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Katrice Bent is a young entrepreneur and the visionary behind Katrice Justice. She is on a mission to empower individuals to take charge of their financial futures. Establishing her business in December 2022, Katrice is driven by a commitment to deliver accessible and trustworthy financial education to people from all walks of life. Her fervent dedication to helping others attain financial freedom has propelled her to build a thriving personal finance brand that has already left a significant mark.

A Vision for Empowerment

She established Katrice Justice with a mission to provide accessible and reliable financial education to individuals from all backgrounds. Her journey began at the age of 12 when she sold Avon products alongside her mother. By 14, she ventured into entrepreneurship once again, starting her own photography business. In 2017, her dedication and hard work were recognized when she received a youth entrepreneurship award from the Jamaican Ottawa Community Association.

Building a Thriving Brand

Today, Katrice operates primarily online, leveraging platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram under the handle @KatriceJustice. Her website, katricejustice.com, serves as a central hub for all her offerings and resources. Through a comprehensive range of services, including digital content, speaking engagements, educational resources, and personalized guidance, Katrice empowers individuals to achieve their financial goals and live their best lives.

Making an Impact

With her unique blend of creativity, analytical thinking, and strategic planning, Katrice has successfully grown her brand and reached a wider audience than ever before. Her commitment to excellence and passion for empowering others to attain financial independence drive her forward. As she looks to the future, Katrice is excited to continue expanding her brand and making a positive impact on the lives of countless individuals.

Katrice Bent’s journey is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the importance of financial education in today’s world. Through Katrice Justice, she is not only changing lives but also inspiring others to take control of their financial futures and pursue their dreams.

 

A popular wealth creator once said: “When money realizes that it is in good hands, it wants to stay and multiply in those hands.” That’s what Vanessa Ideh Adekoya represents in her industry. She understands the power of merging financial Literacy with creativity. Vanessa has managed to turn YouTube into a lucrative business, and she is now teaching other women how to do it.

In April 2020 she joined Youtube and started creating content around trending topics, and in June 2021, the certified financial education instructor (CFEI) and former accountant decided to start from scratch and build a brand-new channel called, Launch To Wealth.

The platform has now evolved into a goldmine, making Vanessa one of the top black Youtubers in the world. In November 2021, she made $23,700 from her YouTube channel in just five months of launching it, and her subscribers increased significantly. The inspiring financial coach has turned her hobby into a career, and she is reaping the fruit of her labour, hard work and tenacity.

In this Interview with Esther Ijewere, she shares her passion for gender equity and how she is using her platform to teach women the importance of financial freedom.

Vanessa Ideh Interview with Women of Rubies
Vanessa Ideh

Childhood Influence

Yes, My childhood influenced me in a way. I can look back on my childhood and find patterns of creativity and expression through words.  At the same time, I have always been good with numbers so I knew that whatever I would do as an adult had to allow me to use those skills simultaneously.

Why I Pitched My Tent In the Financial Literacy Sector  

Making a mark in the world of Financial Literacy as a digital creator is me coming full circle with myself. For as long as I have known myself, I have been a confident speaker and creative thinker but growing up in an African household, I thought there was no way for me to express my natural talents and be financially stable at the same time. You were either a broke artist or an educated professional. So, I decided to be an educated professional and it doesn’t get more professional than being an Accountant.

However, after landing a job at one of the Big 4 accounting firms, I quickly realized that I would never feel fulfilled if I did not have room to be creative and to speak often as part of my job. That was when the search for an alternative path began. I had coffee chats with people who worked in Marketing, PR and other communication-heavy fields but it wasn’t until I found a brand called Clever Girl Finance that I felt like someone had created exactly what I wanted to create. I did further research and found that she is a Certified Financial Education Instructor so I became one too. The rest is history.

The Journey So Far

It’s been Amazing. On many days, I feel like I am living in a dream because I recognize how much of a privilege it is to show up as your full self, work in a field that you were naturally designed to work in and make a difference in the lives of many. I see it as God’s goodness and I never want to take God’s goodness for granted.

