Why I Chose This Path to Be Ambitious Despite Society’s Expectations—And What Keeps Me Going

Breaking Barriers: Why I’m Passionate About Helping Ambitious African Women

I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to do this. Every struggle, every lesson, and every experience I’ve had has led me here—to blogging, entrepreneurship, personal growth, and helping ambitious African women like me.

Ever since I was a child, I’ve had a deep desire to help people. Being an empath made me naturally drawn to supporting others, but over time, I realized that I felt a special connection with helping women.

Then I discovered blogging. I wanted a space to share my thoughts, experiences, and lessons in hopes of helping someone who might be going through the same struggles. In the beginning, my blog was for everyone. I wrote with a general audience in mind. But as time passed, something shifted—I started speaking directly to women.

Why? Because I am a woman, and the things I go through are things that many other women can relate to. I also realized that women shouldn’t have to gatekeep their experiences. When we share openly, we help each other grow, learn, and avoid certain mistakes.

Filling a Gap for African Women

When I searched the internet for self-improvement, lifestyle, and personal development content tailored to African women, I didn’t find much. Yes, there were Cameroonian and Nigerian bloggers in the lifestyle space, but very few focused on personal growth and how ambitious African women could navigate their way to success.

That’s when I decided: I will be that Cameroonian lifestyle blogger who shares her journey to help other Cameroonian and African women.

Because representation matters.

I know that when another woman or young girl sees someone like her chasing her dreams, it makes it easier for her to believe in herself. It makes it easier for her to say, “If she can do it, then I can too.” I want to be that bridge—the one that takes success from feeling unreal to feeling achievable for African women.

Why Society’s Expectations Won’t Define Me

One of the biggest challenges African women face is the weight of societal expectations. We are expected to:

• Shrink ourselves to fit within the limits set by men.

• Value marriage and family above personal ambition.

• Uphold traditional roles more than our personal goals.

• Accept that certain career paths aren’t for us because of our gender.

• Be criticized or shamed for our choices until we bend and conform.

Every day, we are reminded of these expectations. It can be frustrating, discouraging, and exhausting to keep pushing against them. But that’s exactly why I’m so passionate about helping ambitious African women.

I want my blog, business, and journey to serve as a reminder that you can unapologetically chase your dreams. You don’t have to shrink yourself. You don’t have to let society tell you what success should look like.

What Keeps Me Going

The messages from women who say I’ve inspired them.
The knowledge that my story can help another woman believe in herself.
The dream of seeing more African women rise, thrive, and achieve greatness on their own terms.

That is why I do what I do.
That is why I refuse to stop.
That is why I will keep pushing forward—because when one woman wins, we all win. 💛✨

1. Know Your Unique Strengths

Reflect on Your Journey

Take a moment to reflect on your experiences and achievements. What qualities have helped you overcome obstacles? Perhaps it’s your determination, ability to adapt, or your innate sense of leadership. Write down these strengths and consider how they have shaped your path.

Celebrate Cultural Resilience

African women have a unique story of overcoming adversity and celebrating community. Embrace the cultural values—such as unity, perseverance, and the power of storytelling—that have been passed down through generations. Recognize that these are not just traditions; they are strengths that empower you in every aspect of your life.

2. Cultivate Your Strengths

Invest in Personal Growth

Continuous learning is a powerful way to develop your natural abilities. Whether through formal education, online courses, or mentorship programs, seek opportunities to sharpen your skills and expand your knowledge. Remember, every step you take in learning is an investment in your future.

Practice Self-Affirmation

Affirmations aren’t just feel-good phrases—they’re reminders of your potential. Start your day by reminding yourself of your strengths: “I am resilient. I am capable. I am a force for positive change.” This practice builds confidence and keeps you focused on what you bring to the table.

3. Leverage Your Network and Community

Build Meaningful Connections

Surround yourself with people who inspire, challenge, and support you. Engage with other ambitious African women who share your vision and values. Together, you can create networks that foster collaboration, share opportunities, and provide mentorship.

Share Your Story

Your experiences are a treasure trove of insights. Share your journey and the lessons you've learned, whether through social media, community events, or professional networks. Your story can motivate others, and in return, you may discover new avenues for growth and opportunity.

4. Set Clear Goals Aligned with Your Strengths

Define Your Vision

What does success look like for you? Take the time to define your long-term vision. Once you have a clear picture, break it down into achievable goals. Your strengths are the building blocks of your success—use them to create a roadmap that’s uniquely yours.

Create a Strategic Plan

List out specific, actionable steps that align with your strengths. For example, if your strength is leadership, consider taking on roles that allow you to mentor others. If your strength lies in innovation, set goals to develop new projects or business ventures. A clear plan helps transform your vision into reality.

5. Embrace a Growth Mindset

Learn from Setbacks

Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow. Instead of viewing obstacles as failures, see them as stepping stones toward success. Your ability to bounce back and learn from each experience is one of your most powerful strengths.

Stay Adaptable

The world is ever-changing, and so are you. Embrace change and stay flexible in your approach. By being open to new ideas and continuously adapting, you will strengthen your existing abilities and discover new ones.

Final Thoughts

As an ambitious African woman, your strength isn’t just a personal asset—it’s a beacon that lights the way for others. By recognizing and leveraging your unique strengths, you can break through barriers and achieve more than you ever imagined. Embrace your cultural heritage, invest in personal growth, nurture meaningful relationships, set clear goals, and always maintain a growth mindset.

Your journey is a powerful testament to what is possible when you harness the power of your strengths. Let your light shine, and remember: you have everything you need to achieve greatness already within you.

What strength are you most proud of, and how will you leverage it to reach your next goal? Share your thoughts and inspire fellow ambitious African women in the comments below!

The Reality of Chasing My Dreams: The Challenges No One Warned Me About

From Childhood Dreams to Hard Realities: My Journey as an Ambitious African Woman

When I was much younger, I wanted to be a musician—lol. Later, I thought about doing marketing or management, even though I had no real idea what those careers entailed. I just loved the idea of being in charge. The truth is, I never had a clear vision of what I wanted to become. Instead, I followed my studies and chose paths based on the subjects I excelled in or enjoyed the most.

Then I discovered blogging. Around the same time, I started a business while still a student, and for the first time, something felt completely right. What began as a hobby soon turned into my passion and purpose. I started dreaming of success—winning awards as a blogger, building a thriving business, and making an impact. But I had no idea how tough the journey would be.

Here’s what no one told me about chasing my dreams:

1. The Shift from Hobby to Business Is Harder Than It Seems

Doing something as a hobby is very different from turning it into a business or income source. At first, transitioning from hobby to business seemed easy, but soon I realized they required two completely different mindsets.

• As a hobby, blogging felt fun, relaxing, and pressure-free. I could write at my own pace, without expectations.

• But as a business, everything changed. I had to think about consistency, marketing, making sales, and creating an income. There was pressure to succeed because of my investments and goals.

I found myself constantly switching between these two modes. Sometimes, I’d lose motivation and want to return to hobby mode. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t meant to do anything else. Over time, I learned to embrace the business mindset while still keeping my love for blogging alive.

2. Limited Resources Can Slow You Down

One of my biggest challenges was the lack of resources. For me, this included:

• Finances – I couldn’t always afford the tools, courses, or materials I needed to grow.

• Time – Life’s responsibilities made it hard to focus 100% on my dreams.

• Motivation – Some days, I felt unstoppable. Other days, I wanted to quit.

• Tools & Opportunities – Not having access to the right equipment, internet, or platforms sometimes made things harder than they needed to be.

3. Motherhood Changed Everything

Balancing dreams and motherhood was one of the toughest challenges I faced. I had to take long breaks from my blog and business, especially after having children. Some women handle both at the same time, but I personally found it overwhelming.

I wasn’t prepared for the impact motherhood would have on my career. If I had known, I would have planned differently—maybe sought help or structured my work better. Instead, I struggled at first, feeling torn between my ambitions and my responsibilities as a mother.

Each time I took a break, I found it difficult to regain my momentum. Picking up where I left off wasn’t easy—I had to rebuild my motivation, relearn skills, and push myself back into the mindset I once had.

4. The Battle with Self-Doubt & External Opinions

Another challenge I faced was the mental and emotional struggle of self-doubt. Society often didn’t understand or value what I was trying to build. People advised me to change my career path because success seemed slow.

