint: 7 Easy Steps to Clarity. Eva has been featured in Genevieve Magazine, Afro Elle, Spice TV, LA Talk Radio, WHPR and more! Eva is 6ft tall and has modeled part-time for the past 10 years as a car model for Ford, General Motors and Chrysler, getting premier access to some of the fastest cars in the world. In this article, she talks about overcoming challenges and finding her purpose. On creating “The Purpose Factor” book… If someone had told me several years ago I would be a best-selling author and purpose pusher, I probably would have laughed. However, it’s always fascinating how God truly knows things way ahead and has greater purposeful plans for us even when it comes out of tragedy. I was led to create The Purpose Factor book after the sudden death of my dear cousin in 2014. With my emotions being all over the place from a state of shock, sadness, and confusion. I found it really hard to cope after experiencing such a significant loss. I remember one day picking up my bible to read for encouragement, and it was at that moment these notes had fallen out. The notes were actually from a message, two years prior, that I’d shared with a youth group at church about the significance of living life to the fullest and making your time here on earth count! [bctt tweet=”There is no growth in your comfort zone – @evatobyXE” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Notably, I’d read my bible so many times prior to that and never realized I kept those notes tucked away in my bible binder. It just goes to show the significance of the timing. At that point, I remember this resurgence of passion and desire of sharing with the world the Power of Purpose. And I wanted to get the message across that each person on this earth is valued and has an assignment. I realized how life is so precious and fragile. And that ‘Time’ is not money but life! Hence, it is imperative that we maximize our time here in order to be of value and impactful. The Purpose Factor book was dedicated to my cousin who indeed lived life to fullest and impacted so many lives. On facing life challenges… The past few years have indeed been life changing and challenging to say the least. From the loss of my cousin, and then another cousin. And then, I lost my father in 2016. Experiencing such significant losses in a span of a few years has been indescribable. Couple that with trying to stay focused on building my brand/business, it was not easy. But one thing I learned through this process that keeps me going is that even in pain there is still a purpose. As painful as the process has been, I realized God still has me here for a reason and wants me to keep going. [bctt tweet=”I firmly believe that passion is for “yourself” while purpose is for “others” – @evatobyXE” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Perhaps there may be someone out there that will hear my story and be encouraged to keep going despite the circumstances and challenges they are facing. I learned that in life we all have seasons, and every season has an expiry date. It is the endurance during those seasons that prepares and makes us stronger for the rest of our journey in life. 3 ways women can stay empowered… Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, broken relationships, loss of job, or personal struggles, rough times happen to everyone at some point in life. Trying to remain hopeful and positive through it all can be challenging. Especially when overshadowed with feelings of confusion and loss which begin to resonate so deeply. [bctt tweet=”Never curse the process! Your purpose is a product of the process – @evatobyXE” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] While you may feel like you are in a hopeless space it is essential to be reminded you are not. You are in a season of transition and need to remember there is a breakthrough on the other side of the breakdown. Below are 3 ways you can stay empowered when you feel life is taking its toll on you: 1. Acknowledge Your Feelings Almost everyone at some point has had that feeling of hopelessness and despair. The truth of the matter is that it is OK. We are all human and embracing your vulnerability is the first step to reclaiming your power. Remember acceptance is not a sign of weakness and by no means an indication that you don’t desire change. But rather than suppress those feelings, acknowledgment gives you the confidence to deal with them and start making a way for something new to emerge in your life. 2. Have An Attitude of Gratitude There is so much power when we cultivate an attitude of gratitude in our daily lives. Research studies have shown the positive impact on people who focus on gratitude. Gratitude facilitates increased self-esteem, optimism, happiness, improved mental health, progress towards goal achievement, increased energy and more. Therefore, it is important to start making gratitude a daily ritual. You can start by creating a gratitude journal for yourself. Each morning and/or evening tries to think of at least two things you are grateful for in that moment. 3. Look for Opportunities of Growth When life hits us hard, we are often led to start with “why me?” or “why is this happening?” It’s natural at first but if we dawdle in this space for too long, it can lead us further onto the pathway of self-pity. Hence the importance of changing the narrative from “why” to “what”. Start thinking about “what”
Eyitemi Popo: How I turned my media brand into a lifestyle brand
[bctt tweet=”If you’re an entrepreneur who feels stuck with your business, I hope you find this article at the perfect time and it encourages you to keep pushing.” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] After five years of building my online magazine, painstakingly growing a social media following, and nurturing relationships with global brands, I had found a comfortable niche in the media landscape. The night after my magazine’s 5th-anniversary party, I quietly reflected on the journey. I read the congratulatory messages I had received, some reminding me that many online sites and magazines that started with – or even after – Ayiba no longer existed. But was survival enough of an achievement? Making my dream my reality was significant. Building a team to drive that vision forward had significance. I mean, I had gone from shooting the first cover of Ayiba Magazine on my college campus to having celebrity photographers shoot the cover with Hollywood actresses. The growth was undeniable, that had to count for something. And perhaps it did. However, my side hustle was still a side hustle bringing in side hustle revenue. Was that the best I could do? And more importantly, what was next? Almost a year to the date of my quiet contemplation, I have built Girls Trip Tours, a social venture that is a direct manifestation of my magazine’s mission. It leverages Ayiba’s readership, brand equity, and professional network to design unique travel experiences across Africa with a focus on female empowerment. Our trips have the goal of empowering future female leaders through mentorship, while taking in the sites and dining around town in the company of high profile business women and local industry leaders. I like to think of it as ‘Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’ with less soul-searching and more self-actualization. Where once you could read about Lagos’ nightlife, Nairobi’s startup ecosystem, or Rwandese artisans in the pages of Ayiba, now we can arrange for you to experience these things first-hand through group or solo travel with Girls Trip Tours. The idea came from the opportunity I observed for digital brands to bring online experiences offline and create deeper more meaningful connections with their virtual communities in real life. The concept of Girls Trip Tours emerged from a perceived customer need. Ayiba readers were emailing to ask for travel advice. Our articles had inspired our readers in the diaspora to want to visit the continent and they were looking to us as an expert resource. My mission with Ayiba is to connect Africans in the diaspora with those on the continent through storytelling. I have consistently done this through online and print mediums, but now I have the opportunity to create those connections in real life. [bctt tweet=”Lifestyle brands thrive when they figure out what their customers end goal and design their brand around the experiences that their customers desire – @AyibaMagazine ” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Figure out your customers desire, along with the people, places, things, and ideas that inspire them to action. After surveying 100 plus women in Ayiba’s online community, I decided to organize trips to Kenya and Nigeria in 2019. As per their feedback, there are a mix of experiences to satisfy those seeking ancestral travel experiences to West Africa, wildlife and adventure in National Parks, as well as urban exploration in Africa’s most vibrant cities. In addition to satisfying a customer need, by expanding my media brand to include travel experiences, I now have a new avenue for creating content. On each trip, there are multiple opportunities to connect with new talents to feature or more contributors to write. I also will be creatively inspired by my surroundings to shoot video series, photography campaigns, and write OP-EDS on social issues I am confronted with. In the long run, I believe it makes sense for Ayiba to become a lifestyle brand. I am creating a customer journey that can start with exploring content online, which may lead to booking a travel experience or vice versa. The magazine and the trips will feed into one another. In this next phase of my entrepreneurial journey, I look forward to listening to my customers, as well as looking to broader industry trends for my continued evolution. For any entrepreneur that may feel stuck with their businesses, I hope you find this article at the perfect time and it encourages you to keep pushing. If your growth has become stagnant and you are looking for a new direction to go in, observe customer behavior, look to the industry for inspiration, and most importantly, ask your audience what they want/need, then test it out. I did a soft-launch with a Girls Trip to Ghana in July. It was that small group trip, the women I met, and the girls I mentored that gave me the confidence to do more.My advice Consider what other verticals may be profitable before you give up on a business you have put time, money, sweat, and tears into. As tough as it may be, if you have a good foundation: reputable brand and loyal audience, there are many ways you can consider monetizing and scaling up. Interested in contributing for She Leads Africa? Click here.
Social Media: The Future of Customer Service?
It’s 6 am on a Tuesday and your alarm goes off for work. You leisurely roll over to grab your phone to stop the bothersome ringing. Yawn, stretch, scroll through your social media feed. Sounds about right? Our daily lives are deeply intertwined with technology, from the moment we wake up, to the time we go to sleep. The average daily time spent on social media is a whopping 116 minutes! That’s almost 2 hours a day! It’s no surprise then, that for brands and businesses, social media has naturally evolved from being a platform for marketing, sharing content and driving sales to also an avenue for meeting customer service needs. Don’t believe me? Let’s take a look at some stats real quick: 67% of consumers have engaged a brand’s social media for customer service needs 43% of consumers between the ages of 18-29 years old are more likely to use a brand’s social media sites for customer service interactions 56% of consumers reported they would never use a company again after a poor customer service experience 32% of consumers expect a response on social media within 30 minutes Customers who engage with companies over social media spend up to 40% more money with those companies than other customers Customers regard brands’ social media accounts as actual customer service channels, so it is imperative that brands view themselves in the same light. I’ve quickly come to the discovery that when I need a quick resolution to an issue from a business, my best bet is to tweet at them. No phone calls, no emails, not even a physical visit. Those 240 characters always do the trick! Social media is a double-edged sword for brands. It’s a public, transparent forum where happy customers go to sing your praises but also the same platform in which irate customers go to unabashedly ‘drag’ you. [bctt tweet=”Consumers are quickly realizing that smart brands who value their image- as they should- are quicker to resolve their complaints and issues when aired on social media. ” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Utilizing social channels for customer service purposes is no easy feat, but here are some steps in which to manage it effectively: Utilize Social Media Listening Tools There are various social media listening tools out there in which a simple google search will reveal, but my personal favorites are Hootsuite and Google alerts. Hootsuite is one of the most widely used social media monitoring tools which allows you to track and monitor certain words, phrases, terms and accounts across various social media platforms while Google alerts can be considered to be a free alternative which allows you to do the same, just across the web. Contain Issues Before They Escalate Businesses must be proactive in ensuring they utilize other servicing channels such as phones and email to resolve the issues of aggrieved customers before they take to twitter, facebook, Instagram or even snapchat to complain. In the event a business isn’t quick enough to rectify issues, damage control is important when customers take to social media to vent and share negative experiences they may have encountered with your brand. You know what they say, prevention is better than cure! Respond Quickly! I like to