When we’re young, many of us have an idealized image of what our future relationships will be like. We hope and imagine meeting the perfect person, getting on with them flawlessly, having plenty of things in common, and never finding anything to annoy or irritate us, with no arguments or disputes of any kind.
However, after growing up and getting into their first romantic relationships, many people realize that these idealized images are little more than fairy tales. Every couple argues. It’s a natural part of the process of sharing so much of your life with another person; every now and then, you’re going to find things that you don’t agree on or just wake up on the wrong side of the bed and need a little ‘me time’.
But while every other will argue sometimes, it’s important to not let arguments and quarrels become a regular part of your romantic routine. Arguments can get worse as they start to occur more frequently, and it’s important to note that domestic violence isn’t just limited to physical assault; mental and emotional distress caused by one partner to another can be very damaging in the long-term too, so if you’re worried about excessive arguments with your partner, here are some key tips.
Communicate Calmly
One of the first and most important tips to keep in mind when it comes to avoiding nasty arguments or defusing disputes before they turn bad is to try and make your communication as calm and clear as possible.
This means that you should avoid raising your voice, yelling, calling names, or resorting to any other bad habits you may have that don’t actually contribute to any kind of positive outcome or conclusion for you and your partner. Talking calmly and at a reasonable volume can instantly make a big difference.
Listen, Don’t Just Hear
People often argue because they have something they’re unhappy about and want their partner to know about it, but may feel that they aren’t being truly listened to. This is why it’s so important to actually listen to what your partner is saying, rather than simply hearing the words and failing to properly process them.
Too often, people in arguments focus purely on reacting to the last thing the other person said, trying to catch them out or prove them wrong, rather than actually listening, putting themselves in that person’s position, and truly understanding why they’re so upset. Working on your empathy can really help you resolve arguments much faster and help your relationship become healthier too.
Take a Breather
There are many different things you and your partner might argue about. It could be money, which is reportedly one of the most common subjects of dispute and disagreement among couples, or it could be something totally different like your sex life, work-life balance, family matters, etc.
Whatever it is you’re arguing about, don’t be afraid to call for a time out if you feel you need it. This can be a good strategy for many people, especially those who have trouble keeping their tempers under control. Taking a breather and letting yourself cool off could majorly help you avoid saying something you might regret.
Take Action
Don’t look at an argument as a battle between you and your partner. Don’t see it as something with a winner and a loser or a simple opportunity for one or both of you to yell things at each other. See it as an opportunity. An argument is a sign that something is wrong, but it’s also a sign that at least one of you wants to fix it.
This ties into the previous point about listening; really take the time to focus on what has caused your argument and what you can do to make it better. Taking this constructive, positive approach to disputes can help you and your partner turn a negative experience into something positive that really benefits the pair of you as you move forward as a couple, rather than repeating the argument over and over.
Final Word
As stated several times above, it’s important to acknowledge and accept that arguments are more or less inevitable. Some couples have more of them than others, and some can argue about the tiniest of matters while others only quarrel over serious subjects. But in any case, when arguments happen, having the right attitude and approach can help you negotiate them more carefully, reducing the risk of any emotional damage on either side and helping you and your partner build something stronger.
Bad money habits are kind of hard to break. We do them over and over without even realizing it.
We all want to be rich. I mean, who doesn’t? But it’s one thing to fantasize about the many things you can do with a big paycheck and it’s another thing to muster the discipline you need to make it a reality. If you have bad money habits, you’ll get into a lot of financial trouble.
For so long, I had no clear plan for my financial journey. All I knew was there was money and it had to be spent.
Are you having issues saving? Do you feel like it’s a load of work putting some money down for the future? Well, I’ve got a couple of tips that can help you.
Here are 4 bad money habits you need to quit this minute if you want to become more financially independent:
Procrastination
This is personal for me. I put off starting an investment plan for a later time. And I just kept pushing it farther. Not that I was super busy or anything, just plain laziness and a lack of self-discipline on my part.
