I became a millionaire in Saudi Arabia in two years just by changing my mindset | LNN

0:00 I received a call from the wife to the DJ. - Wait, what? - His wife and mind you, they have a child together. - Were you aware of this? - [Nods her head] I received a phone call while I was in Garissa town and she said, "HI, who are you? Why are you chatting with my husband? What do you want? You are the reason my child is lacking school fees..." I met General. He in-boxed me and said, "I have seen what is inside you." - Who is General? - He is the CEO of the real estate company I'm working for. Milescoope Ltd. So, General came over to my in-box and said, "Do you that you are blessed? Do you know what you carry inside" I was like, "What do I carry?"

0:45 "In you I see a leader. I see a great person. I want to mentor you. I want to be part of your story. Would you want to work with me?" He asked. I told him to consult my Lawyer. I started reading books. That is when now I started reading the power of subconscious mind, Atomic habits, rich dad poor dad, rich dad's quadrant cash flow, I started understanding more about money because I was like, "No. The problem with me...both the rich and I, we have equal 24 hours in a day. What is differing?" I came to figure out that, it's all about mindset. It's not about the money you have at hand. It's the mindset.

1:33 You have to become rich from the mind before you can become rich physically.

4:20 Sorry guys. You know as I'm saying this, Muga dropped his cup of tea. I can't un-see it. He just dropped his cup on the floor. - Did you see that? - Yes I did. I'm not sure whether it will get off my mind. - Anyways, are you good? - Yes I'm good.

5:09 - You also look good. - Stop gassing me up! - You look good. - My uniform is black but today I had to wear this. - As long as it's yours-- - As longs as it's mine, right?

6:16 - Welcome home. - Thank you so much.

8:32 I still remember his words. He said, "I've never been to a Maternity (delivery room) So, these things that you've sired, take them somewhere else." But again, life was really tough because, we used to sleep on cartons.

9:59 We were actually sheltering at my aunt's place. We had no place to call home. We were just there. We don't know what to do. Later on, she proposed we go to the Chief's office and apply for education bursaries. We went there and luckily, we found someone who said, "I will sponsor for the first term." So, I got to be in school, it was Njoro central school, a day school just there around home. My dad completely disappeared. I just hear stories of him spotted at different locations.

10:49 I don't think I can even remember him really well. Because, part of me growing up, I have not grown up with him. Anything that he wants to do to the other siblings, I'm like, "No. You can't do them when I'm here." I guess he felt I was becoming stubborn. He declined paying for my school fees. What is left now? My mum had to seek ways of raising my school fees. She went ahead and sought some casual jobs here and there. Luckily, there was a property that he was given by one of his family members. That land was in his name so that's where we got the chance.

11:36 My other dad set up a house for us there. I finished high school and while in form four, depression kicked in because, now, I am all grown, I started thinking about my father. My other dad had become really harsh because now I had step-siblings. After they were born, of course they were prioritized over us. The step-dad favoured them over us. He could not raise for my school fees yet his biological kids could access higher schools. But I was like, "Okay, I have to finish." Depression kicked in. I used to do my exams outside the class. I had to be outside in the sun a bit,

12:21 I was taking some medication and since they were making me drowsy, I had to be out in the breeze. The medicines were really strong. I did my exams but unfortunately, I failed. Now when I failed, I went back home. They asked me why I was failing. I had missed a lot of my classes because I could see my brother struggling I had to skip class at times since my mum has to go out there and make a living. So, we have a house. My mum is going out. At times, I had to stick around with my siblings so, I failed in my classwork as a result. My mum asked me what I wish to do next. At least if I had performed exemplary,

13:10 I might have secured a scholarship at Equity bank. "Now, what do you want? You are the only kid who can save me from here." She said. My mum literally saw me as the only kid who can save her in her life. She was like, "You are born in between your siblings. They are still very young. So, what will happen?" I think that is where I sat down with myself and I started crying. I was like, "I have to do everything that it takes, for me to actually get to where I want to get to." 'Cause now, my mum's eyes were all on me. I have to help her. She was telling me she has really suffered raising me. We were not sure what would happen to us. Her church came up with a decision to support me, so that I can get myself to college. I enrolled at Rift Valley institute where I pursued

14:00 a course in human resource management. I was not sure how to raise school fees for the next term. At least they had paid up for my first term, gotten me a house whereby I was paying Kshs 16,000 per term. Where would my mum get all that money for the next term? No idea. So, what was my option? I had to start hustling. Back when my mum used to go for hustles, I used to see how she's doing it. she used to carry us along because, no one to leave us with. Mind you, she has two children with special needs and I was the one to control them. So, I was watching what she's doing. I knew how hard she was working. Since I was in college, I figured I have to raise school fees on my own.

14:47 - I started working in clubs. - While in University? Yes. I used to be a church girl but these other things, I was introduced to them when I was in the University. I'd earn good money since I would serve drinks at night and food during the day. So, I used to work close to 24 hours a day. I would attend classes randomly. The teachers started inquiring why I was failing and skipping classes all the time. Luckily, I got credits for my first and second years of study. Later on, I had to do internship I worked at DC Njoro as a human resource assistant manager. I worked there but as it is the norm with internships, you are left to do all the work.

15:34 I think that is where I learned how to fit in management. You know interns are assigned all duties including preparing tea. As and intern, they rotate you to all departments, they want you to learn. So, everything that entails the office, you have to do including cleaning the office. You have no options but to do it. I had a goal in mind. Life was hard because, while working as an intern, you can't work in a club. Remember that is an official job, you can't mix with other things. Again, you are working at a DC's office (District Commissioner) so, you have to adhere to rules. So, now I went back to school for my third year of study.

16:25 Going back to school, I did not have any school fees at all. I met one of the DJs who was working in clubs where I used to work at. He was like, "I can house you in my place. You'll not pay the house rent. I'll assist you in paying the school fees as well." The plan sounded good to my ears. - God came through. - Yes. The guy was heaven sent. I did not even think twice. I just said yes. Now because I lacked that fatherly love from my two dads, I was like, "I think I feel comfortable here." The guy used to buy me some yoghurt, chips(fries) and smokies. I started feeling good now that he's paying for my school fees. He paid for my first and second semesters.

17:14 Then he said he wants to head over to Nairobi. I told him it's okay, he can just go. He proposed I defer my studies and go in for some job in Garissa town. The job was paying well so I went there. I remember it was club 309 in Garissa. It's a very nice club. I used to work there day and night shifts. While there, I started feeling as if I'm ill. Of course if you live under same with a man who is not your sibling, you have to become the wife automatically. One day I receive a phone call, the wife to now the DJ - Wait, what?! - He had a wife and they had a child together. - Were you aware of this? - [Nods her head]

17:59 I received a phone call while I was in Garissa town and she said, "HI, who are you? Why are you chatting with my husband? What do you want? You are the reason my child is lacking school fees..." I was like, "What is not going on? School fees for your child...I’m not getting it. The woman started giving me the story, "My husband went to Nakuru for business. He keeps saying you are pestering him with chats." Literally, I'm a bother to him now? "You keep bothering him. He can't pay school fees for my child for the sake of helping him. He said you went to him crying, how you are lacking I don't know what. He helped you but you took advantage," She said.

18:46 Here I am pregnant, I differ my studies and my mum doesn't know about all this. I was not sure whether to take my life while there in Garissa. Suicidal thoughts now came in. - You had deferred your third year of study? - Yes. Now, I started having the suicidal thoughts. I contemplated ending my life in Garissa nobody would know. At the end of the day, they will just find my lifeless body. I drafted a letter. I was planning to leave it on a desk I highlighted that I should be cremated to avoid incurring transportation cost. In my mind, I was trying to avoid any costs which would be passed down to my mum. So, my ashes would just be presented in a bowl. At least they would reserve me there and be watching daily.

19:33 I was asking myself on what to say once home. My mum knows I'm still in school. Now with the pregnancy issue...my mum told me, "You are my last hope. Wherever you go, just know that you are my last hope." When a parent utters such words, tell me, how will you go back? The day after, I received a phone call from my Landlord. They claimed they want to take my things out of the house for defaulting house rent. The DJ guy kept lying to me that he was paying the house rent. The guy had carried some of the things and left behind less important ones. He had already moved on with life back in Nairobi. I texted him. He sent me a photo of his entire family. "This is my family. Why bother me?" He said.

20:27 He told me to go establish my own family. "How? I'm pregnant. what will I do?" I asked There was a certain guy who did the connections for me to get to Garissa. So, the DJ guy claimed that's the guy who was responsible for my pregnancy. He denied being responsible for my pregnancy. The situation started getting tough on me. I was yet to be paid at the Villa club. Of course they could hardly pay me mid-month. What will you do? I had to finish. Now I started planning on what to do next. I came back home since east or west, my mum can't take my life. For sure I knew she would batter me, so I came prepared.

21:14 I was so ready for that. I was very ready. After getting to Nakuru, I called the Landlord back in Garissa, I requested them to sell my household items and pay themselves. There was literally nothing I could do. I went back home and sat right at the gate. I arrived around 10 PM. I was seated there up to around 1 AM. I was not sure whether to get in or not. There's a man who offers parking for lorries at his home. He passed by and saw me. "You must be so and so's daughter. What are you doing here? Let me escort you in, no one will batter you. I’ll defend you," he said.

22:06 We went in and my mum cried. My mum cried, Lynn. She was like, "You know the far we've come from? Your dad claimed he did not sire you so, you are actually proving the point. Did someone bewitch you or what's wrong?" She started questioning God. Ever since she was born, it has been so tough. From her educational level and every other place she goes to, everything backfired. I think I was so depressed to a point I thought of terminating the pregnancy. I shared the thought with my mum. She was like, "Go ahead if at all you are insane.

22:55 Afterward, leave through that gate and never refer me your mother. I never did away with your siblings, yet they have special needs. What's your problem? Now, I had to start thinking of what plan to put in place. Because now, here comes the baby, I can afford Kshs 20 worth of airtime the kid is on the way coming. What do I do? Depression kicked in. Four months into the pregnancy, my birth water came out. I was put on bed rest for a full month. The birth water was in excess, now I had to go to a Provincial hospital for two months. They kept on me, going in for scans and all that. At some point they told me the situation

23:40 is risky since the baby's heart beat was inconsistent. They had to induce labor on me. They tried the first, second and third time, but in vain. The baby was hardly coming out, Lynn. I started crying to God wondering whether this is the end. I told God I'm not ready, it was not that serious. I could see death with my own eyes. And then the doctor shocked me by saying, "You can die any time. It is risky." They tell me to try pushing the kid. I kept trying but in vain. After a period of two hours trying, I lost my breath.

24:29 I started breathing heavily in counts. They handled my case as an emergency. This was during the COVID pandemic. My mum was locked outside the gate crying. She was not sure what was up since I had been taken in for emergency. We signed a certain document before you go in for the operation. Between me and the kid, only one of us would survive. The doctors have to issue that consent form to avoid anyone laying blame on them. How far were you with the pregnancy? Seven months. I went in to theatre. Anesthesia was administered.

25:16 After the operation, I saw the baby. They had taken a different shape because of the struggle they had to rectify that medically. I would not imagine them remaining in that shape forever. - Is she a baby girl? - Yeah. Actually, I named her after Wema Sepetu. Her name is Wema. Now, I gave birth via C-section. I went into a deep sleep for like six hours. My mum was out there in the rain. She stayed outside for all those hours. She would pay someone at the gate and request them to get in, then inquire about my situation whether I've survived. The doctors had said that my survival chances were slim.

26:02 Jehovah! Why say such a statement? They were saying so straight in her face. She knew she has only two kids left and one of them has got special needs. Our eldest sister who had special needs too, she died. After everything, I went back home. Luckily, I had a 'Linda Mama' health insurance. My mum chipped in slightly but the insurance sorted the rest. I was lucky because if I was to foot the entire hospital bill out of pocket, it was very costly. I went back home with my kid. My mum started helping in buying diapers.

