Lessons in Adversity from a Future Māori Millionaire
Growing up, I was always the fat kid who was bullied a lot. I moved schools eight times before university, often begging my mum to let me switch schools. You know what, though? Looking back now, however, I realise that without those experiences, I wouldn't be the person I am today.
This isn’t to say that those experiences didn’t hurt; they did! Although those experiences were painful and made me feel insignificant, they taught me some valuable lessons. For a long time, I felt like my worth was determined by my race, weight, and clothing choices.
Today, as a wahine Māori businesswoman, I hold my culture at the forefront of my mahi. The lessons I learned from my childhood bullies continue to help me in my journey. Here are three of the best things those little bullies taught me:
If it won’t matter in five years, don’t worry about it
As someone who's always dreamed of becoming a podcaster and YouTuber, I used to worry a lot about what people thought of me. This lack of confidence prevented me from being my authentic self. But I've since realised that making choices based on the life I want to live, rather than my current circumstances, is the key to success.
This lesson is about choosing your battles wisely. Instead of wasting time and energy on trivial matters or drama with friends, focus on the kaupapa that add value to your life. Self-awareness is crucial in recognising when you're being misled and preventing it from hindering your progress. Being self-aware can be life-changing.
By being mindful of what we invest our time and attention in, we can free up resources to pursue the things that will matter in the long run. One way to do this is by opening a KiwiSaver account. KiwiSaver is a retirement savings scheme that can also be used as a deposit for your first home. The benefits of having a KiwiSaver account are numerous, including:
Your employer is required to contribute 3% of your wages to your KiwiSaver when you turn 18 and make contributions yourself.
If you contribute more than $1,042 per year, the government will add $521 annually.
After contributing to your KiwiSaver for more than three years, you may qualify for a first home grant of $3,000 to $10,000.
Opening a KiwiSaver account is easy; just go to your bank and get started. It’s important to note that statistics show women generally earn less than men over their lifetimes and also live longer. That’s why it’s extra important to take the first step and start your personal finance journey.
2. Ignore the opinions of others and forge your own path to success
In high school, I learned that certain things were deemed ‘cool,’ but they weren't necessarily beneficial in the long run. For instance, starting a business at 14 years old may not have been ‘cool,’ and it certainly wasn't ‘cool’ when my business failed. Nonetheless, I invested $1200 from my part-time job and started my first t-shirt business. After a year, I sold only five tops, and four of them were purchased by family members. Despite the failure, I gained valuable knowledge about making money, and more importantly, I learned the importance of forging my own path.
It's important to embrace your differences and use them to your advantage. My business in the finance sector, Māori Millionaire, is unique compared to many others in that space. For starters, there aren't many female founders in finance, and women often have additional responsibilities such as caring for parents or children, which can impact their careers. Māori Millionaire is also a business by Māori for Māori. Let me tell you, there aren’t many Māori in the finance sector.
Being different is not always easy, but it can be rewarding. My experience in high school taught me to ignore what was considered ‘cool’ and to focus on my own path. As a result, I founded a business that celebrates my differences and those of my community. So, don't worry about other people's opinions and forge your own path to success. Being different is a good thing!
3. Take control of your financial future
These days, relying on others for financial security is not a responsible option. Couples break up, people can leave, and conflicts can arise, leaving you without the support you need. Therefore, it is essential to have financial resources to take care of yourself. Your money habits are the only thing you have 100% control over.
That being said, having a support system is still important. However, we are the only constant in our lives, so we must take control of our finances. One way to start is by building an emergency fund. This fund serves as a safety net to prevent you from getting into debt when unexpected costs come up. You can start small, with a goal of $500, and gradually increase it over time.
Money is a means of trade, and it can give us access to more opportunities in life. Indigenous communities, including Māori, face unique challenges in health and quality of life among other areas. While money cannot undo the trauma of colonisation, it can help us achieve a higher quality of life.
As a Māori woman, I believe that the biggest thing stolen from us was not land but our ability to act in accordance with tikanga. This is why it is my mission to empower Māori to financial independence. I could have gone on this journey alone, but I decided to share it with the world to normalise wānanga and whakawhiti kōrero about pūtea. By talking about these significant topics, we can achieve financial success and prosperity for all Māori.
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini; my successes are not my own, but those of a collective.
There is certainly enough room for all of us to succeed in our finances.
For more information about the Māori Millionaire mission, head to maorimillionaire.com.