By Olakunle Oke
The Chief Executive Officer of Dara Naturals and renowned media personality, Amanda Dara, has urged women to embrace authenticity, self-awareness, and courage as they navigate the journey from passion to profit.
Speaking during a fireside chat at the ongoing Nigerian NewsDirect Thriving Women Conference ’25 in Lagos, Amanda shared her inspiring story of transforming personal interests into sustainable income streams, using the theme “From Passion to Profit.”
According to her, discovering one’s passion is rarely a single defining moment but a gradual process of elimination.
She said: “I didn’t always know what I was passionate about, but I knew what I wasn’t. When I found what brought me joy and consistency media, speaking, and hosting, I pursued it, even when it wasn’t paying.
“You’ll know your value when people start asking for your services,” she explained, urging women to focus on solving problems rather than chasing fame.
Amanda stressed that passion becomes profitable only when value is created and recognised.
For young women still searching for direction, Amanda advised them to embrace experimentation and continuous growth.
“Purpose is discovered in motion. You can’t find it by waiting; you find it by doing,” she said.
She further addressed the challenge of maintaining originality in the age of social media, admitting that total uniqueness is rare but achievable through personal authenticity. “Nothing is entirely new, but your perspective makes it unique. Don’t just copy and paste, understand, refine, and innovate,” she advised.
She also revealed that she would have invested more in networking if given another chance. “Many of the people you need to build something great are already around you. Build relationships early; collaboration is the new capital,” she added.
On transitioning from employment to entrepreneurship, she urged women to assess their motives critically.
“Ask yourself why you want to leave. Entrepreneurship is not easier; it’s only worth it if you feel limited where you are and believe there’s more in you to express,” she stated.
