You are never too young to learn about money as a child, and never to old to learn how to manage your money better and create your future wealth as a woman, according to Sawyerrs’ House founder, Deborah Sawyerr. She is passionate about increasing money literacy amongst both children and adult women alike.
LoA learned more about this passionate woman entrepreneur looking to make a difference in the lives of others.
What does your company do?
Sawyerrs' House provides online education in money literacy to kids aged 5 to 16 years old. We also offer money literacy in the form of wealth creation to women who have experienced domestic violence as a result of money issues in their relationships.
"I was inspired to start Sawyerrs' House from both my personal and professional experiences with money illiteracy and the resultant domestic abuse."
What inspired you to start your company?
I was inspired to start Sawyerrs' House from both my personal and professional experiences with money illiteracy and the resultant domestic abuse. I knew that only do we not teach our children about money either at home or at school, there was the tendency for our kids to become abusers simply because of money challenges in their adult relationships. I had also experienced domestic violence in my own relationship whilst ironically supporting victims of domestic abuse despite fighting my own personal demons.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
With the best will in the world, everyone should use my service and have a copy of my books. However, children are never taught how to be financially smart and are expected to earn an income without giving them the right tools on manage money. It’s like expecting a person who has never taken flying lessons before to fly an aeroplane. The same goes for women who have experienced domestic abuse due to money challenges. Many women will stay in relationships simply because their abuser is the breadwinner in the home. My service will not only empower women to create their own wealth in simple ways, but it can also help alleviate some of the money challenges that they face in their homes too.
"Children are never taught how to be financially smart and are expected to earn an income without giving them the right tools on managing their money. It’s like expecting a person who has never taken flying lessons before to fly an aeroplane."
Tell us a little about your team
At present, I work as a lone ranger.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I took a degree in Housing Management and Development and worked for many public sector organisations for 20 years. During that time, I moved up and across the ranks with my last role where I had the responsibility of managing a revenue of £1 million. Due to the constant job restructures and potential job losses, I decided to leave and start Sawyerrs' House. I never really thought about it until an uncle of mine pointed out that I am following in the entrepreneurial footsteps of my late maternal grandfather. My grandfather was an uneducated man but a very well loved businessman in the heart of Lagos. He sold stockfish from Norway and bicycles.
"My plans are to educate African women market traders in money literacy so that they can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other female entrepreneurs around the world."
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
My future plans and aspirations for Sawyerrs' House are to grow the business into a household name. I want to penetrate the education system all over the world, particularly Africa where the perception of wealth is distorted. In my plans are to educate African market traders in money literacy so that they can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other female entrepreneurs around the world.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
I get the most satisfaction when I hear these words, "You inspire me".
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Wow, I will say, "Feel The Fear But Do It Anyway”.
Contact or follow Sawyerrs’ House
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | YOUTUBE | EMAIL sawyerrshouse@gmail.com
Why LoA loves it….
Many women entrepreneurs are galvanised into starting a business because of an identified need in society, and in the case of Deborah Sawyerr, that need was to empower women and children through financial literacy. Today she is making an impact in the lives of so many others by providing the tools and resources they need to manage their finances better and to grow their personal wealth, giving them independence and confidence in the process. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa