Show Summary: Host Ethan Astaneh speaks with Treana Peake — business owner, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
An act of kindness set Treana on a philanthropic path when she was only eight years old, when an envelope of money was anonymously slipped under her family’s front door. For Treana and her mother, that envelope was everything when they had nothing. When the envelope kept anonymously coming every year, this set Treana on a mission to pay it forward.
She started the Obakki clothing line in 2005. Based in Vancouver, the luxury label is an extension of Peake and has been seen on celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson, and has been featured in international publications such as Vogue UK and Elle.
In 2009 the Obakki Foundation was formed, with a focus on bringing clean water, education, sustainable agriculture and medical care to parts of Africa, in particular South Sudan, Uganda and Cameroon. Since 2009 the foundation has provided 900 water wells and supported more than 12 schools improving the lives of over 3 million people. Bridging the two, all administration costs for the foundation are absorbed with profits from the clothing line.
In this episode, Treana shares her incredible journey in both entrepreneurship and philanthropy, and how she has been able to seamlessly combine the two. She also provides tips on how parents can involve their children in their own philanthropic journey, as well as the many incredible success stories and the challenges that she and her team face through the work they do at the Obakki Foundation.
Key Takeaways: [:30] About today’s episode.
[1:00] Ethan welcomes Treana Peake on to the show!
[1:04] Treana shares the story that paved her path to philanthropy.
[3:58] How did Treana begin to give back after the seed of philanthropy was planted for her?
[5:15] Treana speaks about the clothing line she started.
[6:36] How does Treana manage running a business along with her philanthropic efforts through her foundation? And how does the Obakki fashion brand help support the charity?
[7:57] Treana speaks about what the Obakki Foundation was like in its early days and how it has developed into what it is today!
[9:52] What is on Treana’s roadmap for the Obakki Foundation? And of the work they’re doing right now through the charity, what is she most excited about?
[13:12] What led Treana from being charitable in her local community to pursuing efforts in Africa?
[14:28] What was Treana’s first trip to Africa like? How is the back-and-forth travel for her now?
[15:33] Treana shares her journey of raising awareness through her speaking engagements.
[18:10] Does Treana find that there’s a ripple effect in the work that she’s doing? (i.e. is the seed of philanthropy being planted in those she’s helping as well?)
[20:02] Treana debunks some common misconceptions around philanthropy.
[21:55] How does Treana instill the commitment to philanthropy in her own children?
[24:15] Treana gives some ideas on how to help get your children more inspired and involved in philanthropy.
[26:08] How philanthropy actually helps you personally and professionally in your other endeavors.
[27:40] Does Treana ever plan on stopping her philanthropy work?
[29:01] If Treana could deliver a message to her younger self, what advice would she impart?
[30:37] Treana speaks about some of the individuals and entities that helped make her foundation and mission possible.
[32:11] Ethan thanks Treana for joining the podcast!
Mentioned in this Episode:
Obakki Foundation
Obakki (Fashion Brand)
Unicef
The Carter Center
Guest Bio Treana Peake
Treana Peake is an entrepreneur, speaker, and humanitarian who is inspired by the potential of people. An act of kindness set Treana Peake on a philanthropic path when she was only 8 years old, when an envelope of money was anonymously slipped under her family’s front door. For Treana and her mother, that envelope was everything when they had nothing.
Treana started the Obakki clothing line in 2005. Based in Vancouver, the luxury label is an extension of Peake and has been seen on celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson, and has been featured in international publications such as Vogue UK and Elle.
In 2009 the Obakki Foundation was formed, with a focus on bringing clean water, education, sustainable agriculture and medical care to parts of Africa, in particular South Sudan, Uganda and Cameroon. Since 2009 the foundation has provided 900 water wells and supported more than 12 schools. All administration costs for the foundation are absorbed with profits from the clothing line.
Having travelled to Africa over 60 times, Treana continues to facilitate sustainable solutions such as vocational farms, solar panel water systems and educational support that help the people she now calls family.
Recognized as an influential speaker in the field of social entrepreneurship, Treana has spoken about clean water solutions in front of the U.S. Congress and United Nations. Her work in the field has also been recognized and endorsed by UNICEF and The Carter Center. Treana believes that giving back can be a part of every person’s life. Her approach to philanthropy seeks to modernize the idea of charity, making it relatable and allowing everyone to play a role in sustainable social impact.
Her efforts have brought water to 2 million people and she has supported the educational needs of thousands of children.
For her full bio, visit: ObakkiFoundation.org/Meet-the-Founder
About Your Host — Ethan Astaneh
Ethan is a Financial Advisor in the firm’s Vancouver office. He provides strategic advice to high net worth business owners, professionals, and retirees, and offers his clients a wide range of financial services, including; retirement income planning, business succession, and continuation planning, investment management, tax and estate planning, charitable giving, and intergenerational wealth transfer.
For his full bio, visit: NicolaWealth.com/Our-Team/Ethan-Astaneh
For More Information on this Week’s Episode, Visit:
www.NicolaWealth.com/Category/Podcasts
Disclaimer:
This presentation contains the current opinions of the presenter and such opinions are subject to change without notice. This material is distributed for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal, accounting, tax or specific investment advice. Please speak to your NWM advisor regarding your unique situation. Forecasts, estimates, and certain information contained herein are based upon proprietary research and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. NWM fund returns are quoted net of fund-level expenses. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investments contain risk and may gain or lose value. Projected returns are estimates only. Returns are not guaranteed. NWM is registered as a Portfolio Manager, Exempt Market Dealer and Investment Fund Manager with the required provincial securities’ commissions in Canada.
