Ariana Oluwole
Ariana Oluwole is an executive coach, holistic educator, and Multipotentialite Entrepreneur. Her flagship coaching program 'Live and Lead Your Best Life' provides holistic strategies for Africans, the diaspora, and professionals navigating multiple cultures and teams. When she is not Empowering People, Teams & Systems to Thrive. Queen A can be found speaking to plants with a nice cup of tea.
-
RISING BEYOND LIMITS: YOUNG SIERRA LEONEAN WOMEN LEADING CHANGE ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Women make up nearly 50% of the global population, yet they remain underrepresented in leadership roles. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, women hold just 32.2% of senior leadership positions worldwide, with even fewer in political and executive roles. Despite these challenges, young women across the globe—and in Sierra Leone—are breaking barriers, shaping policies, and leading transformational change in their communities. On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the remarkable young female leaders in Sierra Leone who are defying the odds, amplifying voices, and building a more inclusive and empowered society. Kadijatu Barrie Kadijatu Barrie is a dedicated civil rights activist and feminist with over…
-
ARE YOU TIRED OF MENTAL BLOCKS AND FATIGUE? WE HAVE THE SOLUTION
“The unexamined life is not worth living.” — Socrates In a world filled with complexities and ever-changing trends, finding moments that bring lasting joy can be challenging. Journaling—whether structured or free-flowing—is a powerful tool for boosting mental health, fostering creativity, and enhancing clarity. By putting thoughts to paper, we create space to reflect on past experiences, express gratitude for small wins, and set meaningful goals. In this article, we explore the profound benefits of journaling, share practical prompts, and offer tips to help make it a lasting habit. The Perks of Journaling Mental Well-being A simple yet effective way to care for your mental health is through journaling. Writing down…
-
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT: BREAKING BAD HABITS, TIPS FOR LASTING CHANGE
All of us have habits we want to change, whether it is procrastination or indulging in too many carbonated drinks. Unhealthy habits can hinder our growth and well-being. Breaking these habits is absolutely possible with the right strategies. By understanding the roots of our habits, identifying their triggers, and implementing healthier alternatives, we can pave the way for lasting change in our lives. Understanding and Identifying Triggers The first step in breaking free from unhealthy habits is identifying their origins and what causes them to resurface. Understanding these triggers is often part of the solution. Keeping a journal to track your habits can be an invaluable tool. For example, maintaining…
-
SMALL BUSINESS TRENDS TO WATCH IN 2025: FROM AFRICA TO THE WORLD
As we step into 2025, the entrepreneurial landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace. For small businesses, staying ahead of trends is not just a competitive advantage—it’s a necessity. From Africa’s bustling markets to the global stage, trends in technology, consumer behaviour, and sustainability are reshaping how businesses operate. This article delves into the 7 (seven) key trends defining small business in 2025, offering what we believe can be actionable insights for entrepreneurs looking to thrive in a rapidly changing world. 1. Digital Transformation: Beyond Borders Across Africa, the rise of digital tools has empowered small businesses to expand their reach. Platforms like Flutterwave and Paystack have simplified online payments,…
-
MARIA BRADFORD – A CULINARY JOURNEY ROOTED IN TRADITION AND INNOVATION
Maria Bradford’s culinary journey is deeply rooted in her love for Sierra Leonean cuisine, and her innovative flair that adds a unique twist to traditional recipes. During a captivating interview with Ariana Diaries, Maria shared her journey, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural heritage through food, while also embracing creativity and modern influences. The Evolution of Maria Bradford Maria Bradford’s culinary journey began in Freetown, the bustling capital of Sierra Leone, where her fascination with age-old African recipes and fresh, local ingredients blossomed. Growing up, she cherished the joy of cooking for family and friends, and these experiences laid the foundation for her enduring love of the rich flavours of…
-
SEND ME: REVOLUTIONISING SIERRA LEONE’S DIGITAL LANDSCAPE AND FUELING ENTREPRENEURSHIP
“Don’t worry about being successful but work toward being significant and the success will naturally follow.” – Oprah Winfrey In 2019, Emmanuel Lahai founded “Send Me” in Freetown, the heart of Sierra Leone, with a vision that extended far beyond just an eCommerce platform. Growing up with challenges, including financial uncertainty and limited opportunities, Lahai’s drive to overcome these hurdles set the stage for a groundbreaking entrepreneurial journey. Influenced by Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad, Lahai learned that success is often born from solving real-world problems. With this mindset, he set out to address the gaps in Sierra Leone’s eCommerce and logistics sectors. Initially, “Send Me” began as an…
-
THE POWER OF PLAY : YOU CAN UNLOCK HOLISTIC WELLNESS AT ANY AGE
Ever feel like life is all about ticking off to-do lists and meeting deadlines, leaving little room for anything else? Even our systems hails productivity and seriousness, making it so easy to forget about the simple joys of PLAY. We tend to think of play as something reserved for children, but what if I told you that embracing play could be a powerful tool for your own wellness—no matter your age? Play is more than just child’s play; it’s a way to nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Think of it as a secret ingredient to holistic wellness, helping you reconnect with your inner self, boost creativity, and find emotional…
-
THE SOAPMAKER’S DREAM : BAI CONTEH’S PATH TO TRANSFORMING LIVES WITH CONTEH INDUSTRIES
“Without soap, it would have been very difficult for me to gain an education. This inspired me to start my own business and become a job creator.” Bai Conteh I met Bai Conteh several years ago at an entrepreneurship and young people’s conference. When he reached out last year to introduce his venture, I could barely recall who he was. He was adamant about showing his gratitude for everything I had instilled in his mind and vision back then (mind you, he owed me nothing – was not obligated at all). We met, and he handed me a large bag of detergent powder, persistently following up to ensure I used…
-
10 UNIQUE APPROACHES FOR WORKAHOLICS ON WORLD SELF-CARE DAY 2024
Self Care is not a luxury, it’s a priority! World Self-Care Day, celebrated annually on July 24, is a reminder to prioritise our well-being amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life. For workaholics, this can be particularly challenging. The relentless drive to achieve can often overshadow the essential need for self-care. However, integrating self-care into a busy schedule is not only possible but also crucial for long-term success and happiness. What then is this selfcare? I dare define it mindfully for your self-reflection and grounding purposes. Self Care is an intentional and compassionate practice of nurturing oneself. It encompasses being fully present and aware of one’s thoughts, emotions, and…
-
THE MAGIC IS IN THE DOING: LESSONS FROM PELUMI NUBI ON A DATE WITH AFRICELL SIERRA LEONE
In an inspiring meet and greet organized by Africell Sierra Leone. We had the honour of being among a select group to meet Pelumi Nubi, the remarkable Nigerian woman who drove from London to Lagos. Her sensational journey left us all motivated, sharing invaluable lessons on resilience, resourcefulness, and self-discovery. We couldn’t help but curate some of the golden nuggets and 5 major life lessons from this thought leader, adventurer and brilliant creative. 1.Embracing YourselfPelumi’s story began with an interesting childhood (relocating from Lagos to London) where she faced bullying due to her appearance. Seeking solace, she retreated to the library, where she discovered a love for reading. Books, she…
