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African Royalty – Culturally African, authentically yours

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Photographer: Createdagod

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

For anyone who has started a business, you know that it is full of exciting challenges and potential learning opportunities gained from the risks that come with it. To be an entrepreneur means to be someone who takes on challenges.

The young, brilliant entrepreneur that I had the honour of interviewing knows just how challenging starting a new business is. Efia Tekyi Annan is the mother of three beautiful children, and the ingenious mind behind African Royalty, a Black-owned, authentically sourced, Canadian run brand that pays homage to the rich culture and history of Africa.

African Royalty allows Efia to interact with people from all walks of life who are interested in learning about African culture. She was born and raised in Canada and proud of it, however she was raised in a Ghanaian household and identifies strongly with the Ghanaian culture.

Through frequent trips and teachings in her home Efia’s parents made sure that she did not lose her connection to their country.

“On every trip I would bring back pieces of Ghana to reminisce and share with my friends,” Efia tells me.

Efia shares that her grandma was a merchant in Ghana bringing back gold and other accessories from the Obuasi gold mines to sell in the streets of Kumasi. Her mom made sure to tell her stories about the trips her mom took, and all the goods she brought back. It was only fitting that Efia would follow in her footsteps.

It was once believed that one good idea could serve a business for three generations. Today, it is more likely that each generation needs to champion at least three innovations, and Efia has taken up this responsibility with enthusiasm.

“I have always been a hustler. My first business was Efia’s Cupcakes and Tings. I would sell it to students and teachers, but they stopped it because they said I couldn’t sell stuff in school. They may have stopped it for that time being but entrepreneurship has always been a part of me. At eight months pregnant, I used to do private basketball training; imagine me running training with a big belly.”

African Royalty was started back in 2014 on a trip to Ghana as Efia toured the markets of Kumasi looking for gifts to bring home to my friends. It dawned on her that it was not just her friends who needed to see and feel Ghanaian culture; it was something that needed to be shared with the world.

“When you purchase items from African Royalty you are also pledging to learn more about African culture and traditions. I have a responsibility to educate and share the history and the beauty of my parent’s homeland, expressed through the colours in our fabrics, and our beads.

In the last two years, I became aware of appropriation. Some people would buy waist beads just because they look nice, but that is not what I wanted.

Those who purchase from African Royalty not only admire the beauty Africa has to offer but also want to understand our history.  African Royalty is a combination and acknowledgement of traditional African culture and modern style. Every item purchased comes with a card that gives our customers a little history lesson on the significance of the items they are purchasing.

Let’s take waist beads for example: they are about rights of passage, and weight monitoring. To be honest, it is up to the person to decide what their journey is. It is femininity and sensuality. It is supposed to be worn under your garments. You are not supposed to expose it. It is like undergarment.”

There is a lot  to juggle if you are hoping to build a business; you will be wearing many hats, and probably doing tasks you never imagined. Yet, you can’t allow that to rob you of time for a full life either. Efia explained some of the struggles she has had.

“Time is always a challenge and of course money. I have been self financing and I have had to reinvest into my company. Before the George Floyd murder, people were not into the Blackness Movement, but it appears that it is cool to be black again, so business has picked up. People are not afraid to wear a sweater with the continent on it.

I just launched my website in 2022, but now it’s about sending people to the website, having a physical page that people can go to.

The direction of the company has shifted; our waist beads, sweaters, and fans are the most popular sellers, but now I am experimenting and working with African prints. I can take anything you like, and give it an African flare. I am coming out with a lot of new ideas, but finding the time can be challenging. I want the world to understand how beautiful African culture is. At first I was just selling African things, but now I am focusing on branding African Royalty

I am working on a partnership with YAAACE for Black History Month. I am going  to be creating sweaters with Y in Kente Print for the basketball program. I am thankful to Mr Jones for partnering with me on this.”

