Ever had people crushing over at your place for a few days,weeks,a month or two,years?
I have been hosted before by friends and I have learnt a couple of things about hosting people. There are hosting Dynamics and today Rachel and I share tips on how to be a good host.These tips are in no particular order.
+Always know your people.What do they like to eat,what are they allergic to.This helps to plan better for their stay.
+Plan!plan ahead for their coming.Stock whatever you need to stock for their stay.
+Don’t change your menu for your guests.Make adjustments depending on who likes what but don’t do a 360 on your menu.This might be costly and draining as well on your pocket,house help if you have one or yourself too.
+Take/accept the help.The more people in the house, there is multiplication of house chores.Incase a guest asks to help out ,let them help.
+Ask for help.Remember some of these guests,like to work and if African ,they have been trained to work and might be uncomfortable sitting all day.Ask them for help.This helps you bond and you could learn something new about each other.
+You are bound to meet people of various cultures.don’t be alarmed.
+For guests who stay for long;months or years, purposefully involve them in the house chores and activities.If you go by a rota include them that way they appreciate and are part of the family and it also lifts the burden off of you to do everything. Everyone has to have some form of responsibility.
+It is important to know how long a guest is staying, especially if you are in a family setting, that way there is no uncertainty and family members are well prepared. Guests who stay for Ununspecified days can easily feel like a burden and there could be the anxiety of how long is the person staying.To avoid such discomfort and uncertainity,it is good to know the length of the stay.
+Be ready to be vulnerable.This comes with letting someone in your space.Be yourself and don’t adjust your lives completely. Let the guest adjust to your system (this can be added to the menu as well)
+It is great to learn from your guests as well, as much as it is your house, your rules, try to involve some of their ways especially if they are from a different culture. You could ask them to cook a common dish of theirs or show you how they do their things. This way the guest feels appreciated and is able to involve a part of them in the family
+When a guest does something wrong or off, it is OK and right to tell them directly and in a kind and polite way. It is so easy to find yourselves discussing the guest behind their back with other family members yet the issue would have easily been resolved by speaking to them. This can also breed contempt and ruin the whole experience.
+Always consult with your family members before agreeing to host someone, that way they are prepared cause even if you are the one taking care of most of the things, they have a right to know and agree as their space will be invaded/interrupted
+Considering all the above, it is actually OK to say no to hosting someone, it doesn’t make you a bad person, it does take grace and quite some work, so be willing to give 100% rather than say yes and your heart is not in it. Whatsoever you do,do it with all diligence as unto the Lord and not man.
This post was co-authored by Racheal Atieno-my Kenyan sister,who has hosted me and so many other people at her home in Nairobi over the years. It is right to say her home is international 😂😂.
This month I get to share with y’all my favorite sites to go to for a little inspiration in hair,makeup,food,fashion and style.Today we focus on a blog run by two beau-ti-ful ladies,they are Team Natural and today they share with us their journey .
1.What is Nzuri textures and how long has it been running?
Nzuri Textures is a platform created by two natural hair enthusiasts, to show women how they can find beauty in having their hair in their natural state. In Uganda there are not so many platforms that teach and guide people on natural hair. The beauty bloggers on the internet show how they manage hair using international branded products. Unfortunately, we dont have access to those products.So Nzuri Textures strives to teach Ugandans how to handle their hair, with the products accessible to them. We have been running Nzuri Textures for 6 months now.
2.Who are the faces behind Nzuri textures?
Nzuri Textures is edited by Rowena Lubowa and Lydia Kahuga, who love everything natural.
3.How do you balance running a blog alongside your everyday jobs,being lawyers is no easy task?
Well, we cant say we are experts at this. But we make really good use of planners. We make time for the photoshoots and the editing of articles. Basically the trick is in planning and sticking to the plans.
4.Achievements since blog formation
Having a readership that learns from us and values the information that we give them
5.Lessons learnt since blog formation.
+ It’s hard to achieve something that you want,unless you make time for it.
+Listen to your readership and deliver content that they can relate to
6.Tips for natural hair sisters .
Avoid heat and enjoy water (drinking it and spraying it in your hair)
“Every one ‘s story is important and should be heard,” says Patsy.She is a beautiful young lady with a huge personality and this week she graces the No Ordinary Scribbles table to chat about herself and her love for writing and so much more.Welcome Patsy………
1.Who is Mugabi Patsy?
“Who is that African girl? , tell me Who is that Ugandan girl? ” like Afrie sings. I am that uncontrollable adventurer.I am a ferocious reader and I write most times.I hate writing but I love having written.I am thee financial economist in the making enrolled at Strathmore University in Kenya.I am a budding creative on the spoken word scene.I am a freelance blogger.I am girl of few words and many actions. I attribute all that I am to God, because all I lack in perfection,He makes up for in love.My friends call me the queen dancer next door (a name which I refuse to accept) because I love to dance myself lame( until I can’t feel my legs).Please do not try this alone.
