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In self development May 15, 2023 By Women of Rubies

10 Tips for Computer Eye Strain Relief

Computer eye strain is a condition that affects between 50% and 90% of people who spend the majority of their time looking at computer screens. Office workers are often affected by it. Still, even children who need to access a computer or tablet for their school work are shown to be at risk of eye strain recently.

When looking at digital screens from an intermediate distance, the muscles that control the eye movement are always active and adjusting to the screen. As this activity stretches over a more extended period, with few or no breaks, the eyes can become dry or tired.

Although it causes discomfort, eye strain is not a permanent condition that threatens your eye health. This article will explain the symptoms you need to be aware of, followed by 10 tips to relieve computer eye strain.

Symptoms of Having an Eye Strain

There are a few determining symptoms that indicate computer eye strain. Although a variety of different factors can cause these symptoms, if you suffer from two or more of the following traits simultaneously and your job requires long hours in front of a screen, they are likely indicative of computer eye strain.

Dry Eyes

Most people blink a third less frequently when focusing on a screen over a longer time. Due to this, the tear film on the eyes can evaporate, leaving the ocular surface dry and feeling gritty.

Headaches

Tension headaches, also described as band headaches, can be caused by concentrating on a computer while sitting in the same position for hours. This type of headache usually starts from the back of the head or upper neck and moves upwards to wrap around the forehead and temples where the pain intensifies. Those who regularly experience migraines need to be aware that tension and frontal headaches can develop into a migraine, so try to take precautionary measures.

Eye Fatigue

An intense focus on vision while reading or driving can cause the eyes to tire and feel fatigued. The results can worsen when the focus is set on a bright light source, such as a screen. These effects get exacerbated when the rest of the environment is dimly lit or cast in dark light, causing increased light sensitivity.

Eye fatigue can lead to blurred vision in either one or both eyes. The blurriness usually comes in waves, increasing towards the end of the day.

10 Tips for Computer Eye Strain Relief

If you have a refractive problem (e.g., short or long-sightedness or astigmatism) and have been prescribed to wear corrective glasses or contact lenses while working, it is essential to follow your optician’s advice and get regular eye exams. It ensures that your prescription is up to date and doesn’t cause any unnecessary, additional issues.

Having eye exams will also make sure that no underlying eye conditions go unnoticed, particularly when symptoms may be masked as traits of computer eye strain.

The next 10 tips are actions that you can take to relieve computer eye strain.

1. Hydrate

Using over the counter lubricating eye drops can help relieve dry eyes. But by making simple adjustments to keep your body and environment healthy and hydrated, you can lessen the chances of your eyes becoming gritty and sore.

2. Drink Water

Dehydration affects your whole body, including the eyes, and drinking a sufficient amount of water every day to keep your body and your eyes hydrated can let you avoid dry eyes.

On average, a person should drink eight glasses of water a day. However, healthy water intake always relies on your size and weight and whether you exercise every day. You can ask your physician about the recommended water intake for you to keep your body hydrated and eyes healthy.

3. Avoid Dry Air

In addition to hydrating your body, it matters to pay attention to the air quality in your work environment.
Many offices use air conditioners, fans, and ventilators that can move dust around the air. It can disrupt the tear film leading to dryness and irritation.

Try moving the fans so that they are not directed at your face.

Where possible, make sure that your surrounding is free from dust. The moisture in the air can increase by using desk humidifiers.

4. Take Breaks

Scheduling time away from the computer screen does not only give your eyes but also your mind a chance to relax and unwind.

Studies show that those who work with computers experience less eye strain and discomfort when they take micro-breaks throughout the day. Getting up from the desk to move around and stretch your limbs for a few minutes can reduce back and neck pains that may occur after sitting at your desk for hours as well.

5. Blink

Every time we blink, we cover our eyes in a layer of tear-film, keeping them moisturized and feeling comfortable. Research reveals that when staring at a computer screen or reading for a prolonged period, people blink up to two thirds less frequently than usual, often only closing the lids partially instead of covering the eyes completely. It causes the tear film to evaporate and eyes to feel dry and uncomfortable.