call us millennials “the microwave generation”. From ordering meals to hailing cabs and even keeping up to date with the latest news and gossip, we’re so used to utilizing technology to satisfy our ‘instant everything’ needs. We want what we want when we want it. Chatbots are an effective tool for small business owners who don’t necessarily have the resources to respond live to client inquiries or complaints 24/7. Also, they can be programmed to respond to frequently asked questions on platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, websites and more. This reduces the need for business owners to be available at all hours of the day. Take It Off The Timeline In the event, irate customers go directly to social channels, as a business owner, you must pacify the customer publicly and take the conversation off the timeline as quickly as possible. This is particularly important when the issues are complex or you require the customer’s personal information such as a phone number, date of birth or address to resolve the issue. In situations where the issue is quick and easy to resolve, it’s a great idea to engage the customer politely and efficiently right there on the timeline for all to see! This not only reinforces the trust within existing customers but also showcases your brand in a great light to potential clients. [bctt tweet=”As a business owner, you must position yourself as one step ahead of your client – @TheBrandingP” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] It’s no secret that companies don’t want their dirty laundry aired for current and prospective customers to see, and rightfully so! As a business owner, you must position yourself as one step ahead of your client. Ensure your products and services deliver on your brand promise; and in the inevitable event where client dissatisfaction occurs, establish processes and procedures to manage these situations effectively. Interested in contributing for She Leads Africa? Click here.
What you need to know about Business Marketing
Let’s talk about Business Marketing. Developing a proper strategy for marketing in business allows you to capture and reach the right audience for your product/service. If you are an entrepreneur trying to market your products/service on a shoestring budget, developing a good marketing strategy is a good place to start. This way, you are able to manage the resources you have, allocated to marketing efficiently and getting the most of it. [bctt tweet=”If you are an entrepreneur trying to market your products/service on a shoestring budget, developing a good marketing strategy is a good place to start.” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Here are the overall steps to developing a good marketing strategy for your business: 1. Analyze your marketing environment The external marketing environment include the micro and macro environment The micro-environment – These are forces in the external marketing environment that are distinct and individual to a particular business; such as suppliers, distributors, customers, competition and the general public. The macro environment – These are forces in the external marketing environment that affect businesses in general such as demographics, natural factors, technology, political factors, legal factors, social factors, cultural factors 2. Identify your competitive advantage Analyze competition. What are your competitors doing, what have they done successfully, what have they failed at? Analyze the internal resources of your company to determine what can be used to create an advantage. Identify and build up your competitive advantage. 3. Segment your market This involves breaking down broad markets into smaller homogeneous groups of customers. Broad markets are broken down based on certain traits. This makes it easier to understand, focus and connect with potential customers who are likely to buy your product/service; thus making marketing efforts more efficient. Market segmentation can be done based on different factors such as demographics, lifestyle, geographical locations e.t.c. It is however important that markets are segmented based on factors that are relevant to individuals within each of the groups. 4. Select your target market From the market segments you have been able to create, you can test to determine your main target audience, test, select and decide to focus on customers your company can best satisfy. 5. Identify core benefits your company can offer to its customers (your target market) It’s important to understand what value means to your customers. 6. Position your business Write a positioning statement to consciously position your brand in the minds of your customers/clients. Your positioning statement should determine how you present your business to customers/clients, it should show what you are known for. Elements of a strong positioning statement include your core value proposition, the unique value you offer customers/clients in relation to your top competitors, target audience and finally benefits your products/services offer the target audience. There are various formats for writing positioning statements, here are 2 practical ones you can use: Your core value proposition: for your target audience who are in need of the benefits your business offers as well as its unique value. For target market description who target market need, how your business offering meets the need, unlike the key competition, its most distinguishing feature. 7. The marketing mix ( the 4Ps) Product – What product will be sold and what differentiates this products from that of the competition? Are the products on offer relevant to the (target) customers? Are there related products that can be marketed with the initial products? Price – This refers to how much a customer is willing to pay for a product /service. Three factors to be considered when determining the price of a product include the “cost price of the product, what the competitors are selling for and value added”. Place – Where your product is sold matters. How accessible are your products to potential customers? Consider the type of product to determine where to sell or distribute your products. Promotion – This involves the way you tell customers about your products/services. Activities involved include adverts, personal selling, PR efforts, and sales promotion. Overall here are tips that can make your marketing strategy better. Marketing strategies should be flexible Define the right marketing message to determine the right marketing method. Think of your brand in terms of your customers’ needs and how you intend to satisfy them. Selling is not marketing and marketing is not selling. Don’t always use pricing as a basis for competing; especially when you don’t know the depth of the pockets of your competitors so you don’t end up pricing yourself out of the market. I hope this helps you market your products services better… Interested in contributing for She Leads Africa? Click here.
Naomi Michael Adenuga: The Boss Lady of Talent Management
Being a woman in a male-dominated industry is a challenging reality for anyone, but thriving in the said industry can be done, and it can be done well. I had the privilege of speaking to Naomi Michael Adenuga, a successful female talent manager in Nigeria about her experience being one of the very few women in the entertainment management industry. During our conversation, she candidly shared the realities of the struggle, and how she negotiated it to become one of the most sought-after agents in the space. So, who exactly is Naomi? Naomi is a multi-award-winning brand strategist and talent manager committed to helping people identify their purpose and monetize their talents. She is the founder of Naomad Talent Management Agency, which represents gifted individuals and visionary brands passionate about their craft and meaningfully connecting with their audiences. She and her world-class team of professionals help clients hone their skills, develop confidence in their capabilities, and strategically build and position them as viable brands with longevity. She boasts of over 9 years of experience and is unapologetic about taking her “seat at the table.” Her sharp intuition, a penchant for over-delivery, and exceptional ability to connect to her clients have gained her the apt moniker of “Boss Lady”. She has a true heart for people and believes that everyone comes into the world endowed with certain talents given for the purposes of earning a personal living, sharing with others for social good, and impacting the world. A few notable awards she has won during her career include Talent Manager of the Year, Entertainment Personality of the Year, and the Young Achievers Award. She has most recently been nominated for Nigerian Entrepreneur of the Year by Nigerian Teen Choice Awards and Entertainment Personality of the Year by Nigerian Achievers Award. With such a compelling set of accomplishments, I was eager to have her share her story and perspective on how to “kill it” in a male-dominated industry. How did you discover your purpose and passion? I found my purpose when I started my passion filled talent management journey. Talent management means building up a person and guiding them to their highest potential. I call it King making, some people are Kings and some others are King-makers. As time went on, I had people come to me for advice on general stuff and work stuff. The more people I spoke to and worked with to help build them up, the more fulfilled I was. My purpose is to help others find their purpose and become better versions of themselves. By doing so, I not only build myself up as well, but I get to do what I am passionate about and fulfill my purpose. What was it like initially trying to break into a male-dominated industry? It was tough I had to constantly prove myself, work harder and smarter. [bctt tweet=”My purpose is to help others find their purpose and become better versions of themselves – @NaomiBosslady” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] How has your experience been since then, and how do you navigate challenges? It’s honestly not as bad as it was in the past. The industry is evolving, and I noticed the change when women and men started being nominated in the same award categories. A few years ago, it was: Best Female Talent Manager or Best Female Artist or Best Female DJ; now, it’s Best Talent Manager, Artist, or DJ. The gender bias is reducing. When I have challenges, I talk to God about it. He always gives me a strategy (laughs). I also have a few people in my Industry I go to for guidance. I look at women who are breaking boundaries in male-dominated sectors and I draw strength from them. Women like Ibukun Awosika, who currently serves as Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria; Kemi Adetiba, who is a leading music video director and filmmaker. She directed The Wedding Party, which is one of the highest grossing films of all time in Nigeria. Finally, Tiwa Savage, who is one of the biggest names in the African entertainment industry. She goes toe to toe with the men and comes out on top of her game. She sells out venues like the men and is a mother. These women and a couple of others have consciously and unconsciously laid out the blueprint for the next generation of women to break into and thrive in male-dominated industries. I draw strength from them by reminding myself that they too must have faced similar challenges and more but keep pushing. This tells me that I too can do it, survive, thrive and beyond. [bctt tweet=” I look at women who are breaking boundaries in male-dominated sectors and I draw strength from them – @NaomiBosslady” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Why did you choose the entrepreneurship route over working for someone else? I didn’t have a choice really. The last job I had working for an entertainment company ended because the CEO dissolved the company. I had to make ends meet, and so I started working independently. I began by writing proposals for people, coming up with strategies, consulting here and there for upcoming artists and small brands, while moonlighting as a manager of a nightclub and serving as an event planner. I was working by myself and just winging it. Along the line, I realized, “girl you really can do this”. I never applied for a job with any company after that and continued working for myself. I also discovered that I am a natural born leader. [bctt tweet=”The entertainment industry is evolving and the gender bias is reducing – @NaomiBosslady” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Can you share a little more about the non-traditional route that brought you where you are today? First off, shout out to my uncle and mentor who gave me my first shot, Efe Omorogbe. I was basically doing nothing with my time and getting up to no good, and so my mum insisted that I reach out to him. He is the CEO of Now Muzik and is an entertainment industry powerhouse. He gave me a
