Blog - Page 150 of 462 - Women of Rubies

In self development May 2, 2020 By Esther Ijewere

Temi Olajide’s “Wifi Kids And Analog Parents” book Is a Must Have This Season

The global pandemic has changed almost everything in the world, from working, parenting, friendships and even relationships. Parents who had little time with their kids, are now full-time, round the clock parents.

Screen-time and playtime have increased and many parents are finding it hard to strike a balance between home-schooling and working-from-home life . Temi Olajide’s timely fast selling book; “Wifi kids and analog parent” is the solution to that dilemma.

A must have parent-kid book that addresses the changes in the dynamics of parenting in this age, and how to handle those changes. It provides the much-needed guide for raising children in the digital age. It is so all-encompassing and it highlights the pros and cons of the digital age, sex education for kids, understanding and communicating with children in the digital age, constructing boundaries, among other salient issues bordering on parenting in the digital age. We need to understand what our digital children really require us to allow them to thrive and navigate successfully in this age

According to Temi; “Wifi Kids and Analog parents” helps you adapt quickly to the new trend of the world , and give you clarity on how to balance your work time with your parenting duty, It is a book for all season but most importantly this new phase of uncertainty the world is experiencing.

Click here to order your copy, or buy for friends who need it https://paystack.com/pay/wifikidsanalogueparents

You can also order via her Instagram page Here

About Temi

She is a Certified Child Sleep / Potty Training Consultant and Child Psychologist. Temi is Nigeria’s first certified child sleep consultant, Founder and Lead Strategist at Mummyclinic Global Services, founded in December 2017. Her organisation hosts an online platform that provides strategies and result-driven solutions to the challenges of child-rearing.

In Editor's Choice May 2, 2020 By Esther Ijewere

I wish people will look at me with admiration, not pity,when I Introduce myself as a Teacher- Aramide Akintimehin

Education is improving the lives of others and leaving your world or community better than you found it. This is one of the major roles Teachers play, they affect eternity, and no one can determine where their influence stops. With the Global pandemic, Parents are beginning to see the value of these wonderful humans who not only teach our kids but influence them to be better.

Aramide Akintimehin is one of such souls, she is adding colour to the world by dedicating her life and time to teach primary school pupils.

She earns a living as a primary school teacher while running a free out-of-school children Initiative called; Talent Mine Academy. A journey she embarked on because of the poor quality of education in public schools.

In the course of imparting knowledge in children, Aramide also said she learns from them, and it has become a two-way learning curve.

The first-class degree holder in Economics is very passionate about her chosen career path, she shares her inspiring journey and the effect of Covid19 on Teachers and students in this mind blowing interview.

Childhood Preparation

Growing up as a child, I really loved to teach. I remember running home every day after school to arrange 7up bottles in my house like a classroom and I would literally start to teach them what my teacher had taught me in school for the day. At some points, I would arrange them for presentations and begin to sing and dance with them. As I progressed to secondary school and even higher institution, I explained difficult concepts to my classmates and even took mini-tutorials on Sundays, It has always been my dream to teach since I was 6 years old.

Being a Primary School Teacher

Fabulous! I am doing what I love and the level of joy and fulfillment I get from seeing my kids grow into responsible champs keeps me motivated always.

Talent Mine Academy

As a teacher, I went out of school one day during the break period and on my way out, I noticed some kids roaming the streets during school hours. I called two of them and we had a conversation because I really wanted to know why they weren’t in school at that time. They both stated that their parents did not have enough money to send them to school. This bothered me much because education has played a major role in my life and I see no reason why a child should be denied this life-changing experience.

This is the major reason why I started a free academy where out-of-school children and kids cannot afford quality education are equipped with basic literacy, numeracy, and digital skills. Also, we empower their parents economically with vocational and entrepreneurial skills so that they can sustain their families. We currently have 26 kids and I would with 20 amazing volunteers, and we hope to be established in 7 communities; impacting over 3000 kids by 2024.