During our time, Efia gave me the 411 on Kente. It is no ordinary cloth and is easily recognisable worldwide. The method of producing Kente is called strip weaving, and has existed in West Africa since the 11th century. In 1697, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom, Osei Tutu, selected several weavers from nearby towns and villages to travel to the neighbouring Ivory Coast to become experts in the complex art form.

Once they returned to Ghana, they started to weave the beautiful and colourful cloth exclusively for the King because Kente was originally made and worn only by royals. The weavers started to create their own unique designs, which are now well known worldwide as ‘Ashanti Kente’.

Today, the Ashanti royals still wear the sacred cloth usually draped across their shoulders or worn like a toga. It is worn for prestigious occasions: ceremonies, worship, outings, marriages and funerals. There are over 350 patterns for Kente Cloths.

“We need to start celebrating our wins. We have a rich culture, which I believe African Royalty is celebrating. Keep pushing, it is going to be hard, but if you believe in yourself, your business will flourish.”

You can purchase your very own African Royalty piece at https://www.africanroyalty.ca/, and her pieces can also be found at Xcentric Beauty Supply located at 645 Markham Rd Scarborough, ON.

We, as humans are guaranteed certain things in life: stressors, taxes, bills and death are the first thoughts that pop to mind. It is not uncommon that many people find a hard time dealing with these daily life stressors, and at times will find themselves losing control over their lives. Simone Jennifer Smith’s great passion is using the gifts that have been given to her, to help educate her clients on how to live meaningful lives. The Hear to Help Team consists of powerfully motivated individuals, who like Simone, see that there is a need in this world; a need for real connection. As the founder and Director of Hear 2 Help, Simone leads a team that goes out into the community day to day, servicing families with their educational, legal and mental health needs.Her dedication shows in her Toronto Caribbean newspaper articles, and in her role as a host on the TCN TV Network.

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Turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality with RBC’s Black Entrepreneur Startup Program

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

The courage to pursue a passion and turn it into a business can be daunting, especially during times of global uncertainty. Yet, this is exactly what Tarila Morrone, the founder of Heart of Gems, decided to do. Her journey began with an Etsy shop specializing in party supplies, which thrived until the COVID-19 pandemic struck, drastically reducing social gatherings.

Instead of succumbing to the fear and uncertainty, Tarila embraced the opportunity for deeper connection with her children during the lockdown. She realized the profound importance of this bonding time, which sparked the idea for Heart of Gems. Her new venture is dedicated to helping modern parents with busy schedules foster stronger connections with their children and promote self-love.

Determined to elevate her business, Tarila delved into research and discovered a program designed to aid entrepreneurs, which allowed her to secure the necessary funding to propel herself and her business forward.

Tarila is one of many individuals who has taken their business to the next level with the support of RBC’s Black Entrepreneur Program – launched in 2020 with a $100 million commitment. RBC dedicated significant time to thoroughly understand the unique business needs of Black entrepreneurs, which enabled them to develop the following programs tailored to support their growth and success, and has two different solutions:

The Black Entrepreneur Startup Program (BESP)

In partnership with Futurpreneur, they committed $40 million through the BESP to offer: small business loans, mentorship, and business resources to Black entrepreneurs aged 18-39.

The RBC Black Entrepreneur Business Loan (BEBL)

Launched in late 2021, the BEBL provides eligible Black entrepreneurs at all stages of their business journey with loans of up to $250,000.

They have successfully provided $14.5 million in loans (approved and/or disbursed) through BEBL and BESP to over 400 businesses since the inception of the Black Entrepreneur Program in 2020.

Founder of Heart of Gems – Tarila Morrone

In addition to BEBL, RBC also continues to serve the entrepreneur community, including Black entrepreneurs, through its full suite of eligible products and services, including the government-backed Canadian Small Business Financing Loans (CSBFL).

In 2021, they invested $1 million in BKR Capital (formerly known as Black Innovation Capital), a venture capital fund that supports the growth of pre-seed and seed- stage Canadian technology businesses led by Black entrepreneurs. Initially targeted at $10 million, the fund had a successful final close with over $18 million in capital commitments in 2022 and is actively building its portfolio.