2.When did you start your writing journey?
I started a while back in my S.6 vacation of January 2015.It was one of those adventurous escapades that scared the hell out of me that prompted me to do it.It’s as cathartic as bungee jumping for me.A large part of me believes it started out as a clarion call to share and connect with others on the topics I was sharing on.
3.How did you join the blogging community?
Well here’s one way to see it.I simply invited myself to the party by not waiting and joining , with a detailed plan of course(who,what ,when and most importantly why)
4.Names are important,they give identity to a thing.How did you come up with the name for your blog?
Well ,when you spare the time to read through the blog, I must warn you that your ecstasy is surely justified.(no pun intended) The name describes my new identity as I walk in God reminding myself how I am a steward of everything and an owner of nothing.The name Justified Ecstasy means that state of of a reader experiencing bliss and blessings as written in every blog post’s closing remark.
5.How do you juggle school & writing?
Consistency is the key.I know it sounds like a school motto but it’s the simple truth I heed to.I am learning to be consistent which calls for self discipline and for me to continue writing on days when I am not feeling up to it.I have set aside Sunday evenings as a time to publish a new post and finish all my school work through the week .
6.How important is it to grow your audience as a blogger??
Very important.Let me say that again in all caps.VERY IMPORTANT. Here’s why. (1).You matter. (2).Your story needs to be heard be it in any sphere; fashion,hair ,creative writing you name it.Yes it has probably already been told but not with your fresh perspective.(3).Your craft must grow
7.What Challenges do you face with blogging?
Getting people to comment after reading a post is what my mind grapples with.
8.Achievements in your blogging journey.
+ Joining larger blogging communities.
+Meeting some amazing readers who have also hooked me up with some amazing writing gigs.
9.Future plans for Justified Ecstasy.
+Joining the Bloggers Association of Kenya.
+Getting a customised domain and for every 1000 subscription, a give away should be in order to celebrate the growth.
Cakes are accessories that grace almost every event from weddings to baby showers,staff parties,birthdays and so much more.Failure to find the the right baker can be a deal breaker but when you find a good one,you are hooked for life.
Welcome with me Racheal Atieno to our No ordinary scribbles table as we chat about her love for cake and building Cake culture.
1.Who is Racheal Atieno?
Racheal is a 30 year old lady born and bred in Nairobi ,Kenya. She is an extrovert who loves people and thrives when helping people out. She loves travelling, baking and adventure . She studied Sociology and Psychology at the University of Nairobi and was in employment for about 5 years before going into baking full-time. She has worked with Huru international on a project that provided reusable sanitary pads for needy girls in the slum plus did HIV prevention training. Later on she worked with Earthview Geo-consultants Limited as a Social Impact Assessment officer then went into full-time baking in January 2017.
Racheal Atieno handing over goodies to a client at Cake Fest
2. How did cake culture come into existence? Did you go to baking school?
While visiting my cousin some years back, her friend, a baker, had also visited and decided to randomly teach us how to bake using a charcoal stove and this is what triggered the baking passion in me. I went back home and kept experimenting and trying out different recipes, it was fun. There were disappointments but I kept at it, I’ll never forget putting a hole in my mother’s sufuria cause I had used wet sand to set up my charcoal oven. My desire has always been to be a stay at home mum and Cake culture was birthed out of an initial desire for a source of income while I stayed home to raise my children (And no I don’t have children yet). I had always baked as a hobby for family and friends and a friend of mine kept insisting on how I should turn it into a business and even helped out with the registration process which I did in July 2014. At this point I did not know much about business (never really pictured myself doing business), I had no idea of where to get baking supplies. I did not go to baking school so I learnt through google and particular bakers or bloggers who were so kind to help out. I had done various probono cakes for friends and family but my very first order came from my colleague who needed a birthday cake for the son who was turning two years (he is actually turning 5 this month) I was very nervous and not too sure of myself, it was the first time I was going to whip cream and decorate a birthday cake. It was a red velvet cake and looking back, it was more maroon than red and I’ve since changed the recipe I use to a much better one. I thank God for this particular client cause she believed in me and kept pushing me, she allowed me to experiment with her orders and was very forgiving and patient when at times it was not so perfec(thank you Lydia).I was in employment when I started the business, so I basically bought ingredients with the money the client paid and bought equipment with some of my money, I did not really need much to start. We already had an oven at home that I still use (I forever cherish those charcoal days, but agirl has got to upgrade😂😂😂)
Racheal Atieno (extreme right) at Cake Fest this year
3. Describe the journey of your start up
