KINGSTON, Jamaica — The AC hotel was brimming with excitement as women, eager to envision their future, converged at The Jamaica Observer’s All Woman ‘See the Vision’ 2024 workshop.

Natalie Chin-Samuda, Deputy Managing Director of the Jamaica Observer, kicked off the event by encouraging the ladies to take charge of their professional and personal lives, highlighting that along the journey one will “experience the highs and lows, and everything in between.”

She emphasised that to get ahead, it was crucial for the attendees to “listen to criticism and learn from it.” According to Samuda, this approach will enable them to become “the best version of ourselves.”

Kaysia Johnson-Vaughn, director of SME Banking, also addressed the room, remarking that “you can start from very small, and grow to be something significant.”

She went on to acknowledge that everyone present was at different stages in their lives and stressed the importance of achieving financial independence by starting with saving. Johnson-Vaughn highlighted, “Billionaires save and invest. Save for the rainy day.”

Expanding on the concept of saving for a rainy day, Johnson-Vaughn explained, “Starting small is the key, and you will be amazed at what you can accumulate over time.” She shared her personal story, revealing that by collecting ‘spare change’ over the course of one year, she was able to save $250,000.

Johnson-Vaughn urged the group to save at least 10 per cent of their income, find an accountability partner, and set realistic financial goals.

She further emphasised the connection between financial stability and physical well-being, stating, “There is a correlation between financial and physical wealth.”