If you become aware that you blink less, ideally, you can try to make a habit of blinking more often. However, as this adjustment isn’t always possible to achieve, you can try setting a reminder every 20 minutes, using this time to blink slowly or close your eyes completely. Do it for approximately ten times in a row and focus on a spot far away from your desk to relax your eye muscles.

6. Eat Snacks for Eye Health

Aside from a healthy lunch, you can make time for snack breaks, eating fruits and nuts high in vitamins A, C, and E to support the complexity of cells in your retina. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in walnuts and almonds and used in practice to help combat dry eyes. Of course, the intake of the proper vitamins could also be achieved through supplements.

7. Sleeping Schedule

During sleep, your eyes are refreshed with nutrients and tears, making a regulated sleeping schedule necessary for healthy and happy eyes. Sleep deprivation, however, can cause the blood vessels in our eyes to dilate, leading to irritation and eye fatigue during the day.

A set work schedule and the regulated sleeping cycle can help you to reset your eyes at the end of the day and ensure that you get appropriate rest overnight. To relax in the evening, try to avoid looking at screens, including TVs and smartphones, as the blue light from digital screens has been linked to promoting brain activity. Instead, try building a nighttime routine that includes tasks like cooking or tidying.

8. The Right Setup

Digital eye strain caused by computers can be induced by several factors, such as small images and fonts and flickering lights. You can try simple adjustments like increasing the pixel and font size on your computer or upgrading your desktop to a larger flat-panel LCD screen, ideally with a diagonal size of 19 inches.

9. Screen Position

The screen position and angle can alter your eyes’ focus when you look. As a result, it can increase eye strain if you place the monitor at an incorrect angle.

For an ideal work setup, try positioning your screen at about an arm’s length away from your face. That’s at least 20 inches apart but no further than 40 inches. If you can adjust its height, it should be centered 4 or 5 inches below eye level, so you don’t have to tilt your head too far up or down. The latter can also increase eye and neck strains.

10. Appropriate Lighting

It’s not only the lighting of your screen but also your work environment that can impact your eye health.

One factor is background light and the glare on your screen, considering reflections may make you squint, thus leading to tired eyes and frontal headaches. To avoid that, the screen should be facing away from windows or natural light sources. If this isn’t possible in your workplace, you can try using blinds or curtains to block direct light.

Additionally, the color temperature of most screens is set to a blue light, which has often been associated with eye strain. Blue light uses shorter wavelengths than red or orange light, which means it emits higher energy and causes the muscles of your eyes to strain. You can change these settings with most computers and smartphones by switching to night mode. Alternatively, you can opt for blue-light-blocking lenses on your glasses to relieve eye strain.

Bottom Line

Computer eye strain can be uncomfortable and annoying. Still, luckily, you can get relief by following the simple tips above without needing to buy expensive equipment or take complex supplement regimes.

Should you feel like your eye strain persists even after trying everything, it might be time to set an appointment with your optometrist. They will be able to examine your eyes and check for underlying issues that prescription updating or eye drops may resolve.

In Career Gems May 1, 2023 By Women of Rubies

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source: Black Business

In Editor's Choice April 27, 2023 By Esther Ijewere

Nkechi Sarah Ahanor-Wilson: Business Mogul, Humanitarian & Founder of Cacosa Hair

Nkechi Sarah Ahanor-Wilson is an entrepreneur, public speaker, aesthetician, and business mogul with over 10 years of experience. She is the CEO of Shoreline Pacific International and House of Cacosa, an award-winning luxury hair-selling brand.

She has been able to employ creativity and use her analytical mind to seamlessly transition her brand of skincare and beauty products. Nkechi has carved a niche selling luxury and sleek hair that showcases the beauty of women from the inside out.

As a leading beauty care manufacturer who has leveraged consultative selling strategies that build relationships across all target markets, she has built a reputable brand with deep knowledge of marketing campaigns and implementation.

The award-winning Canada-based celebrity is also involved in humanitarian projects through “The Empowered Woman Summit”, a platform she uses to empower and educate women on how to use innovative technology and hands-on skill set training.

