did other things like obtaining an events management certification and HACCP (catering). I was sure that I was well-equipped to begin my projects, but people kept telling me that if I was to succeed in that space, I needed a nice office in town. So, here I was, standing in my beautiful office space; except that I hardly made any money at that time – for different reasons. However, what I did at that time was build a network and grab every opportunity to use my skills and share my knowledge, expertise and experience. I did a photo shoot for a magazine, did stuff for friends, met new people like Rev. Akua, attended career fairs at Ashesi, organised a couple of events with Siba (Chic by Siba), including a Pearls and Fascinators event. When I look back now, it was like a few years of sowing seeds. It was there that I got my first opportunity to deliver training through an image consulting client. People got to know me and what I did. I may not really have been very good at (intentionally) marketingmyself, but I did lots of speaking engagements and training. Even now, people who knew me from ten years ago, ask me to do training programs for them and refer clients to me. Networking A lot of people in Ghana are connected with each other through the secondary school or the university they attended. Having received all my education after primary school in England, I may have been at a disadvantage because, apart from extended family, practically no one knew me. One of the first opportunities I had to make new friends and connect with individuals in a similar situation as mine was through a group of returnee ladies, and later, the formation of Sankofa International Ladies Association (SILA). It provided invaluable support, allowing me to share challenges and relish new experiences with an incredible group of women who had also chosen to return 'Home.' Over the years, I became a part of the coaching community and connected with another group of NLP Practitioners whom I met when I conducted two sets of certification programs in 2017. During that time, I invited and brought Nick and Jessica Reed-Robbins to Ghana to deliver life-changing training. Later in the same year, Maud Lindsay-Gamrat, a logistics and catering business owner whom I had met a few years earlier, extended an invitation for me to join her, along with the first Ghanaian Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) Papa Arkhurst, and others, to charter the East Legon Toastmasters Club. That organisation gave me the opportunity to developmy public speaking skills as well as become part of a community. I was the VicePresident of theClub at the time of charter andwent on to hold other leadership roles within Toastmasters in Ghana for the next few years. For the first time, I felt a sense of belonging again, building new friendships and working alongside other people to achieve goals. For someone who is self-employed and working alone for the most part, it was refreshing to see the same people over a long period and enjoy sharing through giving speeches and participating in leadership activities. In 2021, Papa Arkhurst, along with PDGYvonne KumojiDarko, was instrumental in starting the first Rotary Club which was made up of Toastmasters after an alliance was formed between the two international organisations. PapaArkhurst askedsomeToastmasters that I knew well and I to be part Charter members of Rotary Club of Accra SpeakMasters. I had heard a lot about Rotary and even been invited to visit as well as speak at a Rotary Club so I knew about what they stood for as well as the wonderful work they do in service to humanity. Joining Rotary has been one of the best decisions I have made. It is a great channel through which to do great things for others that will impact them positively. I also enjoy being part of the Rotary family because of the fellowship it provides. The sense 27 The Birthday Journal
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