I am confident in the power of community to transform society. Why? By collaborating and working together, we build stronger, more resilient communities like I have witnessed in my continent, Africa. 

So, I grew up in a single-parent household with my mother as the primary caregiver during my earlier years. I have vivid memories of her relentless search for employment while I relied on the care of my grandmother, occasionally accompanied by aunts and cousins. Despite limited access to books, I cherished writing and reading, often asking my mother to print my poems when I visited her at the flower company where she worked as a secretary in Timau, Kenya.

Although life presented many challenges during those early years, I cherish the unwavering support we received from our extended family, which included my grandmother, cousins, and aunts. 

Growing up in a predominantly matriarchal household, the powerful presence of my mother and grandmother shaped the person I am today. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, my mother left her receptionist job to pursue her business venture, refusing to rely on employment from someone else. Meanwhile, my grandmother diligently ran a small artisan and produce goods store in Nyahururu town's bustling open market for many years. Even in times of scarcity, I was taught the significance of community and its immeasurable supporters.

I became the first person in my family to attend university, and this milestone opened doors to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in New Zealand, where I have resided for the past five years and considered my home.

As a dreamer, influenced perhaps by my Pisces nature, I always knew my life would diverge from the path on which I was raised. My experiences in Kenya and here in New Zealand have fostered a deep love for humanity and a relentless drive to contribute meaningfully to society. Relocating to New Zealand opened my eyes to new privileges, motivating me to find ways to give back to my community. 

Upon deep reflection, I aspired to create opportunities that harness the existing skills of individuals in my community. Fueled by a passion for African crafts and recollections of my grandmother’s crafts business, I recognised the potential for a positive impact. This realisation led me to establish a social enterprise, Sawubona, which is focused on promoting and empowering African artisans, envisioning a chance to uplift them and their families, preserve traditional crafts and art forms, foster thriving communities and make a meaningful difference in their lives.

Furthermore, the glaring presence of inequality and poverty deeply perplexes me because a mere 1% of the world's wealthiest individuals possess an astounding 44% of global wealth. It is these thoughts that ignited my passion for studying sustainability, intending to revolutionise supply chains, advocating for fair trade practices, and urging consumers to take into account the people behind the products they purchase—their livelihoods, the production process, and the potential impact on the lives of those who create them. This enthusiasm has greatly influenced my drive to nurture and expand Sawubona. I firmly believe there is a better way to conduct business and that business can be a powerful catalyst for positive change.

Through Sawubona, we have forged connections with Africans living in New Zealand and Kiwis and created a  personal connection to the continent. To make that sense of home, we have curated products that evoke nostalgia for our homeland or for places our customers have previously visited, thus creating a sense of community and shared experiences.

This is not merely a story of improving livelihoods but also a story of community and a remembering of home.