Startup Story
Jean Archary is a Certified Financial Planner® and created MONEY MESSAGES, a financial education and wellness company in South Africa that offers a range of solutions for employees and their families. Jean is a published and AfriCan award-winning author, financial wellness coach, speaker and mom. Her passion is to empower as many people about money matters and shift the way they think, feel and behave with money. Her company is based on the philosophy that "When you know better, you do better - (Maya Angelou).
LoA learned more about Jean and her ambitions for Money Messages this month in terms of empowering people to be more confident about managing their finances.
What does your company do?
We offer financial education and wellness solutions for individuals, employees and their families. We do this through online courses, coaching, workshops, webinars and talks.
“Being financially independent was the driving force in my life and led me to my passion to empower others so that they avoid a similar fate by making wiser money decisions.”
“Having gone from abundance to scarcity, I am in the perfect position to understand how crucial our mindset is to achieve our financial goals.”
What inspired you to start your company?
I was raised in a single-parent home with three siblings and this forced me to learn many money lessons early on in life. Having been born into wealth, my entire world came crashing down at the age of 8, when my father abandoned us leaving my stay-at-home mom to raise all four kids on her own with no financial support, assets or income. Being financially independent was the driving force in my life and led me to my passion to empower others so that they avoid a similar fate by making wiser money decisions.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
We do not offer any financial advice, or market and financial service products. We also bring together two sides of money - the IQ and EQ which both play a role in achieving long-lasting financial wellness. The IQ refers to the technical skills required to manage money like budgeting and investing - which are not taught in school. The EQ refers to our mindset about money - our thoughts, beliefs and behavior - which is engrained from our childhood. Having gone from abundance to scarcity, I am in the perfect position to understand how crucial our mindset is to achieve our financial goals.
“I am still in the start-up phase and have a vision and plan to build the business to become the leading financial education and wellness provider in Africa.”
Tell us a little about your team
Even though my business was originally created in 2010 - I went back into corporate because of a few personal challenges. I restarted my business in 2021. I am still in the start-up phase and have a vision and plan to build the business to become the leading financial education and wellness provider in Africa.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My father was a successful businessman but unfortunately, I didn't get to learn anything from him as he abandoned us when I was just 8 years old. I did get to witness my mom take on a number of employment and entrepreneurship opportunities to ensure that we were financially ok. Being a single mom myself, walking away from a secure income amidst a global pandemic was a big risk and a scary decision. But I honestly believe that this time around, i have the passion, skills and mindset required to grow my business.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
To become the leading financial education and wellness company in Africa, and eventually globally. I also want to be recognised for my effort in helping to raise a money-smart South Africa.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Being my own boss and having the opportunity to shape and empower others by shifting the way they think, feel and behave with money.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
The time is now to stop making excuses. I started building my business whilst I will still employed and earning an income. I spent almost every weekend building my business so that I could hit the road running as soon as I exited. When Covid hit, I panicked and delayed my exit from corporate for a year. In that year, I improved my business proposition and personal growth and mindset. Find your purpose and passion and believe in yourself and just start!
Contact or follow MONEY MESSAGES
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL info@moneymessages.co.za
Why LoA loves it….
At Lionesses of Africa, we love to see resilient, tenacious and courageous women entrepreneurs having a big vision and working hard to make it a reality. Jean Archary is one such woman business builder, and having found her purpose and passion in life, she is now pursuing her ambitions and is on a mission to empower others to be more confident in ensuring their financial wellness. Jean has so much knowledge and experience to share and knows how to communicate and engage with others to really make an impact, and financial wellness is something we all need to have in our lives. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa