Today we’d like to introduce you to Olukemi (Kemi) Dada.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m one of the people you can call “late-starters”, and it took me a while to discover myself. As a matter of fact, my vision for life evolved with my experiences, in family and faith in particular. When I relocated from Nigeria with my husband in 1999, I was married alright, but outside of that, I didn’t know what my true purpose/calling was.
I love to serve God and His children, and I think somewhere in the process of doing that, I discovered myself. I have this deep insight into life, but I can’t take the credit for that. I think it’s as a result of extensive reading/listening, spending time in God’s presence and life’s experiences. I learn from my life, and even more from other people’s life. This insight birthed the “Dear Woman” series which I eventually compiled into a small ebook. I see the value in every path I walk. No lesson is lost on me and I like to share these with anyone who would listen.
After relocating to the States, I literally had to start from the very bottom, Customer Service in retail banking. I went back to school for my Master’s degree, to help boost my career. Now, I work as a certified Anti-Money Laundering professional in the financial services industry.
I’m selective with my circle of friends, and I’m constantly around people that I’m able to learn from. Various empowerment programs and leadership roles in the church have also helped me.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It definitely has not been a smooth road.
I had to deal with the re-settling in a new country at an age that my friends and peers back in Nigeria had it all figured out. The process of career and financial growth, coupled with raising a young family was unnerving. It was easy for me to give up, and give all the excuses in the world, but to be honest, my motivation was the resolve not to live a life of mediocrity.
I went back to school to do my Masters in Business Administration when my two older boys were five and three. It was tough, especially because I kept my full-time job, and was very involved in church. I quickly learned to get my priorities right, and I cut back heavily on my social life. You don’t have to be seen everywhere!
I count myself lucky because I’m married to my friend, and this has made things remarkably easy for me. I get a lot of help from my husband.
My advice would be to identify your goal/s, focus (because there would be distractions), prioritize and pray. In the middle of it, don’t forget to serve people, one way or the other. When you live a life of service, things have a way of aligning for you.
Women, surround yourself with people that you want to be like. There’s a time for everything, trust me, some things can wait.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Founder of Berean Foundation story. Tell us more about it.
Berean Foundation was conceived with the less privileged children in mind. I don’t know how my life would have turned out without access to books. I keep seeing this image of children in remote areas of the furthermost part of the earth, clustered around a teacher, who’s reading a tired, old book to them. I think we can do more. I think humanity can do more. As we send food and clothing all over the world, I’m convinced we can send books too. In my opinion, knowledge is what truly emancipates the mind. With an active, sound mind, the world is your oyster! So far, we’ve supported schools in sub-Saharan Africa financially. Last year, Beraen Foundation made hundreds of customized composition books for a particular school in Nigeria.
Daniel Club, which I hope to launch later this year was inspired by my three amazing sons. I figured our young boys are the men of tomorrow, and as such, they need strong serious and positive mentorship. My vision for young men is for them to become great men, outstanding husbands and productive citizens. I need more support and empowerment programs for teenage boys.
My Dear Woman book is available on Amazon, and it’s collection nuggets that are my expressions and views of life.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
Seize the opportunity of whatever is available in your area. If you attend church, make good use of trusted leaders in your church. You can actually ask people you admire and respect to be your mentor.
If Toastmasters International is available through your job, or available in your area (and you’re inclined towards public speaking), register and become a member. It’s very helpful.
If you’re in a career that has professional bodies, they always come in useful. Attend meetings.
Show up at networking or empowerment events that you’re invited to. You can initiate conversations with the speakers if you like them. I read a book once, and I like the story of the author and the format of the book. I thereafter sent an email to the author. After that, I spoke with her on the phone, and she actually gave me tips on how I could have myself published on Amazon.
Show up, and speak up!!
Contact Info:
- Phone: 7134802752
- Email: kemidada@msn.com
- Instagram: @olukemidada
- Twitter: @dele4kemi
- Other: Dear Woman: Letters to the Woman (Amazon)
Image Credit:
Adorn Beauty Retreat
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