Meet Emem Nwogwugwu.
She helps people build systems that serve the whole person and not just the bottom line. In our Founders Friday feature, Emem shares what transformation really looks like, how to stay grounded in chaos, and why presence is the real secret to a balanced life.
Born from family, built with purpose. Sisé is redefining how African meals are cooked and enjoyed, without losing the soul. Founded by two sisters from a lineage of incredible cooks, Sisé delivers bold, homegrown Nigerian flavours in under 20 minutes. Their mission? To make traditional meals accessible, joyful, and stress-free for modern homes - one meal kit at a time.
After 13 years of quiet growth and deep surrender, Elwoma returns with Throne of Grace, a worship album rooted in Hebrews 4:16 and birthed from a place of authentic devotion.
Thing and about thinking differently. About making bold decisions, developing clarity, and building discipline long before the money shows up.
In this post, I share 7 timeless money mindsets from the book, the kind that don’t just live in theory, but show up in your daily choices, habits, and circle.
Dwayne Johnson, known globally by his ring name The Rock, is an American actor and professional wrestler whose path to global stardom was far from smooth. Born into a family with a wrestling legacy, he experienced firsthand the ups and downs of life in a household that often moved and faced financial struggles. At age 14, his family was evicted from their apartment in Hawaii, leaving him to face instability and uncertainty at a young age. Witnessing his family struggle shaped his understanding of perseverance and responsibility. Reflecting on that period, he later said,
“When we got evicted, I told myself, ‘Stop cryin’ like a little kid and get in the gym and make something of yourself.’”
After high school, Johnson pursued football and earned a scholarship to play at the University of Miami. Yet even promising beginnings did not guarantee success. He went undrafted in the 1995 NFL Draft and later signed briefly with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. At 23, he was cut off during his first season, a major setback that left him without a clear path forward. He was living out of a car, had only $7 to his name, and struggled with depression. That mindset, of taking control even when the world seemed against him, would guide his future.
Johnson’s early struggles became the foundation for his work ethic and resilience. Wrestling offered him a chance to reinvent himself. With support from his father, he secured a contract with the WWF in 1996. His first persona, “Rocky Maivia,” faced rejection from fans, but he adapted, learned, and eventually emerged as “The Rock,” a character that resonated with millions. The lessons from wrestling, persistence, connection, and discipline, became a bridge to Hollywood.
In film, Johnson carried the same mindset. Small roles grew into leading parts, from The Mummy Returns to The Scorpion King, which earned him a Guinness World Record for the highest salary for a first-time leading actor. Blockbusters like Fast & Furious, Jumanji, and Moana solidified his place as a global star. Beyond acting, he became a businessman and philanthropist, founding Seven Bucks Productions, named after the time he hit rock bottom, a constant reminder of how far he had come.
Today, he is recognized as one of the most successful figures in modern entertainment, with a career shaped by early hardship, discipline, and persistence. As of February 2022, he was named the highest-paid actor in the world by Forbes, a remarkable achievement for someone who once faced homelessness and financial uncertainty. His story serves as a reminder that resilience, discipline, and faith in yourself can transform even the hardest circumstances into lasting success.
The Brief Network: Inspiring Stories and Empowering Lessons.
We often talk about healthy living in terms of what we eat, how often we exercise, or how disciplined our routines are. But many people are doing all the “right” things and still feel tired, anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally empty. That’s because true healthy living doesn’t begin with the body. It begins with the mind.
You can be physically active and still mentally exhausted.
Mental health quietly shapes how we live, work, love, and show up every day. When it’s neglected, even the healthiest lifestyle begins to feel heavy.
What “Healthy Living” Really Means
Healthy living goes beyond perfection or constant positivity. It’s the ability to adapt and stay balanced, even when life feels heavy and demanding. Mental health plays a central role in this balance. When the mind is overwhelmed, the body eventually responds through fatigue, stress-related illness, burnout, or emotional withdrawal.
A healthy life is not one without stress, but one where stress is managed with care.
Understanding this shifts how we approach wellness. It becomes less about pressure and more about awareness.
