Women of Rubies, Author at Women of Rubies

In Inspiration May 3, 2023 By Women of Rubies

Dorothy B. Gilliam: Pioneering the Path for Women in Journalism

INTRODUCTION TO DOROTHY B. GILLIAM

Dorothy B. Gilliam is a trailblazer in American journalism who has made significant contributions to the industry. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1936, Gilliam grew up in a segregated society and faced many challenges as a young woman of color.

Despite the obstacles she faced, Gilliam pursued a career in journalism and became the first African American woman to work as a reporter at a major newspaper. Throughout her career, Gilliam has worked to increase diversity and inclusion in newsrooms and has mentored countless young journalists.

In this blog, we will explore the life and legacy of Dorothy B. Gilliam and examine the impact of her work on the industry and society as a whole.

EARLY LIFE AND CAREER OF DOROTHY B. GILLIAM

Dorothy B. Gilliam’s early life and career shaped her worldview and inspired her to pursue a career in journalism. Gilliam attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, where she studied journalism and became involved in the civil rights movement.

After graduating, she worked as a teacher in Nashville, Tennessee, and later as a public relations specialist in Washington, D.C. During this time, she became interested in journalism and began taking classes to improve her skills. In 1961, she was hired as a reporter at The Washington Post, starting a career spanning several decades.

CHALLENGES FACED BY WOMEN IN JOURNALISM

Throughout much of the 20th century, women faced significant barriers to entry into journalism. Many newspapers and magazines had strict gender roles, with women relegated to writing about “soft” topics such as fashion and cooking.

Women were often not taken seriously as journalists and were frequently subjected to harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Despite these obstacles, women like Dorothy B. Gilliam persevered and fought for equal opportunities in the industry.

Gilliam’s success as a journalist paved the way for future generations of women and people of color in the field.

DOROTHY B. GILLIAM’S CAREER AT THE WASHINGTON POST

Dorothy B. Gilliam’s career at The Washington Post spanned several decades and covered many important issues. She was a strong advocate for civil rights and education and worked to increase the representation of women and people of color in the media.

In 1972, she was promoted to assistant editor, making her the first African American woman to hold an editorial position at The Washington Post. Gilliam’s work at the newspaper helped to shape the national conversation on issues such as race, gender, and social justice, and her impact on the industry continues to be felt today.

IMPACT OF HER WORK ON WOMEN IN JOURNALISM

Dorothy B. Gilliam’s work at The Washington Post and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in journalism have impacted the industry. Her commitment to telling the stories of marginalized communities and her dedication to increasing representation in newsrooms inspired many young journalists to follow in her footsteps.

Gilliam’s work helped break down industry barriers and create a more inclusive and diverse media landscape. Today, more women and people of color are working in journalism than ever, and the industry strives for greater diversity and representation.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION RECEIVED

Throughout her career, Dorothy B. Gilliam received numerous awards and honors for her work in journalism and advocacy. In 1983, she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Special Local Reporting for her coverage of school desegregation in Washington, D.C.

She has also received awards from the National Association of Black Journalists, the Women’s Media Center, and the International Women’s Media Foundation,

DOROTHY B. GILLIAM’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION IN JOURNALISM

Dorothy B. Gilliam’s contributions to diversity and inclusion in journalism are far-reaching and enduring. She has been a vocal advocate for increasing newsroom representation and creating a more inclusive media landscape.

Gilliam has mentored countless young journalists and has worked to create opportunities for women and people of color in the industry. Her work has helped to diversify newsrooms and ensure that the stories of all communities are represented in the media.

BOOKS AUTHORED BY DOROTHY B. GILLIAM

In addition to her work as a journalist, Dorothy B. Gilliam has authored several books on race, gender, and journalism. Her first book, “Paul Robeson: All-American,” was published in 1976 and explored the life of the African American singer, actor, and civil rights activist.

