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Esther Ijewere

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Sola Adesakin’s story is one of transformation, dedication, and the power of personal experience. As a renowned finance coach, author, and mentor, she has made it her mission to simplify the complexities of money management and empower individuals to achieve their financial goals.

A Passion for Financial Empowerment

Sola Adesakin’s journey was inspired by her deep passion for helping people understand the “make-manage-multiply money” message. Her specialization lies in maximizing resources, guiding individuals to reach crucial financial milestones, and building true wealth through financial planning. Her dedication to this mission has earned her a well-deserved reputation as one of Nigeria’s most respected finance coaches.

From Financial Stress to Wealth

Throughout her career, Sola has played a pivotal role in helping both men and women bounce back from financial stress and debt, ultimately guiding them toward financial prosperity. Her expertise as an author, trained coach, and mentor has transformed countless lives, providing the knowledge and guidance needed to secure a more stable financial future.

A Portfolio of Recognition

Sola Adesakin’s remarkable contributions to the field of finance have not gone unnoticed. She was accepted into the Forbes Coaches Council, a testament to her expertise and influence in the financial industry. In 2020, she was recognized as one of Nigeria’s 100 Most Inspiring Women, showcasing the impact of her work on women’s empowerment. Additionally, she received the Women X Scholarship, a World Bank and Pan Atlantic University initiative supporting female entrepreneurs.

Educational Background and Certification

Sola’s journey into financial coaching and empowerment was fortified by her educational pursuits. She earned an HND from the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro in 2000 and later obtained a BSc degree from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom in 2006. Her academic journey culminated in an MBA from the Edinburgh Business School in Scotland, making her well-equipped to guide others in their financial endeavors. Sola is also an Associate Member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CGA CPA), a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Accountants of the United Kingdom (ACCA).

A Vision Realized

Sola’s journey with finances, including debt and financial mismanagement, served as a driving force behind her commitment to teaching financial literacy to others. She recognized that formal education often falls short in equipping individuals with the knowledge needed to manage and multiply their money. After discovering a book that simplified money management, she adopted financial literacy, discipline, and budgeting, enabling her to save and earn seven-digit returns on her investments. Her journey taught her that personal responsibility is the key to breaking free from financial struggles.

An Author and Advocate

Sola Adesakin’s commitment to financial empowerment extends to her writing. She has authored eight books and numerous articles, sharing her insights and expertise on financial literacy with people of all ages and backgrounds. Her work has been featured in local and global publications, further expanding her influence.

Awards and Recognitions

Sola’s contributions to the field of finance have earned her several awards and recognitions, underscoring her impact:

  • Recipient of the Women X Scholarship, an initiative by the World Bank and Pan Atlantic University for female entrepreneurs.
  • Recognized as one of Nigeria’s 100 Most Inspiring Women in 2020 by The Guardian Nigeria News.
  • Acknowledged as one of the 100 Power Women of 2021 by the Power Woman Network.
  • Participant in the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, a U.S. Government Initiative.
  • Listed in the Phenomity 40 List of 2021 on International Women’s Day.
  • Accepted into the Forbes Coaches Council.

Sola Adesakin’s journey is a testament to the power of personal experience, education, and determination. Her work in simplifying money management and empowering individuals to achieve their financial goals continues to make a profound impact, not only in Nigeria but also on a global scale. Sola’s story serves as an inspiring example of how one individual’s commitment to financial education can transform lives and open doors to greater financial empowerment.

The  Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp 2.0  transcended digital boundaries, hosted on Zoom on the 9th and 10th of December, 2023. This groundbreaking event featured an impressive lineup of speakers and panellists who shared their expertise on personal branding, financial empowerment, media navigation, mental health, and more. This edition brought together industry leaders like Toun Okewale ( Co-founder, WFM917), thought experts, and dynamic speakers for two days of transformative learning.

Click this link to get your copy and unlock the secrets to enhancing your media visibility today.

Unlocking Key Insights:

Day 1 – Building the Foundation: The journey kicked off with Esther Ijewere’s profound insights into establishing a robust online presence, setting the stage for Adeola Osideko’s exploration of crafting a personal brand tailored for leadership in the digital era. Participants were captivated as these luminaries shared their wealth of knowledge and experience.