Listening to the Signals Your Mind Sends
Mental health struggles rarely announce themselves loudly at first. They often show up subtly:
Persistent tiredness, even after rest
Irritability over small things
Difficulty concentrating
Emotional numbness or constant worry
These signs are not failures. They are signals.
Your mind speaks long before it breaks. We just have to learn how to listen.
Healthy living involves paying attention to these moments instead of pushing through them endlessly.
Small Daily Habits That Protect Mental Well-Being
You don’t need a complete lifestyle overhaul to care for your mental health. Often, it’s the consistent choices that make the biggest difference.
This can look like:
Creating moments of quiet in a noisy day
Taking intentional breaks without guilt
Allowing yourself to slow down
Being present instead of constantly rushing to the next thing
Healthy living is built in ordinary moments, not dramatic changes.
These habits help the mind breathe, and when the mind breathes, the body follows.
Rest and Boundaries Are Not Luxuries
In a culture that rewards busyness, rest is often misunderstood. Boundaries are seen as selfish. But the truth is simple: you cannot live healthily while constantly running on empty. Rest restores mental clarity, boundaries protect emotional energy.
Saying no is sometimes the healthiest decision you can make.
Healthy living requires the courage to choose sustainability over exhaustion.
The Role of Connection and Support
Mental health thrives in safe spaces. Isolation often magnifies stress, while honest connection reduces it.
Healthy living includes:
Talking openly about how you feel
Asking for help when you need it
Sharing burdens instead of carrying them alone
Healing often begins when we realize we don’t have to do life by ourselves.
Community is not optional for mental wellness, it is essential.
Choosing Progress Over Perfection
Healthy living is not about having everything figured out. It is about making intentional choices that support your mind and body over time. Some days will feel easier than others. Some seasons will require more grace than discipline. What matters is choosing to care again and again.
You don’t need to be perfect to live healthily. You just need to be intentional.
And sometimes, that intention begins with simply acknowledging that your mental health matters.
A Reminder as You Go
Healthy living is not something you arrive at one day fully formed. It is something you practice quietly, imperfectly, and often in ways no one else sees. Some days, caring for your mental health will look like rest. Other days, it will look like courage, choosing to speak up, slow down, or ask for help. And on many days, it will simply mean being kind to yourself in moments when life feels heavy.
A healthy life is not built by pressure, but by care.
As you move through your routines, responsibilities, and relationships, remember that your mind is not separate from your life, it is the place where your life is experienced. Choosing mental health is choosing to live well. And choosing to live well, even in small ways, is always worth it.
At just 11 years old, Mikaila Ulmer had already started shaping her own future. What began as a simple lemonade stand outside her house in Austin, Texas, grew into Me & the Bees Lemonade, a nationally recognized business that combines entrepreneurship with purpose.
Mikaila was born in Houston, Texas, to D’Andra and Theo Ulmer, both business graduates. She attended St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin, where she balanced school with her growing entrepreneurial ambitions. Her story begins with a family inspiration: her great-grandmother’s 1940s lemonade recipe, which included flaxseed, became the basis for her lemonade. Using honey sourced from local beekeepers, Mikaila started selling her lemonade in front of her home in 2009.
The lemonade sold quickly, and a local pizza shop soon asked her to supply it, marking the start of her journey into bottled lemonade. From the very beginning, Mikaila wanted her business to make a difference. She pledged 10% of her profits to charities dedicated to saving honeybees, a cause she cares deeply about.
Mikaila has shared about her motivation:
“Being my own boss and being able to make my own money was important to me. I realized how fun it was to sit behind the stand and run it. That is why I decided to keep on going.”
Her drive caught national attention in 2015 when she appeared on Shark Tank, securing a $60,000 investment from Daymond John to help expand her lemonade business. Over the years, the support she received helped scale Me & the Bees into stores across the United States, eventually appearing in over 1,500 shops, including Whole Foods, Kroger, and The Fresh Market.
By 2017, her lemonade was being sold in 500 stores, producing 500,000 bottles annually, and her business had attracted $800,000 in investment from a group of professional football players. The brand has also grown its product line to include bee-wax lip balms, keeping sustainability at the heart of the company.