Her other books include “Skin Deep: Black Women and White Women Write About Race” (1996), which she co-edited with Julia P. Johnson, and “Trailblazer: A Pioneering Journalist’s Fight to Make the Media Look More Like America” (2019), which chronicles her own career and advocacy work.

Books Authored by Dorothy B. Gilliam

LEGACY OF DOROTHY B. GILLIAM

Dorothy B. Gilliam’s legacy in journalism and advocacy has been significant. Through journalism, she helped shape the national conversation on civil rights, education, and social justice issues. She also fought for greater diversity and inclusion in newsrooms, mentoring young journalists and advocating for more excellent representation of women and people of color.

Gilliam’s advocacy helped break down industry barriers and create a more inclusive and diverse media landscape. Today, her legacy inspires and guides journalists striving for more significant equity and representation in the industry.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Dorothy B. Gilliam’s contributions to journalism have been significant and far-reaching. As a trailblazer and advocate for greater diversity and inclusion, she helped break down industry barriers and create a more equitable media landscape.

Through her work as a journalist and author, she brought attention to important issues such as civil rights, education, and social justice. Her legacy continues to inspire and guide future generations of journalists who seek to make the media look more like America.

As we progress, we must remember and honor the trailblazers like Dorothy B. Gilliam, who paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse industry.

In Inspiration May 1, 2023 By Women of Rubies

British Scientist Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock Now Has A Barbie Doll Made In Her Honor

Meet Dr. Maggie Aderin-Pocock, a British scientist who is best known for her work with the James Webb Space Telescope, the largest space telescope ever made, now has a Barbie doll. Her other achievements include becoming the first Black woman to win gold at the Physics News Awards and being appointed as chancellor of the University of Leicester. These achievements were no easy task; growing up, Aderin-Pocock attended 13 different schools but often struggled because of her dyslexia.

The toy company Mattel has honored many of our Black queens and pioneers with dolls, with Aderin-Pocock’s being the newest addition. The doll marks a full circle moment for the space scientist who grew up playing with ones that didn’t look like her. Even today, she says she plays “Barbie” with her daughter and never thought she’d see the day where she’d be adding her very own doll to the play date.

Aderin-Pocock said in an interview with The Guardian, “Learning that Mattel is planning to immortalize you in Barbie form would be a “pinch me” moment for anyone. It feels especially surreal for me. When I was growing up, Barbie offered a narrow ideal of beauty: she was thin and blonde, with straight hair and blue eyes, and she didn’t look a bit like me. But times have changed. I’ve been lucky enough to receive a number of awards in my career, but I think having a Barbie role model made in my image may be one of the most important.”

This Barbie will not only serve as more representation for our little Black queens but will also share Aderin-Pocock’s inspirational life story. It will let little girls everywhere know that they too can shoot for the stars!

In Career Gems May 1, 2023 By Women of Rubies

Patricia Kayanga Is The Fist Black Woman To Own A US Patent For Disposable Underwear

Patricia Kayanga is a Washington, D.C.- based entrepreneur and the founder of Ohhs, a new line of patented disposable underwear. Kayanga was born in Uganda, moving to the U.S. with her family where they were able to build a great life. However, Kayanga never forgot her humble beginnings or the feeling she felt relocating across continents and having her mom’s expensive items get damaged. It was the idea that first sparked a passion for something more disposable. And Kayanga followed that idea until she found the perfect product – disposable underwear.

After checking the patent website, Kayanga realized there was nothing similar in the market. She then immediately got started on a prototype while working on securing the patent. She finally won the patent for the disposable underwear design, becoming the first Black woman in the U.S. to hold such a patent. But her wins were met with challenges and because there was no similar product, Kayanga ran into issues trying to secure a manufacturer. She finally found one who could craft them according to her liking and Ohhs Disposable Underwear was born.