Appreciation of Young Female Teachers in the Society

Hmmm! One day, I hope that when I introduce myself as a teacher, people will look at me with admiration and not with pity or as a failure.

The effect of Covid-19 on the educational sector and the role of Parents

I advise that this period, parents should rather impact their kids with the basic life skills they need to thrive in life. They should teach their kids simple courtesy, computer skills and so on. They should work on improving their thinking skills, creativity level, problem-solving skills and most importantly, they should leverage on this period to spend quality time and build a solid relationship with their kids.

Post Covid19 effect on Student

The severity of the school closure will affect kids in low-income communities the most because of the interrupted learning system and high economic costs of living they are currently facing. I’ve spoken to some of my kids during this period and they’ve stated how hard things are as their parents do not work anymore.

The lack of access to the internet and technological devices will prevent these kids from learning at the comfort of their homes like the privileged kids are doing at the moment. The closure can also influence the behavioral patterns of the kids as most of them are not exposed to the relatives and family members that constantly abuse them and influence them negatively. I can just imagine how Aliyat (one of my kids who her brother constantly calls a dullard) will feel about herself and academics when she resumes. Will that kind of child be open to the belief that she can solve difficult concepts with that mindset block?

Asides from the interruption in learning, these kids are also deprived of the growth and development in terms of social skills that they derive from being present in a school environment. Parents can never replace teachers in this case as they do not have the knowledge and expertise to be a competent teacher for their kids as they might not know the learning needs of the child.

However, being deprived of all these development factors the school offers, the students will be affected one way or the other after the resumption of schools.

Challenges as a Teacher & Social Entrepreneur

I see challenges as opportunities and learning curves so, at the moment, I really cannot recall any challenge I am currently facing in my work.

Other projects and activities

My next project is to provide Post-Covid-19 support to the parents and kids of Talent Mine Academy. We hope to restock their food items after this pandemic is over because, after the lockdown, they might not have any food items left as most of them had to stop working and might not have any money after the lockdown. I would have to fundraise to do this but I believe it is worth it because the initiative will support their families pending the period they recover fully from the economic impact of the pandemic.

To the Government and Education System

The Covid-19 didn’t affect the education system in some countries and even some schools right here in Nigeria were not too affected because they already had a pre-existing system/structure they could fall back to- technology. Before now, they had already leveraged technology to aid learning and support remote learning, so this was not really a big issue for them. However, there are currently no low-cost schools or public schools that are running at the moment because there is no system or structure to fall on during this period. I believe that all schools including public schools should focus on embracing technology and creating a system where remote learning can take place easily.

Technology is the future of education and the best part is that education is actually the future of any country. The education system should introduce more learning models to build the resilience of the education system against times like this. I believe that this cannot happen without the government investing more in the education system as against the less than 26 percent allotted to the sector.

Being a Woman of Rubies

Sometime last year, I studied the Rubies and I noticed that people pay millions of dollars just to acquire what looks enticing outside but they do not know the content inside that gemstone. The bible describes a Proverbs 31 woman as one worth more than rubies because she is virtuous and capable.

Being virtuous is an inner quality. The dictionary puts it as one who has high standards, character or values.

However, being capable is an external quality which means that you have the ability to do something. You have various skill sets and abilities. If you agree with me, one cannot have a skill set or know how to do something without learning it and you must be willing to learn something before you can actually devote time and resources to learning it. So when you find someone that is capable— one that knows how to do a lot of things (making hair, sewing, cooking, makeup and so on), that person has taken time to learn because he/she is willing. So it is willingness to learn that makes one capable.

The combination of being virtuous (inner glow) and capable (outer glow) is what makes me have more worth than rubies. I believe that I am a woman of so much character, values and standards and I am worth much more than my external view. I would rather glow from the inside out because, beyond beauty and appearance, good character truly makes you attractive. Though I am not perfect, my commitment to learn and be better at being me daily is beyond words and I am grateful to God for that spirit.