Challenges I Encounter In My Line Of Work

It depends on what room I am in. In some spaces, the challenge is explaining what exactly I do for a living. In other spaces, the challenge is finding the right people to join my team so we can move the vision forward. However, regardless of the challenges I face, I still find joy in doing what I do.

The Society and Its Support For Content Creators

It is a relatively new field and so people don’t understand it enough to appreciate it. It is only a matter of time, though. I see that changing in the future.

Vanessa Ideh - Founder of Launch To Wealth
Vanessa Ideh – Founder, Launch To Wealth

Other Projects and Activities

I am currently working on a project that would shed light on the creator economy. It is something I am so passionate about because it is the reason why I am able to do what I do in a sustainable way.

What I Enjoy Most About My Job

The level of impact that my work has. People literally pray for me every day because I expose them to opportunities that they otherwise would not be exposed to.

 3 Women Who Inspire Me And Why 

Bola Sokunbi, the CEO of Clever Girl Finance. I love the fact that she was bold enough to build a platform centered around women and money. Those are two subjects that get me fired up and as far as I’m concerned, she is a blueprint.

Tara Durotoye, the CEO of House of Tara. I love her love for life and for people. She wears many hats well and I think that is not easy for anyone to do.

Myleik Teele, the CEO of Curlbox. That’s a woman who believed she could and did. She built a social media community and then turned around to create an amazing company around the needs of the women in her community. That’s remarkable; in my humble opinion.

How I Use My Passion For Financial Literacy and Gender Equality To Create Room For Other Women in Our Industry

I actually have a closed community for black women in the financial literacy and media space. It’s one of my most recent projects and something I am very passionate about. I love to see women thrive and succeed.

One Thing I Wish To Change In The World

I would make room for more black women to thrive. We need more women at the table.

How To Empower Women In The Society

Teach them how money works. I don’t think women can be empowered if we aren’t financially empowered.

Being  A Woman of Rubies

My audacity. I think it takes a lot of courage to break away from a traditional path, tell yourself the truth about who you are and then find or create a path that allows you to show up as your best self. Many more people would do this too if they had the audacity so I would say audacity makes me unique.

To Young Women Trying To Navigate Their Path In Life

I will probably say 2 things:

Who you are is enough. Find where people like you get paid and go there

Give yourself options. You never want to be in a situation where you feel stuck so ensure you make decisions that open you up to multiple opportunities

Take a look at other related interviews we’ve had in the past:

Sola Adesakin’s story is one of transformation, dedication, and the power of personal experience. As a renowned finance coach, author, and mentor, she has made it her mission to simplify the complexities of money management and empower individuals to achieve their financial goals.

A Passion for Financial Empowerment

Sola Adesakin’s journey was inspired by her deep passion for helping people understand the “make-manage-multiply money” message. Her specialization lies in maximizing resources, guiding individuals to reach crucial financial milestones, and building true wealth through financial planning. Her dedication to this mission has earned her a well-deserved reputation as one of Nigeria’s most respected finance coaches.

From Financial Stress to Wealth

Throughout her career, Sola has played a pivotal role in helping both men and women bounce back from financial stress and debt, ultimately guiding them toward financial prosperity. Her expertise as an author, trained coach, and mentor has transformed countless lives, providing the knowledge and guidance needed to secure a more stable financial future.

A Portfolio of Recognition

Sola Adesakin’s remarkable contributions to the field of finance have not gone unnoticed. She was accepted into the Forbes Coaches Council, a testament to her expertise and influence in the financial industry. In 2020, she was recognized as one of Nigeria’s 100 Most Inspiring Women, showcasing the impact of her work on women’s empowerment. Additionally, she received the Women X Scholarship, a World Bank and Pan Atlantic University initiative supporting female entrepreneurs.

Educational Background and Certification

Sola’s journey into financial coaching and empowerment was fortified by her educational pursuits. She earned an HND from the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro in 2000 and later obtained a BSc degree from Oxford Brookes University in the United Kingdom in 2006. Her academic journey culminated in an MBA from the Edinburgh Business School in Scotland, making her well-equipped to guide others in their financial endeavors. Sola is also an Associate Member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CGA CPA), a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), and a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Accountants of the United Kingdom (ACCA).