Day 2 – Diving into Expertise: The second day unfolded with a series of Fireside Chats that delved into diverse topics. Chinaza Favour, Wendy Nwajiufor, Azeezat Adejare, and Rinret Gofwan illuminated the audience with discussions on content creation, building sustainable brands, and intentional visibility.

Women of rubies fireside chat speakers

Additionally, the day featured expert masterclasses from Funmi Ajala, exploring the art of shaping narratives and driving change, Sola Adesakin, uncovering the power of leveraging financial literacy for enhanced media visibility, and Mayowa Adegoke, providing invaluable tips for mastering the vital skill of public speaking.

Media Bootcamp speakers

Why Acquiring the Recording is a Must:

  1. Expert Guidance: Access the insights of industry leaders and experts who have mastered the intricacies of online presence, personal branding, and strategic communication.
  2. Practical Strategies: Each session offers actionable strategies ready for immediate implementation, empowering participants to elevate their media visibility.
  3. Diverse Perspectives: Benefit from a diverse range of topics and speakers, ensuring a holistic approach to personal and professional development.
  4. Invest in Yourself: The Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp recording is an enduring resource, offering continual returns on the commitment to personal and professional growth.

Participants expressed their satisfaction with the event, praising the diverse range of topics covered and the high-quality insights shared by the esteemed speakers. The Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp left attendees equipped with actionable strategies to enhance their personal and professional lives.

Media Visibility Bootcamp 2.0 Media Visibility Bootcamp 2.0

As we reflect on the success of the second edition, the Women of Rubies team extends gratitude to all participants, speakers, and partners who contributed to making this event a beacon of empowerment. For further inquiries or to share your experience, please feel free to email us at info@womenofrubies.com.

Here’s to empowerment, success, and the unwavering pursuit of visibility!

Don’t Miss Out! Purchase the Recording on Selar Now!

Grab our free PR guide E-book here for enhanced visibility!

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Omoshalewa Onayemi is a Tri-qualified lawyer licensed to practice in Alberta, Ontario and Nigeria.

She currently works at a global recruitment firm and handles all the commercial and legal operations of the business Canada-wide.

Apart from being a career woman, she is a serial entrepreneur, a blogger, and an influencer.

She channeled her passion for fashion and food into businesses. She established, @kz_by_shally, a one-stop hub for all things fashion and accessories.  Omoshalewa Onayemi also launched @the_yum_cuisine, a food blogging page where she also sells e-meal plans and e-recipes.

Meet the founder of Naijapreneur Canada
Canadian-based lawyer – Omoshalewa Onayemi T, Founder, Naijapreneur Canada

A mom to 2 princesses, she blogs about all things motherhood from bump to birth and beyond, on her page @mumsaffair_ng

Shally O” as she is fondly called by many, is also a community personality who dedicates her time to promoting and creating visibility for Nigerian businesses in Canada through her platform @naijapreneurcanada.

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Law of attraction is one of the easiest ways to manifest good connections. Ever wondered why some people are just loved and admired? If you want to radiate in that kind of energy then this article is for you.

If you are looking for a long-term partner, job, or more friends, you will have to make them attracted to you. Here are the 8 simple ways to make people attracted to you without turning them off.

1. Be Confident, But Not Arrogant – Major Law of Attraction

First, it is important that you are confident about yourself. Being proud of who you are and liking your characteristics is one of the keys to make people like you. This also includes being sociable, being able to go along with the conversation and being smart when talking. Confidence is attractive, but you have to remember not to be conceited or arrogant as you might only push people away from you.

2.Sense of Humor

People who are funny are known to be intelligent and sociable. Most people are looking for this characteristic when searching for romance or friends. Even if someone is not interested in you, you can grab their attention by making them laugh.

3. Ask Deep Questions

Cut the unnecessary conversations and start asking them deeper questions. This can make them personally connected to you and you can tell them something deep as well.

4. Don’t Forget to Smile

You can easily make someone comfortable talking or having long conversations with you when you smile often. Of course, smiling is the easiest way to tell other people, “hey, don’t hesitate to talk to me, I’m friendly.”

5. Eye Contact

Making eye contact to a person makes you appear to be dominant and confident. This also makes you appear clever. You can also pair it with a strong handshake and you would totally nail it!

6.Dress Properly

When trying to make people attracted to you, it is important that you give attention to how you dress. Most people give definition to the clothes a person wears. It can be a definition associated to success or personality so if you want to make people notice you or attracted to you, make sure that you dress well.

7. Have Many People Around You

People who are in groups tend to be more attractive. This is because it shows you that you are sociable and you can easily connect to other people. Having many people around you makes you look more attractive.

Try this magical law of attraction to build your confidence,  and let us know how it goes in the comment.

 

 

About the Writer

Esther ijewere Is a multi-award winning Social Activist, Journalist, Writer, Best-selling Author,  Host of the Youtube syndicated show;  #GettalkingwithEsther  and a certified PR expert with over 10 years of experience. Esther has spotlighted over 1000 women across the globe, Interviewed First ladies, A-list celebrities and giants of different industries.  She is the Editor-In-Chief of  Women of Rubies, and other development initiatives recognized globally. Follow her  on Linkedin,  Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Esther Ijewere- Women of Rubies
Esther Ijewere

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Salary is very important in the life of an employee. In fact, that is the reason why people leave their houses every day to go to work. A lot of people have made mistakes in the area of negotiation, and I can totally relate to it. This is for those thinking of making the next move in their career, but don’t want to later regret their salary due to lack of information.

1. Know the difference between Net Pay and Gross Pay and ensure you negotiate based on Net pay

Gross pay is the total amount an employer pays to an employee. Gross pay includes the breakdown of what an employee is entitled to, and it is from the gross pay that deductions are made, while net pay, which is also known as take-home pay, is the amount you receive after all the deductions, like tax, pension, etc., have been made. It is preferable to state your salary expectation in terms of net pay because you may not know the basis for which deductions are made in the new company.

When you negotiate on the net, it ensures that you’re not on the losing end, and HR will do some calculations before making you an offer, which will be more than what you negotiated. This is to leave room for deductions. E.g., your letter may carry ₦150,000 as pay, but by the time you receive your first alert, you will be getting  ₦120,000.

2. Ask about other benefits that the company offers during a negotiation

Some companies have variable pay, based on certain conditions like the performance of the individual or the company. Some benefits may be in kind and not be cash; this should be noted when you want to mentally calculate your pay. What I’m trying to say is that do not reject an offer because it doesn’t really meet your expectation; find out if they have other perks, which can be considered. Also, if you’re coming from a place that has a lot of office perks, don’t take an offer just because it pays higher. E.g. if you’re coming from a place that pays for membership of professional bodies as well as subscriptions, cars, performance bonuses, higher HMO packages, etc.

It’s best you put a cost to the benefits you were enjoying before and ask if it exists or if it would be more, then weigh your options.

3. Do your own research

You may think you have gotten a good offer, but when you get in, you may eventually get disgruntled when you realise that your colleagues who have the same job description as you earn far above what you accepted. Jobberman, Payscale and Glassdoor will help give you insights into relevant data. If you can make calls to people in the industry who will have an idea of the range, it would be helpful (not necessarily the exact figure, though). Some people on Nairaland sometimes disclose pay for some roles, so please dig well.

4. Be open to negotiation

I always advise you to mention something higher than what you expect, then tell them you are open to negotiation. E.g., you earn ₦150,000 and the minimum you can take before considering an offer is ₦220,00. It’s best you say ₦280,000 then tell the recruiter it’s negotiable. This way, they don’t start negotiating from ₦220,000.

5. Negotiate a salary based on what works best for you

I’ve realized that different things matter to different people at various points in their lives. This guides their decision to take an offer or reject it. E.g., I have a friend whom a premium HMO is what mattered most to him (at that point in his life) because his wife needed it. To someone else, he was stupid for taking that pay, but he negotiated an HMO package that saved him millions for the birth of his child. For some people, proximity is more important, for some, it’s staff bus and canteen. Whatever your own case may be, identify it and negotiate with that.