3 women who inspire me to be better

Funmilola Oluwalade

Ibukun Awosika

Grace Amoka

To young women who want to become Teachers

The only thing I have to say is that “Until the day you care less about money and the opinions/actions of people, you will never live the life God has called you to live”. You are really self-sabotaging yourself and the destinies tied to you. Become fearless and soar— The education sector needs you and trust me, it is a worthy profession. Now and always!

In Inspiration May 1, 2020 By Women of Rubies

How a Brain condition made ashley become an entrepreneur

Today Ashlyn Sanders is an entrepreneur, the founder of a medtech company called NeuroVice, which is in the final stages of clinical development, a medical device to help people who suffer from seizures.But just a few years ago she was a grad student planning to go to medical school—when a medical crisis of her own sent her down a new path.

“I started graduate school back in 2014, and a few weeks into the program, I was diagnosed with a Chiari malformation. I was rushed into emergency brain surgery that night, and spent quite a bit of time in the hospital and then at home recovering,” she says.

Not only did Sanders spend weeks in the ICU, and have to walk with a walker for the rest of the year, but she also started to have seizures after her brain surgery.

So after getting her graduate degree, she put her original plan on hold to develop the device—named PATI (protector against tongue injury)—that could help the 3.4 million Americans living with epilepsy plus the many others who may experience seizures related to traumatic brain injuries, brain tumors, strokes, and other conditions.

“I didn’t think that I would ever become an entrepreneur,” she says, “and then a life experience happened that motivated me to solve a problem for other people.”

Sanders’ experience makes her uniquely qualified to design the product: “PATI is by a patient and for a patient. It’s something I believe a patient would have to start. My patient experience has really been critical in terms of understanding the diagnosis and how it impacts people’s lives.”

“Typically, physicians are concerned with how do we minimize your future episodes or how do we minimize your risk of falling,” she says. “But oral health is important if you live with these episodes day after day, and every time you seize there’s a possibility of potentially lacerating your tongue or injuring yourself orally.”

The device is currently in Phase 2 (of 3) of commercial development. By the end of this year, Sanders is expecting to have an initial patent issuance and to file FDA clearance paperwork. The product should be on the market by the end of next year or the beginning of 2022.

No Money, Mo’ Problems for Black Founders

Despite the product’s potential, Sanders has had a tough time when it comes to fundraising.

“When I first started the company I was a little naive to the path of resistance that occurs being an entrepreneur, especially one of color,” she says. “It’s horrifying that we are the group that has the fastest-growing number of startups but yet we’re the least funded.”

Sanders initially tried to raise money through grants and pitch competitions. She always got positive feedback, but never got any actual money.

“I remember being told that I would never raise a seed round because my startup wasn’t as competitive as others and that it had nothing to do with the fact that I was a woman or I was an African American,” she says.

“But the more I faced that resistance, the more I started to understand the landscape and how difficult it is for us.”

So Sanders began pursuing funding that was designated for minority entrepreneurs, becoming a finalist in the New Voices competition and raising an angel investment through Pipeline Angels.

It was retired NBA legend Charles Barkley, however, that gave the company the financial assist it needed.

“I saw him on Shark Tank. He was a guest shark and I remember him saying something to the effect of he’s interested in investing in entrepreneurs of color, or people who are in the life science or tech space. So, kind of on a whim, I wrote him a letter. I told him about my background, I told him about the traction we’ve gained, and I told him what I needed—which was a pretty significant investment to get this product to market,” Sanders says.

“It took I would say 6 months or so to hear back. I got an email from one of his representatives, inviting me down to pitch to not only him but his financial adviser, two physicians that were in the neurology space, and a trusted adviser of his,” she continues. “A few months later I got the call that he would invest, and I was completely ecstatic but also emotional. I’m so grateful for him to believe in me and the product’s potential.”

