TribesAndHistory: What is your name, and how do you want to be addressed?
Olivia: My name is Olivia Epee. My pronouns are she and her.
TribesAndHistory: How can readers connect with you?
Olivia: Readers can connect with me through my website, social media pages on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. They can also reach me through the company’s contact number, which is listed on our website.
TribesAndHistory: Where are you from? Which African country do you hail from?
Olivia: My background is Cameroonian. Both of my parents are Cameroonian. To be a bit more specific, I come from two different villages—Bangangté and Nkongle. I know a little about my roots there, but there’s still so much to learn.
TribesAndHistory: What do you do?
Olivia: I’m an entrepreneur, and I run my own startup. This is my first time creating a business, and I specialize in finding housing for newcomers and international students. Whether they’re already in Canada or still abroad, I work with landlords and clients across the globe to help them secure one of the most essential needs when settling in Canada: housing.
TribesAndHistory: What inspired you to pursue this business?
Olivia: My inspiration came from a mix of passion and experience. I spent years working in my mother’s immigration company and noticed a recurring need for housing among clients. I’ve always been passionate about real estate, so I jumped at the opportunity.
What keeps me going is seeing the impact my work has. I’ve helped people facing housing struggles, potential evictions, and other challenges. Knowing that I can make such a difference in someone’s life is incredibly fulfilling and motivates me to expand this venture on a global scale.
TribesAndHistory: That’s amazing! Housing is such a vital need, especially for international students and newcomers. Can you tell us more about your business?
Olivia: Of course! Our business offers three main services:
We strive to offer a comprehensive and personalized service. Every client’s situation is unique, so we ensure transparency and clarity throughout the process. Our goal is to make the transition as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
TribesAndHistory: That’s incredible. I love how personalized your services are. But what about readers who might need your help but are financially constrained?
Olivia: Great question! We’ve structured our prices to be as affordable as possible. For example, if someone were to hire a real estate agent in Canada, they’d usually pay about half a month’s rent as fees. Our charges are significantly lower—about half of that or less, depending on the rental amount.
We understand that many immigrants are middle-class individuals seeking better opportunities, so we try to make our services accessible. We also explore ways to offer free services through government-funded programs and regularly organize giveaways. Ultimately, our mission is to help, so we’re always open to adjusting prices for clients with good profiles.
TribesAndHistory: Does your business have an app, or is it just a website for now?
Olivia: At the moment, we only have a website, which serves as an informational hub. None of our procedures are digitalized because we believe in offering a hands-on, personalized experience. Clients interact directly with real people to get tailored advice and support. While we might digitalize in the future, for now, we prioritize making every client feel special.
TribesAndHistory: Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that has shaped the leader you are today?
Olivia: My career is still young—I’ve been in the professional world full-time for almost two years now. Every time I help a client find a home feels like a pivotal moment for me. Each case teaches me something new and helps me grow as a leader and business owner. So, rather than one defining moment, I’d say every client interaction has shaped me in some way.
TribesAndHistory: How has your African heritage influenced your business journey?
Olivia: My heritage plays a huge role in my work. Being Cameroonian and frequently traveling back to Africa has helped me deeply understand my clients’ experiences. Many of them are moving from Africa to Canada, and I’m able to bridge cultural gaps and prepare them for the differences they’ll encounter here.
Understanding my roots has also made me more empathetic and motivated. I know where my clients are coming from and the challenges they face. This connection drives me to offer services that truly cater to their needs.
TribesAndHistory: What about your heritage makes you proud?
Olivia: I’m proud that I know where I come from. Many people can’t trace their roots, but I’m fortunate to know my family’s history and culture. Cameroon is such a rich, beautiful country with incredible resources, food, and people.
I’m also proud to have two homes—Cameroon and Canada. Having this dual identity is a blessing, and it’s something I cherish deeply.
TribesAndHistory: What legacy do you hope to leave for the next generation of Africans?
Olivia: I want to leave a legacy of courage and community. I hope to inspire others to take up space, follow their dreams, and never let societal barriers hold them back.
Hard work, kindness, and helping others are values I want to pass on. By supporting one another, we can build stronger communities and create lasting change.
TribesAndHistory: Any last words of wisdom?
Olivia: If you’re thinking of starting a business, do it! The world needs your ideas and contributions. Every setback is a setup for something better, so embrace the challenges and keep going. You’ll learn and grow with every experience, and that’s what truly matters.
