On today’s show, Rosetta chats with Oneika Raymond. Founder of Oneika the Traveller, Oneika is a world traveller with a passion for making travel more accessible by sharing tips and tricks to help dispel the myths associated with travel. A teacher at heart, Oneika discovered her passion for travel at a young age. Growing up in Canada as a child of Jamaican descent, Oneika was always fascinated with the diversity of her home town of Toronto. In college, Oneika changed her major from economics to French literature in order to study abroad her junior year. The rest – as they say – is history. Once Oneika discovered her love of travelling abroad she made it her mission to travel to as many countries as possible. Throughout this discussion, Oneika shares the inception of her business as well as the realities of travelling on a budget.

Finding an audience by sharing your passion.

Once Oneika was bitten by the travel bug, she knew it would be an important part of her life. A self-proclaimed travel addict, Oneika has been travelling and living abroad for 13 years now. In the process of travelling, she decided to start sharing her stories with the world – and so, Oneika the Traveller was born. She immediately found an audience and realized her message was important. Her mission was clear: to make travel more accessible to people – especially to African Americans. Oneika discusses how her love of travel combined with her passion for writing were the perfect combination for her blog. She also offers insight into how she monetizes the opportunity and turned it into a flourishing business.

Tips and tricks to make travel more accessible.

Oneika’s passion for travel is clear. What’s even more evident is her love of sharing it with others. She offers some tips to help you better understand how to make travel possible for yourself – even on a tight budget. Oneika discusses why it’s important to be realistic about your budget and to be willing to make sacrifices in order to have these life-changing travel experiences. She makes it clear that it’s not always about traveling first class, but rather it’s about the experience of being in an amazing place. She drives the point home by sharing tactical blog posts that explain how to travel, where to stay, and even how much you can expect to spend.

Tackling a to-do list and making the most of your day.

Clearly, Oneika stays pretty busy. In addition to maintaining Oneika the Traveller, she has kept her job as a teacher- she currently teaches middle school language arts. The question is, how does she manage to balance it all. Well, Oneika explains how she stays focused by making lots of lists. She also shares how she tackles her to do list by “slaying the dragons first” and how she maintains balance in her very busy life. She also discusses her passion for teaching, along with the fact that she teaches English as a second language while living abroad. Her love of teaching, Oneika says, is at the core of who she is, which is why she maintains teaching jobs wherever she goes.

Finding a way to share your passion – even if you don’t have much time.

As they close out their chat, Oneika and Rosetta discuss the writing process and how Oneika manages to produce so many blog posts. Oneika goes on to offer a tip to people who are ready to share their story, but may not have the time to write 1000 words for a full blog post. Her recommendation? Microblogging. In closing, Oneika shares some of her favorite books, her top travel destinations, and her big tip for women who are ready to follow their dreams. Her tip? Do it. Don’t second guess yourself – just do it. Start now.

Outline of this great episode:

• [0:33] Rosetta’s introduction of her guest, Oneika Raymond.
• [1:34] Oneika’s mission and the work that she does.
• [2:39] How did you discover your love of travel and why did you end up sharing it?
• [6:10] What happens in your business that allows you to make money with a blog?
• [8:56] Some action steps and strategies that can help women get started with travelling.
• [13:17] What has been made possible to you by being self-disciplined with travel?
• [16:31] What do you say to women who say, “I can’t do that.”
• [20:35] How do you stay focused and productive throughout your busy days?
• [21:35] Why do you still maintain a job as a teacher?
• [25:04] How do you find the time to write?
• [28:52] What is your favorite place you’ve traveled to and why?
• [32:46] A book that has inspired you on your journey.
• [:] Do you have a personal mantra?
• [34:58] Your #1 piece of advice for women who are ready to pursue their dreams and start a business.
• [35:23] How to connect with Oneika.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• BOOK: “The Color Purple”
• BOOK: “The Poisonwood Bible”
• BOOK: “This is How You Lose Her”
• Oneika Raymond’s website: http://www.oneikathetraveller.com/
• Connect with Oneika on Instagram
• Connect with Oneika on Facebook

About Oneika Raymond:

I’m a gal in her early thirties who has an intense passion for travel, culture, and language. I have been to over 80 countries and am always the verge on planning my next trip. I grew up in Toronto, Canada. I am currently a middle-school teacher at a private school in Hong Kong, though I have taught high school English and French in the past. I am an aspiring polyglot who speaks English and French fluently. I also speak intermediate-level Spanish, and know about three five words of German.