Mikaila’s story demonstrates that entrepreneurship is not just about profit, it’s about passion, purpose, and persistence. She started small, but her consistency and vision allowed her to build something that creates impact, generates income, and inspires others.
Her journey is a reminder to anyone waiting for the “perfect time” to start: success begins with a single step, fueled by curiosity, hard work, and a sense of purpose. Mikaila turned her love for lemonade into a platform that educates, inspires, and gives back, showing that age is never a barrier when you combine determination with a meaningful mission.
The Brief Network: Inspiring Stories and Empowering Lessons.
African women in sport have broken barriers and redefined strength. In athletics, football, basketball, and swimming, these women have not only competed; they have broken records, shattered norms, and redefined what it means to lead and excel. Their stories are proof that talent paired with resilience can transform the very way the world sees African women in sport.
Here are some of the African athletes whose remarkable achievements and journeys continue to inspire generations.
Kirsty Coventry (Zimbabwe)
Kirsty Coventry is Africa’s most decorated Olympian, winning seven Olympic medals in swimming. Beyond her athletic career, she served as Zimbabwe’s Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, transitioning seamlessly from excellence in competition to leadership in governance. In 2025, she made history as the first woman and the first African to lead the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as its President. Her journey reflects how sporting excellence can evolve into global influence and institutional leadership.
Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria)
Asisat Oshoala is a six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, one of the most decorated footballers on the continent. She has played at the highest levels of European football and represented Nigeria at multiple FIFA Women’s World Cups. Oshoala’s career has elevated the visibility and credibility of African women’s football globally. She is not only a scorer of goals, but a standard-bearer for professionalism, ambition, and leadership.
Desiree Ellis (South Africa)
Desiree Ellis is one of the most influential figures in African women’s football. A former player turned coach, she currently serves as head coach of South Africa’s women’s national team, Banyana Banyana. Under her leadership, the team won their first-ever Africa Women Cup of Nations title, marking a historic milestone for South African football. Ellis has also been named CAF Women’s Coach of the Year four consecutive times, a rare recognition that underscores her consistency and technical excellence. Her journey from the pitch to the technical area reflects deep understanding of the game, strong leadership, and the ability to build winning systems. Her impact extends beyond trophies, shaping the future of women’s football on the continent.
Tobi Amusan (Nigeria)
Tobi Amusan is the 100m hurdles world record holder and the 2022 World Champion. She delivered Nigeria’s first-ever gold medal in a World Championship track event. Her dominance is defined by precision, discipline, and relentless preparation. Amusan represents a new era of African athletics where global leadership is built, through consistency and excellence.
Faith Kipyegon (Kenya)
Faith Kipyegon is one of the most dominant middle-distance runners in the history of athletics. She is a three-time Olympic gold medalist in the 1500 meters and a multiple-time world champion. Kipyegon holds world records in the 1500m and mile, redefining what sustained excellence looks like at the highest level of global competition. Her consistency over nearly a decade places her among the greatest athletes of her generation, regardless of gender or geography. Kipyegon represents precision, longevity, and complete mastery of craft.
Adaora Elonu (Nigeria)
Adaora Elonu has represented Nigeria at the highest levels of international basketball, winning medals at AfroBasket and competing in top European leagues. As a forward known for her leadership and composure, she played a key role in Nigeria’s rise as a competitive force in women’s basketball. Her impact lies not only in points scored, but in presence, teamwork, and consistency on global stages.
Feryal Abdelaziz (Egypt)
Feryal Abdelaziz became the first Egyptian woman to win an Olympic gold medal after her historic victory in karate at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Her achievement placed Egypt firmly on the Olympic gold map and expanded global recognition of African women beyond traditional sporting disciplines. Her victory was a statement of excellence, preparation, and national pride.
Rena Wakama (Nigeria)
Rena Wakama, a former player and current assistant coach for the Chicago Sky, made history as head coach of Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, the D’Tigress, becoming the first female coach to win two AfroBasket titles. She represents a powerful shift in African sport leadership, proving that African women can excel not only as athletes, but as tacticians, mentors, and decision-makers at the highest level.