26:50 I started mending relationship with my dad. You would not have noticed that we fought earlier. I started forcing issues. I had to force issues since, here I am with a child, - He's the only person who can help me. - Your step-dad? Yes. He's the only person who can help me at least buy some diapers. I cannot walk and fend on my own. My Caesarean wound was sill fresh. I eager to walk because I wanted by the time it's 2-4 months after delivery, I try and seek some work. I was not used to begging others. How about the DJ? He disappeared completely? He left and actually changed all his names on social media.

27:36 Then he referred to himself as a family man? Family man for sure. Three months later, the child was all grown now. The wound was fairly healed. I established a grocery shop next to our home. I would wake up at 5 AM as the baby is sleeping. I would prepare some porridge and pour some formula milk innit. I decided to introduce her to formula milk quite early. I had no other option. Of course I had forced myself into this relationship, I did not wish to run his pockets dry. I guess he figured he had done so much to me hence need to slow down.

28:29 He really changed from thereon. We were in good terms now. He is buying diapers and I established a grocery shop. I would leave early at 5 AM, then later on go back for my baby. I would breastfeed while at the grocery shop, prepare supper from there too. I started saving some money to at least establish another business. I figured I was subjecting my baby to cold weather at the grocery shop. I saved some money amounting to Kshs 50,000 ($500) I've never had such an amount before. Maybe while enrolling to campus. Some business stalls were being rent out at Kshs 2,500. I rented one but did not inform my mum.

29:19 Later on, I headed to Gikomba market in Nairobi. There was this lady you hosted, 'Mtumba chapchap' I don't know if she can remember... - Jane? - Yes. I followed her from Facebook. I went to her stall. I don't think she can remember me 'cause I guess I have a different look now. I went there and bought some stock. I started off with kids' garments. They were fast selling. I sell, come back again. I figured this was working. My friends started admiring me. I'm the boss-lady. I want to employ people and feel... I get to work and ask, "How were yesterday's sales? Any need to restock?" - Wait, what? - I was a boss now. Got into business and hired two ladies.

30:08 I'd make phone calls at around 8 AM when my mum is there so that she can see I've not failed her. I'd be like, "Have you arrived at work yet?" They tell me they are already there and I feel good. Because now I feel, at least I have done something and my mum feels nice at least life is good. I'd get home with some yoghurt after stock taking for the day. My friends started feeling bad, that I'm actually making it in life. Remember, I failed compared to them back in high school. According to them, you cannot fail then hire them for a job. - Some scored an A yet I had grade C - You hired your friends? Yes. My close friends. They kept telling me that my premises is always busy.

30:53 I did not wish to have people out there say I don't want them to grow. that's when I decided to bring my friends in. We were working together but at some point, they started wearing the clothes. They claimed they are cladding just for advertisement. Later on, I'd follow up on some outfits only to find their kids clad in same outfit. at some point I started missing some money. I was prompted to source for capital out there including from my step-dad for restock. I started feeling low. The business started crumbling down. I was not sure on how to pay my employees since they were hardly making any profits.

31:41 I had to wind down the business and told them not to report to work next month. I sought out a small stall and tried to sell from there. It did not work. I started making sales door to door. at some point I got tired. I introduced my baby to weaning at one year, five months. At least she could walk. She's now fully grown. One day I just got home and said to my mum, "I'm tired, Enough is enough. I have to look for another option." I had roamed around hardly making sales I had heard stories that if you are giving money to people with your hands, you are sharing your success with them. Why did you opt away from the stall after winding down the business?

32:26 I could hardly afford to pay rent. My step-dad was tired too. He was like, "I'm just feeding your business yet you hardly bring me anything?" For most African parents, when you get used to giving them money, it becomes hard for you to say, I will not give. I used to get home with some fish, nice vegetables, yoghurt, bread, they feel nice. So now, you are not bringing home that. You want to take away the money that is home. I figured my step-sad is getting weary. I started checking out on stories of people based in diaspora.

33:12 I thought of heading over to Dubai but it seemed expensive there. I started looking for connections. Unfortunately, my neighbour had just returned from gulf her spinal cord was severely damaged. I think hat story was also aired on media. I think she got into an argument with the boss, who in turn threw her down the stairs. She was my neighbour. When I broke the news to my mum that I'm seeking for an agent to head over to Saudi Arabia, mum told me that if I do so, I'll come back in a body bag. She told me I can only go there if I'm ready to tag my daughter along. I was left confused. And I decided I'm going to do it whether she likes it or not.

33:59 I decided to go in for training. I"d leave my baby well fed then leave. At the training center, I switched off my phone first. - Where was the training at? - Nairobi. The school is based along Kiambu road. So, they offer training to those wishing to work in gulf countries? Yes. All the gulf countries. People there used to share stories: where they come from, and what they want to go and get in the middle east. I would be like, "Wueh! My story is hardly a big deal." I'm the type whereby, before I open up and share my story, you'll wait.

34:46 So, I used to listen. I'm a very good listener. Some of the stories were worse so, if you bring in yours, it's like you are mocking them. At the time he was marrying my mum, we were not in good terms. So of course, he was not supporting me financially. So, my mum had to struggle alone to take care of her biological kids.

35:34 We were a burden sort of and it was a lot worse since we had kids with special needs they need a lot of attention and finances. Banks started coming after him. He had some mortgages and loans He had to sell some of his stuff. He went from having good money to not having any. At some point I thought, maybe I'm the one bringing in the bad luck. He was well off, now he has gotten into a family. Met me and now he has started to go down. I wondered whether I'm the cause. Probably I was crying too much or calling God often. I stopped praying. 'Cause I was like, the more I’m praying, the more life is worsening. Probably God was expressing his wrath. I decided to go quiet.

36:25 The relationship with him was now nice after I delivered my daughter. So, I came for training here in Nairobi. Afterward, you have to go home for some few weeks before you can travel. - Were you a day scholar during the training? - No. I was boarding there. How did you explain about your whereabouts to your parent? I just highlighted that I'm headed to Nairobi to restock my business. Later on is when I called my mum and told her I'm on training. There's nothing much she could do. Of course she's not vast with tech to ask me for a live location pin. Again, she was afraid since I was previously into depression. So, she just let me be.