A Vision Realized

Sola’s journey with finances, including debt and financial mismanagement, served as a driving force behind her commitment to teaching financial literacy to others. She recognized that formal education often falls short in equipping individuals with the knowledge needed to manage and multiply their money. After discovering a book that simplified money management, she adopted financial literacy, discipline, and budgeting, enabling her to save and earn seven-digit returns on her investments. Her journey taught her that personal responsibility is the key to breaking free from financial struggles.

An Author and Advocate

Sola Adesakin’s commitment to financial empowerment extends to her writing. She has authored eight books and numerous articles, sharing her insights and expertise on financial literacy with people of all ages and backgrounds. Her work has been featured in local and global publications, further expanding her influence.

Awards and Recognitions

Sola’s contributions to the field of finance have earned her several awards and recognitions, underscoring her impact:

  • Recipient of the Women X Scholarship, an initiative by the World Bank and Pan Atlantic University for female entrepreneurs.
  • Recognized as one of Nigeria’s 100 Most Inspiring Women in 2020 by The Guardian Nigeria News.
  • Acknowledged as one of the 100 Power Women of 2021 by the Power Woman Network.
  • Participant in the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs, a U.S. Government Initiative.
  • Listed in the Phenomity 40 List of 2021 on International Women’s Day.
  • Accepted into the Forbes Coaches Council.

Sola Adesakin’s journey is a testament to the power of personal experience, education, and determination. Her work in simplifying money management and empowering individuals to achieve their financial goals continues to make a profound impact, not only in Nigeria but also on a global scale. Sola’s story serves as an inspiring example of how one individual’s commitment to financial education can transform lives and open doors to greater financial empowerment.

In a perfect world, we wouldn’t need to trick ourselves into saving money, because we’re all grown-ups who have self-control, right?

Let’s be honest, whether its splurging or the unfortunate mishaps that require immediate funds, we could find areas where we can cut our costs and unnecessary spending.

Acknowledging that our self-control might need some work isn’t a bad thing. Try implementing some of these tips and tricks to help you become a super fine finance ninja!

Coin Jar

It may seem old fashion, but that change after you break a dollar can add up quickly.  That few extra $100 per year might not sound like much, but it’s far better things to be done with extra coins than losing them between the cushions!

Make Money Shopping

Numerous websites offer opportunities to earn cash back when shopping, whether online or at brick-and-mortar stores. One of the options I particularly like is an app that provides cash back for purchases at various participating stores. When you use your linked debit or credit card, you receive cash back. The participating stores vary widely, making it a versatile choice.

New Habits

Transform your routine. Instead of ordering lunch every day at work, pack a lunch on some days. Consider the unnecessary subscriptions you have monthly, and divert those payments into your savings account. What habits do you have that you can work on quitting to help save those extra bucks at the end of the month?

Check Your Home

You’d be surprised at how much you can save monthly by just cutting back on your energy bill. Caulk holes and cracks that let warm air out in the winter and cool air in the summer. Ask your local gas and electric providers for a free or low-cost home energy audit. This can lead to tremendous long-term savings. Learn the correct settings for your thermostat to ensure you keep your usage at bay when you away from home during the day.

Related:

This 24-Year-Old Makes $750k Teaching Women How To Make Money On Instagram

Karrie Brady is a 24-year-old business coach and sales expert. Her income is currently bringing in $750K annually.

Karrie teaches women how to become coaches, educators, within their respective fields. She shows them how to turn their expertise into something that can help others and as well build their income, too.

Any skill set can be turned into education

She believes the opportunities for this is limitless.

After leaving school for biomedical engineering, she had returned home to take care of her father following an accident. Needing a way to make money in a flexible way, she began her business as a fitness and health coach at just 19-years-old. Her selling power became popular, and soon influencers were hiring her to sell their own products.

Today, Karrie Brady’s own clients use her expertise through one of the following:

  • One-on-one coaching
  • A mastermind group
  • A course for small audiences
  • A course for building authority
  • A forthcoming course on pivoting to online education.

Brady wants all women to know they have the power and potential to monetize their skillsets in a similar way.