Barbara Banda (Zambia)
Barbara Banda is one of Africa’s most prolific footballers, known globally for her goal-scoring records at the Olympic Games and her leadership of the Zambian national team. She captained Zambia to their first-ever appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Banda’s influence lies in performance, responsibility, and the ability to carry a nation’s expectations with confidence.
Peres Jepchirchir (Kenya)
Peres Jepchirchir is an Olympic gold medalist and one of the most consistent marathon runners in the world. She has won major global races, including the New York City Marathon and the World Half Marathon Championship. Her career reflects patience, endurance, and mastery of craft. Jepchirchir’s success reinforces the long-standing Kenyan tradition of distance running while asserting female excellence at the very top of the sport.
What We Can Take From Their Journeys
These women show that greatness is rarely accidental. It is built through discipline, vision, and the refusal to be limited by expectation. Their achievements remind us that African excellence is not emerging; it is established. Leadership is not inherited; it is demonstrated. And strength is not loud; it is sustained.
Their stories affirm that when preparation meets opportunity, impact follows. Not just on the field, but across culture, identity, and legacy.
When you hear the name Steven Spielberg, you think of Jurassic Park, E.T., Jaws, and films that have shaped modern cinema and influenced generations of viewers. You think of mastery, of someone who seemed destined for greatness. But his path to becoming the filmmaker we admire today did not begin with overnight success or instant recognition. Long before global fame, there was rejection, uncertainty, and a belief that had not yet been proven.
As a child, Spielberg struggled academically, often feeling misunderstood and underestimated. For years, he lived with undiagnosed dyslexia, at a time when learning differences were rarely recognized or accommodated. Film became a language he understood instinctively.
His father gave him an 8mm camera, and with it, he started filming everything he could. He recreated scenes, directed neighborhood friends, and taught himself how stories could be told through images. Movies became his refuge.
When it was time to pursue film formally, he applied to the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. It was the place he believed would give shape to his future. He applied once and was rejected. He applied again and received the same answer. His grades, they said, were not good enough. For someone who felt most alive behind a camera, the rejection was a hard blow.
Instead of walking away, Spielberg chose another route. He enrolled at California State University, Long Beach, but more importantly, he found a way to sneak onto the Universal Studios Lot. He dressed like the people who worked there, carried himself like he belonged, and slipped into the environment. Over time, he became an unofficial apprentice, observing, learning, and absorbing everything.
During this period, he made a short film titled Amblin’. He shot it without credentials to lean on, but with determination and persistence. When Universal executives eventually saw it, they paid attention. That small film opened a door that formal education had not. At just 21, Spielberg became the youngest director ever signed to a long term deal with a major Hollywood studio.
Today, he is one of the most celebrated filmmakers in history, with films that have inspired millions and shaped modern cinema.
Lessons to Take from His Journey
1. Rejection is often just a direction. USC’s “no” sent him onto a studio lot where he got a real world education no classroom could match. A closed door can force you to find a more interesting window.
2. Your perceived weakness might be your secret strength. The dyslexic boy who struggled with traditional learning developed a mind that saw the world in cinematic sequences. The very thing that made him feel different became the foundation of his genius.
3. Access is not always granted, sometimes it is earned through presence. Spielberg did not wait to be invited into the industry. He positioned himself close enough to learn, to observe, and to grow.
4. Progress does not require perfect conditions. Spielberg built his future without elite credentials, without early validation, and without certainty. What he had was consistency. He kept filming, learning, and showing up. Momentum, not approval, carried him forward.
This is a reminder that greatness is rarely linear, that detours are not delays but often the training ground, and that the path that feels indirect may be the one forming the skills you will rely on most.
The Brief Network: Inspiring Stories and Empowering Lessons.
At the close of any chapter, it is natural to look back on the moments that tested us, shaped us, and taught lessons no achievement ever could. Some of these lessons guide our choices, shape our habits, and influence how we show up in life. Meanwhile, doubts, regrets, and burdens that held us back are meant to stay behind. In these moments of reflection, the choice is ours: to carry forward what strengthens us and leave behind what holds us back.