The disposable undergarments are made of sustainable fabric and bamboo, boasting hygienic and eco-friendly benefits. The products are seamless and have a dry material that makes it perfect for vacations, camping, spa days, and that time of the month. Kayanga also has a built-in charitable model, donating a pair of the eco-friendly underwear to local domestic violence and homeless shelters whenever a box is sold.

Many women need quality underwear, but it’s only sometimes available. Underwear is the second most requested item in homeless shelters. We have a product that can serve that need and is more convenient. Our goal, honestly, is to scale across the nation. You should have access to it, no matter the circumstances,” said Kayanga.

Ohhs are available in multiple colors and styles, offering full-coverage garments and bikini and thong options. They come in packs of 4 or travel packs of 7 and Kayanga has also begun donating 5% of profits to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) “that provide menstrual resources to school-aged girls and women.”

Source: Black Business

In self development April 29, 2023 By Women of Rubies

6 Ways To Break Down Boundaries To Becoming A Successful Entrepreneur

Surely, there are so many hindrances that women in business face. However, when it comes to race, the number of black women entrepreneurs has greatly increased over the past decades.

According to the Census Bureau, eight million businesses in the United States are owned by people from minority groups, and 2.5 million of these are owned by African-Americans (which makes them the only racial or ethnic group with the highest number of business ownerships).

Also, in the very recent State of Women-Owned Business Report, the number of firms owned by black women grew by 164%.

We all know it, there is nothing women can’t do. While the stakes are higher, you can break down the boundaries and become a successful entrepreneur.

How?

1. Embrace diversity

Before you make other people believe in you, you first have to believe in yourself. Instead of seeing it as a barrier, you have to embrace your diversity and use it as a competitive advantage.

Take note that diversity goes beyond gender, nationality, color, or race. We have to embrace our uniqueness, be proud of our strengths, and turn our weaknesses into opportunities.

2. Be passionate about what you do

When you love what you are doing, you gain the courage to look past the challenges and the discouragement from other people. To succeed in business, you’ve got to have a strong mission.

Why do you want to start a business?

Successful entrepreneurs have many things in common. One is their sense of purpose. Of course, an obvious reason is to gain profit.

But there certainly has to be a reason much higher than that which motivates you to pursue what you do.

3. Accept that failure is part of it

You’ve heard stories about business tycoons bouncing back from their failures and have turned out to be better entrepreneurs.

You won’t believe how founders of giant companies like Twitter, Huffington Post, LinkedIn, and PayPal all went through massive failures, costing them millions of dollars.

Here’s the thing – 75% to 90% of all startups fail. It only shows that failing in business is normal.

At some point, you will commit mistakes, you will make wrong decisions, and you will fail. The secret is to never give up.

4. Plan ahead

Behind a successful business model is a solid plan. You don’t jump into the river without knowing how deep it is.

Create a detailed business plan. Identify pain points. Pool your resources and know your options. For example, where will you get the funding? Will it be from your savings or through business financing?

Will you still need investors? How will you reach out to them? List down all your ideas. Do your research. Invest in knowledge. And be ready to start something.

5. Embrace Change

No matter how comprehensive your business model is, at some point, you will have to make adjustments or perform a total shift.

Changes in business are inevitable. Market demands and trends change from time to time. It is scary to confront changes. That’s a normal reaction. But you have to be flexible and adaptable. Otherwise, you could be left behind.

6. Don’t Forget that You Are Human too

As you establish and grow your business, you will find yourself devoting most of your time to it.

You will miss some important family affairs for client meetings, endure sleepless nights for endless paperwork, and forego weekends to beat deadlines. The key is to strive for balance.

Drink your water. Eat your veggies. Sleep. Pamper yourself. Get your hair done. Go for a mani-pedi.

For you to keep up, you have to be physically and mentally healthy.

Becoming a businesswoman is not an easy feat. Striving for success is much more challenging especially when people kind of judge you for your race or gender.

But don’t let anything or anyone stop you from becoming a top-notch entrepreneur. Remember, in business success, there are no boundaries.