37:11 She told me once I'm done with business in Nairobi, I get home. Later on I went home. My mum was still trying to convince me, "That is not the right path you are taking. This is not the right path. You are failing. Would you mind to change mind?" I told her if I was to do so, I'll pay for the previous training. They paid for my schooling and passport as well. I had tried applying for the passport on my own in vain. But at the training center, they would help you push the passport process. They supported me on everything else Passport, accommodation, transport,

38:00 so, I had to pay for all that in case I was to change my mind. - They had all my documents so, no way you can evade them. - That's the catch. Once home I told my mum I had no option but go work. My mum was like, "If I lose you, whom do I look up to?" That question... That question...I promised myself I have to make sure I'm back in one piece. That is what I was promising myself: whatever happens, so be it. If things go south while there, I’ll find ways of getting back here. I started looking for connections on Facebook rescue teams. Mind you, I was still here in Kenya. I started noting down the phone numbers. I tried getting hold of numbers of high profile people.

38:47 I remember I even had Hon. Sonko's phone number. I overheard him sharing it to someone and I saved it. When you call, of course you are redirected to his office but I just saved it in case. Again, there's a time he came up with a rescue team. I was there. I felt God is working his ways because, in case of anything, I'm so ready. I arrived in gulf. My host family picked me up. It was a family of four kids. However, the family was not well-off that much. People assume everyone there is very rich. The family is not well-off. Food was a struggle. You have to struggle to eat. Sometimes they hardly feed you. Worse than that, they eat out there,

39:36 once back, they wipe their mouths clean so, sort yourself. We have some things called Samuli. They resemble a loaf. They are dry. You have that as your meal together with some black tea. I remember there's a day I fed on that for three days without eating anything. My body was really weak. You have to wake up in the morning, I had two kids who were on diapers. Two of the other kids were school going. I had to wake up early and prepare them. The problem came in when man of the house started hitting on me. I was 74kgs, I came back 58kgs.

40:21 I had lost so much weight. Because now, the wife started thinking something is off between me and the husband. Whenever I want to go clean the compound, he's like, "I can help you." We go and clean together. In the morning as I prepare breakfast, he would assist me help the kids pack up. So now that he was helping me with the duties, the wife woke up one day, "Don't prepare breakfast for my kids," She said. I was told to avoid cleaning the compound too. She was trying to avoid me having any contact with the husband. - How much was the salary? - Kshs 27,000 ($270) Does the recruitment agency get a cut on that too?

41:08 No they don't. I think my boss had paid up for everything 'cause, there's I time we were in disagreement and she said to me, "Do you know how much money I paid for you and your schooling?" I was at a point where I felt tired. I was sleeping on the floor. The washing machine was there besides my Mattress. So, you can imagine all that dumpiness yet I'm sleeping there. I think she had not employed a house help who boards there/ Most were day-scholars. So, since I’m the first person, they bought a light Mattress, I was to sleep on a corridor. And the pay is Kshs 27,000. Luckily, the exchange rate started going up.

41:55 The rate was high but inflation back here was way bad. I figured I have to find a way to get myself out of this. I started reading books. I started understanding more about money because I was like, the problem here... between the rich and I, we have both 24hours in a day. So, what is differing? What's the problem. Why don't we match? I figured it's the mindset. It's not about the money at hand.

42:40 I knew I don't have to focus much on what I'm earning. Instead, I should focus on my mind. When I started reading, the first book was titled, "The richest man in Babylon" In the first page, he was seated down there...I started seeing my life in that angle. The man was very tired of the work he was doing. He was helping the rich make wealth, "Why are these rich people becoming rich yet all I do is work for them?" the man says. Now, that person has to look for a way to pave... the only way is change of mindset. I was like, "Oh, this is the problem. I now have to start working on my mindset."

43:26 Number one, I stopped complaining fully. I figured the problem was that, I was complaining a lot. The things I was complaining about, they hardly made sense. I complain about food, yet there's some rice there I can boil and take with tea. Yes, the stew is missing but that's not the only accompaniment for rice. I was reasoning on what they are saying. And I noticed, whenever you are rejected or in a place where you feel so challenged, you learn yourself more than you learn the people you are with. I was like, "So this is me? I'm different. I have to be unique. I think this is my calling."

44:13 I started changing from there. I started reading books. I figured I want to level up and different. If at all I'm going to be different, I'm going to be different and have people following me who are different. I have to change people in the middle east. - Were you still working for that family? - Yes. I know it sounds a little bit tough because most would view me as a mere house help what changed do they expect? I was like, "I am determined to do whatsoever, to change the mindset of people living in the middle east. Now that I'm reading books, I can understand better. I'm aware of financial planning now. All the books address how one is supposed to budget for their money. - Were you buying them or they were online? - They were all online. But I had to buy some of them.

45:01 You have to pay for good knowledge so that you can be somewhere. - Tell them. - You have to. You have to use money. So, I started getting knowledge from reading books. I generated some interest later on, "Why don't I go online and train people? It doesn't have to work out in that way. What about we see things on this other way?" Before we focus on the online part, your mindset changed and you stopped complaining. How was the family treating you now? Did they see a change? There's one thing I realized, when I started changing, everything changed. For change to take place in that family, I had to change.

45:48 I had put them in a position whereby they could have done anything to me based on how I was conducting myself. Now I am changing. Now I'm becoming different. Now I am reasoning with whatever this woman is saying. She leaves me without food, I just laugh and say, "I ate some rice. I'm good." The woman is like, "No. This is not the same person. Isn't she the one writing messages to her recruitment agent crying of starvation?" Now, all of a sudden, I had changed. I started loving the kids. They started loving me so much. - Energy. - Since the kids love me, the entire family has no choice but to love me. I have to praise you 'cause this is your house, for me to gain power.

