Meet Arese Ugwu. Author of Smart Money Woman. Now producer of a Netflix series of same title. 

This young and brilliant woman inspired me to write my Bestselling book BRICK BY BRICK.

I have told this story countless times but just in case you haven’t heard, I’ll tell it again.

I had been writing fiction. That is my strength. That is my passion. I had written 6 fiction books - three adult romances and three children’s books. I wasn’t sure which area to pin myself to, when my coach Emeka Nobis said “You have to write a book on architecture!”

At the time I laughed it off. See, he wasn’t talking from nowhere. I had been writing two series on architecture regularly on Facebook at the time - “Wetin Architects Dey Do Sef” and “Ask Your Architect.”

They were getting a good following and my coach felt those were prime material for a book. I wasn’t satisfied. “I’m a fiction writer” I kept telling myself.

That was until I read #SmartMoneyWoman by @aresesmartmoney. As I picked up the book to read, I hadn’t gotten to the 4th chapter when I had my eureka moment! Ahhh I legit got on my knees to praise God for giving me a template! That same day I wrote out an outline for Brick by Brick.

Arese has gone on to make magic from the book and it’s sequel #SmartMoneyTribe . With book tours, DSTV series, and even a Netflix series. Staying at number one for days!

Arese has shone her light. And without knowing it, gave me permission to shine mine.

I met her this weekend and couldn’t wait to tell her how amazed I am at all she has achieved. She kept smiling. And was super easy to talk to. Sharing her journey with grace.

Thank you Arese. It was a tremendous pleasure to gift you a copy of the book you inspired: I hope you enjoy it.

Now, over to you. Are you still cowering somewhere, refusing to be all God has called you to be? Are you crouching back in fear and suffering under impostors syndrome?

Well, come out now!  Shine your light so that you can give others around you the permission to shine theirs too.

Is my light bright enough? AMA turn it up a notch. You better get some shades!! 

My name is Brenda Unu, I am an amazing architect and fabulous writer. I’m rooting for you. Go on And shine! 

And welcome to February! One less month to work in 2022. How are you doing with those goals? Talk to me.... hit reply!

love,

xoxo.