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Meet the amazing woman who inspired Hilda Baci to break the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking time by an individual. Her name is Lata Tondon, a talented chef hailing from India. Lata cooked for an astonishing 87 hours and 45 minutes, and she had been the only woman to ever hold the record before Hilda came along and changed the narrative.

Chef Lata’s Culinary Skills

Lata Tondon’s culinary skills have not gone unnoticed. She holds a multitude of national and international awards, including recognition from the India Book of Records, the Asia Book of Records, the Indo-China Book of Records, the Vietnam Book of Records, the Laos Book of Records, and the Nepal Book of Records, to name just a few. Among her many accolades, she was awarded the prestigious title of International Indian Chef of the Year in 2018.

Chef Lata Tondon

Her Guinness World Record Journey

During her record-breaking feat, Chef Lata cooked an impressive amount of food, totalling over 1,600 kg. This included 400 vada pavs, 250 sandwiches, and other local delicacies, all prepared over four days. The event attracted over 20,000 visitors, including children from orphanages, blind schools, and members of old-age homes. It was a heartwarming occasion that brought joy and nourishment to many.

Chef Lata’s culinary journey has been enriched by learning from renowned chefs such as Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver, among others. Her commitment to her craft and her relentless pursuit of excellence have been truly inspiring. In recognition of her extraordinary achievement, Chef Lata Tondon was honoured with a Ph.D. degree from the World Record University in London, further solidifying her place as a trailblazer in the culinary world.

Chef Lata Tondon
Chef Lata Tondon – First Guinness World Record Holder for longest cooking time

Chef Lata Tondon Passion for Cooking

When asked about her passion for cooking, Chef Lata revealed that she had been fascinated with the art since childhood. She expressed her gratitude for having a supportive family and friends who helped nurture her passion and turn it into a successful profession. It is through their unwavering support that she was able to achieve remarkable milestones and inspire others to follow their dreams.

Lata Tondon

In conclusion, we celebrate Chef Lata Tondon for her exceptional talent and determination. She has not only broken records but also touched the lives of thousands through her culinary endeavours. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to bring joy to others through food makes her a true inspiration. As she continues to pave the way for aspiring chefs around the world, Chef Lata Tondon remains a shining example of what can be achieved when passion, skill, and perseverance intertwine.

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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.

Patricia Kayanga

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.”

 

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.

Rita Laurence Ngarambe

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.

 

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. 

Kristi L Jackson

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!

If you are looking for a black woman leading digital marketing agency that embodies the core values of diversity, representation, perspective, teamwork, and creativity, plus offers a wide range of services such as brand partnerships, influencer campaign strategies, personal consultations, and educational development; these 4 digital marketing agencies will help you connect with other black women who are blossoming in their digital entrepreneurial and creative careers.

1. Black Girl Digital, founded by LaToya Shambo

Express your creative juices under the guidance and representation that is Black Girl Digital, founded by LaToya Shambo. She is an influencer marketing and monetization expert who has built Black Girl Digital to be influential in digital creation and has become a top creative economy for black women creators through fair and profitable brand partnerships, marketing campaigns, and programs.

Women-Owned Marketing Agencies
Latoya Shambo | Image- (Fitnyc Edu)

So, whether you’re a Beauty Brand Influencer, Food and Travel Blogger, or even a Tik Tok Radio Host, Black Girl Digital can elevate you to the next level!

2. The Finance Femme, founded by Kendra Nicole James-Anderson

If you want to grow your financial needs in your digital career, The Finance Femme, founded by Kendra James-Anderson has got you!

BAUCEs as a new entrepreneur on the digital media scene, revenue and financial growth are essential for business success. At Finance Femme, you will gain the tools for financial success and no longer settle for a company that doesn’t meet your creative vision. Kendra Anderson has built her agency with a mission to help her clients focus on the financial and strategic needs of owning a multi-6-figure and 7-figure brand.