46:37 When I praise you, you feel I'm down there at the bottom. I started calling her, Madam. Sir, Madam, Ma'am, all those titles. They started buying me some chocolate later on. I would call her 'Madam' At times I ask for her shoes so that I can dust them off. Sometimes, you don't have to show them how well informed you are. - Show them they are up there. - Yes. That is the first rule of gaining power. Even in the course of your work or business, the best thing you can do, of course you know it but act dumb. Stay calm. For you to become the best version of yourself,

47:23 you have to be calm and a good listener. You have to love listening more than you can love talking. You have to learn listening form a perspective or not wanting to reply, but wanting to understand. I started grasping all this now. I was the one to make changes on all these. No one else to do it. The family was treating me nicely now. Chocolates...they'd buy me clothes too. Actually this is a gift from them. The shoes. - For real?! - This was the first gift she ever gifted me. She was like, "I think you'd look nice with this." And I'm like, "Yes I would. Bring them." At least I got some new shoes now. Whenever there was an occasion such as wedding, "I want you to look good," She would say. I guess she had figured I'm that person who loves pampering.

48:10 My videos say it all. I just love looking good. I think, once you wake up in the morning, despite being a house help, once you take a shower and look good, it gives you confidence in working. And your work looks so nice because you start feeling you ought to give similar services to how you look. And that is one thing people fail to do while in middle east. They wake up in shaggy hair, the log in on Tiktok seeking sympathy. That is one thing that people do while in middle east, seeking sympathy. It doesn't help. Sympathy all the time, crying becomes a song.

48:59 Majority want to implement the kind of life they hear concerning middle east, a sorrowful one. Because you hear them cry saying they are suffering there, you fuel the situation even more. "Arabs can poison you..." they'd say. So, in your mind, all that lingers is poison. You end up tormenting yourself since, you'll skip meals in fear of being poisoned. I started viewing things from a different angle. The best way for you to actually grow, is helping other people grow. They are the ones who will hold you back in case you slide up there.

50:01 I was sharing a lot of stories. They kept tagging me everywhere. And I'm like, since they are tagging me and they want to hear my story, why not? Because it might change their perspective as well. Why not? That is my aim and goal. I started interacting with life coaches on Tiktok. Initially I was posting videos on Tiktok for fun. So, this is one of the most interesting question I've come across this year, I feel good that people are noticing that they have a problem and they want to change. Number one, you have to be self aware of who you are. I told you that the journey of self-awareness is one of the most important things

50:50 you can do for yourself. When you start becoming self aware, you start knowing what affects you, what drains you, what makes you angry, how your temper is. It becomes very very easy for you, to actually have a good IQ or have emotional intelligence. ....videos of random gospel music then I talk. But I was training people more on live-streams. I can go live for more than six hours. You just watch me, I talk. I tell you what my thoughts are. I offer encouragement. I teach people about money market fund, about the game of money, savings, all that. I used to work so hard to try and fix the mindset that has been in place for long

51:41 whereby people think you can only be in middle east working as a house help. I totally disagree with the view that one has to spend 10 years in gulf. If you perceive yourself as being up top, other people will actually see it because you are working towards it. So, I started leveling up. I stopped being stingy to myself. I started ordering things on Shayne outfits Some people claimed I'd lose fans if I order too much stuff instead of saving,

52:27 I used to know how to program my money. - So, you used to teach people about financial book on Tiktok? - Yes. - How much were you earning at this point? - The rate had gone higher. So, the salary was about Kshs 30,000- 34,000 - How was the financial book like? - I had to divide my money into emergency funds. With that, I hardly interfere with my savings. When you have your emergency, you do not have any other extra money set aside that can be considered as idle money. So, I wanted a way to eliminate idle money.

53:13 So, in that financial book, I used to tell people, "Divide your money. Have emergency funds." For those lucky with medical insurance (NHIF) at least it can cater for their health needs. These are things that usually interfere with your investments and savings. Put it in bold, "I have to pay myself". That is the first thing you have to do. Reason being, in as much as God is helping you, you are also helping yourself. I can wake up and decide to do nothing, yet God woke me up. So, it's up to me to rise and achieve my dreams. You find someone has been in gulf for more than 7 years yet no breakthrough. Why? You are not paying yourself.

54:00 Your body reciprocates the same energy you are giving it. So, you set up emergency fund, personal shopping, pay yourself and send some back home? Exactly. I have never sent home anything below Kshs 8,000. Never. Because now, I have to feed my family. Now that I'm earning, my siblings have to eat well. I'd feel nice when I see my siblings are well fed. And now I used to see people on social media saying, "Amina you are talking as such because you have no responsibilities." But when I look back at where I come from, people do not know. I've never shared about my family on social media. I think this is going to be the first place they are going to hear it from. At least now I was sending Kshs 8,000 home.

54:45 I even sent my own salary because my child got ill. She has vitiligo. You know when the child is born pre-maturely, they'll always have complications as they grow up. So, I had to send more money. But now, I told myself, I need to get a way where I'll earn some extra income. Mind you I was still working as a house help. That's why we are told, your dreams have to shock you. if your dreams are not shocking you, - you are not doing much. - True story. They have to shock you. You wake up like, "Will I do it? But I’m going to do it." When your dreams are so flexible... "I'll wake up and buy a cup." Of course you'll do it.

55:35 It's not a big deal. But if you are like, "In two years I want to have a good car..." Yet your salary is Kshs 20,000 and you want to have a good car... by the way, last year I said, this year I must drive before December. Maridady Motors, if at all she comes to you, please, please, please, they must support you I wanted a Mazda. I had even noted down the color, "A black Mazda, latest model, 2017." I was investigating on how to drive, yet I've never been to a driving school. I'm about to enroll myself to a driving school.

56:21 - Good girl. - I already have a dream, - Yet I don't know how to drive. - Let's go along with the flow. Now, I was pursuing Human resource course, and I was telling myself, though I'm yet to finish the course, I know I have the skills to actually manage people. Here I am managing people, and the psyche they are giving me, - On Tiktok I suppose? - Yes. if you were to check on my comments there, everybody...my mentor, and I'm like, "If I fail? No. I can't fail." So, I have to do it right and this time round, I'm watching my steps. The best path of you to get to your destination, follow people who have been there before.

