Today we’d like to introduce you to Nnenna Onwukeme.
Hi Nnenna, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Allow me the privilege of telling you a story about a Nigerian girl with big dreams. I am Nnenna ONWUKEME aka Nina 9. I am an ardent believer that one ought to live out their dreams, even when the odds seem to be stacked against.
My story starts the day I decided I wanted to move down to Georgia from Ohio. I had just graduated from my undergraduate course and I was unsure of what to make of my life post-graduation euphoria. At this point in my life, I had $50 to my name and a trip to make down south on a greyhound. I had no plans beyond merely moving to Atlanta. I had no direction or idea of what I wanted to do with my life.
After days on the road, I got to Atlanta. I moved in with an aunt for nine months and I was granted a couch in her basement. I began bartending shortly after my arrival at a bar that was walking distance from her house. I worked a number of odd retail jobs. Two days at Kroger and a couple of months at forever 21. I worked at a concession stand at a stadium. As I worked different jobs I knew I wanted more. I experienced a life-changing encounter for me was when a regular of mine at the bar I bartended at asked me if I’d ever consider selling cars. He said he thought I’d be good at it. I laughed It off, but the thought stayed afloat in my subconscious mind.
While working at the bar, a vacancy for a managerial position came up. I did not get the promotion, the position was filled by my subordinate who hadn’t worked there for as long as I did. This was a wake-up call for me to find better. One day, I walked into a dealership and requested to speak with the General Manager. He was not available so I spoke with one of the sales managers. He interviewed me and hired me on the spot.
Since then, I have been selling cars. I broke records at that dealership. I later transitioned to my current dealership and have been the number one salesperson thus far this year. I took a hiatus and enrolled in real estate classes, now I’m a licensed real estate agent. Nonetheless, car sales has always been dear to my heart. It is an art that I can perform in my sleep.
I emersed myself in this profession. I ensure that I am excellent, not sales and interpersonal aspects, but also in product knowledge. With this vigor to learn more and strive for excellence in life, my life took a major turn. Feed the hunger in your soul for more, never neglect the feeling in your gut.
Ten months into working at this dealership, I have been promoted into finance.
As Les Brown says “If you want a thing bad enough to go out and fight for it, with the help of God, YOU WILL GET IT!”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but I’m thankful for every experience I’ve encountered good or bad because those experiences have helped mold me into the woman I am today. An example of a struggle would be being a minority, in race and sex, in a male-dominated field. I find myself having to be on my ps n qs at all times, and having to prove that there is more to me than just a pretty face.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a product specialist for the Hyundai and Genesis brand. I’m known for being small but mighty; my clients love me. I’ve been told that I never meet a stranger. I’m most proud of my entire career, being able to dominate in a field that wasn’t wired to favor people like me. I know I have a lot more to accomplish but this is a great start. I’m super excited to see what more the future holds. I think what sets me apart from others is my optimism, I try to exude the energy I want to receive and it reflects in all I do.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Whew. I’m a self-help book fanatic. I believe books come to me at a divine time. There are so many books I’ve read that have changed my life but If I had to choose. Here are a few books that I have read and always go back to: The Law of Attraction by Abraham Hicks, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill & As a Man Thinket by James Allen.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_nnennaya_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nnenna.onwukeme.3