At some point, I even started believing them. Impostor syndrome took over—I felt like I wasn’t good enough, like I was failing, like my dreams were too big. These thoughts slowed me down many times. I even abandoned my blog and business for long periods before finding my way back.

Turning Challenges Into Strength

Despite everything, these struggles have shaped me. They’ve made me stronger, more resilient, and more determined than ever. Today, I use my challenges as fuel to keep pushing forward.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Challenges will always come, but they shouldn’t stop you.

• Taking breaks is okay, but always come back.

• Modify your plans, upgrade your skills, and keep striving for your dream.

It’s been a long, difficult journey, but one thing remains unchanged—I still want this. I still dream of success. And I’m still willing to do what it takes to make it happen.

So, to anyone struggling with their dreams: Keep going. Adjust your plans if you must, but don’t give up. Your success story is still being written. 💛✨

1 Key Life Lesson I’ve Learned in My 30s: Age Is Just a Number

The Myth of “Getting Old” in Your 30s

It’s common to feel like your 30s are a prelude to your 40s—a time when you’re suddenly expected to have everything figured out. Friends, family, and even well-meaning strangers often remind you of milestones: “You should have a stable career by now,” “Maybe it’s time to settle down,” or “You’re too young to be so experienced.” These comments can make you feel like you’re ageing faster than you really are.

But here's the truth: maturity is not the same as acting old. Your age doesn’t confine you to a specific mould or limit your freedom. Instead, it’s an invitation to embrace a more authentic version of yourself, unburdened by outdated expectations.

Embracing Freedom and Flexibility

When you constantly tell yourself that you’re “old,” you inadvertently condition your mind and body to act that way. In my journey as a mom and entrepreneur, I’ve learned that the moment you start believing in these societal myths, you risk losing the freedom and flexibility to pursue what truly lights you up.

Learning and Education

Whether it’s learning a new language, picking up a hobby, or diving into a professional course, your 30s are a vibrant time for growth. The idea that there’s an age limit to learning is a myth. Every day is an opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills.

Dating and Love

For women in their 30s, dating can be particularly challenging. Society often shames those who date younger, dress in a youthful way, or simply carry themselves with an energetic spirit. I’ve observed that many women have been unfairly labelled “old” despite actively pursuing love and connection on their own terms. Remember, attraction and connection are about energy and authenticity, not a birth date.

Style and Self-Expression

Fashion and style are expressions of who you are—not a countdown to when you should “settle down” or appear a certain way. Embracing your unique style, whether it’s bold and colourful or classic and understated, is a celebration of your identity, regardless of your age.

Rewriting the Narrative

As someone who has experienced these pressures firsthand, I’ve learned to challenge the narrative that being in your 30s means being old. Instead, I choose to view it as a period of empowerment and opportunity—a time to define success on my own terms. My journey has taught me that maturity is about wisdom and self-awareness, not about conforming to an age-defined role.

How to Embrace This Mindset:

• Reflect on Your Accomplishments: Instead of focusing on what you haven’t done, celebrate the journey you’ve taken. Every experience, whether deemed a success or a lesson, contributes to who you are.
• Challenge Societal Norms: When someone suggests that your 30s are “old,” remind yourself and others that age is merely a number. Your energy, passion, and dreams define you far more than a number ever could.
• Live Authentically: Whether you’re navigating parenthood, building a business, or simply enjoying life, do so in a way that feels true to you. Don’t let external expectations dictate your path.
• Invest in Self-Care and Personal Growth: Nurture your mind, body, and spirit through continuous learning, self-care, and meaningful relationships. The more you invest in yourself, the less you’ll be swayed by the pressures of age.

Final Thoughts

Your 30s are a time of dynamic transition, a period when you can blend youthful energy with the wisdom of experience. By embracing the belief that age is just a number, you open the door to limitless possibilities in every area of life, from learning and love to style and self-expression.

So, if you ever catch yourself feeling old or constrained by your age, remember: that you are as vibrant, capable, and youthful as you choose to be. Let your 30s be a time of self-discovery, freedom, and unapologetic authenticity.

