Practical Steps for Building Your Own Legacy: Tips for Women to Start Building a Legacy, Regardless of Their Current Circumstances

As women, we’re often told to focus on others—to care for our families, nurture our relationships, and put everyone else’s needs before our own. While there’s nothing wrong with caring for those around us, something is empowering about taking control of our own journey and building a legacy that reflects who we are, what we believe in, and the impact we want to leave on the world.

I truly believe that every woman can create her own path and leave a lasting legacy, regardless of her current circumstances. Whether you're starting from scratch or have faced challenges along the way, the key is to take consistent action towards your vision. Here are some practical steps that have helped me along my journey, and I hope they’ll inspire you to start building your own legacy.

1. Start with Clarity: Define Your Legacy

Before you can start building a legacy, it’s crucial to understand what legacy means to you. For me, it’s about empowering women, particularly African women, to create the lives they deserve. It’s about teaching them to build their own businesses, embrace their independence, and pursue their passions without fear or guilt.

Ask yourself, what do I want to leave behind? What do I want people to remember me for? Whether it’s a business, a mindset shift, or a way of living, clarity is the first step toward creating a meaningful legacy. Take some time to think about the kind of impact you want to make and the life you want to live. This clarity will be the driving force behind everything you do.

2. Focus on What You Can Control

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when we look at the big picture, but remember that you can only control what’s within your power. Instead of focusing on what’s outside of your control, focus on the small steps you can take today to move closer to your goals.

In my journey, I’ve had to adapt to challenges like motherhood, finances, and doubt. But I realized that no matter how small the action is, each step counts. Whether it’s reading a book on personal development, writing that blog post, or creating one social media post, these small actions accumulate over time and contribute to building a legacy.

3. Invest in Your Skills and Knowledge

One of the most powerful ways to build a lasting legacy is to invest in yourself. Whether that’s through education, honing your skills, or finding mentors who can help guide you, continuous learning is a key part of growth.

I’ve spent countless hours learning new things about content creation, business management, social media strategies, and more. Every new skill I acquire empowers me to take my brand and business to the next level. The more knowledge you gain, the more opportunities you’ll have to make an impact in your field and create the life you’ve always envisioned.

4. Take Action on Your Ideas

You can have the best ideas in the world, but without action, they’ll remain dreams. Building a legacy requires bold steps forward, even when you don’t feel ready. Don’t wait for the “perfect time.” Start where you are and take action today.

For me, Ngumabi started with a simple love for handcrafted fashion pieces. I didn’t have all the answers, but I started creating, sharing, and experimenting with what I loved. Kaolosphere, my social media management business, grew from a passion for empowering nonprofits. I didn’t have all the resources or certainty, but I took action, reached out to clients, and slowly built my confidence and expertise.

5. Build a Community of Like-Minded People

Legacy isn’t built alone — it’s about creating connections and supporting others along the way. Surround yourself with people who share your values and vision, people who believe in your mission and are willing to lift you up as you rise.

Building a community has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. Whether it’s through my blog, my social media platforms, or my work with nonprofits, I’ve been able to connect with women who are just as passionate about creating a lasting impact as I am. Together, we can support and inspire one another.

6. Keep Going, Even When It Gets Hard

The road to building a legacy isn’t easy. There will be moments of doubt, discouragement, and setbacks. I’ve faced plenty of obstacles in my journey, from financial challenges to balancing work and motherhood. But every time I felt like giving up, I reminded myself of why I started in the first place.

It’s okay to take breaks when needed, but don’t let setbacks stop you from pursuing your dreams. Remember, perseverance is key. Your legacy is built over time, and consistency is the bridge between your dreams and your reality.

7. Be Authentic and True to Yourself

A legacy isn’t just about the things you do; it’s about how you do them. Authenticity is at the heart of everything I do. I strive to be honest, open, and true to myself and my audience. Whether it’s through my blog posts, social media updates, or business endeavours, I make sure that my actions align with my core values.

Your authenticity will attract the right people, the ones who resonate with your message and who believe in what you’re building. When you’re true to yourself, you’ll find that the journey of creating your legacy feels more fulfilling.

8. Teach and Empower Others

Building a legacy is not just about what you achieve—it’s about helping others rise with you. As you build your legacy, don’t forget to share your knowledge and experiences with others. Empower the women around you by offering advice, support, and opportunities for growth.

Whether it’s through blog posts, mentorship, or speaking engagements, teaching others is one of the most impactful ways to leave a legacy. The more you give, the more you’ll receive in return.

Your Legacy Starts Today

Creating your legacy may feel overwhelming, but remember, you’re already on your way. The first step is to believe that you have the power to build something meaningful—and then take action, one step at a time.

By defining your vision, focusing on what you can control, investing in yourself, and staying authentic, you’re building something that will last long beyond your lifetime. Your legacy will inspire future generations of women to create their own paths and live the lives they deserve.

Don’t wait for permission. Start today, and watch your legacy unfold.