It wasn’t until I told myself the hard truth: that I can either continue pushing it later or just do it now and get organized. I realized that time was running out and that I had no clear financial goals.
The Fix
No one is coming to do it for you so you better get on with it. If you keep procrastinating, you’ll end up broke with lots of debts.
Impulse Purchasing/Buying
We’ve all been here. That urge to buy something. We give ourselves all the reasons why we need to have it. Impulse buying is all in the name. You see a bag and immediately want to buy it. You don’t even stop to consider the cost or whether you actually need it. You buy it before you stop to think whether you need it or can afford it.
The Fix
You need to first recognize this is a problem and keep track. Before you find yourself reaching for that candy or new pair of shoes, ask yourself if you have the resources and if you really need it. Don’t be in a rush; be certain you need it before you do.
Not Budgeting
A lot of people live on more than they make. If you don’t have a monthly budget, your money will disappear and you won’t know where it went.
A budget allows you to see how much money you’re bringing in and where it’s all going. It enables you to make changes that help you save more money and avoid going into the red each month.
Pro-tip
It doesn’t have to be a big chore. It can start with only carrying a small amount of cash with you each day. You can also sign up with a money-saving app that automatically tracks your spending for you. Here’s an easy budget template for you.
Love of Convenience
Once a while, it’s okay to make a convenience purchase. These are purchases that are routine and take little thought when being bought. However, if you find yourself regularly making convenience purchases, it’ll cost you.
Pro-tip
You can start by cooking instead of buying fast food every day. Make a regular weekend event of preparing a dish that can be separated into freezer containers for future use.
You can also stop getting that expensive breakfast on your way to work every morning and rather get up 5 minutes earlier to prepare something. I know waking up early might be hard for me so, I cook when I come home. At least I know lunch for the next day is sorted out.
So, there you have it, 4 bad money habits that are keeping you from attaining financial independence. Which of them are you guilty of?
Parenting has no module but there are significant signs that you as a parent ignore or overlook but it only makes you a toxic parent.
Building a healthy relationship with your child is as important and sending them to acquire formal education. To some parents they call strict discipline but in the actual sense they are creating an invisible dangerous wall between them and their kid(s)
Kids tend to confide in someone who show them love, listen to them without judging and allows them express their feelings and thought. As a parent if your child gets all these from a stranger, then you really need to re-evaluate their stances.
Knowing the level of menace and harm going on in today’s society, parents should try to build that trust and earn their confidence that way they will be the first to hear and know if there be any form of threat or danger to their wellbeing.
Also your relationship with your child should be one in which they can have access to discussing all which includes their academics or even social life. Make them understand your principles but still be that friend that they can depend on always
2. Your absence is irrelevant
It is a known fact that kids want to be around those who they see always and gives them that attention they crave for. To kids communication means alot and thanks to technology that has bridged the gap so parents who are far should take advantage of this. Your opinion of them understanding your tight schedule may not be totally acceptable to them.
3. Comparing them with others
Every child is unique and no child is the same. Parents who use abusive words or deteriorating words produce kids with low self esteem. Every child has his own potentials and should be allowed to manifest with proper guidance and not forced into competing with his mate. Help build their self confidence and encourage them in both their win and loss. Celebrate their efforts and never limit their dreams and aspiration.
4.Limiting them to a particular ideology
Train a child in a way that when he grows he should be able to differentiate good from bad. He should be allowed to make certain decisions without re straying him as long as it brings no harm to him. Enforcing any form of especially when they are of age to make choices makes you a toxic parent. Allow them express their freedom of choice and when they make mistake, correct them in love without talking down their self confidence.
And finally be a role model to your child. It makes the work easier and they directly and directly pick up certain traits that shapes their being. Match your words with godly character and see the beauty in parenting. Also never forget that no child is the same with the other and every child is special in his ways.
Christianna Hurt is the Founder of Wealthy College Kid; an academy school that teaches men and women how to make 6-7 figures monthly; currently has over 50,000 students enrolled in digital courses and grossing $11M; a social media influencer and the face of the eight-figure brand, The Boss palace doing $10.4M in 2020.
That’s not all. She was inducted into the Forbes Next 1000 class and endorsed by Forbes Under 30.
Meet Christianna Hurt
Christianna Hurt; a Florida native, who is revolutionizing the digital marketing space one step at a time. “I knew I’d always make some type of large income, I just didn’t know in what way exactly. But I always pictured being able to go places and explore freely,” she says when asked if she envisioned being this successful at a young age.
The Journey So Far
Let’s rewind. Hurt’s journey was not always smooth. She started off on a rocky path after being fired from several jobs in 2016 and her boyfriend at the time convincing her to sign a lease she couldn’t afford.
This desperate situation forced her to turn to affiliate marketing and introduced her to the world of e-commerce leading her to start WealthyCollegeKid. “I decided to start this because of the gap in the market. No one looked like me, no one was similar to me, and I felt like people weren’t trying to help people pay bills.
At the end of the day, people just honestly want to make ends meet or get their feet back under them. So, I created exactly what I needed as a newbie online looking for a way to pay my rent,” she says.
This hustler mentality and sheer resilience have contributed extensively to Hurt’s success and now, she is able to share insider tips on how to build a successful e-commerce business.
She says: “With e-commerce, you want to have a GREAT, not good product or sell everyday things that no one cares about where it came from or who’s it’s made by. You pick a side of the fence, stick to it, make it profitable and scale up.”
Booming E-commerce business
As the e-commerce industry continues to boom, it is expected that the market will become increasingly saturated. You may wonder what it takes to stand out and build an engaged online community. “As far as building a loyal customer base, you just have to make creative content and get as many eyes on it and that’s easy when you are selling something great. And a great product is one that solves a problem for others and runs out like a candle that burns out, and forces a customer to repurchase it,” she says.
It seems everything Hurt touches turns to gold as she has been able to replicate her success with WealthyCollegeKid to build her personal brand as a travel influencer.
Work-Life Balance
You may wonder how she manages to do it all. Hurt is quick to credit her great team and staff that help with posting and responding to emails and comments on social media. Her job she says is: “just to create as much as I can.”
She is also quick to emphasize that although her work requires her to be online most of the time, she places great importance on her personal life and has found peace with logging off sometimes and not being online.
Hurt recalls one of those personal moments: “I had a miscarriage that resulted in a c-section which changed my life forever quite honestly. I needed to put my negativity and pain into something more positive so I created just kidding kids Streetwear for infants and toddlers it means the world to me and it’s my pride and joy honestly,” she says. From this pain was birthed a children’s clothing brand which she started in 2018.
Flipping The Script
In essence, this sums up Hurt’s journey to date – making lemons from lemonade. Through every curveball life has thrown her way, she has channelled it for the greater good. Reflecting on her success, she says: “Honestly, I feel like I’m just another girl who made a ” you made your bed lie in it ” mistake like so many others, but I bounced back from it and made it something I can be proud of. This is what so many other young women can relate to.”
Chasing Her Dreams
With visiting almost 40 countries in 2 years and a consistent business model, I’m quick to ask what the future holds for this WARRIOR . “Just having a baby and being happy in my little family truthfully,” she says.
Hurt wants to let young women know that similar success is possible for them. She affirms: “Find your lane and double down on it. Don’t let social media make you try to invest or do a million different things. Lock into what works for you and don’t take your foot off the gas.”
To find out more about Christianna Hurt, check out her Instagram page and the Wealthycollegekid on YouTube and Instagram.
Eleora Ogundare was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at birth and finally got treatment when she was eight years old.
During the course of treatments and chemotherapy for the red blood cell disorder, her hair started falling out.
“My hair was my confidence because the kids I was around, they had like the long, nice long hair,” Eleora told Cbc news , she then decided with her mum to cut her hair and make the change quick, hoping kids in school wouldn’t make comments.
“I felt, like, naked almost because, the thing that was like giving me confidence, I didn’t have it anymore. I had to cut it all off.”
Eleora is now a healthy 15-year-old, but instead of closing that chapter of her life, she decided to help others facing a similar challenge with their hair — and their sense of identity.
Owning Her Identity
While Eleora was battling for her health, her mum was trying to find solutions for her young daughter’s hair, and with it, her sense of self.
“The struggle for them is identity, you know, trying to understand why their hair is not as silky as the next person in her class,” said Eugenia Ogundare, Eleora’s mother, who says hair for a Black women is “her crown.”
“But then having to lose that hair was a whole different ball game altogether.”
Eugenia says during months of treatments, they spent time trying out different oils, butters, and creams, eventually determining their own formula and using it to launch a line of products geared toward Black hair types.
“One of the problems Black women actually face would be the edges, so that’s the first thing we get, that, ‘Oh, it actually works for my edges’,” said Eugenia, who has received plenty of positive feedback about the products she and her daughter work together on.
“And then we get the mothers who say, ‘Oh, my daughter’s hair was hard to manage. It’s more manageable [now]’.”
Adedoyin Omotara sells the Eleora Beauty line through both her salon, Adoniaa Beauty, and the Adoniaa Collective, a store for Black entrepreneurs at Westbrook Mall.
“It’s a huge part of what makes us us, especially physically, but we need to understand the impact it has on us inside,” said Omotara, who says she understands the pressures to conform that can sometimes arise for Black kids as they become more conscious of their environment and who they are.
Omotara says her own three-year-old has already questioned why his hair is so curly or difficult to comb compared to the hair of his friends.
“Especially for younger people, they need to understand that there are products that can actually work for our hair so that they don’t start to put toxic product in their hair, just to want to look like another Sharon on the street or another Anita on the street.”
Regaining Her Self-Confidence
Now long past the illness she suffered as a child, Eleora hopes that the products created through her experience help other young Black girls feel empowered to be themselves.
“Our hair is beautiful the way it is and it’s different in a good way … it just expands our culture and really shows who we are,” said the teen, who recently chose to cut her hair again.
“It wasn’t as bad this time. Like, I’m more confident in it, and I also just want to teach other, like, young Black girls that, you know, like short hair or like long hair. You can rock it either way.”
Omotara says the young entrepreneur’s story is one that should give hope to their community.
“Whatever problems we have in our community, we remain the solution to those problems because we know where it bites the most, right? And that is why we are the ones to proffer the solution.”
“I think we’re making a difference in like, young girls lives,” said Eleora.
“When I was younger, I kinda wish I had something like this too, to make me feel more confident. But I’m happy that I’m doing it now to help other people.”
Are you looking for love? Is one of your 2023 goals to find love? Then this post is for you.
When it comes to app-based dating, no other application comes close to Tinder in popularity and membership size. But because it’s increasingly becoming perceived as more of a hookup app than a platform for serious relationships, more and more people are looking elsewhere to find the one.
Here are 5 best dating apps:
Hinge
Based on Hinge’s bold claim that it’s a dating app that’s “designed to be deleted,” you could immediately tell that it’s serious about forming genuine, long-lasting connections between users. And they’re serious about
Hinge boasts of an algorithm that improves itself by taking into account how successful users feel their first dates are. This means your results from using the app are bound to get better over time.
OkCupid
For the young and liberal crowd looking for lasting connections, OkCupid is as good as it gets. With dedicated space in your bio to specify your preferred pronouns and an emphasis on users’ political and social views, this app brands itself as online matchmaking that’s relevant to the times.
Bumble
Bumble was first founded to challenge the antiquated rules of dating. Now, Bumble empowers users to connect with confidence whether dating, networking, or meeting friends online.
Coffee Meets Bagel
Do you ever feel like your online matches never end up turning into real dates? If the answer is yes, consider using Coffee Meets Bagel.
This unique app imposes an 8-day limit on online message exchanges, which encourages dates IRL and taking things to the next level. And unlike Tinder, women outnumber the men on this app.
Match
Match.com’s dating app is best suited for people over 30. This is awesome considering how most of the newer apps coming out these days are targeted towards the younger crowd. You’re going to have to shell out some money to exchange messages through the app. But since it’s a paid app, this means you’re only going to encounter people who are serious enough about meeting someone to invest in a paid subscription.
A parting note
In today’s coronavirus-ridden world, being able to date and meet people virtually is a godsend. Although the world’s most popular dating app, Tinder, is now known to be more of an avenue for casual dating and hookups, there’s no need to despair. There are a number of fun, safe, and effective apps for people looking for serious relationships.
So go ahead and take your pick! Who knows? Your soulmate may be one swipe and like away.
Cyclical pain is the pain that is associated with menstrual cycle. It is the most common type of breast pain and usually occurs in both breasts.
Studies have shown that seventy percent of women experience breast pain during menstruation.
And while it can be serious for a few, it is usually mild for most of them.
There is also the group that experiences breast pain, which is also known as mastalgia, regularly; and a good number of them are advanced in age.
However, the causes of breast pain may vary based on the type or category of breast pain. And according to studies, breast pain can either be categorized as cyclical pain or non-cyclical pain.
1. Cyclical pain
Just as the name implies, cyclical pain is the pain that is associated with menstrual cycle. It is the most common type of breast pain and usually occurs in both breasts.
Known to come with a heaviness or soreness that radiates to the armpit and arm, the primary cause of cyclical breast pain can be linked to the fluctuation of estrogen and progesterone.
However, observations have shown that cyclical pain tends to subside during or after menstruation period.
2. Noncyclical pain
Unlike cyclical pain, noncyclical pain can have many causes which includes injury to the breast, breast size, cysts, muscles or tissues rather than the breast itself, and other numerous unknown factors.
Nevertheless, noncyclical pain has been found to be much less common than cyclical pain, and its causes can be very difficult to identify.
Here are some home remedies for treating cyclical pain
1.Home therapies
Medical practitioners have advised that applying cold compresses or heating pads to the breasts can help reduce cyclical breast pain.
Additionally, taking a warm bath with soothing essential oils, like rosemary or lavender can help relieve the pain as well.
It has also been advised that wearing loose cotton clothes and massaging breasts in the shower with soap can help bring relieve breast pain.
2. Lifestyle changes
Some experts have also suggested that breast pain may be improved by:
Reducing your intake of caffeine, which is found in tea, coffee, and cola
Reducing your intake of saturated fat, which is found in butter, crisps, and fried food
Not smoking (if you smoke)
However, the benefits of making these changes have not been scientifically proven.
3. Herbs
In addition to the solutions stated above, herbal remedies have long been proven to be a natural and economical method of treating breast pain.
And two popular herbs for relieving cyclical breast pain are chaste berry and soy. Chasteberry helps reduce prolactin levels, which in turn reduces breast pain.
On the other hand, soy contains phytoestrogenic compounds, which raise estrogen levels and ease breast pain, making it popular among menopausal women.
Other nutrient-rich food that can help relieve breast pain includes Salmon, avocados, spinach, kale, and guavas.
4. Nonprescription medicines
It is also possible to reduce breast pain with the following nonprescription medicines. But ensure to read and follow the instructions on the label!
Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen(Advil or Motrin), naproxen (Aleve or Naprosyn), or aspirin (Anacin, Bayer)
However, it is advisable to visit a doctor if breast pain becomes severe or lasts longer than three weeks.
Consider this relationship tips 101, these are some things you really should not be telling that your boyfriend or girlfriend if you intend to keep the relationship going.
It’s OK to cut down on openness in a relationship from 100% to somewhere in the region of 90% or so. And here’s the reason: some people really just can’t handle the truth. It does not make them bad people or bad partners; they’re not just wired to be calm or stay sane in the face of certain revelations.
