#DearBlackMan - Voices from women who love you some more

Notify me if this is your image so I can tag

I must say that I am super encouraged by all the ‪#‎DearBlackMan‬ feedback. This morning I got an inbox by a #DearBlackMan who shared how the #DearBlackMan posts have impacted his life. In a nutshell, he has not been doing good by his child. His excuse: His finances have been waning and business is not doing good. He admitted to being a coward and taking the easy way out. Through the #DearBlackMan posts he saw a different perspective and began to deal with himself. He decided to ask himself tough questions and forego the 'illusive' ego and contact the mother firstly, to apologise and secondly, to break his situation down to her. To his surprise, she was understanding. She wanted his presence in their child's life first. She does expect him to contribute financially but that is not all that she expects of him.

This is not a unique situation my family. Nor are we rewarding a fish for swimming but... Reality is that we have a broken society. Relationships with fathers are not where they ought to be. The past and the conditioning of violent masculinities has screwed us over big time. This is not a platform to excuse some crude realities but we are fighting with LOVE so that we can Deconstruct unhealthy 'realities' and 'norms' we have come to know.

Below are some nuggets to the #DearBlackMan we image or those we hold dear to our hearts.


#‎DearBlackMan‬
Often it's said that society has constructed a skew role for you when it comes to relating to a woman (and visa versa). You are taught that you are a provider, protector, leader and and and... But isn't this what we ought to do for each other? These roles cannot be one sided though. As your friend, sister and life partner. I should be able to provide, protect and lead you too. Think about this for a second.... Has it sunk in? Life is out of balance because we have gendered roles. You too can nurture, groom the kids, become emotional, and be my sex mafia akere? We will of course gravitate towards our strengths because of who we are as peoples and not because you are a man and I am a woman. Life would be so much simpler and fun that way. ‪#‎Kisses‬

Love, Malebo

#‎DearBlackMan‬ I love your warmth even when you are a boss you are not cold and distant. You still wear your brother hat or father hat, you understand people's family dynamics and what is needed. You are a compassionate leader. Thank you.

#‎DearBlackMan‬ I love watching a group of black men as they tell each other stories. I love the manner with which he carefully crafts his story enjoying every bit of the journey as he transports you with his skillful storytelling. I love how black men are so completely present to one another as they listen to each other's stories anywhere they meet. Often there is much laughter and delight on their faces as they listen. I love the way the black man enjoys himself when he laughs. He has so much swagg even when he laughs, it is never just laughter.

#‎DearBlackMan‬ I love watching black men when they bump into each other. I love how they stop and how time stands still as they pay full attention to one another. I love how they'll call one another with endearing names such as their clan names. How they always find a way to explain how they are related, the brotherhood that seems like an extension of themselves to the other. I love the love that is always present in their handshake. I love how the handshake can linger to the point that they may walk together slowly holding hands and possibly laughing out loud, smiling and delighting in one another. Particularly if they are older. Black man you are so warm and kind. You add such value to another human being by simply greeting. When you part with that one person you have greeted, you have uplifted their sense of dignity even their humanity. When you part with that person you have greeted you leave a person who has a better sense of who they are, that they belong, they are loved and they matter in this world.
 
Love,Sikelelwa Siki-First Dlanga

#‎DearBlackMan‬ thank you for taking time out to teach me some major life lessons, you have teach in 2 months what would take years to learn in the school of life

#‎DearBlackMan‬ I cannot stress it enough how amazing it is that you are able to look past her flaws and short comings and love her with all your might. Thank you..

Love, Terry Khoza

 #‎DearBlackMan‬ Thank you for protecting me ... Thank you for all those nights you prepared supper and made our child sleep, without waving the fact that the woman is expected to be in the Kitchen. Thank you tucking me in when I am sick, as if im a little girl, making me feel totally reliant on you. Our house will not stop fuctioning because I had to go out of the country or to an emergency at home or work. Without making it obvious you watch and learn what I do and when im not there you do it not exactly but to fit the purpose and thats what makes you special...