Black Girl Unicorn

Unlike many entrepreneurs, Sanders has an exit strategy already planned—before her product has even come to market.

“It just wouldn’t be a wise business decision to go and scale a one-product company that would require millions of dollars in the manufacturing infrastructure and the marketing infrastructure. It just doesn’t make sense,” she says.

So she has a list of about 30 potential companies she will be approaching about acquiring NeuroVice or licensing the product.

“A lot of companies, at least in the medtech space, are looking for unique innovations that have been de-risked through development, through FDA clearance. All of those things, in addition to a human factors study with real patients, will position us to say, ‘We’ve done all the initial legwork, all you have to do is commercialize this product at scale and put it on the market.’”

The device would represent a literal disruption of the industry: current seizure safety guidelines advise not to put anything in a patient’s mouth while seizing.

That is a risk Sanders is confident the company will overcome: “Changing the way we think about symptom management and empowering consumers to take control of their own healthcare is a really hard task, but it can be done with the right person at the helm and the right product.”

Her projections are also based on the unmet need in the market—there are around 12 million seizure-related 911 calls a year in the U.S. and 1.4 million emergency room visits—and other factors such as the lack of direct competition.

“I’m really excited about the multiple revenue stream indications,” Sanders says. “It’s going to be a consumer technology, an intervention for first responders, and an inpatient clinical intervention. The revenue potential is immense, not only in the domestic market but worldwide.”

And Sanders predicts that that revenue potential will translate to a huge valuation when she sells the company.

“I believe that I will be one of the first African American females to exit the company at a billion dollars or more. And I want to be that unicorn.”

Source: Black Enterprise

In Inspiration May 1, 2020 By Women of Rubies

#RubyGirls| “I took advantage of a strike action in my school to start up my business” – Temitayo Johnson-Laleye

Temitayo Johnson-Laleye is a final year student of Sociology at the University of Ibadan. She is the founder and lead creative director of TJL Signature, a 21st century bizzare fashion brand.

TJL Signature focuses on creating bags and jewellery from everyday materials and upscaling them to irresistible accessories.

Her Instagram handles are: @temitayojohnsonlaleye
@tjl.signature

tjlsignature.business.site
Website

+234 909 959 0391
Contact number

1. Let’s meet you. Who is Temitayo?

I’m a final year student of Sociology at the University of Ibadan. I’m the Founder and Lead Creative Director of TJL Signature, a 21st century bizzare fashion brand.

2. What are your hobbies?

I love trying out new things. Finding different uses for basic materials. I enjoy watching movies and reading sometimes. Discussions with people, to understand their views on topics I’m interested in also make me excited.

3. Can you tell us about TJL Signature?

TJL Signature is the confidence and attraction that we offer youths who desire to stand out in the Fashion accessories they select. We focus on creating bags and jewelry from everyday materials and upscale them to irresistible accessories.

4. Who exactly are your target customers?

Students between 15 and 25

5. When did TJL signature come into existence? What motivated you to venture into it?

TJL Signature started, June 2017. There was a strike action in my school and it got me thinking about what existing business gaps I could identify. I found that the bag making industry then lacked spice and promptness. So we introduced both to the market and they grabbed our products with open arms.

6. What keeps you up at night?

Thoughts on how to progress.

7. You are the Creative Director of TJL signature. What working experience can you share as regards that? Any major challenge?

It’s been an interesting ride. The major challenge has been balancing the brand with school. However, against all odds, we’re excelling.

8. You seem to be passionate about fashion. What other creative fashion business ideas do you have and may want to venture into in the nearest future?

It’s all about fashion accessories for me. The mainstream fashion industry is saturated. However, trainings are currently in the works and expansion is in view.

9. If given the chance to be the President of Nigeria for a day, what will you change?

I will increase import duties.

10. How do you juggle your academics with fashion business?

I have ad hoc staff who keep working when I’m busy.