What’s one way you plan to defy the myth of ageing this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Throwback Story: "Who I Was vs. Who I Am Becoming"

My Journey as an Ambitious African Woman

“Years ago, I was a girl with big dreams but no clear direction. Today, I’m building a brand, writing a book, and inspiring women. But it wasn’t always easy…”

As a young woman, I had the desire to have a career path, but I was confused about what to do. I guess I had a mix of being comfortable with getting married and being taken care of and also wanting to do something for myself. Though I’ve had that ambitious spirit in me for a long time, growing up knowing you have the option of being a full-time housewife can be tempting, especially when you don't really know what to do with your life career-wise or when you struggle with finding your purpose.

The reasons why I took the path of an ambitious African woman:

Over time, I discovered two paths that spoke to me directly – entrepreneurship and blogging. I tried them out of love and curiosity, and that's when the ambitious fire to succeed in them burned so strong. It made me dream of what it would feel like to succeed in them – the fulfillment it would bring, the impact it would enable me to make. Imagine more women wanting to follow their dreams and become successful because I inspired them with my journey or my knowledge.

That's why I share content on my lifestyle blog with the intention to motivate and inspire ambitious African women who want to be more than just wives and mothers, women who want to create an impact in their families and communities. Women who want to be examples to their daughters and leave a legacy for their children. I want that for myself. I want to be more. I want to feel fulfilled and happy with my choices.

Another reason is that I want a good life for myself. Since I can't be offered that, I want to achieve it through my own efforts. So, I need to work towards making it happen. Being an ambitious African woman to me means striving to achieve your dreams and goals to be fulfilled and impact others to do the same. It goes beyond making money. It goes beyond following societal expectations. I decided to carve my path and follow my journey to success and fulfillment, irrespective of society's definition of success for women and the challenges faced.

I learned to dream big and maintain that dream despite the ups and downs. I doubted myself countless times, but the few times I got my confidence back, I pushed so hard to get what I wanted. I educated myself on the things I wanted to know or needed to learn to thrive and move forward. It took a lot of self-belief and positive affirmations to build my confidence.

I remember how my love for blogging made me stay up most nights learning from other bloggers how to blog. I would repeat tasks until I learned the skills of blogging, taking pictures, and editing. Eventually, my skills expanded beyond blogging, and I learned social media management. Now, I am a social media manager for nonprofits. Every little step helped me and brought me closer to where I am today.

I took risks and fought imposter syndrome by proving to myself that I can do it. I sought out people who wanted the same things I did. Online communities of content creators helped me grow and improve because I learned from them.

Looking at where I am today is a dream come true because of my progress. My biggest wins have been the recognition I’ve received and the feedback I’ve gotten so far. I have been a speaker as a result of a skill I taught myself online. I get positive comments because of the content I share, and I have had opportunities to work with organizations because of this skill I learned and practiced online.

My biggest lesson is to strive to keep pursuing your dreams, modify the plan, upgrade the plan, and enhance your skills to achieve your dreams because it is possible.

To every African woman out there who feels unsure of her path – you can create your own definition of success. Dream as big as you want, take action, and don’t be afraid to rewrite your story.

Dear Ambitious African Woman, Celebrate How Far You’ve Come

Your Progress Deserves Recognition

The Power of Gratitude

1. Keep a Gratitude Journal: Write down three things you’re grateful for every day—big or small.
2. Reflect on Past Wins: Look back at your achievements and remind yourself of the obstacles you’ve overcome.
3. Celebrate the Journey: Appreciate the lessons, even in the challenges. Each one has shaped you into the woman you are today.

Ways to Celebrate Your Wins

1. Acknowledge Small Wins: Finished a project? Took a bold step? Celebrate it! Treat yourself to something you love—a favourite meal, a relaxing spa day, or even a quiet moment of self-praise.
2. Share Your Joy: Tell someone you trust about your achievements. Hearing their encouragement will remind you that your progress matters.
3. Document Your Journey: Take pictures, write a journal entry, or create a vision board update. This will serve as a visual reminder of how far you’ve come.
4. Reward Yourself: Set milestones and attach rewards to them. For example, after completing a challenging goal, gift yourself something meaningful.
5. Create a “Win Wall”: Dedicate a space in your home or notebook to list your accomplishments. Seeing them daily will inspire and motivate you.

Why Acknowledging Growth Matters

Reflecting on Your Unique Journey

A Note of Encouragement