Love, Kgomotso Khosa

#‎Dearblackman‬
Thank you so so so much for celebrating me this morning. I am totally humbled by your kind words and salutations. You are an awesome #Dearblackman and I love you.

#‎Dearblackman‬ what's with this tendency of you calling me to get out of my way and come to you or make a sudden stop for you to ask my name???? Aowa man, step up!

Love. Reshoketswe Chiloane

#DearBlackman
Today I want to reflect on who you are in my life. You put your interest on hold at some point because you wanted to see me educated. I remember after your retrenchment how you took back your brand new car to the garage because with all the savings you had, you were prepared to pay for my college fees. Today I have education and knowledge because of the foundation you laid in my life. You always said to me that "What you could not achieve in your life, you will make sure that I achieve them", that has now become my foundation as well, because today I am a Parent also. Thank you for all the sacrifices you made for me and I Love you

Love, Lucia Mfolo

#‎Dearblackman‬
I'm sitting in silence, thinking about all you have done for me...Words fail me.
I look at how you treat your family and those close to you, your love is genuine, you are selfless.

I'm brought to tears by you supporting my dreams. You know what makes me feel alive and fulfilled, you push me to pursue these.
My #Dearblackman, let me take this time to celebrate you. For raising me and many others in the way of the LORD thank you, your prayers are prevailing much. For your warm timely hugs that affirm me of your love, thank you.
Thank you for being a father that I never had.
With lots of love, one of your many daughters.

Love,  Lebogang Monnyana

#‎DearBlackMan‬ I really appreciate your presence in my life who would have thought my younger brother would be my business manager one day? Yes we started with four others employees they quit and I know its not an easy job but you proved your loyalty to me and how competent you are at what you do and client satisfaction means so much to you,you share my vision for this business,you've been there since day 1 and despite our siblings fights you always have my back,I know life has knocked us down and growing up without a mother has somehow made us vulnerable but you proved to be stronger you are the thorn and our only brother...I respect your loyalty in my life,your love for soccer...I pray God answers you soonest and you go play professionally,as I write this I am emotional cause your understanding of human behavior and character is amazing without you I would have closed my doors already Ngiyabonga for being a great business partner and a great young brother in the whole world...God grant you all the best in life Themba Masondo Nyambose baba!!!Forward We Go!!!

 Love, Charmaine Pinotage Dlamini-Mashaba

 I have a little trepidation about my first ‪#‎dearblackman‬ being so frivolous BUT I know Malebo Gololo will be fine with it. #dearblackman some of us sure miss the days when you had hair. Our streets did not look like they were over run by ..., and we had something to hold on to, you know...when we needed to hold on. So pretty please, just a little smaller nyana Afro?

Love, Kagiso Msimango

Woman You Rock - Royalty with a streak of Authenticity - Lehlohonolo Moerane

There are people you meet in life and they cause an explosion in your spirit. Anyone who has met this woman will testify of this. She is a wonder force to be reckoned with. It is so easy to love her. She lives her life unapologetically. She is authentic and that is what makes her all the more special. She lives in her own crazy world and reminds me that it's the crazy ones that dent the universe. Please be inspired.

Me: Please describe yourself in five words?

Lehlohonolo:

Royal

Elegant

Wise

Authentic

Virtuous 

Me: Where were you born and what do you love about your country?

Lehlohonolo:  I grew up in soweto in a place called Moletsane. Though I grew up in an environment whereby older people judged your future by the area you are from. I REFUSED TO BE COMMON. I chose to be different. I always knew I was destined for greatness that is the reason I wanted to stand out from the rest. At the age of 16, I had a modeling Agency that organised beauty peagants, sourced out choreographers And adjudicators. Organizing beauty pageants, choreographing and adjudicating contests. 

About my Mzansi I love policies, laws on Empowerment of South Africans. I wish they can be implemented.  

Me: Top five books you have read?

Lehlohonolo:  

-Holy Spirit by Kenneth Hagan
-Passing it on by Myles Munroe

-leadership 2020 DJ SBU

- If you are not growing you are dying by Dr David Molapo

-The 4 Pillars of SUCESS by Dr John C Maxwell

 

Me: What in your opinion, is the relevance of Women’s month is South Africa today?