57:11 If you wish to get to town, follow Lynn. She has been to town before. - I have to ask you, "How did you get to town?" Exactly. - Just ask for directions. I usually tell people living in middle east, these podcasts are giving you the direction. It's not a waste of time. How are you not wasting time working till 3 AM, yet you cannot waste 30 minutes... Apart from you being in middle east, you have a life. Far from your life in middle east, what of your story? You have to write your story. You must have some exit plan. Yet at the time, I was not having any brands approach me.

57:59 Later on, people were coming on my live-stream and they are like, "You are such an inspiration. I want to work with you." I started working with traveling companies. Earlier on, I was working with beverage brands for promotions. So, I started writing a book and reading others as well.

58:58 I also have a mentor but he's not Kenyan. I like his podcasts though I've never met them. I usually listen to him and I'm like, "You know what? I want to be like him. I want to inspire people." He really challenges me. He was sharing his background story and I'm like, "So, even me I can get there. It's all about dreaming and acting the dream." You dream that you are driving, which is the first step for you to start driving? I've started reading, I train people and now work with companies With that, I start making relatively good money. - And you were still having your main job? - Ye

59:43 what exactly were you doing for these companies? I used to advertise for them. Whenever I’m online, everybody is like, "How did you get there? I'd wish you support me while I get there." So, travel companies would enjoy since everybody wants to travel like me. They want to be like me and travel. So, I was bringing in the traffic. I worked for the traveling companies. A lot of them failed me because, you earn a huge sum and some of them feel, it's too much, they can't pay that amount. After that, I started working with other real estate companies.

1:00:30 At some point I felt the money is not enough. I would be paid in bits, at times they renege the deal completely yet you fulfilled your end of the bargain. I used to sign contracts online. Personally, I must have a binding contract before undertaking any job. Then, I sought out for a Lawyer. My Lawyer is called Monica. I used to see myself big so, I needed to have a Lawyer. Whomever approaches me, I end up telling them, "Can you communicate to my Lawyer? Yet remember, I was still a house maid as I'm sourcing for a lawyer.

1:01:18 Should we take a commercial break? Let's go! "...speak to my Lawyer." So, now I have a Lawyer and a director too. I started being in such a level that was merely a dream before. At least now I had a director. The director headed over to the US so we sort of parted ways. I used to tell him, "You are the one to give out the terms of work." A lot of companies take advantage of upcoming influencers because,

1:02:07 they feel you are naive and hardly exposed to the industry. Majority have the perception that house-helps are illiterate. I've met several house helps, actually one of them is a nurse. She tarmacked a lot without a job, then opted to go work in middle east. A lot of ladies working in middle east are learned. But the problem comes in, when you head over there, the mindset changes. So, it's you to choose where you want to fall. You have to make a choice on the available categories. 7 Months before I finished my contract, I figured I have to be serious. I want to be serious because based on the pay I was earning from these companies, it was not making sense at all. I decided that whatever job I do, it must be on contract.

1:03:01 I would direct them to my Lawyer back in Kenya. She would trace them very easily. There are some who would shy off after I bring in the Lawyer factor. That is when I met General. He found me in one of my live-streams. I know this is not an ad but, don't be afraid of giving someone credit. I won't charge them for now. Maybe I send an invoice ten year later. Feel free to talk about it

1:03:47 Don't be afraid of mentioning the company. Tell us about him. Thank you so much. So, general came over to my in-box and told me, "Do you know that you are blessed. Do you know what you carry inside?" I was like, "What do I carry?" "In you I see a leader. I see a great person. I want to mentor you. I want to be part of your story. Because I'm seeing a very-very great story," He said. "Would you want to work with me?" He asked. I told him to talk to my Lawyer first. But later on I was like, his interests and mine are sort of aligning. I requested him for a contract, I get to go through it first. I was not sure whether it was a good deal or not. I became a Sales-lady at first.

1:04:36 But even before that, I had longed to be a land owner in future. So, I decided to buy land first and see whether they are genuine. I had heard a lot of stories concerning land. The buyers may later come for you the Salesperson if things go south. I decided to buy land first and actually test whether my Lawyer is doing a good job. I usually tell people, before they buy, they should ensure they've done due diligence. As I went in, I had to ask for some documents such as certificate of incorporation, license, etc It's important to go through all the documentation and understand clearly what you are getting yourself involved in.

1:05:22 A lot of people in the middle east get manipulated, they have been conned. At some point I was like, "Enough is enough. Whoever tries to con them, we'll intercept before that happens." My Lawyer advised we use her first to purchase land, to identify if they are genuine. I know my General doesn't know this. - So, you purposed to use her money first? - Yes. From my Lawyer. She was to cater for land search too, and I was to reimburse everything later on. Everything went on well and my Lawyer gave me the go-ahead to proceed. Since my salary was relatively little and now I'm in land purchase process, what will I do? Planning. On my book I had highlighted on investments But the amount allocated there was little because I had a lot of expenses.

1:06:11 So, I decided to become a Saleslady for this company and with that, I'll buy land. I usually challenge myself so much. There are plots going for Kshs 120k but I opted to go for an expensive one. I went for one worth Kshs 400k and purposed to pay in cash for it. Here I am promising to pay Kshs 400k in cash, money that I did not have on me. - Can you see how shocking my dreams were? - Very. I'm shocked too. So, I landed this job. The first month, sales were good. How were you going about it? You are telling people about them? I'm telling people about them. I had saved some cash for investments so when you add that on top of my salary, I had like Kshs 200k

1:06:58 And I was supposed to pay for the land within three months in cash. So I knew around those three months, I’d have worked hard to be in a position to pay. Okay. So, you go about telling people about them? - You gain trust from people first. - Yes. A lot of people don't buy because of the company, they will go ahead and buy because they can trust Lynn. Please you can Plug in my partners on that. (No. They know I'm kidding)

1:07:55 If at all they trust you, don't fail them. Now, here I am committing to pay cash within three months. With the savings I had plus the salary, now I started earning a six figure. By the way, general has never paid me below Kshs 100k. He can attest to that. I'm sure you've seen him around. He drove me here. At his age, he cannot lie. Wait? So you tell people about the property then once they purchase you earn commission? Yes. Commission. I used to earn 5%. Considering I had started to attract buyers in the diaspora, people working on bigger fields,

1:08:45 so they want to listen to me because they've been following the strategy in the financial book and I'm sure it was working. so they are like, "Why don't we follow this other investment she's telling us? It might work well because if this one is working well, why not this one? I'll try." Now, referrals kept bringing in other referrals. And then me I used to be open. I'd request them to bring their Lawyers along and conduct the land search on their behalf. We were that open. We had ready titles so once you come over, we hand you the title for the property you want then you conduct the land search. I think that's is where trust was cemented. I started earning. Earning 100k plus the savings I had accumulated earlier, I deposited Kshs 200k at first. The remainder is Kshs 200 to be cleared in two months.