Women-Owned Marketing Agencies
Kendra Nicole James-Anderson

Whether you are an independent SEO specialist, email marketer, social media strategist, or influencer, The Financial Femme will get you on the path of establishing financial goals, educate you on finance and marketing, and give you hands-on treatment through Virtual CFO and Executive Accounting Services.

3. BrightGirl Media, founded by Chanelle Yarber

Shine bright like a digital diamond on the internet under the services of Black woman-owned digital marketing agency, BrightGirl Media. Chanelle Yarber started her agency because she personally saw how entrepreneurs and influencers weren’t getting the exposure that they deserved.

Chanelle Yarber

Having a digital career isn’t an easy feat; it takes dedication, representation, and financial support. BAUCEs, your small startup brand and business can shine bright under the courses that BrightGirl Media has to offer! BrightGirl Media offers various services such as showcasing your brand via advertising under the BrightGirls in Business Show Advertising, a coaching session on brand roadblocks via the Marketing Savvy Strategy Session, and networking with other black women entrepreneurs and creatives via the BrightGirls in Business Community.

4. CNW Digital, founded by Clarissa N Wright

Calling all luxury lifestyle and fashion brands because CNW Digital is here to elevate your business to its highest BAUCE potential. CNW Digital, started by Clarissa N Wright is a digital marketing agency which helps beauty and fashion influencers and entrepreneurs achieve their highest business potential.

Black women owned marketing agency

Under their services, you will know what it takes to collaborate and partner with people who have the same values and goals as you do. Your brand under CNW Digital will put forth impactful content to your customers/audiences, email market for brand interactions, establish brand campaigns and establish data-driven personalization to better cater to brand partners and buyers. CNW Digital also helps you create personalized automation that will increase consumer satisfaction, practice SMS marketing strategies that will grant your brand more revenue, and build more on your audience/customer loyalty. Don’t settle for less than what your brand and business deserve and go the CNW Digital route!

Whether your brand has been out for a day or even five years, it’s never too late to elevate through other means. By working with a digital agency, they can help your business reach newer and bigger digital spaces.

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Are you looking for the best remote jobs for women who may not wait to have all the experiences?

Financial freedom is one of the best ways to have self-confidence as a woman. There is power in the ability to work and earn an income. Sadly with COVID, and competition for work getting tighter, more women need a job that pays well and gives them the flexibility that they need.

Fortunately, work-from-home jobs are now an option and there are a plethora of freelance jobs available as well. What’s more, many online jobs don’t require applicants to have any experience. In this post detailing how to make money from home, we will look at 14 good jobs that women can do from anywhere without experience.

Here are 14 remote jobs for women:

1. Online Writer

Online writing basically involves producing written content for your clients and covers anything from crafting letters to drafting articles. A lot of writing jobs require little to no experience, particularly simpler writing tasks. For example, CustomEssayMeister hires freelance writers who have no experience, provided that they can produce output with high quality. However, having effective writing skills is a solid advantage.

It’s not a secret that writing services pay attention to the quality of the paypers they provide. For that reason, companies might ask the applicants to show proof of their competence, for example, by writing a test essay on the given topic. Using tools such as Grammarly can make your tasks much easier when it comes to content writing. Check out Grammarly Review for more information.

2. Blogger

As a blogger, your main job is to come up with content for your personal website. You can use tools like Semrush & Ahrefs to do keyword research to find relevant topics according to your niche. Regardless of what you share, whether recipes, do-it-yourself craft tutorials, or your reviews of products, your goal is to make your content worthwhile to grow your internet following and attract ad placements from companies.

Experience in this field is not necessary, but creativity can certainly get you far. You can also be a blogger on any social network, which there are a lot now.

Let’s take tiktok as an example. You need to create different content that will be interesting to your subscribers, and if you have at least little acting skills, you can already become famous.

The more you know, the more opportunities are in front of you. But if you know nothing, you can learn everything from scratch. Can you play the synthesizer? Yes? Fine! Can’t you? No problem, take a digital synthesizer for beginners, find videos on YouTube and learn, and you can upload videos on TikTok, how you learn so that your subscribers live this experience with you. This is exactly what our guest Vanessa Ideh does to earn thousands of dollars from her YouTube channel.

3. Virtual Assistant

Like a traditional assistant, the job of a virtual assistant involves executing tasks delegated to you by your employers such as transcribing data, drafting letters, and managing schedules among others. This job requires little to no experience, but soft skills such as attention to detail, organizational skills, a strong work ethic, and communication skills are vital.

 

4. Survey Taker

One of the easier ways to make money online, this job requires you to answer surveys such as opinion polls, questionnaires from researchers, and product reviews. Although this job is relatively easy, note that honesty and integrity are important in this field.

5. Online Tutor

Online tutoring is also one of those no-experience jobs that can get you earn extra money. While you’re not required to have any experience as a tutor, this job may require you to have extensive knowledge of a specific area, especially if you’re tutoring clients at higher academic levels such as college students.

6. Search Engine Evaluator

The main task of this job is to evaluate the efficiency of search engines in delivering results. For example, you will be given a topic by your company to search for, and then you will evaluate the results for accuracy and relevance. Experience is not needed when signing up for this job, although companies usually look for wide knowledge on various topics and contemporary culture when considering applicants.

7. Translator

This online job requires you to translate audio or written documents from one language to another. Whereas more advanced jobs necessitate some experience, simpler tasks are perfect for beginners. Make sure, though, that you’re fluent in the foreign language you choose and that you do not just translate literally but also consider the cultural context. You can register as a translator here: https://www.tomedes.com/user/provider/createaccount

8. Bed and Breakfast Host

Another work-from-home option is being a bed and breakfast host. If you have an extra room or a guest house, you can list your property for short-term rentals. That said, make sure that your property has an online listing and that you’re easy to contact. Also, ensure that your property is clean, comfortable, and welcoming. Finally, make sure you have the necessary social skills for interacting with clients.

9. English Teacher

Many people from other countries learn English through the internet. As such, there is an entire industry that hires people with good English communication skills to teach clients across the globe. Note, though, that while experience is often not required, fluency in a foreign language may be a requisite for some companies.

10. Social Media Manager

As the name of the job indicates, a social media manager is about managing content on social media with the intention of enhancing online presence, advancing the brand, and fostering customer relations. While it is usual for social media managers to be hired even without any experience, knowledge of how social media works is a must for this job.

11. Customer Service Representative

Although working as a customer service representative has been traditionally office-based, more companies today are allowing employees to work remotely. No experience is required for this job, but you will likely undergo a period of training before you’re competent enough to start working at home.

12. Transcriptionist

This job basically involves converting audio files to transcripts by listening. Most transcription companies do not require any experience, although good hearing and typing skills are certainly needed to be effective in this job. This is one of the best jobs for women who are introverted and love working from behind the scene.

13. Telemarketer

The job of a work-from-home telemarketer is generally the same as that of a telemarketer based in an office. And just like how companies hire telemarketers who have no experience, you can easily find a home-based telemarketing job without any background in the field. Nevertheless, soft skills such as effective communication as well as patience and determination are expected from someone who applies for this job.

14. Music Teacher

As a music teacher, your main job is to inspire the next generation of musicians.  It doesn’t matter if they have the wish to become a professional, or are just playing for enjoyment, teaching music can be a rewarding and fulfilling job.  Most music teachers either work in a school as a peripatetic teacher or from home.  Indeed, a lot of music teachers choose to do both; and supplement their income alongside their teaching work by performing in concerts.

As a music teacher, it’s always helpful to guide students and pupils to not just practice well outside of the lessons, but also to use the amazing free resources on the internet to help them develop their skills.  Websites such as www.teds-list.com, which provides instrument advice and tutorials on all instruments, can help massively.  And best of all, in addition to helping others grow their love of music, you’ll be developing your own skills and love of music too!

As more and more women want to know how to make money online, online jobs from home are fast becoming a viable option. These 14 decent jobs that women can do from anywhere without experience give women the flexibility and income that they need.

However, women must note that while most of these entry-level remote jobs do not require any experience, the criteria and compensation set by companies still vary. The important thing is for you to consider your situation and conduct research to know which job best fits your needs.

Source: Baucemag.com

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When Irene Koki Mutungi joined Kenya Airways in 1995 as a second officer flying Fokker 50s, she became the first female pilot in the airline’s history. In the 26 years since, Capt. Mutungi has achieved a number of other “firsts,” including becoming the first female captain at the airline (on the Boeing 737) and the first African woman to qualify as a captain on the 787.

Mutungi was raised in what she describes an aviator’s home. Her father was a pilot with Kenya Airways.

“My most memorable moment was when I flew with him on a flight he was commanding to London. I was about five years old. From that day, I promised myself I would one day become a Captain,” she reminisces.

She says she’s fortunate to be born into a family where excellence and integrity were all-important. She has become more conscious of the real world and is motivated by the fact that women, especially African women, can excel in everything. Has she ever encountered discrimination as a woman?

“Unfortunately, such is life. Anytime it has happened it has increased my resolve to keep aiming high. In my early years in aviation, a passenger disembarked because he said he wasn’t a guinea pig. That can tell you what I’ve been through sometimes.”

Irene Koki Mutungi

In many parts of the world and especially Africa, it’s still a man’s world. The stereotype of the working woman is rarely attractive with popular culture portraying successful women as consumed by their careers.

As for stereotypes, this one too is far from reality. There are countless women successful in their careers and dedicated to their families and communities at large.”

Mutungi cites Liberia’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former Malawi President Joyce Banda and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the Africa Union Chairperson.

“Just like those African leaders and other women who are anchors of their households and communities, I too am a dedicated person who always strives towards excellence while remaining committed to what matters. I do that by being a model mother, model daughter and a role model to my African sisters.”

Mutungi describes her journey to the top in a male-dominated industry as one filled with commitment, sacrifice and support from friends and family.

Fear is at the root of so many barriers women face. Fear of not being liked. Fear of making the wrong choice. Fair of failure. How does Mutungi handle fear?

“I don’t know what fear means. Yes, sometimes I may ask myself questions, but every situation is handled in a way that leaves me in control.”

She says she rarely has sleepless nights. “If I stay awake at night, it’s not usually anything of concern. I think of how great an aircraft the B787 Dreamliner is. Boeing has delivered a masterpiece.”

Captain Irene Koki Mutungi

Mutungi wants to be remembered as an African mother who tried her best to change the narrative of the African continent.

To encourage more female pilots in the aviation industry, she believes “More subsidies and scholarships should be made available to women when it comes to training. Airlines should offer positions to qualified female pilots more readily as part of their  inclusivity programs. Airlines should have female pilots as pivots for their projects to bring awareness to the general public. When people see the female pilots, it will garner a degree of interest.”

 

This Article was culled from Forbes Africa

Professionally known by her stage name ‘LaToya Jane’. She is a Canadian singer, rapper, songwriter, and professional dancer. Born in the rough neighborhood of Jane & Finch, in the Toronto area, music has always been a form of therapy for LaToya Rodney. Though she excelled as a musical artist, the trials and tribulations of her surrounding environment soon caught up with her.

Submerged by all the negativity encompassing her, LaToya was incarcerated for 18 months in a women’s facility in Toronto. It was while imprisoned that she found herself, her direction, and her purpose.

In 2014, LaToya won the award for Best Director at the Commffest Film Festival for Creature, a documentary about her time as a gang member in Toronto. The film’s impact helped LaToya become a prominent voice for at-risk youth. She worked as a mentor for boys and girls throughout the city and served as a keynote speaker at various events within Ontario.