How did I end up teaching half way across the world from where I grew up? The answer is a little long-winded. Basically, it all started in my second year of university, when I found out that French literature majors like me could study abroad in Nantes, France for two semesters once in their third year. Like a pitbull, I stubbornly clung to the idea of going away for a year to France and wouldn’t let go. I put in my application and was accepted.

My year in Nantes was fantastic and was punctuated by trips to Spain, Portugal, England, and Morocco. I had a blast, and upon my return to Canada after a year, I realized that I somehow had to find a way to get back to Europe. I missed France. I soon found a way: an English teaching assistant program that offered 6 to 9-month teaching posts to native English speakers in public schools in mainland France and its overseas departments and territories such as Martinique, La Réunion, and Guadeloupe.

I put in my application once again and was accepted for a 7-month teaching post! Exactly a year after my return to Canada from Nantes, I was once again jetting off to France- this time to Nice. French Riviera, baby! Woohoo!

The next 12 months were spent loving life on the Riviera and getting more stamps in my passport. I started this blog (which used to be called “Oneika does France…Again”) detailing my experiences ( see here and here). I got used to the expat life and began to like teaching. I realized that this teaching and travelling thing was a pretty awesome thing to do, and once I discovered the existence of international schools knew that this was a career path that I’d like to pursue. Upon my return to Canada, I attended teacher’s college and got my Bachelor of Education, which certifies me to teach English Literature and French to students in Grades 7 through to 12.

Then, the job search. I attended a job fair for certified elementary and secondary school teachers who wanted to teach abroad just like I did. After undergoing a number of interviews, I was offered, and accepted, a teaching post in Monterrey, Mexico.

My time in Mexico was mind-blowing and I blogged (after the fact!) about some of the cool things I did and saw over there here. After a year, I headed back to Canada, thinking that it was perhaps time to settle down… But once back I realized that the travel bug was still alive and well. I ditched my French teaching job in Toronto after a year to go teach high school English Lit and French at an international school in Hong Kong. After a two year stint in Asia, I spent another two years in London, UK. However, Asia beckoned once more, and in mid-2013, I moved back to my beloved HK, where I taught for two more years (bringing my time in Asia to a total of four years!) before moving to New York City in June 2015.

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Today’s episode of Happy Black Woman is extra special. Rosetta has the honor of chatting with the one and only Kim Coles. You’ll remember Kim from her role on the hit show Living Single, along with many other roles during her career. These days, in addition to still being an actor, comedian, author, host, and speaker, Kim has ventured out into an area of deep meaning and passion: helping others. Today, Kim discusses how she found her mission and what drives her to dedicate herself to helping others strive and thrive. She offers insight into the path that led her to this mission and how sometimes in life, the greatest gifts can come from the darkest times.

Sometimes you have to have a breakdown to have a breakthrough.

As Kim openly shares her story, we begin to understand just how passionate she is about helping others. She discusses how she found herself facing dark times after Living Single ended and how difficult it was for her to make her way out of the darkness. Kim shares the powerful impact starting a gratitude journal had and how this ignited something in her that helping people was a part of her path. From there, Kim connected with the fact that gratitude was the key to feeling better and she knew others would benefit from her story. She bravely began to share the story of her depression and realized she was making a huge impact on the lives of others. Kim knew she had to continue to share her gifts of love and laughter through the work that she does as a coach and speaker.

Staying in your zone of awesomeness.