It is one thing to read about a fantastic opportunity, and it is another thing to hear about it from someone who has found a way to elevate their business by utilizing RBC’s programs. I had a chance to speak with Tarila, and she shared with me the story of her entrepreneurial evolution.

“The idea for Hearts of Gems came about during the pandemic. I knew that it would be helpful to other parents because it had helped me. I had an infant and a toddler, and I had started a party supply business, but the pandemic slowed that business down, and it was an opportunity to zone in and connect with my children.”

“When I decided to pivot, I went on Google to see what was available, and I stumbled across Futurpreneur, and I was then introduced to the Black Entrepreneur Program. I was nervous at first, because it seemed like it was going to be a lengthy, vigorous process.”

“Once I got started, my anxiety let up; I was pleased with the amount of support that I was provided with. The one thing that I learned throughout this process is that entrepreneurship is not meant to be done alone.”

“The financial support helped me obtain the things I needed to get my business going. The saying is true that you need money to make money. I needed people to help me realize my vision, and strategically execute it, and they provided mentorship throughout the duration of the program and after. This allowed me to navigate some of the challenging aspects of entrepreneurship, and a bonus; for the first year, you are paying interest only on the loan, and this allows time for your business to grow, without the weight of burdening payments on your mind.”

Tarila’s story is a testament to the resilience and creativity that can emerge in challenging times, inspiring others to follow their passions and create something meaningful, even amidst uncertainty. With the help of the Black Entrepreneur Startup Program, Tarila’s dreams became a reality, and if you are ready to take that leap, consider exploring RBC’s Black Entrepreneur Program.

Visit rbc.com/blackentrepreneur and turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

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Nervous about your English Proficiency Test; Worry no more! Introducing Pearson|PTE English Language Tests

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Why is this so hard? I’ve studied, I’ve practiced… but what if I fail? What will happen to my family? The test is next week. If I don’t pass, I don’t know what I’ll do. Everyone says it’s really hard, and I can’t afford to fail…”

Canada is a land of opportunity, a place where dreams can come true. For many new immigrants, becoming a permanent resident, or Canadian citizen is a significant milestone in their journey. It can be a long, and paper laden process that includes medical examinations, background and security checks, proof of funds, educational credential assessments, biometrics, citizenship tests, the interview and of course.

The English Proficiency Test! This is one aspect of this journey that does cause a high level of stress. Naturally, taking a language test in another country, especially after a long hiatus from any form of testing, can be an intensely overwhelming experience. The unfamiliar environment, coupled with the pressure of demonstrating proficiency in a foreign language, can amplify anxiety. Additionally, the absence of recent test-taking practice may lead to self-doubt and apprehension, making the overall experience particularly daunting.

Of course! The test can be daunting, but what if we told you that there was a way for you to effectively, and efficiently prepare; a platform offering practice tests that simulate the actual English Proficiency Test required for Canadian permanent residency, or citizenship?

Introducing, Pearson|PTE English Language Tests the world-leading provider of English language tests recognized worldwide by universities, colleges, governments, and professional bodies. Trusted by 3,500+ universities and colleges globally, their ambition is to support test takers every step of the way for a true worry-free experience.

At Pearson, their purpose is simple: to add life to a lifetime of learning. They believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That is why their 18,000 employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. They are the world’s leading learning company, serving customers in 200 countries with: digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data.

PTE Core was created in response to Canadian economic migration needs. It is already recognized by more than 97% of universities and 95% of colleges in Canada. the UK, Australian and New Zealand governments also accept PTE tests for all visa applications, and PTE Academic is also accepted by 100% of Australian, New Zealand and Irish Universities and 99% of UK universities.