 Lehlohonolo: It allows women to celebrate their worth, to be reminded that they are WOMEN OF WORTH, Substance, Destiny, Virtue & Significance.

I have to emphasize though that South Africa is not ready to embrace women to take over though opportunities, laws, Acts, legislature & system they have in place. This discourages most women to be relevant. If they become relevant like some of us there will be scrutiny, sabotage, criticism, false allegations and no support given, sabotage becomes the name of the game. Most of the time when a woman is elevated, there will be traps set for her to fail so that it can be said that"WOMEN CANT LEAD OR THEY NOT READY'

On the other hand even a blind person can see that even men have started to complain that they are stigmatized as many doors in this country have been opened for women. In most job posts, business opportunities, parliamentary positions, women are given first preferences , it has even gone overboard that our fellow brothers ego's are slightly bruised, no offense to men. 

Me: How can people make a meaningful contribution to this month?

Lehlohonolo:

- inspire

- empower

--motivate

-develop and 

-make a difference

Me:  What do you think is the biggest issue facing young women in South Africa today?

Lehlohonolo: 

 -peer pressure

-teenage pregnancy

-substance abuse

-lack of correct norms and values

-Lack of role models

-advancement in technology make them acess so many things that we couldn't and never acessed

-being taken advantage of by older men in the name of love and provision for their needs 

Me: As an experienced and seasoned woman making strides in South Africa, what has been your greatest challenge/s so far?

Lehlohonolo:  Being sabotaged

Me: How did you overcome them?

Lehlohonolo:  Focus and Self discovery

Me: What has been your greatest achievement?

Lehlohonolo: Being able to empower and touch lives of individuals from 2004

through :

1.skills development

2. exposing them to careers (career development)

2. Helping them to start business (entrepreneurial development)

3. Mentoring and coaching

4. Being given platforms to motivate And inspire many

Me: Please tell us more about the work you do to develop Entrepreneurs?

Lehlohonolo:  LPD Holdings was founded in 2004 then Lehlohonolo Personal Development. 

Our Entreprise Development includes:

Incubation Programme that includes:

Training SMMEs on accredited programs( existing and startups)

Mentorship and coaching

Facilitate funding for their projects through our partners

Exposing them to projects and business world

Me: Why do you do this, what fulfilment do you receive?

 Lehlohonolo:

-it fulfills seeing individuals from unknown to known 

-seeing their lives changing for the better

-seeing lives being transformed

Me: With your experience, what words of advice would you give to young women who are struggling to find their calling?

Lehlohonolo: -You are a jewellery box with precious stones inside , beautiful outside and inside, multiskilled and talented .

- You are a winner , original and very  powerful.

-You are a kingdom builder, world changer just like Esther, Ruth and other ladies on the bible. You have a world changing power. 

- There are technologies, innovations, not yet discovered and invented because they are waiting for you to develop and invent.

Tap into your giftings, talents, the world is waiting to embrace you. Invade, occupy, take over until Jesus returns. Let God be the navigator of your life, he will direct you to your destination. Your future is guaranteed .

 Me: What are your thoughts on mentorship?

 Lehlohonolo:

-Mentorship is the greatest act of leadership

-The first act of a visionary leader should be to identify and begin mentoring your replacement.

- successful succession guarantees continuity

-Leaders produce leaders - John Maxwell 

Me: If someone out there wants a mentor but doesn’t know where to start, what would you advise them?

Lehlohonolo: Identify someone that shares same values with you ( same business or career you inspire to have), a person that inspires you.

Please note the following after identifying the mentor

as a Mentee you:

-must submit to the mentor and POSESS a Spirit of student and servant
-must be teachable and not competitive with mentor

-initiate or pursue learning from mentor 

Me: Who has been your  biggest influence?

Lehlohonolo: 

-God

-Holy Spirit

-my mom, Sinah Moerane

-my family, Gadifele Rahlaga, my late brother and Dineo Maithufi

- Pastor Alph Lukau my Spiritual Father

-Dr Thami Mazwai

-Mr Neverl Khambasha 

-Mr Max Moyo

-Dr David Molapo

-Dr Mamikie Molapo

- Mr Frederick Mamabolo

-Dr John C Maxwell

Me: What has been the best advise you have ever received?

Lehlohonolo: Be authentic

Me: What are the main virtues you live by?

Lehlohonolo:

-Love

-Honesty

-Loyalty

Me: If people need more information about your projects, where can they get hold of you?

Lehlohonolo: 

Email: lee@lpdholding.com

FB page: The Virtuous Lee

Alone by Lebo Pule

This is a memoir of a woman detailing a brief account of her growing up in Alexandra and the subtle and unconscious effects that background and society has on an individual.  Set up in the Township of Alexandra Township, Lebo Pule becomes a little bit vulnerable to her readers revealing details of the type of environment she grew up in.  Those who know Lebo Pule from social networks will know that she has never been extremely secretive so most of what she shares does not really shock you as she has somewhat touched on most of the chapters in her daily posts. What the book does is that it ties the strings together as you experience sounds of pennies dropping everywhere with every turn of the page. There is something special about someone who is very self-aware and has given themselves permission to be who they are unapologetically without fitting into a mould of what is expected of them.   

 

When I first saw the cover of the book, I truly wondered what the inspiration behind it was. Lebo explains that the woman represents a story of so many women in current day society.  That there is some sort of countenance you need to maintain no matter what is going on in your life. It is almost like wearing a prim and proper mask while behind the scenes you can barely manage to keep your bricks together.  This is unfortunately the state of many women in our country, actually let me extend this to men as well, we look good and well put on the outside but no one knows of the walls tumbling down on the inside. This reminds me of the “new woman” that Professor Pumla Gqola speaks of in her book “a Renegade Called Simphiwe”.  That this “new woman” is a social construct of what the normal woman should aspire to become even though many women do not fit this profile. In normalising this woman, any other becomes abnormal. Reading Alone, one thing is clear and that is Lebo does subscribe to this “new woman” concept. Many would say her politics around gender issues are harsh but when you have an idea of her background you understand why they are necessary. 

This book is captured with simplicity and beauty that I found myself juggling with many emotions throughout the book. I remember smiling, laughing, sniffing and also getting a bit upset. Lebo Pule gets extremely vulnerable about the type of childhood she had; the challenges of growing up in a township, being bullied by boys (because you are a girl that is not “normal”), almost being raped and also falling pregnant at a very young age and being misunderstood for it. What also captured my heart the most is the daddy issues chapter (because I am obsessed with masculinity in South Africa). Having to live with a father she had no relationship with, desperately trying to get his attention.  She details how she would savour special attention he would shower her with which was very rare. Her reflections on that relationship show the long term effects which manifested in her life when she was older.  This also allows the reader to dig deep into their own relationships with their fathers and try and find how it might have affected how they view things, especially men around them.  Although I cannot relate to Lebo Pule’s background, I can however relate to her essence.  No matter which background we all come from, there is ultimately something that weaves us together.  I am sure many readers too will definitely relate to this if not all. I say all because our stories do not necessarily need to be identical for us to see ourselves within one another. 

Lebo also talks about her career cycle and how she ventured into Entrepreneurship. She highlights some pivotal challenges which ultimately led to her bankruptcy. There is a level of a façade that is shown in the faces of Entrepreneurs in South Africa painting a picture of ballers with no challenges.  It is as if people are in denial that this is one tough sector to be a part of in South Africa. Lebo has defied all of that and has openly shared what so many of us go through when we try and become Entrepreneurs. Exposing the type of relationships we have with our finances and decisions we make when it comes to our businesses which lead to downfall and all sorts of soul crunching realities; having to once seemingly fly high to “downgrading” and returning home.  We are one of the few countries that make this a death sentence and we find that most people do not bounce back from this fall.  What is truly beautiful about this memoir is that it does not reach an ending, but rather it opens up conversations we should start having within and outwards of ourselves.  At the end of a dark night, a new day arises. 