It’s easy to see why Kim is known for her humor and openness. She exudes a loving spirit, which makes it easy to imagine how gifted she is at helping others. As Kim and Rosetta continue to chat, Kim offers insight into some action steps that can help you connect to your purpose and happiness. These steps, which are an acronym for the word “Gift” are as follows:

• Gratitude
• Intention
• Forgiveness
• Triumphs
• Self-love

Listen in to learn more about these action steps and how you can implement them into your own life.

Finding the things that bring you joy deep down in your soul.

With so many things to juggle, Kim must work hard to stay focused and productive. She shares some insight into the things she does to stay on task and the importance of outsourcing pieces of your plan to maximize productivity. Kim also discusses the value of making lists and why it’s important to break down tasks into manageable pieces to avoid overwhelm. She also talks about some new goals she has for her business, including finding the right people to outsource to and perfecting the art of list-making. Kim clearly has her goals figured out and is diligent about making the most of her day in order to make them a reality.

Stepping out in faith in order to conquer your dreams.

As Kim and Rosetta close out their chat, they go into the inspiration round, which is filled with books, quotes, and tips that can help you pursue your dreams. Kim discusses a book that had a big impact on her as she moved through her journey: 10-10-10: A Fast and Powerful Way to Get Unstuck in Love, at Work, and with Your Family. She also shares her favorite quote, which comes from Marianne Williamson’s book A Return to Love: Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate; our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. Kim leaves us with a final piece of advice for women who are ready to pursue their dreams. The openness with which Kim shares her story with Rosetta is inspiring beyond belief and will certainly propel you into action on the path towards your own dreams.

Outline of this great episode:

• [0:36] Rosetta’s introduction of her guest, Kim Coles.
• [2:17] Kim’s mission and the work that she does.
• [4:02] At what point in your journey that made Kim want to pursue her business of helping others.
• [10:10] What are some action steps that can help others discover their own gifts.
• [16:48] What keeps you focused and productive?
• [20:17] What makes you a happy black woman?
• [21:03] A book that has inspired you on your journey.
• [22:33] Do you have a personal mantra?
• [26:52] Your #1 piece of advice for women who are ready to pursue their dreams and start a business.
• [28:36] How to connect with Kim.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• BOOK: “10-10-10: A Fast and Powerful Way to Get Unstuck in Love, at Work, and with Your Family”
• BOOK: “A Return to Love”
• Visit www.OpenTheGifts.com for your copy of Kim’s gratitude journal and a FREE 5-pack of gratitude cards.
• Kim’s website: http://www.kimcoles.tv/ – join the Kim-Unity!

How to connect with Kim:

• Text KIMCOLES to 22828 to join Kim’s mailing list
• Inbox Kim via Facebook on her page RealKimColes
• Sisters in Law TV show on WE TV

About Kim Coles

Actress, comedian, author, playwright, host, producer and TV personality KIM COLES is truly a renaissance woman. Well known for her zany characters and outrageous sense of humor, KIM is probably best known for her five-season turn as the unforgettable, lovable Synclaire on FOX’s ground-breaking comedy series, Living Single with Queen Latifah.

Although she is still working in Hollywood, Kim is also using her gifts of love and laughter by combining comedy and inspiration to empower others with her unique program called “Open the G.I.F.T.S.

Through speaking engagements, live events, workshops and products, the program guides others to discover their own true gifts so that they may share them with the world.

Kim currently resides in Los Angeles and is active on Periscope, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to spread the word of her latest and greatest mission and sometimes shares a glimpse into her newlywed life with husband Reggie Mckiver.

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Thanks for listening! Please subscribe, rate and review…

Thanks so much for joining us on the podcast this week! Be sure to leave me a note in the comments below with your #1 takeaway from the show.

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get FREE automatic notifications when each new episode goes live!

• Subscribe via iTunes (for iPhone)
• Subscribe via Stitcher (for Android)

Finally, please consider leaving an honest rating and review for The Happy Black Woman Podcast on iTunes or Stitcher to help spread the word about the show and help more black women find our tribe!

Join the Happy Black Woman Facebook Tribe:

Join our Happy Black Woman Facebook Tribe to connect and network with like-minded women from around the world! Click here to request access to our private Facebook group.