So instead of risking something beautiful over an inconsequential detail that’ll likely not hurt anyone if forever locked away in a vault, just keep mum and continue coasting with the love of your life.
Here are 5 times when it’s OK to leave some things unsaid;
1. Your sexual history
For real, not many boyfriends/girlfriends want to hear the step by step narration and graphic details of how you had sex in a bathroom stall at the mall with your ex or some random babe.
2. Your body count
As we already discussed in detail here, for the ladies, only your doctor and/or gynecologist deserves this information.
3. That someone at work [or anywhere] has a crush on you
Really, this is literally opening the door for problems no one wants. Here’s the thing about revealing this information – you put your partner in a position to have his imagination roam and become paranoid.
4. That you snooped through their stuff
Even if you searched and found out that they’ve been loyal and loyal to you, keep the good news to yourself.
There really is no way to justify snooping through his stuff in the first instance. You’re going to come off as distrustful and things may just go downhill from there. Better keep the info to yourself.
5. That you still stalk his ex
Ladies, your boyfriend does not need to know that you have been stalking his ex on social media. You’ll come off as insecure and you don’t need that.
To really know that the love in your relationship is genuine or fake, here are some of the signs to look out for.
Is the love in your relationship real, or fake?
If it is, all you should do is keep growing the love, keep staying truthful to each other, keep drinking a lot of water, and just keep treating each other in all the good ways that will allow the relationship thrive further.
On the flipside, fake love is not something anyone would want to live with. Sadly, it is exactly what some people have in their relationships. If the relationship is based on anything different from a genuine willingness to see the other person flourish in every sense of the word, if it is based on something fleeting and temporary, then it is likely fake.
To really know that the love in your relationship is fake, here are some things you may want to watch out for:
1. They’re emotionally distant
In a relationship, fakers have a tendency to be non-communicative. They’ll provide little to no substance to what’s going on in their life. They’ll also make excuses why they “couldn’t” communicate especially when it is a little difficult to do so.
The difference between them and someone with genuine love for you is the extra effort needed to reach out when it’s not so easy.
If you are happy in a relationship, you need to look for a way to keep at it. If they make you happy, don’t let it go. [
2. Always willing to throw in the towel
Conflict happens in every relationship. It demonstrates a level of care which partner have for one another.
That said, every conflict demands a resolution. If you’re the only one trying to resolve any conflict or problems that arise, it’s often a telltale sign of emotional detachment and this of course, is a major sign you’ll find in people who have got only fake love for you.
They really won’t care whether the relationship works or fails.
3. They don’t meet you halfway
Are you always the one to plan things? Check on the other person? Take responsibilities and all that? If so, what concessions, if any, is your partner making? Where’s the effort on their part?
Relationship and compromise are like two peas in a pod. A lack of effort is a universal sign of disinterest – and a relationship is no different.
A lack of effort from a partner is a universal sign of disinterest and you should not ignore it if you see the sign in a relationship [Credit – Shutterstock]
4. Unconcern
An authentic relationship sparks feelings of passion for each other. You’ll be curious, concerned, involved, etc in all that the other person does.
Someone who continuously acts indifferent isn’t engaged, likely detached, and unfit – not to mention unworthy – of a real relationship.
5. That gut feeling
Many times, when someone does not really love you, you will know. There’s usually that sixth sense, that gut feeling in the pit of your stomach that keeps pricking you.
Add this to all the signs that you will see, and the picture is clear that this babe or that guy doesn’t really love you. They’re only with you because they have no option, or for the money or some other fake reason.
Be honest with yourself. Are you wasting your time? Money? Energy?
Extra: You can also find love on these dating apps
Maria Eneyi is the founder of Enechambs Foods, a business that has grown significantly since she kicked off 2 years ago, from starting with a N55k capital to making over seven figures monthly.
