DOZ Issue 53 March 2020 | Page 3

Dear Ladies, Hurray! It is women’s month! Once again, it is time to celebrate women and their achievements. Happy Women’s Day and Happy Mother’s Day to all our lovely readers. DOZ Magazine aims to inspire and empower women, and in March we are even more mindful of this mission, so I will share a bit about my journey here in the hopes that it inspires some woman who might be in a similar situation. On the day that I left my ex-husband’s home, I was distraught. I had lost my marriage which had barely even taken off. I had no money, no job, no means of income, no parents to support me, emotionally and otherwise. I had a toddler to take care of, but all I wanted was to curl up and die! Literally. Many times, I prayed to die. I returned to live in my late father’s house, the house where I had grown up. I was all alone with my child. I had no idea what to do next; no idea what to do for a living and how to care for my child. God had promised me a great future, but I couldn’t see it and had no clue whatsoever how to move from where I was to the future that He was showing me. So, as far as I was concerned, it was a pipe dream. My ex-husband had agreed to send regular upkeep for the child, but I knew I couldn’t bring myself to ask. Once, I did ask. I sent a text requesting money to get a few things for the child as she was very quickly outgrowing clothes and needed a little more than diapers and food. He responded thus; “Thief! If you like, don’t look for something to do with your life. Keep looking for ways to use the child to extort money from me.” I never again asked for his help. He never again sent money. Two and a half years later, I was working and earning seven times what he received, and I have continued to move forward. My message to all women in this women’s month and beyond is this; you don’t need a man to be the woman God has created you to be. You don’t need a man to thrive. If you are blessed to have a good man by your side, that is a good thing, be grateful. But if not, don’t despair, you can still fulfil your purpose and achieve your dreams. Go and live your dream! Yes, you can! This is DOZ Issue 53, March 2020. Our DOZ That Inspire You is, Epiphanie Yohou. She is a Marketing and Planning Strategist and the Founder/CEO of Ayoka Candles. Epiphanie has a strong desire to see people follow their dreams, and she shares with us how she pursues her goals and helps others in the pursuit of theirs. Be inspired for success as you read her interview. Our DOZ Show Preferred Guest is Tanieka Randall. She is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, international inspirational speaker, and cancer survivor. Tanieka is the creator of the revolutionary natural hair care line, Tee’s Hair Secret, which she established to help her regrow her hair after a cancer diagnosis and exposure to chemotherapy left her completely bald and feeling depressed. You will love her story. See you in April. Blessings! 3 DOZ Magazine | March 2020