“There are probably 40 different ways that people can get into online education. There’s coaching, they can create courses or memberships, e-books are so common, too,” she explains. “There are so many opportunities. A gardener could be an educator. You could create a course or book called ‘How To Take Care Of The 10 Most Popular Houseplants.’”

To date, some of Brady’s biggest successes include one woman who, in her first year of coaching, grossed $220K and saved $120K of it. Another was a photographer who transitioned to coaching and earned an additional $75K in her first year.

Read Also: How To Trick Yourself Into Saving More Money

However, it’s not just about learning how to package your knowledge into a course, book, or coaching program. It’s first about learning how to position, market and brand yourself to draw in potential clients in the first place.

“I think what people need to realize is that in today’s day-in-age, they want to buy from someone they are connected to. They want to be able to stand behind the brand,” Brady shares. “When you’re positing yourself as an authority and building up a social media presence, you are humanizing your business. It allows people to feel more invested in you and it allows people to stand behind your brand in more ways than just the product.”

“There are three people you’re selling to,” Brady explains. “The person who doesn’t even know that their problem exists; the person who knows the problem but not the solution; and the person who knows the problem and the solution. The last one is who you are positing the offer to.” .

Karrie Brady

Brady explains that the biggest obstacle she sees women facing is the dreaded imposter syndrome. It’s an issue, she says, that requires a lot of work to overcome. “People feel like they are not enough, they are not ready. If you’re ‘ready,’ you’ve waited too long. There’s so much power that you have. You only need to be two steps ahead of someone to effectively coach them.”

“Any skillset can be turned into education,” Brady says.

“There are billions of people in the world, and I can think out of the top off my head there are probably 10 people in their current audience that would love to learn from you.”

She helps her clients with from the “magic formula” to writing an Instagram bio, which photos are more appealing (she argues that straight-on is most inviting, second best is when your head is turned toward the follow button, as sort of a subliminal nod). She also coaches on making SEO-optimized content, to doing your captions the correct way, or how to nail the exact verbiage that would appeal to a potential client.

Related:

4 Bad Money Habits That Will Keep You Broke Forever

How To Survive While Unemployed

 

Financial literacy is essential to anyone, and for women responsible for providing for their children and families, the skill of making, managing and growing wealth is fundamental. One of the common threads of most single female breadwinners (single mothers) is that they live in survival mode. When society continues to portray women responsible for their families as struggling, broke and always needy, it is not farfetched for women to begin to believe these narratives and live into it, but it does not have to be so.

Therefore, Wevvo Nigeria has partnered with  the founder of Smart Money Africa and Author of “The smart money woman” and “The smart money tribe”; Arese Ugwu to educate single moms on financial literacy and savings culture.

According to the founder of Wevvo Nigeria  Weyinmi Eribo; “We believe that it is possible to live parallel lives of caring for the family while attaining financial freedom, hence our reason for partnering with Arese Ugwu to share her knowledge in this regard. I founded Wevvo because I know that women struggle in many ways, and for single female breadwinners it is worse, a full circle of negligence and lack of appreciation for the struggles we go through. I have seen several times how narratives have put women in boxes, this single story continues to create gaps in women’s’ careers and businesses. At Wevvo, we are changing this narrative.

Wevvo Nigeria is a resource and community-based platform that supports single female breadwinners with access to finance, business capacity boosting trainings and workshops, mentoring and a community to thrive, a safe space for healing and growth, learn more about our work and join the community.

Join us on the 18th of July in a zoom event where we will be learning money tips, asking questions, and sharing experiences unique to single female breadwinners.

Visit us at www.wevvo.ng

 

Chances are you have faulty beliefs about money, which keep you from coming into it. Here are 5 faulty beliefs you might have and what to do about it.

The first thing to get straight is this: Money serves you. You are it’s master and it is your faithful servant. Never get this the other way around. Money serves two purposes: It allows us to live comfortably. It is also a vehicle that lets us do good in this world. Let money serve you.

  1. Money Isn’t Everything

Some people believe that money can’t buy happiness. They pretty much choose poverty over prosperity, thinking that happiness comes with scarcity. Yet, part of having an abundance mindset means the best of both worlds. After all, money is just an indicator of success. Poor and unsuccessful people have made it a habit to avoid doing things that improve their skills and this guarantees failure.