Don’t be pressured unnecessarily. Negotiate with confidence, because you know the value you will be contributing to the organisation. Don’t be scared to have that conversation when it’s time.

Follow  @careerlifeng to know more about Yewande’s work.

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Ariyike Akinbobola has a Certificate in Child Protection: Children’s Rights in Theory and Practice from Harvard X and she also coaches Immigrant families relocating abroad on expectations and how to navigate their new reality and she consults for aspiring authors who want to learn how to self-publish their books on Amazon.

Through her Ariyike Arise Initiative Africa, she has helped to fund the education of Children in disadvantaged communities in Africa.

In 2020, they donated one thousand facemasks to People in disadvantaged communities in Ajegunle, Lagos, Nigeria. She believes the world would be a better place if everyone did more for others.

In 2021, Ariyike Akinbobola became the first winner of the Immigrant Leader award at the Universal Women’s Network Women of Inspiration Award.

Ariyike Akinbobola
Ariyike Akinbobola

As an advocate for Female Genital Mutilation abandonment in Nigeria, she volunteered as a digital advocate for UNFPA / UNICEF and was recognized as the UNFPA / UNICEF Frown Award – Female Genital Mutilation Abandonment Advocate of the year amongst other recognitions.

Ariyike also volunteers as a Literacy Ambassador for Project 99A in Canada and a Mentor with the Canadian Multicultural Group.

Her books, Beautifully Coloured and The Cost of our Lives, both Amazon Bestselling books are available on Amazon. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing, dancing, meeting new people and creating content on her YouTube channel. Ariyike is married with Children.

She was recently celebrated as one of the 16 Inspiring Women Making a Difference In Canada by Women of Rubies.

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Tamar Huggins, the visionary mind behind Tech Spark, is making waves with her latest creation—Spark Plug. In the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, this groundbreaking AI platform, positioned as a competitor to ChatGPT, is not just about technology; it’s a step towards equity and inclusivity in the tech world.

A $1.4 Million Game-Changer

Backed by a notable $1.4 million investment, Spark Plug is set to disrupt the AI scene. Huggins, driven by a mission to establish an “equitable alternative” to existing mainstream AI platforms, has garnered support from heavyweight backers such as TD Bank, Salesforce, The Government of Canada, NBA Canada, and the Foundation for Black Communities.

For Huggins, this achievement is more than a financial milestone; it’s a symbol of breaking barriers. In a conversation with AFROTECH, she highlighted the staggering statistic that Black women receive an average of $30,000 throughout the entire life of their business. The $1.4 million investment is a triumph, and Huggins hopes it inspires other women to pursue larger investments and create impactful businesses.

Tech Spark’s Evolution

Tech Spark, founded in 2015, initially aimed to empower K-12 students and educators of color in the education sector. Now, with Spark Plug, the vision expands to impact 100,000 students across the United States and Canada through an inclusive generative AI model. This evolution aligns with Huggins’ commitment to providing equitable opportunities for all.

Drawing inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance and the Civil Rights movement, Huggins engaged her 13-year-old daughter, Talia, in the development process. This move reflects a conscious effort to capture the attention of Generation Z, ensuring that Spark Plug is not just innovative but also resonates with the younger demographic.

Cultural Inclusion and Deliberate Diversity

A pivotal aspect of Spark Plug’s development is the intentional inclusion of Black voices. Huggins recognizes the importance of training the AI model to respond aptly to African-American vernacular. This deliberate strategy aims to bridge cultural gaps and foster a more inclusive user experience.

Huggins emphasizes the need to approach emerging technologies with sensitivity, involving Black UX designers, engineers, and developers from the outset. This inclusive approach is a proactive step to avoid inadvertent harm within the community, a lesson learned from history.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Huggins envisions Spark Plug as a tool for leveling the playing field for children, ensuring essential resources are accessible to all. Beyond functionality, she aims to elevate the significance of African-American vernacular, advocating for its recognition and appreciation in the broader context of technology.