Through LaToya’s courageousness and creative talents, she has evolved and uses her experiences to motivate, educate, inspire, and deter young people from the gang life she endured. After a short hiatus from music, LaToya is currently working on an EP. Her latest work reflects on the struggles, pain, betrayals, and sacrifices that she has experienced in life while still having faith to stay mentally strong.

In this interview with Esther Ijewere, Latoya shares her inspiring story, how she is using her platform to create change and inspire other women, and her role as an Influencer for TRACIE App.

Childhood Influence

I began my younger days as a fighter since Junior kindergarten, and I feel that it prepared me to be the advocate that I am today because through all the things that I do, I am, fighting for what I believe in

Why I pitched my tent in the music industry

My dad started writing me lyrics and teaching me how to Dj at age 3, and even when he was in jail he would teach me how to sing and Dj so I always practiced growing up, but when I went to jail the guards and the girls would encourage me to do it when I got out

What I learned from my 18 months of incarceration in prison

I was on the wrong path in life I went in for very serious charges, and what it taught me was that there was more to life than having no freedom, but I had to lose to gain.

My  Toronto film school experience and its impact on my career

Toronto Film School was a life changer for me Since I was a little girl, my family, always told me to act or do stand-up comedy and I thought so too so when I went there I learned a lot of the techniques to act and I was the top student in my class but I never knew how competitive it was which was annoying, like one day someone hid my monologue so that I screwed up but I still aced it.

My latest EP, and journey in the entertainment industry

I released an EP at the end of 2018 and while I opened up for GZA from WU-TANG CLAN in Miami I got into a bad accident on the highway, I never really got to promote that album because I got into 2 more accidents in 2020 causing me to get a brain injury each it deprived me of a lot of things until this day, but by the grace of God I pulled it together to tell my story to inspire people to never give up no matter the circumstances

I also just got signed to a record label which makes my journey a lot easier in the music industry. You have to be  tough and disciplined to be in this industry and I’m on the right track

My thoughts about the TRACIE App

It’s great. It’s the perfect tool for young Black people to finally have a professional defense mechanism, and I am glad to be one of the influencers for the App. The TRACIE app is a new and improved way to address racist incidents. The TRACIE app gives Canadian people of color the evidence and support that they need to create change.

TRACIE stands for Tracking Racism and Collecting Information in Education. TRACIE app is a useful tool to help students inform their principal, school, parent, guardian, or caring adult if they experience physical or verbal harm.

Challenges of my work

I have to ignore a lot, whether it’s family or friends I no longer talk to or just plain haters that are upset at my change. It used to be hard, but it got a lot easier

Other projects

I’m a Motivational Speaker which I do internationally, and also a film-maker.

3 women who inspire me and why

  • Lauryn Hill: she taps into her pain when she sings
  •   My Aunty Janet: her strength makes her the rock of our family
  •  Mother Mary: never sold out Joseph or Jesus

What we can do better as a society to support vulnerable women

We need to do more story sharing, and testimonials because having strong examples sit before them letting them know they reached where they are today through hard dedication, focus, and learning from their mistakes will motivate them to do better as well

How I am using my platform to #embraceequity

I am sharing some motivation of course!!

How I juggle my role as a mom, wife, and motivational speaker

God, the love, support, and motivation from my husband, my children, and my focus

Being a Woman of Rubies

Being wise with myself, loving myself, and now spoiling myself

Tiana Akoh-Arrey’s mother Dorothy said her daughter has always loved reading and writing, beginning to write full sentences when she was only four-years-old, Ebony reports. By the time she was six, that passion carried over to the classroom but she was plagued by bullying, many of the children taunting her because of her Afro.

“One day at school, a kid made fun of my Afro and said that it made me look like a lion. That made me really sad, so I asked my mom to straighten my hair to look like my other friends who did not have an Afro,” recalled Tiana.