Lessons to Carry Forward
1. The Value of Consistency
Progress rarely comes from a single effort. It is built through daily choices, small steps, and consistent action. The habits we maintain, even when motivation fades, shape the outcomes we see.
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” – Robert Collier
2. Resilience Through Challenges
The difficulties we faced were not meant to break us, but to reveal our capacity to endure and adapt. What we learned from setbacks becomes a roadmap for future growth.
“Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell and got back up again.” – Nelson Mandela
3. The Power of Intentional Choices
The decisions we make today ripple into tomorrow. Carry forward the discipline of choosing what aligns with your values, your purpose, and the life you want to build.
“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” – J.K. Rowling
4. Relationships That Uplift
Carry forward connections that inspire, challenge, and support you. The people we surround ourselves with influence not only our outcomes but our perspective and mindset.
“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” – Oprah Winfrey
5. Gratitude and Perspective
The ability to see progress, even in small victories, cultivates hope and fuels continued growth. Carry forward a mindset that notices the good, even amid difficulty.
“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” – Eckhart Tolle
What to Leave Behind
1. Doubts and Self-Limiting Beliefs
The voices that tell us “you can’t” or “it’s too late” are obstacles, not truths. Let go of these thoughts, they do not define your potential.
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford
2. Regret and Guilt
Past mistakes are only lessons if we learn from them. Holding onto regret keeps us from moving forward; release it to make room for growth.
The greatest obstacle to healing is clinging to the past.
3. Comparison and Envy
Measuring your journey against someone else’s diminishes your progress and steals your peace. Leave behind the habit of comparing, your path is unique.
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Theodore Roosevelt
4. Toxic Habits and Patterns
Any behavior, routine, or mindset that consistently drains your energy, clouds your focus, or undermines your growth should be left behind. Carry forward what serves your vision, and release what doesn’t.
“Change almost never fails because it’s too early. It almost always fails because it’s too late.” – Seth Godin
5. Fear of Taking Action
Waiting for the “perfect moment” or fearing failure only keeps potential unrealized. Leave behind hesitation and embrace the courage toact.
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar
The lessons we choose to carry into the next chapter of life shape not only what we achieve, but who we become. The burdens we leave behind allow us to move with clarity, strength, and purpose. Take a moment to reflect: what lessons will you carry forward, and what will you leave behind?
The Brief Network: Inspiring Stories and Empowering Lessons.
If you’re looking for fresh, fun, heartwarming, and action-packed Christmas movies the whole family can enjoy this holiday season, this list is for you. I’ve curated films that bring joy, adventure, music, laughter, and that unmistakable Christmas magic – whether you’re watching with little kids, teens, adults, or the whole extended family.
Here are 10 great Christmas movies on Netflix and Prime Video to make your holiday cozy, cheerful, and unforgettable.
1. Red One (Prime Video)
If your family loves action and adventure, Red One delivers. It’s fast, funny, imaginative, and filled with Christmas energy. A perfect holiday watch when you want something exciting and family-friendly.
2. A Very Jonas Christmas (Netflix)
Musical, funny, and delightfully chaotic. A fresh Christmas release that blends humor with festive charm. Great for families who want a fun, modern twist on holiday storytelling.
3. That Christmas (Netflix)
A heartwarming animated film that captures the pure magic of the season. Sweet, uplifting, and safe for all ages – this is one you can watch again and again.
4. Jingle Bell Heist (Netflix)
A fun, light-hearted adventure with kids taking the lead. It’s cheerful, silly in the best way, and perfect for younger viewers – but adults will enjoy it too.
5. The Christmas Chronicles 1 & 2 (Netflix)
These two films have already become modern Christmas classics. Think Santa, adventure, sibling teamwork, humor, and lots of festive sparkle. A guaranteed family favorite.
6. Tinsel Town (Prime Video)
Bright, colorful, and packed with holiday spirit. Tinsel Town is joyful, cheerful, and beautiful to look at – a great choice when you want something light and mood-lifting.
7. Best. Christmas. Ever! (Netflix)
A humorous, feel-good family comedy. It’s chaotic in the best way and perfect for a relaxed movie night where everyone wants a good laugh.