How to Hire an Attorney for Your Business
For the past few years, we’ve seen an increase in the number of female entrepreneurs in Africa. In the 2017 MasterCard Index of Women Entrepreneurs (MIWE) report, Uganda – as one of the only two low-income economies to be included in the report – had the greatest number of female-run businesses in the world, which corresponds to 34.8%. The country even superseded high-income countries like New Zealand (33.3%), Australia (32.4%), and Russia (32.6%). 2017 has been an amazing year for many African women who chose to take the entrepreneurial path, so as in 2018. If you’re thinking of launching your own business, now is the time to do so. There are many kinds of business that require very small capital, some you can even start from home. Sometimes, a loan can help you get started if your savings are not enough. Why Should You Hire an Attorney? You’ve got a great business plan. A great product. A great concept. But how do you transform all your ideas into a tangible, operational business that is headed for success? Of course, you need help from the professionals. You probably have thought about hiring an accountant already. The reasons are pretty obvious. You need someone to help you with your books, make sure you’ve got the numbers right, and manage all your business taxes. But how about an attorney? You probably haven’t thought about it yet. Or maybe, you think that it’s too soon to get one. But the truth is that you will most likely need a good business attorney at every aspect of your business, from ensuring that you meet all the requirements set by the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) to organize your business (what type of business is most suitable for you as well as your tax structure), getting copyright and trademark advice, and many more. And as your business grows, a good attorney can help you carry out your expansion plans, understand the tax consequences of any changes with your business structure, prepare and execute contracts with your customers, suppliers and business partners, and file or deal with a lawsuit. [bctt tweet=”Do you have an attorney for your business? Read this article for steps on how to hire one” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Hiring an attorney is essential to achieving your business goals. Check out the following tips and suggestions in order to find the best lawyer to help you: 1. Look for an attorney who specializes in business law Like doctors, attorneys are becoming increasingly specialized these days. Some specialize in family law, others in criminal law or real estate law. Basically, you want to hire the attorney who has the experience and skills with corporate and mercantile laws. He or she should be skilled with making contracts, familiar with various business structures, understand real estate (you might have leasing issues for your commercial space), experienced with tax and licensing matters, etc. Depending on the nature of your business, you will also need other legal services. For instance, if you’re into media, design or any other creative type of business, you will need a lawyer who will help you get copyright protection for your work. 2. Look for an attorney who is familiar with your industry He or she may not know every aspect of the industry you’re in, but the right lawyer should be at least familiar with it. Don’t forget to check the track record of the lawyers you are considering. He or she should have a pretty good understanding of the industry’s ins and outs. Also, make sure that the lawyer does not represent any of your competitors. The last thing you want to happen is to have your confidential business info leaked to your competitors. 3. Find someone who educates A good attorney does not just give you the results you want. He or she also keeps you well-informed about the legal concerns your business is facing. The attorney should be willing to educate you and your staff about your current legal needs and situations, how it affects your business, and how similar problems can be prevented in the future. Your lawyer should also be proactive about updating you with recent policies or changes in existing policies that affect your business. 4. Get a good attorney who charges a reasonable fee Most lawyers charge an hourly rate, but some do a fixed rate. Good lawyers are willing to negotiate with their fees without compromising the quality of their services. Choose an attorney who is flexible with his billing. It is not all the time that you will need his or her services so paying monthly or hiring a company lawyer may not be a strategic idea yet, especially if you are just starting your business. Hiring an attorney for your business should not be that complicated as long as you keep all these suggestions in mind. Once you found the right one, keeping a good relationship with your attorney is the key to ensuring that he or she will be there when you need help. This article was written by Lidia Staron Lidia Staron is a part of Content and Marketing team at OpenCashAdvance.com. She contributes articles about the role of finance in the strategic planning and decision-making process. You can find really professional insights in her writings.
