Tamkara Adun and her community have revolutionized the way African histories and languages are taught

Learn how creator Tamkara Adun built an engaged learning community as well as an educational product line that teaches the decolonized African history and languages.

When Tamkara along with her husband as well as her two children relocated from Nigeria into the Netherlands and everything was different. The family was immersed in the culture of another country, Tamkara left her career in HR as well as her kids began attending a new primary school.

Tamkara noticed that in the new school curriculum, her children were learning history from a European viewpoint that didn't include all of the African stories, achievements, or civilizations.

She recollects "They learned a little about African history, but it was history that was told through a colonized narrative that did not discuss the importance of their ancestral ancestors. I didn't want them to get so caught up in the stories of other people that they forgot their individual. I desired them to be well-rounded yet also comprehend their African culture in a manner which was authentic and believed in by them."

To fill the space, Tamkara decided she would learn them by herself. Tamkara began to read important African authors, conversing with her relatives and digging through the internet's archives. "As I started teaching students, I realized that there was so much I didn't know," she remembers. "In the process of instructing my students, I was educating myself."

Tamkara was aware that if she or her family members needed this information, others might too.

"It was a long and difficult journey for me. When I started, I knew there was no turning back. As you learn more what you've learned, the more that you're not aware of. I wanted to keep studying and absorbing this latest information, however I was also eager to share. The gift of knowledge is to share it with others. Don't save it just only for yourself."

This belief inspired Tamkara to start an online company called Odunife  meaning "Year of Love" in Yoruba as well as to build a community centered on reciprocity. Others were eager to rediscover historical events by using an African perspective, and the more she spoke, the more her audience taught her in return.

Their questions and contributions, combined with her research resulted in the creation of educational classes as well as ebooks an illustrated children's book , a language school , and one-on-one coaching programs that expand the world's understanding of African history.

The creation of a community that is collaborative in knowledge

Community is the heart and soul of Tamkara's business It all began with a simple social media account . Tamkara wanted to record what she was learning, even if it wasn't seen by a handful of users. "It was similar to an echo" she recalls. "I put information out, and nobody was listening."

However, gradually Tamkara began to connect with people who are who were interested in African historical events in a non-colonial, Africa-centered view. The more content Tamkara posted and shared, the more people reacted, reposted, and added their own friends to the list. Followers also started volunteering their own knowledge and experiences to create a mutual learning space.

"It's an exchange of information in which I share, but I'm still studying."

"I write something , and people in the comments will expand on the topic," she explains. "It's an online community of knowledge that helps us gain a better understanding of history and things that happened during the past."

Tamkara has gained traction by connecting with creators in her area, guest posting as well as leading her team with enthusiasm.

Then, Tamkara contacted thought leaders she admired through comments or direct messages. She told them their posts were a hit with her, and she reshared the content of their followers in order to amplify their voices. The group would regularly go to her website and follow her in a spirit of reciprocity.

In the end, viewers could tell she was committed to her work. "People will know when you love the work you're doing. It builds trust and loyalty. My focus was on creating good content that people are naturally inclined to share. This put my name in front of more people," she explains.

In just two years, her account grew from 50 followers to over 24,000.

Tamkara's community has formed the basis of her work every step of the way. Together, she and her followers have built a positive feedback loop that allows all members to can learn and share their knowledge with each other. With all the knowledge available, Tamkara knew it was time to take a leap and develop her own product.

Fill the gap with community-led products

"I always take note of people. Most of the time, especially on Instagram the users share what they're searching for. If the item you and I are both seeking isn't available I'm compelled to try to create that offer."

Also, she wrote a children's book titled Osasu as well as it was titled the Great Wall of the Benin Empire . It was a story of African ingenuity she wanted her children to learn about as well as she was aware that other communities would be interested in a book about African cultural heritage.

"It's great to appreciate different histories from other parts of the world But African youngsters must be aware of their own history as well. It helps build self-esteem and confidence in oneself," she elaborates. "I consider that each historical event, story, deserves its space on the screen."

The school for language was next.

"Many people said they wanted to study African languages, and especially, our brothers and sisters living in diaspora, whose ancestral ancestors were evicted by the African Maafa and then had their language removed."

She started leading free group language sessions in order to teach her mother tongue in a relaxed learning environment. "Anyone could join Zoom and participate. The event was enjoyable. It was a lot of laughter. I noticed that there was a difference and there was an curiosity."

So Tamkara joined forces with teachers of languages from around Africa to build an online school of language .

Then, when people approached her with questions with complicated answers, Tamkara created a 1:1 coaching service.

"A number of people send me with questions. I would love to make time to answer all of them, but others require more effort, thought, emotional energy, and research. Coaching programs allow us to talk about the whole issue."

By working with her communityof supporters, Tamkara continuously identifies need and then fills them with items that spread information, truth, and joy.

: A versatile platform for multi-passionate entrepreneurs

With a variety of passions and a never-ending stream of ideas, Tamkara needed a place to store her ideas. That was the reason she chose .

"I was looking for an opportunity that offered me versatility," Tamkara reflects. "I awake each day with so many ideas in my head. I was looking for a place that would allow me to have all my ideas on one platform."

"Having an experienced team member when I encounter technical issues eliminates the anxiety and strain of having to figure everything out myself. It's like they've not just listened to my business, but has also partnered in building my company," she shares.

"I'm big on communicating and love having different touchpoints to talk to my people. If I'm online you can communicate with me right away. If I'm not available, I'll get an email notification so I'll be able to contact them. It's also possible to send broadcast emails to my full public or a specific group interested in one of my offerings. It's been a game changer."

Simply put, creators need devices that allow them to do the best work. According to Tamkara puts it, " eliminates the technical anxiety and allows me to concentrate on my artistic activities, which is the thing I excel at. It's a place where I can get help and assist me. That is invaluable."

Tamkara's suggestion: Find help and follow your dreams

In the process of building Odunife, Tamkara learned how crucial it was to have a support system and take bold leaps. She encourages other creators to take the same approach.

Focus on your strengths, and don't do on your own.

There is a common practice for business owners to wear ten hats however Tamkara reminds creators that there is no way to be able to do everything on their own. "You can't do everything," Tamkara emphasizes. "Figure out what you are good at most effectively and focus your efforts there. When you're not so proficient seek out help from others who can assist you."

Don't wait for things to become flawless

Have something you want to share to the rest of humanity? Tamkara suggests taking the plunge and becoming a better person along the way.

"Don't expect things to be perfect since they'll never be perfect," Tamkara says.

"The process of learning lies done. If you have an idea, go for it. There's no way to know what might emerge from the idea. Your original idea will change over time, and you'll make iterations along the way. But if you wait to be perfect, you'll probably not even begin."

Discover what you wish to do and learn strategies to make it happen when you begin.

"We can learn how to cut the tree by cutting." -- African Proverb

Everything Tamkara is aware of as a creator, she learned on the job. It's not easy to start at square one however nothing can take place until you've taken the first step .

"A number of people did not see my vision, but I went on that inner conviction that it was something I need to accomplish. Most of the time intuitively, we know things we do not necessarily know physically. If your mind is saying to you that you should do something, your spirit has been directing you in the direction of an idea, look into it and follow that path."

Are you ready to embark on your own personal journey? We'd be delighted to journey with you. Get your account for free today.