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.

Culled from sheleadsafrica.org

Photo credit: forbes.com

In Inspiration April 26, 2023 By Women of Rubies

Peramare Health Management Company Partners With Wevvo Foundation To Provide Affordable Health Insurance Packages for Single Mothers

Peramare Health Management Company, a Nigerian-based healthcare organization, has partnered with Wevvo Foundation, a community-based platform of female breadwinners, to provide affordable health packages to support the health and well-being of single mothers and other women who are the primary providers for their households.

The partnership between Peramare Health Management Company and Wevvo Nigeria is aimed at providing women with access to high-quality healthcare services at affordable rates across Nigeria. The health packages offered by Peramare Health Management Company will cover a range of medical expenses, including basic diagnostics and laboratory tests, surgery, outpatient care and mental health support amongst other services.

“We are excited to partner with Wevvo Nigeria to provide affordable healthcare packages to female breadwinners in Nigeria because we know that a woman ready for success is one who takes her health seriously,” said Basiru Salisu Kallamu, Group Head, Admin and Finance of Peramare Health Management Company. “We believe that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right, and we are committed to making healthcare services more accessible and affordable for everyone, especially those who need it the most.

Wevvo Foundation is a community based platform of single mothers and female breadwinners who are dedicated to supporting and empowering each other. The community provides a range of services to its members, including access to financial support, capacity development, counseling, and access now to healthcare.

“We are thrilled to partner with Peramare Health Management Company to provide affordable healthcare packages to our community members,” said Weyinmi Eribo, founder of Wevvo Foundation. “Access to quality healthcare is a critical need for our members, and this partnership will help us to ensure that our community members have access to the healthcare services they and their children need to stay healthy and thrive.”

Peramare Health Management Company and Wevvo Nigeria are committed to working together to improve the health and well-being of women in Nigeria. The partnership is a testament to their shared commitment to promoting access to quality healthcare services for all. For more information about Peramare Health Management Company and Wevvo Nigeria, please visit www.wevvo.ng.

In Career Gems April 26, 2023 By Women of Rubies

Meet Rita Laurence Ngarambe, First Ever Queen Of Emancipation Month Canada

Nobody gives you the motivation you need like a Black woman who is determined to rise. Whether it’s advocacy or our culture, Black women somehow know exactly what’s needed in the moment, when anybody needs a pick me up. In that spirit, we celebrate Rita Laurence Ngarambe, a woman who is using her voice for the black community through her humanitarian work.

Rita is a youth leader who was born on September 25th, 1997. She also serves as Queen of Emancipation Month Canada.

Childhood

Born to a Burundian father and a Rwandan mother, she has shown interest in various aspects of charity work and has participated in activism work for women’s rights since the age of 16. She has worked with women and children who were survivors of sexual-based violence and the 1994 genocide against Tutsi. She has also worked hand in hand with organizations that fight against homelessness in Toronto.

Rita’s activities

She has hosted events to contribute and help people affected by natural disasters by creating spaces where all youths of positive minds and change-makers can come together to join forces to work towards positive causes that help support the community and thrive for better humanity in love and unity.

Awards and recognition

Rita is a recipient of the 100 accomplished black Canadian women award 2022, in charge of gender in the leadership committee of the RCA Toronto. She is the Miss Face of Humanity Rwanda and the second global ambassador for love and for humanity.

Her passion for humanity

She is a spoken word artist, who demonstrates her humanitarian activism through the organization she has funded United for Humanity to empower the youth and provide solutions to Humanity’s most pressing issue. Rita is also a host and producer of a TV show “THE CYPER SHOW” that is broadcasted on Go live TV Canada, the show has reached over 60 million.

We celebrate Rita’s resilience and commitment to add value to humanity.

In Inspiration April 26, 2023 By Women of Rubies

Innovation in the Tech Industry, Funke Opeke, the CEO of MainOne

Innovation is the lifeblood of the tech industry, driving change and progress at a breakneck pace. And few people embody this spirit of innovation better than Funke Opeke, the visionary founder of MainOne.