It has been an interesting one, It started out prematurely, well at least from how I planned it. The initial stages were more of baking for fun but eventually I decided to do it for business which is also a story on its own especially the whole concept of pricing, separating the business supplies from the home supplies, being a home baker and all. I had a day job and that meant that any baking would be either at night or on weekends. I used my (boss’s) time during the day to read and research about baking, download recipes which I would then try out back at home. Some worked out while others just backfired. This kept going for over a year, trying out different recipes and perfecting as many as I could. Orders were coming in from mostly friends and workmates and this was a good thing for it provided me both a market but also a platform to get feedback about my cakes which greatly helped the learning process. Eventually I found it hard to balance as the orders kept increasing meaning sleepless nights were fast becoming a norm. At this time too, work at my day job had really slowed down, which should have been good but if the cake business was to grow to its fullest potential then it needed to become the number 1 priority. So I made up my mind to resign from my job at the end of the year (2016) and focus 100% on CAKE CULTURE moving forward, step of faith. In terms of initial capital, we didn’t need much for a start. We have an oven at home so that went a long way in cutting the costs. The rest of the things we bought as the money came in and as the need arose. With time and research i figured out where to get supplies at the best possible deals- a supermarket could be nearer but costlier. We started with what we had and the rest has been the business growing itself.
4. Share key lessons you have learnt along the way.
Researching& adapting. I research about everything from pricing,mixing to flavors. Adapting may take the form of reading ahead about planned power blackouts so that you either bake or prepare cream ahead of time with the end goal being that you’re not caught flatfooted by the blackout.
Resilience and determination.“With trial there will be error.” This means that you will spend hours and money preparing for a cake and then it will not come out as you expected. I have learnt not to give up. One of our signature cake flavors is a result of such resilience. It backfired so many times that I almost gave up but from the day I mastered it, I think it single handedly accounts for about 50% of our revenue. You can’t be too caught up in what didn’t work. Sometimes everything is right but halfway through the baking there is a power blackout. This means redo the whole process.
We have learnt to set values for ourbusiness. At CAKE CULTURE ,we value customer satisfaction and this means that we must deliver the best product to the client every time. This calls for more than following the recipe to the letter: the whole process has to be standardized and nothing left to imagination. Continued research is a must. We can’t be comfortable with just a few flavors even if we’re the best at them. What happens after a client has sampled all our cakes? There is need to keep adding new products. We also value our products and price them accordingly.
Friendships are critical because it tookmore than one person to build the business. The name ‘CAKE CULTURE’ was suggested by a friend and I loved it. Our (awesome) branding was done by another friend. My first orders were from friends. Some of our equipment like our awesome stand mixer was from a friend. My biggest source of support has been my family, not forgetting mum’s oven that I use to date. The start and growth of this business has been largely enabled by people. You could do it alone but you may not finish the race and assuredly you will be slower.
Cupcakes
Toasted muesli
Cookies
5.What are your current products?
We currently have a list of 19 Cake flavors with the orange/passion chiffon being a major favorite, we also have cupcakes, muffins, quick breads, granola bars, oatmeal cookies, brownies and toasted muesli cereal. We for sure keep adding to the list.
6. Achievementsforcakeculture
In the last two years we have participated in the Cake Festival organized by Edumed Trust as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility. It is an annual event that brings together various bakers who get the opportunity to offer their products for sampling with the aim of raising funds to educate bright needy students through high school.
Philip,Maggie,Emma at Cake Fest 2017
Morris at Cake Fest
Philip & Maggie attending to clients
7. What challenges did you face when you started out?
I struggled with pricing because I feared to lose clients but overtime the business was not making money despite having good products and a good number of orders. I finally allowed for the prices to be reviewed and this has positively reflected in our revenues.
We plan to open a bakery shop and increase our products to include everything pastry and dessert. From that shop we hope to open a few others, particularly looking forward for a branch in Kampala, my friends over there keep asking for one.
10.Parting tip.
Friendships are critical know who to listen to and who not to listen to. I believe God sends you the right people to help you through your process.Currently,at Cake Culture it’s myself as head Baker and Morris,the tech guy who also doubles as the delivery guy.
It`s not everyday that you meet a 20-something lady doing things that many dream about. Today, I introduce you to Lamachi(did I mention that I love her name?!!well-I do), gifted musically and her hands prosper in whatever they choose to do. She has a huge personality that oozes kindness and love.
1. Who is Lamachi?
Lamachi: Lamachi apa(actually preferred as ) my new name version -Purple:is a child of God whose greatest desire is to know the love of God more and to mirror it on the earth.