1:09:35 I knew it was manageable considering I was to pay Kshs 100k per month. The second month I was paid a salary totaling to Kshs 150k The commission was a bit higher this time round because a lot of people, I think they want to go for properties within Nairobi. So, when they go for these properties that are a little way expensive, of course your commission is high 'cause you have to do a lot of work. This is why I started a program...I have two groups where I inspire people on Whatsapp. Group one comprises of investors only. We feature Lawyers and general too, talking to them, and anyone else who is inspirational. We feature those in agri-business too. There's a lady you brought in here She goes by the name 'Farmer on fire' I took her number and followed her on Telegram

1:10:24 - Wangari? - Yes. I wanted to follow up. I love it when you started featuring the likes of Wambugu apples I loved it. I started following and came to a realization that 'Wambugu apples' was investing in his children. I knew now this is the plan. The next project will be about my kid. - Cheers. - Thank you. Good girl. So, these two months, I cleared paying up for my property 'cause now monthly salary was Kshs 150k Just like Wambugu, I procured land for my kid in Malindi, I have an acre. - In Malindi. - Yes. My plan was to go back to Kenya, which I'm doing,

1:11:13 I purchased some Gumboots this week. - Where to? - Planting. - What are we planting? - I want to venture in the fruits industry And also, I’m doing farming for my investors in diaspora. What I do, I reach out to the likes of 'farming on fire' they guide us on inputs for different types of soil...I want to do something great for them. I want investors to feel that they did not invest in vain. - There's value. - Yes. For those who cannot trust their families, I told them, "You can feel free to trust me." Now that I'm actually here on ground, I'll be present at their purchased pieces of land. Whatever they want to plant there, I'll go ahead and do it for them. I guide them on fertilizer and other inputs necessary there. And then since they are many in one group, it becomes easier to share some costs.

1:12:01 That was my aim: to reduce cost, increase interest. So, you increase interest and reduce expenses. Assuming two or three people want to farm the same product, definitely, you'll buy things such as fertilizer in bulk. Everything else reduces. So, that was my goal when I established group one. Group two, I just inspire them such that, before they transition to group one, they know exactly what they are going to meet. Group one, they've already read books that I have read. I have a whole library on my phone. I send them the books weekly. Every Sunday at 9 PM, we have a zoom session. We hold discussions there.

1:12:48 That is how bad I want to see changes in the Middle-east. I became a life coach now. And I was like, "I think this is my calling." I'd get sleepless nights pondering on what will I teach people. And now people have started referring me as their Mentor. I am mentoring over 100 ladies who are based in Middle-east. Whenever I save their numbers, I include the suffix 'mentorship' so that at least I can differentiate those who want mentorship, business or investment. A lot of them want me to assist them know how to get rid of black tax. This has affected to many people working in Middle-east. Families out there do not wish to see pockets that are full. They want to get a share every time. But the problem is us, not them.

1:13:35 No one will board a flight to come beat you up for money. The problem is you. And the problem is: you've got a lot of money sitting idle. Now you see the reason why encourage people to have financial books? This helps you avoid having idle money. So when someone calls asking you to lend them money, where is the idle money? This is unlike back in time when you used to plan for my money by telling me to avoid certain investments...no. This is the time for you to demonstrate to your parent, "I can do something." And the moment you show your parent that you can do something, at no time will they pester you for money since they are aware that

1:14:22 you have an ongoing program somewhere. It has to start from you. All changes that you wish to see back home, it has to start from you. 'Cause you are the one to make it happen. Sometimes you have to harden your heart a bit in as much as you want to help. - Firm stance. - Firm stance. Because if you go ahead giving out money, you'll exhaust everything. Money is hardly enough. Things will keep coming up day and night. while working in Middle-east, there's a part where I called my mum first. Before I started having my financial book, I called my mum. I made my mum understand that now, for me to actually save you from poverty, I have to save myself first. If both of our hands and legs are tied up, how will I save you before I untie my hands first? It doesn't happen that way.

1:15:12 How do I free you? I have to save myself first. I have to open mi hands first. When my hands are loose, that is when I can open yours. I made my mum understand that. So, we started from there. That is why I've been able to do all these things while she's calm. On end month I say to her, "This is the amount of money I can be able to give you. With this, at least you can manage especially after dad tops up a bit." Because, if I give everything, we are definitely going back to poverty. And when I pave my way, you are the ones to enjoy the most. But now when you drain me, when will you enjoy? When will you enjoy? Never. And then, my goal was to invest, 'cause I believe being wealthy is all about investments

1:15:58 and what you have as an asset, not what you have money-wise. And I really wanted to avoid liabilities that comes with constructing a house on your own By the way, I don't encourage young people to do own construction. This house that you occupy, it won't earn you anything. You'll pay bills, electricity and everything. You are young, earn first. I did my mathematics before I started investment. And I figured, "Why don't I buy things that I can be able to sell after five years, than living in a house that requires me to pay bills yet in five years time, I'm going to be somewhere where I can build a better house than the current one I'm occupying."

1:16:46 'Cause now I’m going to sell, get the profit and acquire more assets. So, even while procuring land, plant; make use of it-- I usually ask, why would one fear buying land in Malindi because they are from Nakuru? Personally I'm from Nakuru but I have some land in Malindi. My plan is not to stay there. My plan is to re-sell and maybe... There's a season for planting and another one for harvesting. The same way when it comes to investments and money industry, you have to know how to play the cards of money. You have to know when you should release something. You might find someone holding on to a car for over 20 years. Afterward, you can only dispose it as a scrap. It loses value. People might accuse you of being flashy but, in five years time, new models will have come by.

