We had the good fortune of connecting with Princess Paris Ndu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Princess Paris, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
As an 8 years old, some people said, I should be playing with my dolls. I had a million dreams in my head that kept me wondering, after I saw Nigerian news with kids of my age selling fruits to help their families financially. I screamed, why are the kids on the street, they are supposed to be in school. I was told that their parents don’t have money to send them to school. I said, they have right to go to school. I got so emotional when I found out some children in some parts of the world don’t have right to go to school unless their parents can afford the tuition. This is how Open Door Initiatives was born, to support children’s education, medical care, nutrition and basic needs in rural areas often forgotten all over the world. I believe that every child deserves the chance to live a healthy and productive life. I wanted to let the world know that regardless of who you are, you don’t have to wait until you become an adult to make an impact. All you have to do is help one person expect nothing in return. I was born to be a giver, I love giving and I enjoy helping others. I would love to travel round the world doing what I love doing and that is charity work through my charity Open Door Initiatives.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Giving has always been important to me since I was little. I believe that I was always meant to live my life being a Humanitarian and a Human Rights Advocate that promotes children’s education and medical care around the world. My Mother has a huge influence on me, as she started her charity work through her soccer academy Ag Eunice International football academy in Nigeria as soon as she graduated from college. In 2013 she came to Houston Dynamo FC with some of her soccer academy players for trial. Although the players were not accepted into the team, that did not stop her. In 2014, when she was pregnant with me she came again with her players trying to give them a good life through soccer and education. During this time, my Mother’s cord collapsed and she was rushed to the emergency room. I was born 2 months early. My Mom gave up everything she had to be here for me. I grew up watching my Mom work and send money to help children that were not related to her in any way . I have always wanted to be like her. I wanted to be the first little girl to travel around the world with my charity. I want to make both my family my city, Houston, Texas proud. I want the world to know about the little Princess from Houston Texas who changed the world. As a Humanitarian, helping children and the homeless and seeing the smile on their faces makes me want to do more. I attend Harmony School of Achievement and I am in the 3rd grade. I volunteer in my charity after school and I receive an allowance from my Mom monthly for making excellent grades and doing my chores. I use my allowance to support funding for my charity. It’s been a tough first year trying to get support from individuals, companies and nonprofit organization resources, but with hard work, pure passion and perseverance, we will accomplish it. I was so honored to make an impact in Houston, all I wanted this Christmas is to go around the city of Houston to bless the homeless. I provided them with coats, jackets, blankets and monetary donations to feed them and keep them warm during this cold weather. Open door Initiatives, While traveling the world with my charity, we have done so much memorable work in Nigeria. The smile on the children’s faces means a lot to me. Seeing the joy and gratitude from their parents is priceless. Our work in Nigeria was unforgettable and we sure will be visiting other countries real soon.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For me, I would start by taking them to my favorite restaurants , East Cafe and Abuja Cafe! They are located in East Houston and East Cafe have the best chines food you will ever try while Abuja Cafe have the best Nigeria food you will ever try alongside customer service that will make you feel like part of the family. Then to Queensberry Theater to see me perform . I would then take Galleria mall for lots of sightseeing, ice skating and shopping, I will take them to Eldridge park which is close to me for a picnic. we would end the week with a breakfast at FIRST WATCH.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My first shout out goes to God that guide me in my path to greatness. Also my mom has been a strong force in my journey. I appreciate the great example of self sufficiency and working hard to achieve everything you need she set for me.  To my Dad for his Prayers and encouragement. I also need to shout out my Godmother for being there for me when I need her. My final shout outs goes to my team and volunteers who dedicate their time to serve others.

Website: https://www.opendoorinitiatives.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opendoorinittx/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/open-door-initiatives/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OpenDoorInitTX

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Open-Door-Initiatives-104692132258793

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-5hf93d0zE5knLa4oHOGPw

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