11. Mention 3 women who inspire you and why?

Ife Durosinmi-Etti – She’s a burst of energy who would stop at nothing to empower other women.

Mofoluwaso Ilevbare – She’s a humble woman who is unstoppable in her career-family-social life balance.

Adekunbi Adeoye – Founder of Sesewa who has given herself to helping young female students gain equal representation in their careers. She helps us achieve our professional dreams.

12. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I see myself as an international youth ambassador for Entrepreneurship and empowerment.

13. If you were given the opportunity to address a group of girls five years younger than you, what will be your advice to them?

I would tell them to fade out society’s voice and thrive to be the women they aspire to because they can.

In Inspiration April 30, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Coronavirus updates: Nigeria

Nigeria Covid-19 update: 19:30 WAT as at Wednesday 29 April (20:30 CEST),

According to the latest figures published by Johns Hopkins University, 3,170,335 cases have been detected worldwide, with 224,708 deaths and 957,568 people now recovering.

In Nigeria: 1,532 cases / 44 deaths

Currently, South Africa records highest in Africa with: 4,996 cases / 93 deaths, Ghana: 1,671 cases / 16 deaths, and Kenya: 384 cases / 14 deaths

Nigeria will ease new coronavirus lockdowns in three key states over a six-week period from 4 May, the head of the country’s task force on the disease said on Wednesday.

The easing of lockdowns in Lagos, Abuja and Ogun will be split into two-week phases, said Boss Mustapha, the chairman of Nigeria’s presidential task force for Covid-19.

In Inspiration April 30, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Naomi Campell wouldnt leave her house without praying and having a shower

Iconic model, Naomi Campbell has revealed what her daily schedule looks like. She has a style of her own, and would only do what suits her when it comes to food and hygiene. She would not leave the house without praying and showering.

In a recent Instagram Live, the iconic model said,

“That’s just an automatic. Get up. Hit the floor. Pray,”

Telling the Love Magazine editor Camilla Lowther during the live, she added, “I can’t leave the house without showering. [There’s] lots of things that I … can’t leave the house without — when I can leave the house.”

‘Perfume is so important.’ The model, discussed her daily routine during her No Filter with Naomi episode with Serena and Venus Williams.

This comes just days after the supermodel revealed she ‘only really eats once a day’.

‘I eat my lunch. Lunch is my dinner, because I really only eat once a day.’

She turns 50 next month.

In Inspiration April 29, 2020 By Women of Rubies

#WCW | Celebrating Peace Hyde

Hello WORriors, it’s our #WomanCrushWednessday, and our Woman Crush is Peace Hyde!

Peace Hyde is a British Ghanaian education activist, media entrepreneur and motivational speaker. She is the founder of Aim Higher Africa, a non-profit organization. She is also the Head of digital media and partnerships and West African correspondent for leading business magazine Forbes Africa.

Hyde was born and raised in London, where she lived until 2015, before she relocated to Ghana. During her early years in London, she briefly practiced as a child psychologist before embarking on a career as a science teacher specializing in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

A first class graduate of psychology from Middlesex University she found the time to acquire two masters, an MA in Communication and digital media and Masters in Journalism from the London school of Journalism.

In 2018, she was shortlisted among 200 leaders as part of the Obama Foundation Africa Leaders program and in 2019, was awarded the African Social Impact award at the House of Parliament, House of Commons in the UK.

The Africa most celebrated TV personality is recognized for her talent and skill in broadcasting which has enabled her to work with top brands like EIB, Forbes and others.

Recently, she won the Africa Achievers award, as well as Obama Foundation Leaders Africa Fellowship.

She reportedly came into the media limelight in 2013, and at her age, has continued to shine in making her work recognized in Ghana, Africa and the world at large.

Women of Rubies Celebrates you, Peace Hyde!