Banke Ajayi is encouraging men to stay handsome with her skin and hair care brand – Ahjayee
Banke Ajayi is the founder of Ahjayee – a skin and hair care product for men. She studied Electrical/Electronic Engineering as her first degree. She later did an MSc in Financial Engineering and most recently an MBA focusing on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Her career started in Technology then she moved into Investment banking where she currently works as a Risk Consultant. In this interview, Banke talks about how she developed her brand and dived into entrepreneurship. Where did your obsession for skin and hair products come from? My journey in skin and hair care started over a decade ago when I couldn’t really find hair products in the market which worked for my hair but I wasn’t sure how to fix this problem. Growing up my mum also mixed different oils into the hair products she bought and I and my sisters’ hair flourished under her care. Honestly, I kind of forgot about this but it all came back when I happened to pass a store which used natural butter and oils for their products. I actually saw some oils my mum had used. From then on I was hooked, I watched videos, researched online, attended courses and started making natural hair and skin products for family and friends. I studied sciences and engineering which I think helped in understanding the “chemistry” part of this journey. As we used these products, we found our hair become healthier, creams worked better and best of all, we knew exactly what we using. What motivated you to launch Ahjayee? People asked why didn’t I start this as a business, but back then starting a small business was not as accessible as it is now. I carried on researching and mixing, then about 2 years ago, I started seriously thinking about starting a business. My main motivation was to create a range of products using the best nature has to offer, which do what they are intended for, where every ingredient plays a part in delivering results for the person using them. This was the first part, the second was to create products in which the customer played a huge part, products which fit into their lives easier. The products had to be of high quality, and customer feedback is an integral part of product development. Without the customer, there is no business. Why did you decide to focus on male products only? I was talking to a male friend and he mentioned how he felt there wasn’t a lot out there for him in terms of products he could use which were simple, easy and just functional. This was a light bulb moment for me. What if I could create a line exclusively for men, but not just a product line but one which gave men a little something special daily. Many conversations later, some more research and Ahjayee was born in 2017. Our aim, to bring a touch of luxury to his everyday routine with quality, effective and easy to use products. Do you plan on branching into women hair and skin products too? Not at the moment but certainly something we wouldn’t rule out. That said, some of our products are unisex. Such as the skin cream or face serum, and we have seen quite a few women who like the more woody or earthy scents who buy our products. Tell us about your products. Which is your favorite? The range includes Face & Body, Beard & Shaving, and Hair products. All their ingredients are carefully thought out and add a function to the overall product, cutting out anything unnecessary. Our products are all natural and free from any nasties. Our tagline: “Be your own handsome” encourages men to spend a little more time in taking care of themselves. Picking a favorite would be very difficult as each one was inspired by different instances or needs so all have a special place in my heart. Where are your products made, and who has access to them? The products are made in the UK and can be delivered worldwide. You can also find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Why did you choose your last name (Ajayi) AhJayee as your brand name? This came about one afternoon during a car ride. I was talking with my friend and her sister who does branding, we were discussing logos and my vision for the brand, then my friend says – why not a play on your name. We spelled it out phonetically and it just seemed to work. The rest they say is history. Have you experienced any challenges since inception? And how did you overcome them? I would say the first challenge was balancing my 9-5 with Ahjayee. The trick has been to understand you can’t do everything at once. Therefore, my to-do list and daily can-do attitude have been key to managing both. The second has been marketing and PR, I have had to pay a lot of attention to this as it is a new area for me. It has been a really interesting journey and I have learned so much and still learning. I had to take additional classes and speak to people who have been through this, all in all, I am loving the process. Where do you see Ahjayee in the near future? I hope to continue to grow and get new customers, getting valuable input from them which will allow us to give them better service and products. When you’re not testing or mixing creams and soaps, what are you doing? I love running, cycling, walking and traveling to new places. When I am keeping still, you will normally find me reading. Sponsored Post.
Ms. Ebba Kalondo: Being a black African woman in leadership is not for the faint-hearted
Ms. Ebba Kalondo is the spokesperson in the Chairperson’s office of the African Union Commission. Prior to that, she has held several senior positions in strategic and Risk Communications at the World Health Organization, Foundation Hirondelle, France24, and Reuters. In this interview, Ms. Ebba talks about her work as a leader in the African Union Commission. [bctt tweet=”Be the exception to the rule. Go to that meeting that no one invites you to, sit there like you belong and speak up – @EbbaKalondo” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What was your ambition growing up? Growing up I read a lot and questioned everything around me. I was always inquisitive and analyzing the information presented to me with a desire to learn more. So upon reflection, I must say that my ambition was always to learn more. Would you say your family environment/childhood shaped the person you are today? My parents’ relationship which each other forged my personality. They were and remain a strong united front. They had five daughters and a son. We were always allowed to ask questions and encouraged to read. My mother was soft-spoken but strong. She was a disciplinarian and my father taught us the importance of family. Did you ever think you would end up in international affairs, or at the AU specifically? Yes, I worked in international news and in development with a strong focus on security and the humanitarian industry. With my desire to constantly learn, I grew a desire to ignore the headline and discover the more nuanced reality behind the story. What was your path to working at the AU? What factors helped you along the way? It is the people I met on this path that I walked and the rich experiences that brought me to where I am. I always knew that I wanted to be of service to my continent and I am very fortunate that I have been able