I count myself blessed to be part of a generation that gets to witness the new day in Lebo Pule’s life. She represents women in a big way and because of her and many other brave women who tell their stories unapologetically; women will cease to be removed from history.

Every South African needs a copy of this book; no matter what gender, race or tribe.  This book gives a beautiful perspective of a part of the South African reality.  It will challenge you and it will draw you to making certain decisions about your life. To reflect on whether you are in the right space and if you need to detach yourself from those toxic spaces and lastly but importantly, whether you have decided to confront your wounds and heal. 

One critique I would have is that the book is extremely short and it leaves your tongue wagging for the next offerings by Lebo Pule; which is a good thing if you think about it, nothing sucks like feeling like you do not want to read anything else by the author after reading their book.

You can get ALONE at selected Exclusive books

You can also order on Kalahari.com

And you can order directly from the ALONE Team via this email alonelebopule@gmail.com this is their preferred method plus you get an autographed copy with a lovely message in true Lebo Pule style.

Let me know how you find it 

Woman You Rock - Two wheels roaring for a difference - Zanele "Lady Zee" Mcmurray

I doubt that there is anyone riding today in South Africa that does not know Zanele who is loved and known by all as Lady Zee. She is the first black woman I saw on a motorbike and have been inspired by her dedication and consistence to her two wheels. I love who she is and what she stands for. Please be inspired.

Me: Please describe yourself in five words?

Lady Zee:  Kind, Understanding, Considerate, Adventurous and Happy

Me: Where were you born and what do you love about your country? 

Lady Zee: I was born in Mpumalanga, Emalahleni (Witbank).  I love South Afrika because of its wide diversity, I love the sun in Summer and the rich cultures we have here.

Me: What was your childhood like? 

Lady Zee:  My childhood was pretty special, my parents were not swimming in money but they made sure that all their 7 kids had the best up- bringing in the safest neighbourhoods. I was exposed to a lot of good things and didn’t realise then than to some people it is a distant dream. I did a lot of camping, sports and travelling through my dad’s work, they provided everything for their employees. 

Me: Top five books you have read?

Lady Zee:1. I write what I like – Steven Bantu Biko

2.Good Morning Mandela – Zelda Le Grange

3. Long walk to freedom – Mr. Nelson Mandele

4. One month to love – Kerry Shook

5. One month to live – Kerry Shook
 

Me: In your experience as a woman in this country, what is the significance of women’s month in South Africa?

Lady Zee:  The most significant thing during Women’s month in this country for me is the fact that We have a voice now as women. We were oppressed in more ways than the apartheid. As an African woman you had no say at home, at work and publicly. Now we are able to express our views, choose where we want to live and most importantly we are now able to go to school and empower ourselves with knowledge as far as we are willing to go. No one tells us “you have learnt enough, it’s time for you to go get married” anymore.
 

Me: When did you start riding?

Lady Zee: I was introduced to biking at the tender age of 16 as a pillion. I spent the rest of my teen years riding and attending bike events with my sisters and brother. When I got a bit older I decided it was time to learn how to ride on my own and I have never looked back since then. I bought my first bike in 2006.

Me: Why did you get into motorsports?

Lady Zee:  Despite having not given a choice from a young age, I love the rush I get whenever I think of fast motorbikes and sports cars. It is perceived dangerous by most people, so I’m always driven  to prove a point that motorsports is not that dangerous if you are properly trained and have the skills to perform in that particular sport. I am always pushing my limits in everything I do.  

Me: What do you think is the biggest issue facing women in motorsports in South Africa today?

Lady Zee:  I think like in any other country in the world, women will always be thought of as weaklings. Motorsports is a sport fuelled with the biggest egos ever, so as soon as a woman starts performing much better than her male colleagues she is labelled and called all sorts of names. Another challenge for women is they constantly have to work twice as hard to prove that they can also partake in the world of motorsports. Lastly, you find a lot of women that love fast cars, motorbikes etc. but they do not really go into the sport with the intention of being professional in that particular sport, as a results S.A has very few ladies who are motorsport professionally and the few that are there end up having to compete with their male counterparts.

Me: How do you think is the best way to overcome them?

Lady Zee:  This can be overcome by introducing these kind of sports very early in life, as early as primary school where kids see each other as kids not girls and boys. Career guidance in sport is lacking,  most people think of sports as a hobby and therefore never pursue it professionally.

Me: With your experience, what words of advice would you give to women considering pursuing motorsports?

Lady Zee:  I would say women pursuing motorsports should do it because they are passionate about the sport, not to do it to impress friends or pressure. It must come from the heart, that way even if they are left alone with no support they can still push themselves to achieve what they desire.

Me: What is Cancervive?

Lady Zee:  Cancer.vive is a special awareness and education project of the umbrella organisation People Living with Cancer. Driven by passionate survivors, this colourful campaign has been internationally recognised as one of the most dynamic cancer awareness campaigns in the world.

Me: Why are you involved in Cancervive? 

Lady Zee:  Being a cancer awareness activist and my love of riding led me to join Cancervive. Not only does this organisation educate our community about this horrible disease but they do it in the most colourful and unique way that  draws attention and forces people to listen to the message that is being conveyed, wherever they go. I just had to be part of such an effective campaign!
 

Me: What message do you hope to pass on in your community through Cancervive?

Lady Zee:  I would like to pass on a message of hope and support to people living with cancer and raise awareness and educate communities about the ‘shy’ cancers that often remain undetected because of cultural taboos, stigmas and lack of knowledge.

Every year we:

• Give hope to other people living with cancer.

• Educate thousands of people on the signs and symptoms of ‘shy’ cancers using printed material, our website, personal visits, DVDs and media.

• Connect newly diagnosed people and people already living with cancer to Cancer Buddies, a project of People Living with Cancer which provides a support network of cancer survivors who come from similar backgrounds and who have experienced the same type of cancer.

• Work with People Living with Cancer to gather authentic information about what South Africans have to say about their experience of cancer care to support advocacy programmes.

• Collaborate with all projects under the People Living with Cancer umbrella, connecting people, sharing knowledge and promoting the crucial message that early detection saves lives.

Me: Who is your biggest influence?

Lady Zee:  My biggest influence were my parents, they were two people who had 7 mouths to feed and educate under difficult situations and yet they did it so effortlessly. My mom taught me that to get anywhere in life you need to work hard for it and be independent, she instilled an element of self-worth and being proud of who I am and where I come from. My Dad was the most ethical man in the world, he brought us up with integrity. He taught us not to be judgemental and treat each person we meet with respect (rich or poor). Taking what is not yours and what you do not deserve was a big No No for him.
 

Me: What has been the best advise you have ever received?

Lady Zee:  I once met a lady who later turned to be my mentor and friend who said to me ”Life meets you at the level of your expectations” so if I had to dream I need to dream big because that is exactly what I would achieve.

Me: What are the main virtues you live by?

Lady Zee:

1.      Politeness

2.      Resilienve

3.      Confidence

4.      Self-awareness and

5.      Forgiveness
 

Me: If people need more information about your projects, where can they get hold of you?
Lady Zee:  People can get hold of me on my email address: leideezee@gmail.com facebook: Lady Zee

Woman You Rock - Beautifully You - Wonderfully You - That is what you are. Chipampe Mpondela

There are people you meet in life and their essence stays with you for a very long time after the encounter. I simply love Chipampe for the beauty that is within her soul. A woman who live for what she believes in and has answered a call to her purpose against all odds. Please be inspired

Me: Please describe yourself in five words?

Chipampe:

Introvert

Idealist

Daring

Hopeless Romantic

Pioneer 

Me: Where were you born and what do you love about your country?

Chipampe: I was born in Zambia in a town called Chingola, I love the fact that nothing is impossible. If you dream it, then you can do it.

Me: Top five books you have read?

Chipampe:

1.Yesterday I Cried (Iyanla Vanzant)

2.Rediscovering Catholicism(Matthew Kelly)

3. The Big Picture (Ben Carson)

4. The Prophet (Khalil Gibran)

5.Who Moved My Cheese

Me: In your experience as a woman on the African continent, what is the significance of women in Africa?

