Favourite Things – Makala Green

Makala Green is a financial expert, public speaker, wealth coach and is recognised as the first black female chartered financial planner in the UK. Green is the founder of Green Wealth Planning (GWP) and The Wealth Check platform. Beginning her career as a cashier at Nationwide Building Society at 16, she worked her way up to become the first black woman to set up a partner practice in St James’ Place, collaborating with St James’ Place Wealth Management, a leading UK wealth management organisation and FTSE 100 Company. You can listen to her Your Financial Journey podcast here.

These are a few of Makala Green’s favourite things…

My children

I am married with two girls, and they bring me so much joy. It’s never a dull moment with them around. They always have so much energy, which keeps me active and on my toes. I love travelling and exploring the world with them, but even the morning school runs are quite an adventure. They inspire me to always be the best version of myself as I see so much of myself in them. Being a parent is hard work, but I honestly feel honoured to be a mother to such amazing children.

Cheesecake

I am a cheesecake lover and will travel miles for a good slice, and I also have a few of my own creative cheesecake recipes up my sleeve. If I go to a restaurant and cheesecake is on the menu, I have to have it. The best I have ever had was a berry cheesecake in Italy, made with locally sourced produce. There are so many variations of cheesecakes, but for me, nothing beats a good classic vanilla baked cheesecake.

Singing

For as long as I can remember, I have loved music. I played musical instruments when I was young and attained Grade 1 in Cello and Trombone, but it was singing I took most seriously though. At nine years old, I had my first performance in front of hundreds of people, and it surprised me how much I loved the buzz and energy. When I was ten, I started writing music and had a band with a couple of childhood friends. Music became an active part of my life during my early teens, and I started singing solo. At sixteen, I signed to a major British label and travelled all over the country recording and performing, and I loved every minute.

Travelling

I’m most at peace when I travel, and I find it’s the only time I truly unwind and escape. I love new sites, cultures, and views. I’m not one for staying on the beach; I find more excitement in exploring. I have had the pleasure to travel to over twenty countries over four continents, and surprisingly, it still feels like I have so much more to see. My dream destination would be to travel to the Great Wall of China…or Bora Bora. I aim to travel to at least 50 countries before 40.

Mixing finance and fashion

I adore fashion, art and creativity, and I’m always looking for ways to incorporate them into my world of finance, whether it’s wearing a bright coloured suit or delivering an eye-catching presentation. I remember being young, trying on my mum’s clothes and shoes and being hypnotised by the glitz and glamour. I am thankful for having good habits and understanding of money, which has taught me not to spend frivolously because fashion can be tempting. I look for timeless pieces rather than following every new trend. When I was young, I designed my own clothes, and my mum, a seamstress, would sew them together. It made me appreciate fashion so much more, knowing the work, detail and effort that goes into every garment.

Enjoyed Makala Green’s favourites? Explore the full Favourite Things archive here.