Lydia Nyambura Mwangi
Country: Kenya
Profession: Diplomacy student, Environmentalist, Business retailer, Writer and self-taught Astrologer
How are you coping with the Covid-19 crisis?
Covid-19 has been worrying but I am not anxious because I have the confidence that the measures the government has put will help flatten the curve and things will quickly go back to business as usual.
This quarantine period has seen the restrictions of movement and stagnation of many businesses and this has forced me to find ways to keep busy. I revived some of my old hobbies such as reading for leisure and information as well as drawing and painting. They help me channel my creative focus into things that make me happy and centers my spirit.
I also write and this pandemic has inspired a lot of articles and poems as the pandemic has provided me with inspiration to muse over.
I also took up gardening and planting especially flowers and plants like sage and aloevera. Then there is knitting and embroidery for leisure.
I have not neglected keeping fit and meditation because they help calm my restless energy which is boundless.
I am a self-taught astrologer and have been exploring types of astrology to further explore their positions, basis and influence on the world especially during this period of the time.
I am proud to say I added learning a new language as well and I selected Spanish ( I thought was the easiest) I hope to be able to pick up the basics before the pandemic is over.
What are you looking forward to after the quarantine/lockdown is over?
I would love to finish the project I have been working on, planting trees and flowers in my church, Nairobi Chapel. It is a project I engaged in with my team at Green Environment Better Society as a Corporate Social Responsibility project in partnership with the Nairobi Chapel community.
I am also looking forward to being able to attend classes physically. I was supposed to enroll in foreign language classes but I have had to reconsider doing Chinese which was my previous choice, I would now prefer French or German.
I will also be actively looking for employment in my field of study or getting into other arts like communication and acting
Quote: “Never let a good crisis go to waste”- Winston Churchill
Tabisha Esperance
Country: Canada
Occupation: Fashion Designer
How are you coping with the Covid-19 crisis?
It has been hard because we are not able to reach the market, and a lot of multicultural events have been cancelled because of the pandemic. That would have been the first event I would be part of after moving to Canada to promote my brand.
On a positive note, making facemasks and distributing them for free has enabled the community around me to be aware of my brand Esperanza fashion and Design.
I have been able to work on my new collection which I hope to showcase this summer hopefully
What are you looking forward to after the quarantine/lockdown is over?
After the quarantine, I am hoping to launch my new collection.
Ready to make many sales as well, networking and build relationships with our community and clients as well.
Quote:” As much as we want to keep ourselves safe, we can’t protect ourselves from everything. If we want to embrace life, we also have to embrace chaos.”
Maryan Abdi
Country: Kenya
Occupation: Women rights Activist, Business Owner
How are you coping with the Covid-19 crisis?
I have been working from home. This involves hosting zoom meetings and Instagram sessions with other young people. Then we are also sharing ideas, challenges and awareness on ending FGM [female genital mutilation],Gender Based Violence and other related issues.
This has helped us stay in solidarity and support one other on our various social media campaigns informing people on various issues including awareness on covid-19.
On a personal front, I check on family members or friends who I know are in vulnerable situations during this time to ensure they have my support.
I also make video diaries to document my thoughts so that am prepared post covid-19.
I’m also home schooling my younger brothers.
What are you looking forward to after the quarantine/lockdown is over?
Part of my activism journey is mentoring girls on importance of education, financial literacy and life skills. I am looking forward to rolling out a mentorship program in Haji Girls Secondary School (in Garissa). I also look forward to starting on a beauty shop dedicated to providing women with quality products to enhance their beauty.
Quote: “The journey maybe long and the road maybe bumpy but keep the fire of determination and passion burning”
Don’t let the long journey and bumpy roads keep you from burning the fire of passion n determination “
“Have organized thoughts and determine actions to achieve your dreams “
Wangari Grace [Wangari The Storyteller]
Country: Kenya
Occupation: Performer and Story Teller
How are you coping with the Covid-19 crisis?
I have been reading, bonding with my family and trying to keep healthy even as we observe the prescribed preventative measures.
I also started a YouTube channel [Wangari The Story Teller] every week, so it is fun for the kids to watch and read along
What are you looking forward to after the quarantine/lockdown is over?
Being on stage again. I miss the adrenaline, the butterflies, the energy from the audience – the whole package.
As a passionate performer, I infuse my stories with song, dance, tongue twisters, and other dramatic skills to create an interaction with my audience.
Quote:
While there is pressure to ‘create new works’ during this time, you don’t have to give in if it you are not feeling inspired. You can also take the time to recharge, reflect, and put together new ideas.
Marilyn Wanjiru
Country: Kenya
Occupation: Make Up Artist and Aspiring Photographer
How are you coping with the Covid-19 crisis?
Most of my work is events based, and there is currently a ban on events in Kenya. As a freelance makeup artist and my work is physically interactive so I had to put a halt on my artistry for the time being for my personal safety, as well as others.
On the other hand, I have had time to focus on my hobby of content creating, and also getting back to just experimenting with makeup which I genuinely hadn’t done in quite a while. I’ve learned a few new tricks and techniques that I can’t wait to try on my clients when this season ends.
What are you looking forward to after the quarantine/lockdown is over?
I’m looking forward to the new avenues to spread my artistry plus possible collaborations with different kinds of creatives like designers & photographers.
Quote: Don’t forget to do what you need to do to stay on top of your mental and physical health during this time, then you’ll have energy and room to give back to all areas of your life.
Name: Lucy Nailantei
Country: Kenya
Occupation: Singer/Worship Leader, Minister in training
How are you coping with the Covid-19 crisis?
This has been a reflective season for me as a born again believer and I have taken the time to write and meditate.
Then, being a singer, I have been using my voice to Minister and lead worship in the various platforms I am in which has been amazing.
I am also doing voice-overs for the Nation Media Group, particularly scriptures that give hope to people during this time.
What are you looking forward to after the quarantine/lockdown is over?
I am looking forward to have more platforms to inspire and encourage people.
Quote: Striving to intentionally live a purposeful life that will impact generations through my gifts and talents