The amazing mom of three and wife is a lover of God and humanity and committed to making the world a better place. In this interview, Nkechi shares her inspiring story with Esther Ijewere

Childhood

Growing up as a child was tough because my parents separated, and my mum also passed on. I grew up overnight, I started preparing myself for life’s journey. It brought out and boosted the entrepreneurship spirit in me, even as a child. At a tender age, I ventured into business. I was actually in secondary school when I started doing business. I made pastries known as buns, Chin-Chin and the like. I started selling it as a student to my fellow schoolmates. Entrepreneurship is something that has been in me. Growing up I engaged in other things and realized that business pays.

The inspiration behind Cacosa Hair

The inspiration behind Cacosa hair is a painful one. I started it while I was in pain. I started losing my hair at some point, due to health reasons. I got depressed with my edges falling off. The only option I had was to start wearing a wig. While wearing wigs I got my confidence back. With my hair falling off, and people avoiding touching my hair, it began to get to me, but with the wigs, I began to feel more comfortable and confident. This inspired me to assist other women gain their confidence back. This is the major reason I introduced medical wigs for those suffering hair loss, people who have alopecia, when you are having chemotherapy, this causes them to lose their hair.

The Empowered Woman Summit and its impact since inception

I gave birth to this initiative when I went to business school. I realized back in business school that a lot of women have great business ideas but all they needed was funding. Taking this into consideration, I thought to myself if there was another woman who needed funding, that was how I created the platform.We started supporting people during Covid in 2020 and we have made some giant strideas and progress. Moving forward I intend to make it a proper foundation.

Lessons learned as an entrepreneur, mother, and humanitarian

I have learnt to keep my mind open as an entrepreneur. Once you are an entrepreneur, there should be room for losses, tears, and pain, you should just keep your mind open because as an entrepreneur, you must see and experience these things.

Furthermore, as an entrepreneur, you must have passion for your business. It’s not just because you want to make money but because you have passion for it. At times I just feel like packing up and closing down these businesses, but I get up every day and put in my best.

In addition, as a mother, I have come to realize that every mother should be another child’s mother. I look out for all the mothers. Other mothers might be looking for their children. Looking out for these mothers, you are looking for their children as well.

Humanitarian work has taught me the importance of intentional kindness, and the joy of touching lives and lighting the path of others. If it’s something you have passion for, you would do it without forcing it.

3 women who inspire me and Why

Funmilayo Namabiri the owner of Funmi Hair UK. Where I am today is based on her support. She was the only one that gave me a listening ear when I started. One of her pieces of advice was the goal of growing my brand to a certain extent that I can now have purely Cacosa hair and no one is going to take that from me.

2. Ibukun Awosika -She is one woman whom I admire so much. As an entrepreneur, you want to be connected to people who can bring out the best in you. We studied one of her books at the Business School. There is no time when I listen to her speak that something positive does not come into my mind and thinking. My perspective changed. I just keep thinking about something good.

3. Michelle Obama– I have watched her life as the first lady of the United States of America, as a black woman I discovered that her strength was above and beyond. One thing I like about her is her humility. She is homely and doesn’t look down on people.

My work-life balance routine

I love work and so do not have anything to do except improve my business. I have a lot on my plate, so most of the time I am busy with work. I create bonding time with my family and spend my free time with a few people that I called close friends. I also love travelling, having fun, winning and dining.

One thing I wish to change In the beauty Industry

I think the drive for originality. I have come to realize that in the beauty industry, we have a lot of copycats. We have a lot of people trying to be like another person. We want their initiative but do not have an understanding of how they were able to develop their brand. Give people their money’s worth. Genuine products and quality should not be compromised.

People should see value in the cash they exchange for a product. For instance, if someone wants the original product, you should be able to buy and sell authentic products for the customer, this is where your passion comes into play because if you have passion for what you are doing you will understand that the beauty industry is more like a creative industry. That is why my hashtag is called beautifying queens. That zeal for originality is not what a lot of people have. Most people are in the beauty industry just to make money.

Challenges of being a business owner

I am a woman who has experienced losses in business, like lots of them. I lost my shipment in transit recently and lost a huge amount of money. I had to refund the customers’ money. Some of them were impatient and others were patient. I had to appeal to them. What transpired could make a business fold up. One thing that keeps me grounded is my passion for my work. I don’t let challenges weigh me down. I learn the lessons and keep moving.

Being a Woman of Rubies

What makes me an outstanding and unique woman is taking care of other people’s children. I look out for other people’s kids. I am that woman to whom God has shown mercy, I have been fortunate, and I love to share love and spread light wherever I go, especially with children.

My brand, Cacosa means so much to me. Kindness and empathy are two techniques I have deployed to draw people’s attention to my business, and my circle. If I realize that someone does not have empathy we can’t be friends. I put a lot of emotions into my business because of my passion. The thing that distinguishes me from other brands is my approach to customers. I am intentional about building healthy relationships with my customers and I love to see the smile on their faces, it makes me happy.

In self development April 29, 2023 By Women of Rubies

6 Ways To Break Down Boundaries To Becoming A Successful Entrepreneur

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

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

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

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

How?

1. Embrace diversity

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

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

2. Be passionate about what you do

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

Why do you want to start a business?

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

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

3. Accept that failure is part of it

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

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

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

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

4. Plan ahead

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

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

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

5. Embrace Change

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

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

6. Don’t Forget that You Are Human too

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

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

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

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

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

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

This article was written by Lidia Staron

Lidia Staron is a part of Content and Marketing team at OpenCashAdvance.com. She contributes articles about the role of finance in the strategic planning and decision-making process. You can find really professional insights in her writings.

Culled from sheleadsafrica.org

Photo credit: forbes.com

In Inspiration April 26, 2023 By Women of Rubies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Inspiration April 26, 2023 By Women of Rubies

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

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

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

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

Who is Funke Opeke?

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

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

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

Funke Opeke’s Upbringing

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

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

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

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

Her Innovation in the Tech Industry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How MainOne Created Innovation in the Tech Industry Over the Years

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

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

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

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

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

In Career Gems April 24, 2023 By Women of Rubies

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

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

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

The trucking business

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

How she started

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

The journey so far

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

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

Kristi the Coach

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

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

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

Congratulations Kristi! Keep setting the bar high!

In Inspiration April 23, 2023 By Esther Ijewere

Serena Williams Launches New Multimedia Company Aimed At Empowering Women

Serena Williams may have retired from tennis, but she is still playing big off the court. Even before announcing her exit from the game, Williams had already begun dabbling in a number of business endeavors, from her venture capital firm to helping increase diversity in tech. Now the tennis phenom has announced her first undertaking post retirement, 926 Productions, a new multimedia production company aimed at empowering women and diverse voices.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Williams has already inked a first-look TV deal at Amazon Studios, appointing former Grand Electric VP Caroline Currier as president of 926 Productions. The company will focus on producing content that appeals to a variety of demographics, amplifying the stories of those who are not often heard.

“With the launch of 926 Productions, we aim to elevate female and diverse voices through content that speaks to everyone. I’m so excited to begin this next chapter of my career alongside Caroline, a woman who understands the art of storytelling and is passionate about evoking the entertainment industry in new directions. I look forward to collaborating with her and developing unique projects that inspire audiences across all platforms,” said Williams.

Currier got her career start as an assistant before serving as a writer on FX’s hit drama Tyrant. She pivoted to production, working on television series like The Rookie and Designated Survivor before being named senior VP television at Grand Electric where she produced Kevin Hart’s True Story and Pete Berg’s upcoming Painkiller drama for Netflix. Currier says she is excited to continue this next chapter of her career with Williams by her side.

“I have long admired Serena not only as one of the greatest athletes of all time, but also a cultural icon. She is a once-in-a-generation talent who transcends sport and her commitment to excellence on and off the court is inspiring. As we bring our creative instincts together, I am thrilled to partner with Serena and build out a company that centers on championing impactful and entertaining stories yet to be told,” said Currier.

Williams most recently produced the 2021 film King Richard alongside sisters Venus Williams and Isha Price. The heartwarming tale, based on her father Richard Williams, and starring Will Smith, earned six Academy Award nominations including best picture, Smith earning the Oscar for best actor during the 2022 Academy Awards. Williams is set to release multiple projects under the new 926 Productions banner including a soccer documentary entitled Copa 71 about the 1971 Women’s World Cup.

In Career Gems April 22, 2023 By Esther Ijewere

14 Jobs Women Can Do From Anywhere Without Experience

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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In Career Gems April 22, 2023 By Esther Ijewere

Meet Irene Koki Mutungi: Kenya Airways’ First Female Pilot And Captain

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