8. Oh. What. Fun (Prime Video)
Brand new, modern, and full of festive energy. A refreshing pick for families who want something different from the usual Christmas classics.
9. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (Netflix)
A musical masterpiece with stunning visuals, beautiful costumes, and a magical storyline. Perfect for all ages, and one of the best Christmas musicals of the last decade.
10. A Merry Little Ex-Mas (Netflix)
Light, modern, and funny. A playful Christmas comedy centered on unexpected reunions and holiday chaos. Great for families with teens and young adults.
11. Bonus: Champagne Problems (Netflix)
More for adults and older teens, but still festive and fun. A holiday dramedy that’s refreshing, stylish, and perfect for a quiet night in.
There’s something special about sitting together during the holidays – blankets, lights, warm drinks, and a good Christmas movie that everyone enjoys. Whether you’re laughing, singing along, or getting swept up in adventure, these films bring families together in the most beautiful way.
Christmas has a way of capturing our attention. The lights glow brighter, music fills the air, everything feels momentarily lighter, and for a brief season, love becomes a popular language. Yet beneath the beauty and celebration lies a truth, one that asks more of us than decoration and cheer.
Because while Christmas brings joy to many, it also comes into homes carrying grief, worry, and unspoken struggles. Some hearts are full, others are holding on. Some are surrounded by laughter, others by silence. Compassion begins when we acknowledge this reality and choose not to look away.
The true meaning of Christmas is found in love put into action. It is a love that gives freely and steps into the world. It does not stay distant but moves closer, showing care where it is needed most. This is the kind of love Christmas points us toward: sacrificial, present, and real. As the Bible says,
“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Love becomes real when we act on it, especially when doing so requires effort, patience, or sacrifice. Compassion, then, is not weakness. It is strength expressed through empathy. In many ways, compassion is love slowed down enough to see clearly.
Another scripture reminds us,
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This depth of love does not deny imperfections; it embraces humanity. It creates space for people to be seen as they are, not as we expect them to be. Christmas itself embodies this truth, reflecting the love that moved into the world as a living presence, a love that gives fully, as John 3:16 teaches.
As the year draws to a close, Christmas gives us a chance to pause and reflect on the kind of presence we have been in the lives of others. Not how well we celebrated, but how well we cared. Not how much we received, but how freely we gave compassion.
The lights will eventually dim. The music will fade. Life will return to its usual pace. But the love Christmas calls for is not meant to be packed away with decorations. It is meant to be carried forward, into conversations, relationships, and everyday choices.
Beyond the lights is a love that stays. May we choose to live it, not just this season, but always.
From all of us at The Brief Network, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a season filled with love, peace, and compassion.
The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery goes beyond advice or encouragement, exploring the internal forces that shape our decisions, behaviors, and limitations. Brianna Wiest examines how self-sabotage, fear, and entrenched habits become the invisible obstacles in our lives, demonstrating that meaningful transformation comes from understanding and reshaping these patterns, rather than relying solely on external change.
Lessons from the Book
1. Self-sabotage is a form of self-protection, not self-destruction
Wiest explains that many of the behaviors people judge themselves for are rooted in survival. Patterns that hold us back were once necessary to keep us emotionally safe. The problem begins when those old coping mechanisms remain long after they are useful. Healing, therefore, requires intentional mental reconditioning. This is why she stresses awareness and mindset shifts, writing,
“To truly heal, you are going to have to change the way you think. You are going to have to become very conscious of negative and false beliefs and start shifting to a mindset that actually serves you.”
The book emphasizes transforming self-sabotage into self-mastery.
2. The greatest barriers in life are internal, not external
Obstacles often come from within, not from circumstances or people.
“The mountain is you. Your obstacles are not external; they are internal.”
Growth begins when we recognize our triggers and learn to overcome them, taking responsibility for our responses.
3. Everything you are searching for already exists within you
Instead of chasing external validation, Wiest urges self-recognition:
“Look inside yourself; everything that you want, you already are.”
Fulfillment comes from embracing the inner resources we already have, building emotional intelligence, and trusting our own capacity.
