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Community Highlights: Meet Nicole Ehigie of Olani Foundation LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Ehigie

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in Knox City, Texas, and as a young girl, my dreams were simple—I wanted to be a good wife, have children, and live a traditional Christian Texas lifestyle. But God had other plans. After surviving domestic violence and an abusive marriage, I found myself divorced and raising two children on my own. With only a 10th-grade education and a GED, I quickly realized that if I wanted to provide for my family, I needed to upskill. That’s when I began ‘certifying up,’ starting with tax preparation at H&R Block, which eventually led me to become a tax professional.

In 1999, I moved to South Texas, settling in San Marcos, and later relocated to Austin in 2000, where I’ve lived in the surrounding areas for the past 24 years. Throughout this time, I prioritized my children, working jobs that aligned with their schedules, especially when childcare was out of reach. Although I ventured into starting a few businesses early on, they weren’t successful. One of my first ventures, Fine Purple Linen, where I made paper products, didn’t work out, but I saw it as a learning experience.

In 2019, I launched Mrsemoney LLC, initially making candles and bath products, but eventually pivoted it into a tax company, which I’ve had success with ever since. I later rebranded that business into eDigital Notary Plus. However, it wasn’t until the pandemic that I realized I had been playing small, and I knew it was time to scale my efforts. Around that same time, I lost both of my parents—my father in 2020 and my mother in 2022. Those losses sent me into a dark period, but instead of giving up, I threw myself into learning. I studied automated systems and leaned on my tech skills, which I’ve honed since earning my CCNA certification in 2011.

Today, I own three businesses—Mrsemoney LLC, eDigital Notary Plus, and Olani Foundation LLC, a nonprofit dedicated to helping others overcome challenges like learning disabilities and health barriers. Helping others has become my passion. It feels like everything I’ve been through has led me to this moment—using my experiences to empower others and make a difference in the world.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I faced many obstacles along the way, including learning disabilities like dyslexia and dysgraphia, but technology became my biggest ally. Through tools like computers, eBooks, Google, and platforms like YouTube, I taught myself everything I needed to know to keep moving forward. My resilience was tested when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, which made it even harder to be independent. This experience is why I’m deeply passionate about helping others overcome healthcare barriers to work and maintain a sufficient income. In a society where resources are limited and financial help is becoming scarce, it’s crucial to learn how to improvise and support ourselves financially through our ailments. My journey has shown me that with the right tools and mindset, we can adapt and succeed, even in the face of adversity.

We’ve been impressed with Olani Foundation LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our nonprofit organization is dedicated to empowering underprivileged communities by providing comprehensive educational support, humanitarian services, and skill-based training programs. We focus on improving access to education and promoting healthy nutrition, recognizing these as essential components for sustainable community development. By offering these services, we aim to reduce crime, combat malnutrition, and address the lack of educational opportunities that often lead to inequality and unnecessary suffering. Additionally, we educate communities on the prevention and treatment of communicable diseases, further contributing to their overall well-being and long-term growth.

1. What should people know about your company?
Olani Foundation LLC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of underprivileged communities. Our goal is to create sustainable change by offering comprehensive educational support, skill-based training programs, and essential health and nutrition services. We believe that by providing these foundational resources, we can break the cycle of poverty, reduce crime, and promote long-term community development.

2. What do you do exactly?
We empower communities by offering three main pillars of support:

Education: We provide access to learning tools and educational programs for children and adults to equip them with the skills they need to thrive.
Health and Nutrition: We run initiatives that promote healthy eating, combat malnutrition, and offer education on communicable diseases and their prevention.
Skill-Based Training: Our training programs are designed to help individuals develop practical skills that can lead to employment or entrepreneurial opportunities, fostering self-sufficiency and economic stability.
3. What do you specialize in?
We specialize in creating holistic programs that combine education, nutrition, and health services to address the root causes of poverty and inequality. Our strength lies in our ability to not only provide immediate resources but also to create long-term solutions through skill-building, disease prevention, and health promotion.

4. What will you be known for?
Olani Foundation will be known for making a real and measurable impact on the lives of underserved communities. We will be recognized for our commitment to improving education access, promoting health and wellness, and empowering individuals through practical, skill-based training. Most importantly, we’ll be known for our compassionate approach, working closely with communities to ensure their growth is sustainable and lasting.

5. What sets you apart from everybody else?
What sets Olani Foundation apart is our holistic approach to community empowerment. Rather than focusing on one area, we integrate education, health, and skill development to ensure that the communities we serve have the tools to thrive independently. Additionally:

Tailored Solutions: We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. We assess the specific needs of each community we serve and create programs that are customized to their unique circumstances.
Focus on Sustainability: Our goal isn’t just to provide temporary relief; we aim to equip individuals and communities with the skills and resources needed for long-term self-sufficiency.
Empathy and Experience: Our leadership is rooted in personal experience with overcoming adversity, learning disabilities, and health challenges, giving us a unique understanding of the communities we serve.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
“I have found inspiration from books such as Don’t Drop the Mic by T.D. Jakes and Becoming by Michelle Obama. Additionally, I regularly engage with thought-provoking podcasts by Dan Koe, Jordan B. Peterson, YouTubers like Tabitha Brown, and Lanell Grant, which provide me with daily motivation and insights.”

Pricing:

  • $31 Online Notaries
  • $10 plus travel for in person
  • $150-$700 Tax Preparation varies
  • Any Size Donation is appreciated for Olani Foundations

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Lq Productions one image

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