As a young girl, I was described as confident, filled with ambition and grit. Though my talkativeness usually landed me in so much trouble, I was always willing to take the risk to say what I had to say.

It’s that type of drive that landed me in the workforce at only 12 years old! Exposure to the working world so young certainly had it’s advantages and its challenges.

I learned many vital skills: time management, money management, communication, and adaptability. Every paycheck, my mom made me save 20% which ultimately enabled me to save enough to purchase my first car at 16 years old.

But, I also faced barriers mentally. As I grew out of my pre-teen years, I began struggling with my self-esteem. I often felt that I was not accepted for who I was so, I tried using my accomplishements and material things to validate my worth.

I didn’t realize that I struggled with low self-esteem until the end of my college career. As a result, I founded a nonprofit organization, Girls Like Me, to address low self-esteem and self-efficacy in teen girls.

After years of leading Girls Like Me, I got curious about how low self-esteem affected women. I found that women struggling with their self-esteem utilized money and the things money can buy to validate their worth.

At the time, I was just 24 years old with an 800 credit score and in the process of buying my first home. Using my expertise in money management and self-esteem, I launched a financial consulting agency that combines money mindset and money management to help women reach their goals and reframe their inner stories.

I’ve been recognized as one of Boss Media’s 100 Women Sitting at the Table which highlights the untold stories of women creating pathways for others, and changing generations to come.

I believe we’re all here on purpose and we can’t just take up space. Our place here in this world isn’t free. We all must do our part.

Déja