On the other hand, successful people have a habit of doing things that help them progressively realize their goals and dreams. While you may want to remain static, the truth is you either create or disintegrate.

2. You Lack Gratitude for the Money You Do Have

Just as we don’t know how to receive, when we do receive, we don’t know how to express gratitude. Start off simple and express gratitude, when you find a dime on your garage floor or a dollar bill in your laundry.

Gratitude is a re-framing of our minds, which opens us to receiving and expands our awareness to possibilities. Possibilities increase our chances of success.

3. You Don’t Know How to Receive

How many of us know how to ask for money or negotiate salaries? How many of us know our true worth in the value we can provide? I sure didn’t. I had helped my friend remove malware from her computer. It took me less than an hour, and she wanted to pay me for my time. Yet, because I didn’t know how to ask for money or the worth of the knowledge I possess, I stupidly refused the money. Luckily for me, my friend insisted. More importantly, she helped me realize that my knowledge and experience are not just for my employer. I can also help other people, and I should be bold enough to ask for money. After all, while it may have taken less than an hour to remove that malware, it’s taken me twenty years of constant study in front of the computer to build up that knowledge base and expertise.

READ ALSO : MY FIBROID STORY OF BLOOD, PAIN AND BROKENESS

4. You Have a Poor Self-Image

You can only grow as far as your self-image will allow. If you ever want to make six-figures at your next job, then you have to first believe you can. Your bad self image makes you believe that you are undeserving and a fraud. Mainly, it’s been poisoned by other people’s beliefs.

Once you believe you bring a unique value to this world that you alone can provide, you become aware that you deserve an abundance of happiness, health, and wealth. This accomplishment is something greater yet as it is an expansion of your awareness and true self-growth. Only when you are able to see yourself worthy and deserving of a six-figure salary, will your future employer see it too.

5. It Starts With You

One of the common threads running through the 7 false beliefs has to do with blame and your willingness to take responsibility for your current results. Unsuccessful people blame their circumstances or other people. On the contrary, successful people accept their circumstances and take the initiative to improve what they can. Even if the problems seem insurmountable, they start acting from where they can.

To bring more money and success into your life, first make a decision to throw out these faulty beliefs. Be willing to accept new beliefs that are conducive to your goals. When we start educating ourselves, we also start expanding our awareness to what’s possible.

In the end, the decision to come into an abundance of wealth and success has more to do with setting goals and growing, than it is about the money. As you embark on this journey, kindly remind yourself from time to time that goals aren’t about getting. They are about growing.

 

Apart from finding a way to be financially productive yourself, even if it is through opening an investment portfolio that your husband can give you initial money for, start by letting your husband know that you are concerned about what could happen to you and his dependents if anything happens to him, particularly as you are not gainfully employed and are totally dependent on him financially.

Hello Shade,
I am a full-time housewife married to an international businessman. It is his choice that I stay home to tend to the home front, which I’ve come to embrace as my role. The problem is that as an educated wife, I think I’m supposed to know all my husband’s assets and properties, but he doesn’t tell me anything about them. I often feel he thinks I’m useless because I don’t work. Am I being unnecessarily paranoid?
– Bisi, Ogun State

***

Dear Bisi,

Thank you for reaching out to me.

I understand that you feel under-appreciated by your husband, despite the fact that at your husband’s request, you have assumed the role of a full-time housewife.

In my opinion, your concerns are justifiable, because as a full-time homemaker who is completely financially dependent on your husband, such thoughts would pervade your mind. Perhaps this mental nudge is what you require to confirm if your husband has an estate plan in place. However, you must tread with caution to avoid being misunderstood.

Apart from finding a way to be financially productive yourself, even if it is through opening an investment portfolio that your husband can give you initial money for, start by letting your husband know that you are concerned about what could happen to you and his dependents if anything happens to him, particularly as you are not gainfully employed and are totally dependent on him financially. I believe this will set the tone for your husband to re-evaluate your current position as a full-time housewife. It would also prompt him to consider the options open to him toward planning his estate, including putting his will in place to determine how his assets will be distributed at the end of his life, and/or setting up a trust to cater for your welfare and that of other dependents.