In Inspiration April 29, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Tonto Dikeh Unveils New Cooking and Talk Show

Something quite new from what we’ve known her for, Tonto Dikeh has announced that she’s launching a unique culinary and entertainment show soon, and it is titled “Grub & Rub with King Tonto“.

And more to it– The show will be featuring celebrities, discussing life, relationship, politics, religion while eating.

She shared the news on Instagram she wrote:

You all know that I am way to good a foody.. so, I decided to start am a new YouTube show, . J show promises to be mouth watering, exciting and Fun in all the different ways… I want you to see what I see. .
So, The Purpose of this show, is to be a flag bearer to the culinary world in Africa and offshore.
It will be a way to promote different culinary business around the world and also bring you different Food culture ,also make it easy for you to know where Good food are been sold in any part of the world you travel to.

It won’t be just an eating show but we would also we discussing about life, relationship, politics , religion etc mildly while eating…

With a lot of drama
.
As a huge Foodie I have decided to bring food and entertainment together .
.
Guys it’s going to be the best show online I promise you..
.
The Name of My new show is GRUB & RUB WITH KING TONTO.

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In #TheMansPointofview April 29, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Best work from home advice, You need to know from Linkedn Ceo

The system of work is changing right before our eyes. And all these is happening because of Covid-19. Getting advice from LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner with his large insight of how the world of work is, would be just great.

He believes in taking time out in the midst of a large working schedule, what he calls -Buffer time, a time that allow you to catch up on the industry news, take a walk, or simply to think.

He puts it like this:

1. Schedule it.

Working from home, especially if you have kids, can be filled with distraction.

Well, for that to work, you also have to …

2. Keep everyone busy.

Your little kid doesn’t care about your schedule. So make sure to give them something to do: a fun activity, or even a cartoon to watch– so they won’t be coming to you every two minutes.

You can try taking advantage of your child’s nap time. No matter what, make sure to have a hard stop that allows you at least an extra 15 minutes for yourself before you need to check back on the kids or move on to the next task.

3. Know what you want to do.

Somethimes when its your scheduled buffer time, you may get tempted to fill it in with another meeting that’s sprung up, or an extra task that you forgot about.

Don’t do it.

“The most important reason to schedule buffers is to just catch your breath,” wrote Weiner once in a LinkedIn blog post. “There is no faster way to feel as though your day is not your own, and that you are no longer in control, than scheduling meetings back to back from the minute you arrive at the office until the moment you leave. I’ve felt the effects of this and seen it with colleagues. Not only is it not fun to feel this way, it’s not sustainable.”

When you realy know what you want to use your buffer time for, you can get into it right away. Remember, your buffer time is your time. It may be a quick walk around the block, or it may simply be sitting and enjoying the silence.

“Whatever you do,” says Weiner, “just make sure you make that time for yourself–everyday and in a systematic way–and don’t leave unscheduled moments to chance.”

Ofcourse, we know there will always be more to do. But if you understand how important those buffer time moments are for your sanity and mental health, you’ll respect them.

“Whatever you do,” says Weiner, “just make sure you make that time for yourself–everyday and in a systematic way–and don’t leave unscheduled moments to chance.”

In Inspiration April 28, 2020 By Women of Rubies

COVID-19: Seyi Shay reveals her concerns

The pandemic has left many casualties since it broke out last December in Wuhan, China. Economies, social lives, human lives, have been Affected as things aren’t practically how they used to be. Every sector has been touched, politicians, entertainers, health specialist, schools, and lots more have had to bare the effects

Music artiste, Seyi Shay, has revealed how the pandemic has affected her privately

The singer whose real names Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua, said “I don’t even want to talk about how much money I have lost because of this global lockdown. Shows, endorsement deals and all. I pray Almighty restores everything that my fellow artistes and you have lost,” she says on her Twitter handle.

Seyi Shay is known for songs like Yolo Yolo, Gimme Love, Right Now, Koma Roll and many others.