Enechambs food is a virtual store that deals with seafoods and other raw food items. Maria and her team are on a journey of reducing sicknesses caused by wrong food handling practices, by ensuring raw foods are directly sourced, processed in a healthy environment, and as well packaged for maximum protection.
She has successfully established her business presence in Nigeria, African countries, European and American nations delivering neatly processed and packaged food at their doorsteps.
Maria has trained over one hundred students how to start a food packaging business through her Enechambs food Institute.
In her words, ‘Our mission is to become a household name for everything groceries shopping within and outside Nigeria. In this interview with Esther Ijewere, the public administration graduate shares her inspiring story.
Childhood Influence
I was born in the very early 1990’s in the city of Kaduna state, tudun wada precisely before the Sharia crisis of 2020,I could remember accompanying my mum during holidays and midterm breaks to sell cooked food at a spot popularly known as “mama put “ then, we took hot rice to those who couldn’t come to her stand to buy food. There I learnt how to serve customers with a smiling face and greeting them so they can come back the next day.
Maria Eneyi, CEO- Enechambs Food
After the crisis, my mom had a provision and cosmetics shop at the Central market in Kaduna where I accompanied my mum to the store whenever I was on holiday from the boarding school.
My dad also had a salon then where I visited mostly weekends as it was one of their busiest days where we had to provide errand services for women who came to make their hair.
So going to their stores helped me gain firsthand knowledge in marketing, Sales and customer relationship and has formed the basis of my success in business.
Inspiration behind Enechambs food
When I followed my mum to the market where her store was located, I saw first hand how foods were managed by the market men and women, how they used insecticides to wade off pests and rodents in their stores where these foods laid, how different hands will touch the raw foods and most times they end up not buying and then an unassuming customer will come and buy.
I also saw how busy professionals rushed into the market between the hours of 4-6pm to shop for dinner and most times they got foods that are not as fresh as the morning set or foods that have been touched by different people which was a major turn off from an incredibly young age for me.
I have also met people who just do not like groceries shopping from the local market and on my own part is what I love
Having experienced all of these inspired me and I thought of how I could really make life easier and better for people by giving them a better food option and this gave birth to Enechambs food.
Enechambs Food is a virtual store that deals with all kinds of seafood like snails, dry fish’s prawns etc. and other raw food items like egusi, Ogbonno, palm oil, proteins of all sorts, tubers, grains etc.
We are on a journey to reducing sicknesses caused by wrong food handling practices, by ensuring raw foods are directly sourced, processed in a healthy environment, and as well, packaged for maximum protection.
The Journey so far
My journey so far has been one filled with so many lessons, difficulties all in the quest of evolving into a global brand.
When I started, I struggled with gaining the trust of people to patronize me and I remembered one time in the quest of looking for trust I sent some foodstuffs to Abuja to some persons who showed interest but, on the condition, they will pay after they receive the products.
After sending you will not believe they refused to pick up from the park giving one excuse to the other, one told me she has travelled with someone I spoke with before heading to the park, the others complained of where the park was located.
But look at us now, we are gradually making a name for ourselves that people do not hesitate to commit six figures even without knowing me.
Challenges
Over time we have not really been faced with serious challenges But a few that we experience are:
Logistics: Enechambs food being a virtual store means we take orders virtually and most times we send stuff outside Kaduna state and Nigeria too.
For the Nigerian deliveries,
There are times we get orders for perishables to the eastern other states but because of the situation of the road and the vehicles used for this purpose are halfway gone , items that are supposed to spend less than 24hours on the road spend more than that which isn’t good for business so because of this constant experience, we were forced to stop collecting orders for perishables except the client want the tomatoes to be processed into paste.
Internationally, Nigerians in the Diaspora also wish they can still access all Nigerian foods most especially incredibly good Palm oil. So, getting the right route to send this item is usually difficult.