I hope I have been able to help you out in some way.

Cheers,
Shade

Source: Bellanaija

No one is perfect says the world but some vices are more bothersome than the others. Many men can relate with this topic. I wonder if men talk about how much their wives love to spend on hair- whether braids, wigs or natural replenishment. Better still, if they talk about our bags, watches, lotions, spas, dresses, perfumes. What of our vacations? And our constant shopping of toys for the kids!! Oh women!

Ok, now that we have satisfied the men, let us share some of the ache of the ladies. Does your man spend a lot on TGIF! A drink here and there, designer belts, designer ties and shirts- all the same color (white and blue). God bless the women that their spouses love games too! What of the man that likes to loan everyone in the office?

Spending is part of life. Some will argue, what is the point of earning money and stashing it. What is the point of investment? If not to spend it later. There is a popular Ebenezer Obey song that says ‘olowo majeye, eyin lomo, awon to laye lana da, won ti ku won ti lo’. It means rich man/woman that doesn’t want to spend and enjoy life, na you sabi. those that were alive yesterday are dead and gone.

I agree to an extent. It sucks to be stingy. It sucks to have money and live like a pauper. However, there are limits.

A spendaholic is someone that spends arbitrarily. This means irrational, not planned, not needed spending. Spending for the sake of spending. Spending as if he/she did not work hard to earn the money. Spending on any and everything. Buying everything in sight. This is not cool.

Here are tips to handle.

1.Show the problem. First step is to show the spender that there is a problem. Most spenders have different reasons for their habits. Some will say ‘ how much is this bag sef, sebi it is just N20,000. What can I do with that money anyway. It cannot buy me land, cannot buy me a car. So let me enjoy’. Educate the person that N50,000 set aside monthly for 10 years is N6,000,000. Even without any interests. Go through the person’s bank statement and add up all the little costs here and there and it will amaze you how much it adds up to.

2.Proffer alternatives but don’t create a bondage. No one wants to feel like a child being monitored, so allow flexibility. An easy way to do this is to create 3 accounts: one for yourself, one for spouse and one for joint projects. Agree with your spouse an amount on projects and investment and focus your energy on that. Example, we try to do 30%- 40% on investments and dedicate that to the joint project account. Then, each person can manage his/her personal pocket money as they like. They secret here is to take as much as possible for projects so that spouse has just enough for life! (Wink) and a few luxuries. Also, ensure both of you are aligned to the project or dream. Do not impose your dreams on your spouse. This is a NO- NO! and NO!

3. Link loans to spouses account or set up alternative systems. A clean way to block money with a shopaholic is to link project loans to the account. Whether we like it or not, the debit alert for loans happen ‘gbagaun’ automatically monthly. So link this and you won’t have to worry about ‘lau lau’ spending. However, ensure that loans are taken for productive ventures that can pay itself and the interests on capital.

a.Alternatively, set up recurring bank instructions. You can instruct the bank to move some money out of your account into a savings account as soon as allowy/salary lands at month end.

4. Have a budget and financial goals. This is key. Every year, I set financial goals. E.g.

a.I want to build a commercial property

b.I want to build up cash up to XX amount

c.I want to pay off loans

d.I want to invest in children’s education trust fund

e.I want to set up a community CSR fund pot.

f.I want to set up children’s university savings

g.I want to establish my younger one’s business

h.I want to take a vacation.

Let us be clear. This is not about me. So replace ‘I’ in above sentences with your name. This is about you. Make a list of your financial goals for 2017 now. Draw up a budget too. What % of your income will you spend on accommodation, feeding, education, children’s school fees, beauty, tithe, giving back, transport, savings, investment, gadgets etc?

5. Keep some fun money aside. All work and no play makes Adunni a dull girl. So remember Obey’s song. Spend some money on things you love, things that make you happy so you can live long enough to spend the savings. Remember, no one was born a shopaholic. With a lot of love, support and education, your spouse will be a financial guru in no time. At the same time, don’t victimize your spouse in the name of financial training. Everyone is different and your spouse may never get to the level of discipline you have.

What do you think?

By: MrsCeo Naija

Pic Credit: shutterstock.com