Her career spans more than two decades in the United States and Africa, and she’s helped with some of the biggest tech development stories.

MainOne helps connect millions of people to the digital world in West Africa today as a leading provider of broadband infrastructure solutions. So join us as we explore this trailblazing entrepreneur and her ongoing quest to revolutionize innovation in the tech industry.

Who is Funke Opeke?

Funke Opeke is a name that has become synonymous with innovation in the tech industry, particularly in Nigeria. She is the founder and CEO of MainOne, a company that provides telecom and network solutions to businesses in Nigeria and West Africa.

Since founding the company in 2010, Opeke has become a trailblazer in the male-dominated tech industry, showing that women can excel in this field. Opeke’s journey in the tech industry began after she returned to Nigeria from the United States, where she worked with some of the biggest names in the tech industry, including Verizon and MTN.

In 2008, she identified a gap in the Nigerian telecoms market and started MainOne to provide much-needed network solutions to businesses in Nigeria and West Africa.

Funke Opeke’s Upbringing

Funke Opeke, originally from Ile-Oluji, Ondo state, grew up in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo state. She was born into a family of nine, and her father was the first Nigerian director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, while her mother was a teacher.

After completing her secondary education at Queens School, an all-girls school in Ibadan, she studied electrical engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. Funke’s parents were highly successful, and they inspired Funke Opeke and her siblings to have big dreams and use their gifts. It is an example of the phrase, “The apple does not fall far from the tree.”

Late Professor Chief L.K. Opeke, Funke Opeke’s father, achieved several notable accomplishments during his lifetime. Among these was being the first Nigerian to hold the director position at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria. They also awarded him the World Cocoa Gold Merit Award and were a director of Cocoa Industries Ltd, one of Nigeria’s major companies during the 1980s.

In addition to these achievements, he served as a member of the first Senate of the Federal University of Technology in Akure, Ondo state, where he was also the Dean of the School of Agriculture & Agricultural Technology. Her mother, who is now retired, was a teacher who held leadership positions at several Catholic private schools.

Her Innovation in the Tech Industry

One of the most remarkable things about Opeke’s leadership style is her commitment to innovation. She is instrumental in driving innovation at MainOne, leading the company to develop some of Nigeria’s most advanced telecom and network solutions.

Under her leadership, MainOne built West Africa’s largest data center, which is a hub for businesses looking to expand their operations in the region.

But perhaps what is most inspiring about Opeke is her dedication to promoting gender diversity in the tech industry. She speaks extensively about the need for more women to take up roles in the industry and is a vocal advocate for women’s rights in the workplace.

Opeke has shown that women can lead and innovate in the tech industry, and her example is inspiring a new generation of women to pursue careers in the field.

Through her work at MainOne, Opeke is changing the tech industry landscape in Nigeria and West Africa. It is glaring that innovation and leadership are not the exclusive preserve of men and that women can excel in the tech industry.

Her story is one of resilience, hard work, and determination, and it inspires women worldwide who aspire to break barriers in their chosen fields.

The Reason for Starting MainOne, and What the Initial Vision Was.

Funke Opeke founded MainOne to bridge the digital divide and extend internet connectivity to West Africa, aiming to accelerate the pace of development and improve the region’s quality of life.

After witnessing the explosive growth of the internet and gaining professional expertise in the field during her two decades in the United States, Funke Opeke founded MainOne to bridge the digital divide and extend internet connectivity to West Africa, aiming to accelerate the pace of development and improve the region’s quality of life.

Through MainOne, Funke Opeke aimed to bring the same technological advancements and opportunities to Africa that were transforming other regions to ensure they would not leave Africans behind in the global digital landscape.

MainOne aimed to create new opportunities for education, commerce, and communication by expanding access to internet services and enabling Africans to participate fully in the digital age.