Finance: for a very perfect finish of our processed foods, equipment is needed to achieve it. The food business is highly capital intensive and these equipment needed are not cheap and as a small business owner it is not easy gathering such money for equipment, so this is a significant challenge.
Also, in our quest of becoming recognized globally, our products need to be standardized by the appropriate bodies locally and internationally and all these costs a lot of money.
Why I resigned from my Teaching Job
As a subject teacher, I was taking four (4) subjects, I have three (3) kids and no house assistance. There are days we process food like snails or meat for export till 2-3am then we rest for 1-2 hours before we start preparing for work.
This was not the life I had imagined as growing up, I saw how my parents owned their time and made decisions and this had already been factored in my head.
After the covid pandemic when I started my business, after a year I noticed some months, I made more than my salary and some months I made close to or my actual salary.
After 1 year My business grew into making over 6-7 figures in turnover and then I knew there was more from where it was coming if only I gave the business the desired attention it needed.
Although, I struggled to make up my mind as I was already attached to my students but then I wanted to be free so I can do more. Eventually I did and it has been an amazing journey.
How my work inspired other women
Managing business and family is not a walk in the park. But because of how determined I am to succeed in this business all the things happening around me never discouraged me but fueled me more.
I remember when I was working there were days I kept my kids in the custody of my neighbor or locked them in the house after I came back from work by 3:30pm to do market runs.
There were also days I would leave them in school in the custody of the Nannies or security to pick up or drop off items.
So, some months back, my neighbors and I were having a talk and one was asking me how I manage my business, three kids with no domestic assistance and how my house and immediate surroundings are always intact, so she had to tell herself to sit-up. Guess what? She has recently just started her business from home too!!
I’ve had women write me, telling me how I inspire them on social media and how they will like to do what I do but they have kids below the ages of 5 and 10 and don’t think they can do it and when I open up to them that I also have 3 kids with no help they are always shocked as to how I do it… most of them have dropped their excuses and have started pursuing their dreams.
Other projects and activities
Right now, there are no other projects, we are only focused on this business and how we can scale up, get licensed by the appropriate bodies, sit on international shelves, and become a household name and globally recognized.
What I enjoy most about my job
What I enjoy so much about this business is the joy that fills our customers’ faces when they receive their package within and outside Nigeria. Aside from the joy, it gives me a sense of fulfillment when my clients do not have to bother about stocking up for themselves, loved ones or parents. The feeling of solving a major food problem is what I enjoy. Serving you undiluted, Unadulterated, cleaned, processed, and neatly packaged food stuffs is my calling
Three women who inspire me and why
Chiddie Anyasado: Meeting her changed my entire life and reduced the time I would have spent finding my feet.
After she placed an order with us to be delivered to the United Kingdom, she announced us to her audience and her entire tribe came knocking on our doors.
Since then, our business went up and turnover increased to over 100%. She is so meek, supportive and a pacesetter. She has refined and brought a lot of hidden potentials in me.
Numerous times she has challenged me in so many ways. Her approach to matters is also quite different from the normal and a huge inspiration to me.
Ifeyinwa Ighodalo: How this woman started a business at 52 years of age after she and her partner parted ways surprises me.
What I learnt from her, despite living a comfortable lifestyle and having it all, her love and concern for the welfare of her former workers made her come back to doing business and even better. Following her lessons made me understand that your staff are also a major priority.
Ayodeji Megbope: Remember that lady who sold Moi Moi in the white House? how a complete novice in business was able to learn all those stuffs like accounting, bookkeeping and all that. I tell myself if she can do it I also can. She is also one confident woman who knows what she is capable of doing and one who is not ashamed. I see a lot of her qualities in me and it is a major strength for me.
Being a Woman of Rubies
My ability to stand tall even amid all the challenges leveled up against me that would have brought my end makes me a gallant woman of ruby.
How I am scaling up despite the economy
I constantly show up and I deliver well. I reach out to anyone who I feel can help me as a person or brand. This has brought so much help, referrals to the point I don’t even know if the economy is bad anymore.