Chipampe: Women are the pioneers, the game changers. You know, I sat down one day and thought to myself, while all the men were off fighting wars and working in far off places. The women were the authority, making rules, running the affairs of more than just their homes, raising leaders, educating their fellow women. I mean women had to do it all, so I believe its in our nature as African women to lead, venture into unchartered territory and turn it into a thriving city. Beyonce was right..lol, girls really do run the world.

Me: What do you think is the biggest issue facing women in Africa today?

Chipampe: I think as African women the biggest issue we face today is knowing who we really are, while Westernization has it's perks, it is threatening to erode our culture and our values. We have so much to offer, a wealth of information yet we look to the outside to tell us who we are and yet we  are so powerful and it is imperative that we rise up!

Me What are some of the barriers you have faced in your life?

Chipampe: Finding my voice has been a challenge as an approval addict, I had an approval addiction, the unfortunate need to please other people. I battled depression, suicide and abuse in various forms, all these forces threatened to overcome me. I didn't know who I was and it was difficult to live because of it.

Me: How did you overcome them?

Chipampe: Prayer, God and beautiful women like you, challenged me. Psalm 139 I am made fearfully and wonderfully changed my life. It made me believe I could be better and I was worth it. I deserved to be here and I deserved to speak, live and love. Thank God, his light is so bright you can't see anything else, how can you not overcome in the presence of such great beauty.

Me: What keeps you going every day?

Chipampe: The belief that God has a big, great and beautiful plan for me. It can only get better. Also, I believe  I have been called to be a part of God's army fighting to prove his existence, to prove that there is goodness in the world. I am a servant and until I have served i must not give up.

Me: Please tell us more about your academic journey?

Chipampe: I am fortunate to have been blessed with the privilege of having a good education. I got my BSc. In Pre-Medical Sciences with an emphasis in microbiology and a minor in chemistry. I pursued my masters degree for a year then withdrew because I believe I was not in the right place. That's that..lol

Me: What advice would you give to women who are struggling to follow their dreams?

Chipampe: To be honest I still struggle with that. But, trust yourself, listen to that inner voice, take the first step and the rest is God's business. Surrender, work hard of course but surrender. If you understand your purpose, then you're probably aware that all you are is an instrument, allow the Master to lead you.

Me: Why did you start Beautifully you?

Chipampe: I started Beautifully You because I realized that so many of us spend our days waiting for someone to tell us who we are. They tell us how to dress, what to study, who to become we're on auto-pilot, it's a dark place to be, you know, to not know who you are. Beautifully You stands on the belief who you really are is important. Your being here serves a purpose and ,we work to help each one identify what really makes you unique and how that serves the world. If you love to dance, dance the way you move communicates something to the world about the dynamics of nature. So if you're a dancer, dance, don't sing, dance! Be who,you were meant to be

Me: What type of fulfilment do you receive from hat  Beautifully You?

Chipampe: Knowing that I'm helping people find their voice and discover their purpose it's a beautiful thing.

Me: What is the one lesson you have learnt while growing up?

Chipampe: I've learnt that only you are responsible for what happens to you. People will tell you what they think but when you decide the consequences for those decisions are solely your responsibility. So respect yourself enough to allow your voice to be loud enough that you can hear it.

Me: Who is your biggest influence?

Chipampe: I love Oprah Winfrey, she has listened to her voice, found her calling and used it to change millions of lives. Her courage is inspiring. She knows exactly who she is, she is not conceited but is herself, unapologetically and we all benefit from that. For a black woman to dominate the way she has, gives me great pride and I can stand on the shoulders of giants like her and dominate too. 

Me: What has been the best advise you have ever received? 

Chipampe: Walk away from anything or or anyone who doesn't bring peace. Peace is everything

Me: What are the main virtues you live by?

Chipampe: Love is everything. When you love you practice all the virtues so I'm learning to understand love

Me: If people need more information about your projects, where can they get hold of you?

Chipampe: I'm on facebook (Chipampe Mpondela) Twitter @beautifullUR email:chipampem@gmail.com the project is still under construction but definitely active and I'm happy to go where I'm needed if circumstances permit.