But Dorothy was quick to explain to her daughter that while the moment was challenging, it was important for her to be proud of her hair texture because it was beautiful. That encouragement was all Tiana needed, choosing to write a short story about her hair and turning her hurt into an inspirational narrative of love and inclusion. Dorothy was impressed by her daughter’s work, submitting the story to Conscious Dreams Publishing who made Tiana’s short tale a book, making her a published author at the age of seven.

“My Afro: Twin Best Friends,” tells Tiana’s story of learning to love her thick and tightly coiled hair, which she often compared to her best friend’s silky, straight hair. When the two girls decide they want to look alike for picture day, the story takes readers on a journey of “friendship, self-acceptance and identity.”

It is Tiana’s hope that other young Black girls will be able to relate to her story, fostering their own “hair love” story, and learning to “embrace who they are and celebrate differences in others.” Now nine-years-old, Tiana feels like the characters can serve as a mirror for readers who may see themselves in the story, hoping that her short tale does its part to combat issues of prejudice and discrimination.

Her book has already made Amazon’s bestsellers list and surpassed the publisher’s expectations for a first-time author. Tiana was also named one of The Week Junior’s 2022 “Heroes of the Year.” In addition to the accolades and awards, Tiana’s been most proud of all the little girls who have shared photos of themselves with her book and messages of how they inspired her. Tiana’s bully even reached out to say how much the book moved her, penning the young author a heartfelt apology.

“I am really proud of myself, and it has confirmed the assurance my mom gave me…I am happy I have managed to not feel small but also helped other girls have the courage of wearing their Afro hair in all shapes and styles without feeling embarrassed about their hair or caring what people say,” said Tiana.

Both Tiana and her mom hope that their story will serve as a reminder for both parents and peers to keep affirming the children, reminding young Black girls of how to navigate bullying and encouraging them to participate in self-affirming activities that remind them of their beauty and their power

Oluwafunmilayo Akaka is an intelligent, astonishing, and beautiful lady who has been passionately following her dreams and doing the most to inspire her generation, older generation and of course the younger generation to pursue their dreams no matter the impediments on their way to success.

She is an aspiring beauty queen with a heart for philanthropy.

Childhood

Growing up in Ilorin, Kwara State Nigeria with her mum, Funmi had a very humble beginning helping her mum hawk food but always reading all sorts of books she laid her hands on- newspapers and magazines inclusive, which was how she discovered the world of beauty and fashion.

She has always dreamt of becoming a model as she believed she looked and walked like Naomi Campbell; but her dream was dashed when she had an accident which left her both physically and mentally scarred. She lost her confidence and let her dream to become a model and beauty queen die.

While serving her home country in the NYSC scheme, her passion for music, empowering young people and serving seniors blossomed and with that she gave back to her community in Nigeria, Halifax Nova Scotia, and now in Mississauga in those capacities.

Regaining her confidence

Currently, she has overcome her fears, built up her confidence and is running for the title of Mrs. Canada United World. Some of her reasons for competing in the internationally renowned pageant is so that believers like her can start changing the narrative that beauty contest is ungodly, ‘you can be true to God, yourself and your values and still contest in beauty pageants’, she said. Another reason is to give a voice to immigrant women and older women, that their dreams are valid regardless of background, age and scars. She also wants young people to believe in themselves and never lose their confidence no matter the situation they may have passed through or passing through.

Causes Olufunmilayo Akaka supports

When asked what causes she supports, Funmi mentioned that women empowerment (while also encouraging them to embrace their colour and beauty!), children empowerment and seniors care are causes she strongly supports. Which is why she started an initiative for bridging the generational gap between seniors and young people; and giving both worlds opportunities to benefit from one another.

Singing, reading, hiking, and networking is what she does when not working or volunteering.

Funmi Akaka

Follow Funmi on Instagram to know more about her work.