1:17:38 So, I’ve ventured into my second investment, currently I’m awaiting for my name transfer. Once back here, my boss told me, "You are more than a Salesperson. I want to see what you can be if I put you in a different position." I became the CRM (customer relations manager) You know you have to manage customers. You have to manage customer issues. Now because I'm coming back home, I was the one on ground dealing with customer related issues, I have to also increase productivity. My boss was like, "This position suits you well."

1:18:25 You registered for a course in customer relations? Yes, I registered. I'm still learning. Currently I want to register for a driving school. He offered to give me some time off in the evening, an hour or two, I go for lessons. So, this person's goal is to see you grow. So, I came in as a CRM, here I have investments, of course I'm making some good money. Right now as we speak, everybody is like, "She came back recently. She doesn't have much..." They don't know where I begun. "...she will run out of her savings and go back to square zero."

1:19:16 If another person suffered once back from Middle-east, it doesn't have to happen to you. For the story to be interesting, it doesn't have to. Lynn, we've never lived before in this life. This is the first time we are living. If you do not experience this life that we are living now, when again will you experience it? This is the only first and last time you are living. I love Myron Golden. He refers to the Bible quite a lot. That's the path he usually leads us to.

1:20:03 He made me understand that most of the things mentioned in the Bible such as the golden silver, they were said to be present in my house. You have that golden silver inside you. Milk and honey too. It is said that, whatever happens in heaven happens on earth. A good person, heaven is seen in them from the inside. If that is heaven, why don't you bring it on earth?

1:21:17 - They said you've changed? - "You've changed. I though you will come back." I told her we are going to discuss that, but I am a different person. And I told her thank you since she built someone great. If she would have been a little bit different, - I would not be the person I am. - You would not have smartened up. Exactly. A knife has to be subjected to a sharpener so that it can be so sharp to cut. I felt some sense of relief because I had an exit plan. Now that I was done with my contract in Middle-east, I had some good savings I had been supporting home all this time. Now that I was back, guess what, Lynn,

1:22:05 My dad whom we could not see eye to eye earlier on, he bought me some land. - Your step-dad? - My step-dad. I could hardly believe my eyes. And he told me, "In two-three months time... He was a member of a certain group whereby they used to buy properties. So he told me that in two months time they'll do the name transfer. He asked for my details I could hardly believe this. I cried. - People change. - Yes they do. They change. One thing I learned, complaining and harboring so many things in your heart... allow yourself to heal. The first step of actually growing in life is healing.

1:22:53 We've faced a lot of traumas. The first step is healing. You have to heal from all those things. By the way, so many people go through a lot while in Middle-east. Not because they are facing these things directly while there, It's because they have traumas and are yet to heal. - They carry it around. - Yes. I was talking to a certain lady and she was telling me, "My Arab boss is treating me same way my husband used to batter me." And I was like, "It's because you are yet to heal. Probably whatever you are facing there is as a result of having your mind far away. There's no way the past will repeat itself. Since the past has already passed, why are you carrying it forward in the present life. It will affect you. Before you realize, you'll have wasted a lot of time.

1:23:52 Don't wish to remain in one position forever. I usually hear some saying, "I want to stay here for 5-10 years." And I'm like, "Gosh! I wish you knew how powerful you are." For one to go through all the hardships abroad and excel later on, - It means you can overcome any single challenge. - Absolutely. You can open a business, it goes under but you figure out how...you can make it.

1:24:40 We are going there because we are getting into the affordable housing. Tell them about it. This is for you, not the company. They deal with lands, and now we've ventured in real estate. Instead of risking your money elsewhere, at least you'll be knowing that once you invest with us, you can rent out your units and be earning while still away. That is our aim. It's like an investment. - So you are headed to the UK? - Yes. We are going to sell our company.

1:25:29 We have numerous invites from different countries. This time round, I'm not traveling to go work at someone's house. I am traveling as a business woman.

1:26:36 Just look at things in a different perspective and change your mindset. Mindset is everything. It's always the foundation. Some things we used to be told: money is evil. There's no way money is evil. Once you show up at the company, you'll find me in my office as the CRM. How is the working environment? How is the reception? It's a good one. By the way they picked me up at the airport, they brought my title deed along at the airport. I made a video. That video really went viral.

1:27:23 Then they drove me to the office and said, "This is your office." I had to sign the photocopy of that title deed then retained the original. I got to cut a cake too, champagne. Everybody in the office loves me and they have not seen me. As you can see, the lights are gone, it's a national black out, but the show has to go on. Yes, I'm not scared because those people received me warmly. They loved me.

1:28:10 What do you think is the biggest challenge for our people working in gulf? One problem with those in gulf is that, you want to sympathize with the situation or that desire to get a lot of attention and... I think most of them feel lonely 'cause you are there. Most of us could hardly experience sunshine, only while doing shopping, in a car though. You have to be driven around while shopping. And then you have go to a specific shop of their choice, not just any shop. You are locked up in a room, so you are so lonely. Anybody that comes along the way... We've heard of cases where girls send guys money. Why? Because they feel lonely. They want somewhere they can lean on. Someone who can listen.

1:29:02 At night, I always have a show from 10 PM till 2 AM. - After you are done with a day's job? - Every single day. With my General and other people maybe doctors or nurses They come. I host them we go live and showcase Milescope. So, after my day's work, at night I have another job, inspiring people.

1:29:48 In real estate, you have to have interest first before other people can come in. You cannot lead people through a hole whereby you've not been through yourself. That was my greatest fear. That is why I had to go in through first, and asses the situation. That is why I had to involve a Lawyer. I usually tell them that, if you want to deal with real estate, maybe buy some land or even a house, make sure that... it's rather you lose some amount paying up a Lawyer or Surveyor while conducting land search, than lose the whole amount. And a lot of these people want to get involved in real estate out of peer pressure. They've seen Amina is back and purchased some land... no, don't rush.

1:30:43 When you are driven by the want and thirst to actually buy it, you'll push till the end.

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