In a final note, Huggins stresses the importance of diversity in the AI space. Spark Plug, with its diverse team and perspectives, is a testament to her belief that true technological innovation comes from embracing a variety of skill sets and experiences.

The launch of Spark Plug represents a significant stride towards more inclusive and culturally sensitive AI solutions, embodying Huggins’ commitment to meaningful innovation in the tech world. As Spark Plug emerges, it stands not just as a competitor but as a symbol of progress toward a more equitable future in artificial intelligence.

 

Helen Williams, a Nigerian woman of exceptional creativity and dedication, has recently etched her name in the prestigious Guinness World Records. Her remarkable achievement involves the crafting of the longest hand-made wig ever recorded, measuring an astounding 1,152 feet and 5 inches (351.28 meters). This extraordinary creation stands as a true testament to Helen’s unwavering passion, unparalleled skill, and sheer determination in pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and hair craftsmanship.

The journey to this Guinness World Record was no small undertaking. Helen invested an incredible two million naira (£2,000: $2,500) and dedicated 11 days to meticulously craft the record-breaking wig. The sheer magnitude of the project is staggering—1,000 bundles of hair, 12 cans of hair spray, 35 tubes of hair glue, and a whopping 6,250 hair clips went into bringing this exceptional piece to life.

Expressing her excitement, Helen shared, “This achievement is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I still cannot believe it.” Despite her eight years of experience in wig making, she admitted that the process was far from easy. “I felt exhausted during the process,” she confessed. However, with the unwavering support of friends and family, Helen persevered, maintaining her focus to avoid letting anyone down. And the result? The longest hand-made wig in the world!

After completing this extraordinary hairpiece, Helen faced a new challenge—finding a suitable location to lay it out and measure it accurately. On the 7th of July, she chose a highway connecting Lagos and Abeokuta to unveil her masterpiece. Guinness World Records officially confirmed this incredible record, making it official and solidifying Helen’s place in history.

Now, the fantastic wig proudly adorns Helen’s office, inviting everyone to come and admire her remarkable achievement. Beyond being a personal triumph, Helen’s record-breaking wig stands as a symbol of African excellence and creativity. Her accomplishment is not just a Guinness World Record; it’s a cultural milestone, showcasing the talent and ingenuity present in Nigeria.

As we celebrate Helen Williams and her exceptional creativity, we are reminded that dedication, passion, and a touch of daring can lead to extraordinary achievements. Her story inspires us to dream big, push boundaries, and, quite literally, reach new lengths in our pursuits. Congratulations to Helen Williams, a Guinness World Record holder whose innovative spirit has left an indelible mark on the world of hair artistry.

Source: Leading Ladies

 

In the spirit of International Men’s Day, I implore men to be allies in the fight against domestic violence. Today, as I share my experience as a survivor, it’s a call for men to do better and become safe spaces for women. If you see something, say something. It’s time for us all to break the silence.

In recent days, I bravely shared my journey as a survivor of domestic violence through videos on my Instagram and TikTok, using Keke Palmer’s situation as a poignant case study.

The responses I received served as a stark reminder of why so many women with voices choose to remain silent in the face of such harrowing situations. It’s a struggle that echoes with individuals like Cassie, who endured years of silence before bravely filing a heart-wrenching 35-page lawsuit against her abuser, known as “Mr. Love.”

After enduring humiliation and many challenges that could have compromised my character, I found the strength to speak up. For many years, I pushed back my pain as a survivor, focusing resolutely on my purpose. However, in the last three years, my body has been going through emotional re-healing to prevent my mental health from hanging on a thread.

The unfortunate reality is that countless women wear brave faces while trapped in abusive situations, often paralyzed by the fear of judgment and societal labelling. Every day, we encounter women in our lives or through social media, completely unaware of the battles they face behind closed doors.

When survivors find the courage to share their stories, judgments can inadvertently empower the abusers, perpetuating victimization and allowing them to escape accountability for their crimes. It’s disheartening to witness how society, while encouraging survivors to seek support, often turns around and stigmatizes them for doing just that.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I recognize that without a strong heart and a supportive network, the stigma I encountered could have broken me. At times, I find myself wondering if I’m made of steel, considering the resilience needed to navigate through such challenges.