With an increased focus on supporting Canada’s economic resurgence and post-pandemic growth, IRCC is increasing its Levels Plan to further address the growing demand for the coming years. With high demand in Canada for professionals in areas such as: nursing, engineering and web development, the approval of PTE Core arrives at a good time for test takers and opens new opportunities for Pearson.

“I am grateful to PTE for providing such an intellectual test. It was easy to prepare and understand the format. The training and support also helped a lot in explaining methods.” Syeda, Malaysia

Currently, they are offering a free taster test as well as an online guided practice test for test takers to familiarize themselves with the test experience and to optimize their preparation time and improve their skills. In addition, test takers have access to a ton of resources like the PTE Core Handbook to support their test taker journey.

PTE Core is a new addition to the Pearson Test of English portfolio, sharing many of the unique characteristics of PTE Academic. It is relevant for the vocational test taker, and designed with a real-life, non-academic focus. It was created to meet Canada’s specific migration needs and the IRCC’s language proficiency requirements but could be used to assess the English proficiency of vocational test takers in any country.

Approved last year by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), PTE Core can now be taken to provide proof of English language efficiency for the purposes of permanent economic immigration to Canadian citizenship. Some other great benefits include:

  • It meets the Canadian Government’s requirements based on migration needs
  • It tests four key English language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing
  • It enables people to be themselves in English – it has a vocational and real-life focus
  • They use a unique combination of AI scoring and human expertise that reduces the risk of bias
  • PTE Core test takers will enjoy the same features as PTE Academic test takers.
  • The test can be booked online 24 hours in advance, is computer based and taken in a test center
  • Results are usually within 48 hours
  • Accepted for visa applications to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK

PTE Core uses similar item types to PTE Academic, but focuses on general English, making it more relevant for test takers. Test questions were developed with detailed specifications and field tested to ensure reliability and validity. Below is what you can expect as a test taker:

  • Part 1: Speaking & Writing (This section will test your speaking and writing skills in around 50 minutes)
  • Part 2: Reading (This section will test your reading skills in around 30 minutes)
  • Part 3: Listening (This section will test your listening skills in around 30 minutes)

Pearson’s vision: to be the world’s leading destination for people committed to building and improving their English proficiency, and with 1.5 billion people currently learning English, there is a big opportunity to grow across the globe.

Gio Giovannelli, President of the English Language Learning division at Pearson, shares, “We are excited to roll out PTE Core to test takers across the world. It was designed to test real life language skills and allows test takers to showcase their proficiency and be themselves in English. Whether people are looking to work, study or migrate to Canada, there’s a Pearson English language proficiency test that suits their requirements.”

Support and preparation can make all the difference. Don’t hesitate to seek the help you need. Start your journey today. Visit https://www.pearsonpte.com/ to learn more.

Prepare with confidence. Achieve your dreams. Welcome to Canada!

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The Silent Hero: Why every business needs a good bookkeeper Nuages Consulting Inc, Chartered Professional Accountants, Certified Public Accountants

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BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“I received a call, and the client started crying. She had a business, her bookkeeping and taxes were everywhere, and she was feeling overwhelmed. She only used Excel, and she wanted to save money.”

“I can do what you want me to do, but that won’t help you. How about we offer you something that will help you out.”

In the fast-paced world of business, where attention is often drawn to flashy marketing campaigns and innovative products, there exists a silent hero that operates behind the scenes, largely unnoticed yet indispensable to the success of any enterprise or small business. Meet Nuages Consulting Inc, Chartered Professional Accountants, Certified Public Accountants – the unsung guardian of financial integrity and stability.

In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, it’s easy to overlook the crucial role that a good bookkeeper plays. They are the backbone of our financial operations, ensuring that every dollar is accounted for, every transaction is recorded accurately, and every decision is grounded in reliable data.

Beyond the mundane task of number-crunching, a skilled bookkeeper serves as a strategic partner, offering valuable insights and guiding prudent financial decisions. From budgeting and forecasting to tax compliance and financial analysis, their expertise is indispensable in navigating the complex terrain of business finance.