How MainOne Created Innovation in the Tech Industry Over the Years

MainOne, which built West Africa’s first privately owned submarine cable, has grown into a primary provider of broadband infrastructure solutions, including connection and data center services, two telecommunications companies, businesses, and governments across the region.

MainOne has made significant investments in regional commercial Tier III data centers and terrestrial fiber networks to achieve this transformation, expanding its services and geographic reach over the years. As a result, the company has built a strong reputation for reliability and innovation, offering a wide range of connectivity and data center services that have helped to transform the digital landscape in West Africa.

Despite the challenges posed by being a woman in the tech industry, Ms. Opeke has succeeded in expanding MainOne’s offerings while maintaining a commitment to providing high-quality, affordable services to its customers.

With a sound track record of success and a continued focus on innovation and investment, MainOne is well-positioned to generate value for its customers and stakeholders well into the future.

Funke Opeke is a shining example of how women can lead successful innovation in the tech industry. As we celebrate her achievements, we must also look to the future and work towards creating a more inclusive and diverse tech industry that empowers women to succeed.

In Career Gems April 24, 2023 By Women of Rubies

Meet Kristi L. Jackson: The Houston Woman Running A Successful Trucking Company

Kristi L. Jackson is the co-owner of October Fourth Holdings, L.L.C., one of the only Black-owned trucking companies, Black Enterprise reports.

Jackson, along with her co-founder, Kevin Muhammad provides daily freight services, shipping supplies and bulk materials to various clients across the country.

The trucking business

The Houston-based company is diversifying the trucking landscape, an industry that has long been predominantly white. The veteran entrepreneurs are not new to the business and have been involved in various endeavors for some time now. Jackson is the founder of the Women CEO Project, a thriving global think tank and business development company that’s been in existence for nearly a decade. The organization focuses on helping empower women entrepreneurs and hosts over 40 business courses annually.

How she started

“I started Women CEO Project in August 2010, out of a personal need to become a better, more consummate businesswoman. I did not want to attend another event and leave without tangible business knowledge that could grow my business, make it more profitable, and teach me skills. I searched and searched and could not find the right fit, the right community, or the right mix of business lessons in any organization, or the right mix of business lessons in any organization. So, in 2010, I set out to create what I needed. It became a local, then global destination for current and aspiring business women all over the world who want to also become stronger, wiser, and MORE educated entrepreneurs,” Jackson said.

The journey so far

Since she began, Jackson has received numerous accolades for her work including the “2013 Women’s Organization of the Year,” award and the “2012 Humanitarian of the Year” award. Her company has consulted with prominent corporations including JPMorgan, Google, Microsoft and The White House.

Jackson hopes that she and Muhammad can continue to expand their trucking company over the next couple of years. “We are growing our fleet. We have a five-year goal of how we’re going to do it. I’m really proud of us. The business requires a lot and we are up for the challenge,” she said.

Kristi the Coach

Kristi L. Jackson, MBA. is White House Recognized Innovator & Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker, and Publisher. Global Business Strategist. Founder of Women CEO Project

She coaches service professionals on crafting profitable business development initiatives, a focused sales strategy and a results-orientated online marketing plan.

She has worked with, and impacted, OVER 300,000 entrepreneurs globally through Women CEO Project’s conferences, digital products, her books, private and group coaching, and her my 30-city global tour.

Congratulations Kristi! Keep setting the bar high!

In Inspiration April 22, 2023 By Women of Rubies

How Jackee Kasandy Is Helping Black Entrepreneurs In Canada Access Grants

Jackee Kasandy is the founder of the Black Entrepreneurs and Businesses Society of Canada. A black-led organization, representing Black businesses in providing a unified platform for advocating and supporting Black entrepreneurs and businesses in Canada. In addition to advocacy, her organization also facilitate access to financing (Federal, Provincial, and Local), access to social procurement and certification, as well as provide advisory and mentorship services to our members.