to do so. The AU is the platform to do this, and I will always be grateful for the call to be of service. Can you compare the AU with other organizations you have worked with? The AU is a microcosm of the state of its evolving Union – a 55-member Union of nations with different governance systems, varying levels of socio-economic development on a continent that is home to a third of humanity but that is still fighting for its rightful place in the world as a primary actor of its own development and indeed that of the world. Born of a unique history of colonialism not seen in any other continental grouping in contemporary history, the African Union is also the largest intergovernmental in the world. There is no other organization quite like it, that I know of. The AU is currently undergoing a process of institutional and financial reform. Why is the reform of the AU essential? Our continuing existence in the new world we live and engage with depends on making our Organization more fit for purpose to better serve the needs and aspirations of the people of the Continent. This is not a choice, this is a stark existential reality and an obligation to the founding fathers of our Union. Are the reform’s youth and women targets attainable by 2025? (35% of AU staff as a youth and 50% as women). Why should they not be? Self-belief and the ambition we have set out for ourselves is key. What do you say to critics of the AU who point to its bureaucracy and who doubt its capacity to change? The AU Commission is a bureaucracy like other multilateral intergovernmental organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union Commission. And like all institutional bureaucracies, it is a slow-moving ship. It is not as agile as say a start-up. This is not unique to the AUC. What is unique is that unlike the UN and the EU, the AUC has started to implement its reform agenda. Who influenced you the most in your professional life? Not one person in particular. There have been so many people who have, through their experiences, mentored and supported my journey. Have you ever received a painful rejection in your career? How did you handle it? Not rejection per se, but definitely some occasions where I could and should have acted differently. The first thing is taking responsibility and then fixing it and learning to do better. [bctt tweet=”In case of a rejection, the first step is taking responsibility and then fixing it and learning to do better – @EbbaKalondo” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] When have you felt most out of your comfort zone? On the contrary, I actively avoid comfort zones, I feel most comfortable pushing myself outside of comfort zones. Growth has always been more important to me than comfort has. Having worked in war zones where putting oneself in harm’s way is part of the job, I’ve learned that security comes from within. What have you learned in your career about women in leadership? Any advice for women who aspire to leadership positions? Being a woman in leadership is tough, but being a black African woman in leadership is not for the fainthearted. Be the exception to the rule. Go to that meeting that no one invites you to, sit there like you belong and speak up. Your opinion matters. Even if there are other women there, and none are speaking up, be the one that does. Stay informed about everything around and never take the bait of being treated as the “affirmative action” or “gender sensitive” presence. Your results will not be judged on your gender. You got the job, not your gender, so do it. Never fear ridicule. Ever. [bctt tweet=”I’ve learned that security comes from within – @EbbaKalondo” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] Have you undertaken any measures to support women in the professional workplace? There is nothing I can teach, but I can share my experiences truthfully and what has worked for me, and what has not. I find that we
Christine Sesay: Make the right financial choices, choices that you can live with
When Christine Sesay decided to study mathematics, her parents were not enthused, as they believed she would never find a job in Africa in this career field. Christine however did not want to part with her love for Mathematics so she convinced her parents to allow her pursue a career in Accounting and Finance which was an easy sell as they were very supportive of her decision. Upon attaining a Masters in Finance, Christine went on to work with a construction /maintenance company in Dublin as an Account Assistant, then an accountancy practice where she progressed from the Real Estate accountant to the Financial Controller over a 4-year period. At this time, she wanted to move back to Africa but there were not many jobs available so she had to take an Assistant financial controller role with an Irish Organization in Niamey. Within 4 months, she was working in the capacity of the Financial Controller managing €5 million projects then progressed to take charge of all operations within a year. While working on a nutrition and livelihoods project in Niger, Christine was shocked by the abject poverty that people lived and her desire was to change the situation. But as there was a security situation in Niger, she had to move back to her birth country Sierra Leone where she started Africa’s Moneypreneur to bring about financial freedom to all Africans. She believes that individuals would be more interested in talking money and finances when it is made easy and fun. As a determined and driven leader who is passionate about wealth management, she wanted to make sure that her African brothers and sisters started taking money seriously. When she started the financial literacy blog, she hosted a few events for women but no one attended as they were not interested. To overcome that challenge, she moved on to open a facebook page where she featured different women and hosted 12-days of Christmas challenge. These different pieces created traction and landed her some features on a few publications addressing the different areas of finance, a workshop on business finance tips for teenage mothers at the Aberdeen Women’s Center, teamed up with SheVestor for their training materials and wrote several articles in magazines mostly locally in Sierra Leone. Christine hopes to teach others how to implement effective financial strategies that support the lifestyle they aspire and deserve. [bctt tweet=”Christine Sesay’s “@AMoneypreneur” seeks to challenge Africa’s views about money & Poverty, and help individuals enjoy life” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] What are your views about Africa and money? Do you believe our way of thinking has forced us into poverty? Like most things in life, if we are not educated, we will tend to misuse it. Financial education is a major part of life in the western world as people are aware that until they make conscious decisions about what they want for their lives and start early, it will be difficult to live fulfilled lives. For example, it’s almost second nature to see that after a man has worked for many years, he could have nothing saved up a pension for retirement. Instead of enjoying old age, they are forced to work for longer and sometimes end up dying miserably. There are also choices that are being made in terms of choosing to make the right choice now, with the future in mind. Personally, I started early! While studying finance, I learned how the multiplier effect works on finance saved over long periods. I made conscious efforts to have pension funds and also started a college fund for my kids (nope they are not here yet!). How can we become financially free? Would you say being financially educated is the first step to financial freedom? There are quite a number of areas that could be covered when we talk about financial freedom. I think even before we get educated, there is the need to have a shift in mindset. The way we think about our finances. People consciously paint a picture of how they want to currently lead their lives and what the future needs to look like. Charting the course of your life, like anything else helps you decide what decisions you may need to make now. Once that picture is clear, then seek financial education. Make the right choices, choices that you can live with. Avoid looking at what others have done and try to emulate those choices. Your risk appetites and pocket sizes may differ. Why do you believe Africa needs a platform to challenge our views about money and poverty levels? I find that at the moment we are comfortable. People are happy to continue working, spend without the future in mind and hope that a family member will eventually foot their bills. Things are changing and as we are emulating the behaviors of others cultures we also need to develop our own culture when it comes to financial planning. At Africa’s Moneypreneur, we want to be at the forefront of those changes. We currently use our platform to: Provide financial advice for youth, start-ups and Women-owned business in Africa Developing communities for youth and women to engage them in making informed financial choices Sharing success stories relating to women in finance and in business Discussing personal stories relating to work-life balance and family, travel etc. to give a personal touch Introducing current events relating to the brand areas, like finance and pop culture events, Lifestyle etc. Embracing African roots and culture as it relates to finance management With these efforts, we hope that the next generations of African families can help pull Africa out of poverty. [bctt tweet=”Knowing exactly what you spend your money on is important to have a solid financial plan and a healthy attitude towards your finances – Christine Sesay” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”] How do you intend to make discussing money and finance fun? What are you currently working on? I think the first thing we need
A Motherland Mogul’s Reflections from SLA’s SheHive Toronto 2017
As African women, many of us have not had our life path paved with milk and honey. We have witnessed our mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and kin put their lives on hold to work tirelessly long hours for little reward. As I get older, I see more and more within us lays a common internal battle. In the midst of enacting the legacies of our lives, many of us are also carrying ideas engrained in us by our families. Holding passions they have never known, we are constantly bombarded by family members pushing us to get into a “real career,” (aka becoming a nurse, doctor, or lawyer). For creative women, with entrepreneurial visions bouncing off their every thought, balancing these two worlds is a beast to juggle. We sit in a unique position, one where we must create the blueprint for our lives, because no one has come before us to achieve our success, and no one will come after us. What often halts us in our journeys is the countless intimate moments we have within ourselves. Moments that cloud our judgment, moments that awaken/terrify us, motivate us, or moments when we wish no one is looking. Most times we feel all of the above. To live out your legacy is soul-shaking work. What we forget is simple, following our dreams is not supposed to be easy. It is supposed to terrify you, wake you from your sleep, and place a fire under you that cannot be ignored. Last summer I had the amazing opportunity to Attend She Leads Africa’s, She Hive Toronto Conference. The conference cultivated a space for African women, ambitious beyond words to surround, empower, and inspire each other. Attending this event shook my soul but, more importantly, it forced me to remember the following: 1) Let your ideas manifest Too many times we hear and feel parts of our ideas, but most of us never actually give them a chance. We don’t nourish them with our energy and allow them to grow. What we do is the exact opposite. We allow them to sit idle, we minimize them with our doubt and create a reality that reinforces that we cannot accomplish them. We tell ourselves we don’t have the resources, money, time, blah, blah, blah! But, once we take that first leap towards our dreams, we allow the universe to become our GPS. 2) Be the energy you need We need to be our own number one fan and our own advocates. Women need to be a friend, sister, and lover to each other! Most times, we expect people in our lives to validate us, support us, and invest in us. But, are you the energy you need? Are you that push you want others to bestow upon you, to yourself? We need to give ourselves the energy we ask of others. Light up that room, be that never-ending inviting spirit, because you benefit from it the most! 3) Ask, ask, ask! Ask the universe. Ask God. Ask friends and family. Ask yourself. Be clear and specific when it comes to your goals and what you need from everyone. PS…. this includes figuring out what you need from yourself! Need I say more? 4) Know the kind of woman do you want to be We need to remind ourselves of what kind of women we need to be. What are you not willing to comprise? Do you have your values written down? What does your integrity mean to you when it is woven into your passion? If we remain grounded in these thoughts we will never regret anything on our path to our dreams. 5) Seek meaningful connections Networking. Yes, networking is essential. You never know who is in the room. You never know who may be able to assist you or how you can assist another person. But, even more, important than this, is understanding what meaningful relationships and connections you want with others. Seeking out meaningful connections means you are living authentically. You are not just thinking about a one-sided benefit. You are considering the person, as a person, a soul to connect with, and not someone who will only be used as a future commodity. 6) With passion, ALL things can be done Passion is our savior. It stirs you and your being. Our passions give us purpose and demands we show up. Our passions unlock our potential if we allow it to. Fulfilling the vision and legacies of our passions is terrifying, it will arise a world emotion from you (as it should). Stand firm in knowing the world is awaiting the gifts you have dug a grave for. Be still, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and remind yourself. “I will accomplish nothing without the taste of fear,” – Zainab Salbi This article was written by Amma Gyamfowa If you’d like to get featured on our Facebook page, click here to share your startup story with us.