To think; the smallest financial oversight can have far-reaching consequences, and this is why the value of a proficient bookkeeper cannot be overstated. They are the guardians of fiscal responsibility, ensuring that the financial health of your business remains robust and resilient in the face of uncertainty.

“Having a good bookkeeper onboard provides businesses with the clarity and transparency they need to steer the ship in the right direction,” shares Gloria Kapuku, CPA and founder at Nuages Consulting Inc, Chartered Professional Accountants, Certified Public Accountants. “These reports enable us to identify trends, spot potential risks, and capitalize on opportunities for growth.”

“We have a meeting first; during our meeting we let you explain your system. I need to understand you. I then share our process and let them see how things could be. People are resistant, so we take things slowly.”

The full bookkeeping system involves the systematic: recording, organizing, and summarizing of financial transactions within a business. It begins with the initial entry of transactions such as: sales, purchases, payroll, and expenses into the accounting system. Subsequently, these entries are categorized and posted to appropriate accounts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with accounting principles.

Throughout the cycle, reconciliations are conducted to match records and identify discrepancies, followed by the preparation of financial statements, including: the balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. Lastly, the cycle culminates in closing entries, ensuring that revenue and expense accounts are reset for the next accounting period. Overall, full-cycle bookkeeping provides a comprehensive overview of an organization’s financial health, facilitating informed decision-making and regulatory compliance.

“One of the first things that I tell my clients,” Gloria shares, “Is let’s set up proper procedure. We set up a step-by-step plan and enforce the workflow. We meet every month to ensure you are staying on course. Then we meet every three months, and then we do a yearly check -in.”

Incredibly, Nuages Consulting Inc, Chartered Professional Accountants, Certified Public Accountants have fantastic resources on their website including Mentorship and Coaching Services that will help you achieve your personal, business, or career goals. Their goal is to introduce you to new ways of thinking, challenging your limiting assumptions, sharing valuable life lessons, and much more.

They have your bookkeeping basics, a DIY in how to keep your books and records clean. Topics of discussion include:

  • Why is bookkeeping important?
  • Best way and software for bookkeeping
  • Important activities in bookkeeping
  • How to master bookkeeping

Bookkeeping practices

  • Mix or separate personal and business income and purchases?
  • What are internal controls?
  • Bank transactions, electronic or paper format?
  • What is bank reconciliation?
  • What are financial reports?
  • What are records?
  • Excel worksheet or accounting system?
  • Tax forms.
  • Accountants, CPAs, and tax professionals/planning

The team also does a deep dive into the numbers – financial statements and balancing the books. They also have a Bookkeeping – Advance Mentoring and Coaching Sessions (10-15 hours) where they explore different types of bookkeeping accounts, what they are, what they do, and how to book them. These sessions include:

  • Accounting Basics
  • Debits and Credits
  • Chart of Accounts
  • Bookkeeping
  • Accounting Equation
  • Accounting Principles
  • Financial Accounting
  • Adjusting Entries
  • Financial Statements
  • Balance Sheet
  • Working Capital and Liquidity
  • Income Statement
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Accounts Receivable and Bad Debts Expense
  • Accounts Payable
  • Inventory and Cost of Goods Sold
  • Depreciation
  • Payroll Accounting
  • Stockholders’ Equity
  • Nonprofit Accounting

Ready to get started? You can book a 15-minute free consultation for any of the topics below:

  • “Ask us anything” service provides a free consultation where you can ask us about tax, accounting, bookkeeping, incorporating and more.
  • Book a 15-minute scheduling call with us to discuss which mentorship and coaching is appropriate for you!
  • Tax preparation, where the focus is on operating your business and personal affairs, knowing that your tax needs are being fully met.

So, the next time you glance over the balance sheet, or pore over financial statements, remember the silent hero who works tirelessly behind the scenes – Nuages Consulting Inc, Chartered Professional Accountants, Certified Public Accountants, whose meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication keep the wheels of your business turning smoothly.

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