Meet Jackee Kasandy

Jackee has over 13 years in the corporate world as a marketing executive. First in Advertising agencies for 5 years in Toronto and then on client side here in BC for 7 years – BCLC, BC Ferries where she launched their marketing division including their successful BC Ferries vacations brand, and finally at WorkSafeBC before she started her own successful business to make a difference.

Jackee has managed large projects, multi-million dollar budgets and large teams. With both her corporate and business experience, she brings expertise and experience to the society and the programs.

Black Entrepreneurs and Businesses Society of Canada

As a business hub, BEBC support and have touch points with 2000+ Black businesses in Canada by providing access to resources and supports available for BEBs (Black Entrepreneurs and Businesses), ensuring every BEB has easy, quick, and clear access to what they need to keep their businesses sustainable.

BEBC also coordinate collective access to professional services needed for operational support.

Jackee’s Business

Jackee is the Owner of Kasandy Inc. | Locally Global, a fair trade store in downtown Vancouver that offers high-quality handmade products from different parts of the world.

Jackee realized that she loved fashion, she took pride in introducing people to wonderful, ethical goods and she had a wealth of knowledge about business. So she opened Kasandy Inc. to provide a platform for underemployed artists to share their work.

We celebrate you, Jackee.

In Entertainment April 22, 2023 By Women of Rubies

Aunty Esther’s Twitter Trend of Shame to Fame

In today’s world, social media has become a powerful tool for small business owners to promote their products and services. However, not everyone has the know-how to make the most of it. In this blog post, we’ll look closer at Aunty Esther’s Twitter Trend, the humiliation she received, and how it has pushed her into the limelight of blessings.

Who is Aunty Esther?

Mensah Esther Omolola, popularly known as Aunty Esther, is a shopper who goes to the market to get food and other household necessities for people who have no time for the market or do not like going to the market. She buys and sells foodstuffs from Mile 12 Lagos or other prominent markets and sends them to any location of her client’s choice. Her unique approach to marketing and sales has earned her thousands of followers and customers, as well as a fair share of criticism. Especially one from a particular influencer which has, in turn, moved her from grass to Grace.

She started the personal shopping business when she quit her job because of a deficit in salary. Before that, she had tried several failed companies until she thought of being a personal shopper. Thanks to social media, it started as something minor and has grown big.

Aunty Esther is always known to advertise her business under tweets with lots of engagement. It doesn’t matter what the tweet is about; she only posts pictures of her business and never gives any negative comments under any tweets. She is known to be a hardworking, resilient, and humble woman. One will describe her as the perfect example of a woman who sees dignity in labor. But as you all know, even while doing good, certain people find fault in it.

Aunty Esther’s Twitter Trend

It all started when a famous Twitter influencer, popularly known as B.G.M, made a tweet, and Aunty Esther, as usual, advertised her business. The Twitter influencer humiliated her for some unknown reason, claiming she threw insults at her before posting about her business. Aunty Esther was publicly shamed by a prominent influencer who not only called her out for cursing her but also called her names and urged her to stop promoting her business beneath her tweets in the future. It sparked so many waves that it trended on Twitter for weeks.

How the Humilation Turned to Blessing

No one was buying her excuse for the tweet, prompting people to defend Aunty Esther while shaming B.G.M. Not only did this singular act boost Aunty Esther’s fame, but it also helped expand her business. She received help from several people in kind and cash. Some even promised her a monthly salary till the end of 2023, a relaxation vacation package, and gained clients from A-list celebrities. She has used her newfound fame to promote her business further. Her story is the perfect definition of moving from grass to Grace.

Aunty Esther’s Twitter trend became widespread news, a learning guide for the young and old. What the enemy meant for evil, God miraculously turned around for her good. It is true what they say, “When it is time for you to shine, no man can be a stumbling block.” it was time for Aunty Esther to shine; she did in-ground style.

Women of Rubies