The societal re-traumatization of domestic violence victims is a painful reality, highlighting the need for increased awareness and understanding. It is crucial to remember that survivors are not defined by their past but are individuals with strength, courage, and the ability to rebuild their lives.

As I share this featured photo, it’s a reminder to fellow survivors: Don’t let society rob you of your joy. Keep smiling, keep living your best life. In the spirit of positivity, let’s refrain from pity party comments – instead, send some food my way and share uplifting words.

Nuggets on Supporting Domestic Violence Survivors:

  1. Believe and Validate: Acknowledge the survivor’s experience and believe their story.
  2. Offer a Listening Ear: Sometimes, survivors simply need someone to listen without judgment.
  3. Respect Boundaries: Allow survivors to share at their own pace; don’t pressure them to reveal more than they are comfortable with.
  4. Provide Resources: Share information on local support services and helplines.
  5. Educate Yourself: Learn about the signs of abuse and understand the complexities involved.
  6. Be Patient: Healing is a process, and survivors may need time to rebuild their lives.

Citing Keke Palmer‘s example, where she courageously shared her story, let’s amplify the voices of survivors and create a supportive environment. Light always shines through the darkness.

In the dynamic landscape of business innovation, Vivian Ekwegh stands as a trailblazer steering the ship of Declutterdotcom into uncharted waters. As the formidable CEO of this transformative venture, she has not only reshaped the perception of household item resale but has also become a beacon of inspiration for aspiring women entrepreneurs. Let’s unravel the remarkable journey of Vivian Ekwegh, the visionary leader shaping the contours of e-commerce.

A Visionary Leader’s Genesis: From IT Sales to Declutterdotcom’s Helm

Vivian’s journey into the world of household item resale is rooted in her passion for finding unique, quality items at affordable prices. From her early days of spotting bargains to launching her first-grade thrift business in 2018, Vivian’s vision evolved into the creation of Declutterdotcom in 2019. Her goal was clear—to bridge the gap between the price of new and used items, creating a convergence platform for sellers and buyers. What began as a personal passion transformed into a thriving online platform that has since grown to be the foremost declutter company, facilitating the sale of used items while allowing buyers to save on quality household goods.

Vivian Ekwegh Declutterdotcom

Strategies for Success: Building a Clientele of 60,000 in Four Years

In just four years, Vivian has strategically positioned Declutterdotcom as the go-to platform for household item resale, boasting an impressive clientele of over 60,000 customers. The journey involved re-educating people about used items, creating a niche market for barely used items, and leveraging her network as a brand ambassador. The foundation of integrity, quality sourcing, and trust-building has made Declutterdotcom a success even without a physical location, thriving purely in the online space.

A Fusion of Expertise: IT Sales, Digital Marketing, and Academic Brilliance

With six years of experience in IT sales and digital marketing, Vivian’s trajectory in the tech industry has been nothing short of remarkable. Her early career milestones include being the Business Lead for Cisco sales at Technology Distributions and later serving as the Sales Account Manager at Cisco Nigeria. Armed with a first-class honours degree in Computer Science from the University of Benin, Vivian seamlessly melds technological expertise with business acumen, contributing significantly to the growth and success of Declutterdotcom.

A Trailblazer Beyond Business: Inspiring Women Entrepreneurs

Beyond professional accomplishments, Vivian Ekwegh has become a beacon of inspiration for women aspiring to lead in business industries. Challenging traditional norms and consistently breaking barriers, she encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to “Just START!” Her journey underscores the transformative power of ambition, determination, and strategic thinking.

Vivian Ekwegh Declutterdotcom
Vivian Ekwegh, Founder- Declutterdotcom

Combatting Online Scams

Addressing the escalating issue of online scams within the declutter resale space, Vivian delves into the challenges posed by fraudulent activities. Emphasizing the imperative for a collaborative effort, she stresses the necessity for legitimate vendors to work together, educating clients to recognize potential scams and collectively preventing any deceptive practices in the industry.

To know more about Vivian’s work, Follow her on Instagram