Money Talk with Simi Founder of Ungalleried

In this interview series we chat about all things money (sans-shame) with an array of inspiring women from all walks of life. Our goal is to break the money taboo, share mutual experiences and learn from our amazing community.

“I think it should be more coveatable to build enough wealth to raise communities rather than building a wardrobe that you throw away every year. ”

Hi Simi! Please give us a little background about yourself.

I am a British-Nigerian who studied economics, then worked as a headhunter for many years specialising in moving senior talent into Africa.

I completed a number of organisational strategy assignments for FTSE 500 companies in the UK before turning my hand to the arts when I started collecting with my husband. 

I grew up surrounded by art and nurtured a love of all things creative from a very early age, the first gifts I ever recall receiving came in the form of art sets from my parents and I remember creating my first catalogue of fashion designs at the age of seven.

What are your passions?

I have many passions! Ranging from the development of nation states in sub-Saharan Africa, the recording of oral histories in Africa to fashion, collecting creating and promoting art. I also love to travel.

What’s your secret to career success?

Self-motivation. You have to be your own biggest cheerleader and surround yourself with people who will remind you of your dreams even when you yourself forget them.  Also, I have a list of 6 people who I aspire to be like and I measure my impacts against theirs as a way to keep striving for excellence.

What’s your relationship like with money and personal finance? 

In today’s age of social media, I think it’s tempting not to cut your coat according to your size, but I firmly believe that this is key to being able to sacrifice, save and make sound investments. 

Personally, I don’t buy anything on credit, I don’t even own a credit card. Before going food shopping, I plan the meals to avoid losing food and buying unnecessary items. I rarely shop in malls so I’m not really impacted by fashion fads as I stay out of physical stores and I search for what I need to buy online. I only invest in quality, timeless wardrobe building items which means that my wardrobe doesn’t go out of fashion - I wear things year on year.  

Has money ever been a source of stress for you? If so, how did you manage?

To be honest, this has never really been a source of stress - not because I have always had it, however I believe the way I conceptualise it is very different to other modes of thought I have come across. 

To explain; money is currency, the etymology of this word is currens, which is latin; to move. Therefore, by definition, money is never a fixed element, it moves from one hand to another so it makes no sense to place so much confidence in it or in the state of being monied. Rather, I focus on who I am - whether I have money or not - and what I can do when I have money, to ensure that that status is always insulated from the impacts of having less money.

What do you feel is the biggest obstacle women tend to face when it comes to careers and personal finance? 

I think that there are less barriers to entry for women to enter most sectors these days as a result of many female lead and government backed initiatives.  The issues I feel still need to be addressed are the glass ceilings many women face once they enter the workforce.

Women are frequently overlooked for promotions, the language surrounding driven women is still problematic, which can in turn deter other women from taking a similar path. And, in my view, there aren’t enough women in positions to be able to impact the narrative concerning pay parity. There needs to be a higher percentage of female legislators, female board members in the public and private sector in all industries to really impact this.  

When it comes to personal finance, it would be great to have more female influencers on topics of personal finance than there are in fast fashion, for a start. I think its should be more covatable to build enough wealth to raise communities rather than building a wardrobe that you throw away every year.

Have you ever experienced a financial epiphany? A sort of wake-up call, where you suddenly think - “I must start doing things differently”? 

Yes, a few years ago when I decided that I never wanted to be an employee, I realised that I had to make smarter choices and spend my time and energy on professional activities that would help to increase my wealth whilst also being able to impact the lives of others. 

What is the best piece of money advice that you received?

To destroy all of my credit cards and live within my means.  If my aspirations exceed my means, it means I need to work harder and more effectively. 

What does financial independence really mean to you?

Being able to know that I never have to spend a day in my life working as someone else’s employee.

What’s the one thing you don’t feel guilty indulging in? 

Going to art galleries and art fairs or in taking online courses.  I believe that to consume art is to invest in your soul, and your education will always open doors for you.

What is the best financial decision you have ever made?

Buying a property.

If you could travel back in time, what single piece of advice would you give your younger self (relating to money or otherwise)? 

Always lead and never follow and if you want to live differently, you have to act differently.

Favourite book and podcast? 

My favourite book is usually the last one I’ve read.  In this case it is An American Marriage by Tayari Jones. Favourite podcast is Jules & Phoebe on Spotify.

What are your plans/goals for the future?
To use my platform in the arts to change people’s lives.  I believe in the power of the voice of the individual and I believe that artistic expression gives agency to many viewpoints in places where freedom of speech is at times suppressed.

@ungalleried is an online contemporary art gallery for emerging artists.

Lastly - where can we find you on social?

Instagram: @ungalleried

Twitter: @ungalleried 

Facebook: @ungalleried 

Website: www.ungalleried.com

Thank you for your time Simi and best of luck to Ungalleried!