4. Clarity is often missed because it is too close to be noticed
People often complicate their journey by assuming solutions must be distant or dramatic. In reality, insight is often ignored because it feels ordinary or uncomfortable. Wiest writes,
“You wander from room to room hunting for the diamond necklace that is already around your neck.”
The lesson is to pause, pay attention, and trust the insight already within.
5. Growth requires the death of an old identity
Transformation is subtractive. To move forward, we must release identities and beliefs that no longer serve us. Wiest encourages letting go of the past and old narratives to build a future that supports the person we want to become.
6. Emotional mastery is more important than motivation
Success is not sustained by excitement or willpower alone. Wiest emphasizes the ability to tolerate discomfort without abandoning goals.
“When you avoid discomfort, you avoid your life.”
Developing emotional intelligence becomes the foundation for consistent action, resilience, and long-term change.
7. The purpose of struggle is transformation, not punishment
Hardship is reframed as a refining process rather than an obstacle meant to defeat a person. The mountain exists to shape character, perspective, and resilience. Wiest writes,
“One day, the mountain that was in front of you will be so far behind you, it will barely be visible in the distance. But who you become in learning to climb it? That will stay with you forever. That is the point of the mountain.”
The struggle itself is meaningful because it transforms who you are, teaching lessons that last beyond the climb.
The Mountain Is You is a guide to understanding and reshaping the inner patterns that hold us back. The mountains in our lives are not barriers, they are opportunities for growth, shaping both our path and the person we become. This book comes highly recommended for anyone ready to confront themselves, embrace change, and pursue meaningful transformation.
Get your copy here to begin your journey of self-discovery and growth.
Tara Fela-Durotoye began her career as a makeup artist long before the Nigerian beauty industry became what it is today. She studied law at Lagos State University, but her interest leaned toward beauty, colour, women, confidence, and transformation. While working from a small space with little capital, she found something that would become her life’s work: building a business that could empower women and shape a sector.
Over time, House of Tara grew into one of Africa’s most influential beauty brands, with makeup schools, product lines, studios, and thousands of beauty entrepreneurs. The question is not simply how she succeeded, but how she built work that has lasted. Her journey offers valuable direction.
1. Passion is a foundation, but consistency strengthens it
Tara often says that she did not start because she had money, but because she had interest and willingness to work. In one interview, she recalled how referrals kept coming because people saw effort and improvement in her work. Passion made her start, but consistency made the work visible.
A brand that endures begins with something real, something the founder is willing to stay with long after excitement fades.
2. Structure makes growth possible
From early in her business, Tara put systems in place. She created policies, formed a board, and set standards even when the business was small. She has spoken openly about the importance of building companies with structure, not emotion.
Her approach reflects a simple truth: passion brings movement, structure gives direction. A brand grows when there are systems that allow new people, new ideas, and new scale to function without chaos.
3. Solve a clear need, and solve it well
One thing that made House of Tara relevant was clarity of purpose. There were very few professional makeup services in Nigeria at the time. Quality products for African skin tones were even harder to find.
Tara saw that gap and responded with products, training, and services that met real needs. Her impact shows that a business gains strength when it answers a question the market is already asking.
4. Growth means expansion of vision, not only expansion of size
As House of Tara spread across cities, Tara did not focus only on storefronts. She built a makeup academy, developed product lines, and created platforms for other beauty entrepreneurs. She once explained that entrepreneurs must decide if they want to build companies that exist temporarily or build institutions that can last beyond them.
Her thinking shows that growth is not measured only by scale, but by purpose. A brand endures when it has a mission that can evolve with time.
5. People are the heart of longevity
Perhaps the most defining part of Tara’s work is that it uplifts people. Many women who trained under House of Tara have become business owners themselves. Tara has said that entrepreneurs should build businesses that can develop others, enable income, and contribute to the economy.
A brand can remain relevant when people can trace their progress back to it. When it strengthens lives, it stays.
In the End
A lasting brand is not built in a rush. It is shaped by passion, strengthened by structure, guided by real need, expanded with purpose, and sustained by the people it raises. Tara Fela-Durotoye’s journey reflects this quietly. Her work reminds us that success is not only about visibility, but about depth. The kind of depth that can stand time.