2. What are you passionate about?
Wow!!…That question is ambiguous when it comes to me. I am passionate about A LOT of things. In precise order, I must add:-God, people, loving the above, the color purple, teaching the word, design (in general), fashion design, counselling, fine art, music,singing ,and just being.
Multi-media wall hanging with stained glass,local and glass beads ,calabash,bamboo,bark cloth and beaded painting on canvas. Photo credit: Lamachi
3. Are you pursuing music professionally?
Well,yes and no. For a long time, I was just doing music with people who were doing it professionally. (Talk about collabos and the background eish,hehehe.)Until recently, when I was asked to train people in music and worship by 3 institutions/ministries.One of them being a bible college. So you can say,I am doing it professionally. But ,if it were left to me, I consider myself a worshiper who is here to teach and usher people into the mysteries of worship.Then they can walk on their own from there. I also teach them fundamentals of music and singing, which is a stepping stone to ministering.Worship being a KEY word.
Photo credit: Lamachi
4. Where does fashion and design come in?
My middle name is Jackline and I often tell people I am a Jack(line) of all trades. I have this tinkering ability to do something new, and do it well. So, having been presented with a sewing machine by my mom after my first degree,I literally taught myself how to sew and then enrolled for a master`s degree where I majored in sewing(Fashion Design),more like fine art and they are both academically my professions.
5. Do you plan/intend on doing it full time?
Yes!!I work at an organization where tailoring is THE job.So, when I go home and do my personal orders, it is just a continuation of my day time job. So tailoring is my full time work.
6. How do you deal with people who take ages to pay up?
Well,I have not sewn professionally for long.I am just easing into it but ,I dont work on anything that hasn`t been already paid for in full or close to it. That`s my rule.
7. Any future prospects.
Hehehe. I will not be jinxed!!hahaha,anyway,I think it is safe to say,“watch this space”.The bible says,“man may make his plans ,but God has the final say. Jeremiah 29:11 that`s where you will find my future plans.
8. Advice to people who want to venture into the clothing/sewing/tailoring business.
I say go for it. Be sure to have what I call the 3 ps that every tailor must have:passion,patience and perseverance.
Every one of us has been called to something in life-a purpose that our creator knows. Imagine my surprise when I heard that two of my friends actually make CAKE!!??? Mind you I had known the for a while and but didn`t know the cake bit until I tasted a cake that was heavenly : only to be told it was made by Jakin. I had to quickly sit down with Jakin founders for a chat.
1.Describe Jakin a few words.
Jakin : Jakin Confectionery International Ltd is a bakery run by two ladies,co-founders; Kirabo Josephine and Namasa Sheila. We have explored a number of flavors ranging from coconut, vanilla, strawberry,mint, bubble gum to pineapple and lemon.We desire to create an environment where we are not just about hardworking, being excellent, and so on but there’s an extra ingredient of caring, to create success.
Sheila and Josephine. Photo credit: Josephine
2.When did Jakin start?
Jakin: Jakin Started in 2014 but as a part-time business or “side hustle.”We went full time in 2016 and took a step further and had it registered on the 4th of July, 2017.
3.What does “Jakin” mean ?
Jakin :JAKIN means He(God) Establishes.
4.Did you go to baking school or are you a google student?
Josephine: I learnt from google for a while and largely from friends who bake and I am currently enrolled in a baking school – Eunice`s Kitchen. So I can say I have been both.
Sheila: I learnt some baking from an institute and now I largely use the internet,making me a google student.
5. Is baking a long time passion for both of you or was it born out of necessity? What else are you passionate about?
Josephine: Well, I didn’t know I was passionate about cake, I knew I loooved food but not specifically cake and when I got on the discovery journey, cake was what I found. All I can say is, it was a hidden passion .I enjoy doing research work and working with KIN ministries.
Sheila: I have always loved eating cake, so when the opportunity came to start baking, I never hesitated. I love to read.
Photo credit: Jakin confectionery
6.Achievements /milestones for Jakin.
The ability to give back to society(Social responsibility). This is one of our goals and we have been able to bring it into action by giving out 2 free cakes every two months to an orphanage where we celebrate and eat cake with these children.
Celebrate staff and their families. Much as we are about business, we are also about showing care to one another and we do this through things like; celebrating birthdays for staff and their families, having staff outings.
Skills empowerment which has been done through carrying out of trainings, some have been on a one on one basis ,others on a group basis.
7. Challenges you have faced since the startup phase.
Abrupt cake orders, where some clients call and want the cake that very day. This sometimes ,puts a strain on us especially, if we haven’t re-stocked yet. We don’t cancel because we want to go out of our way and be there for our clients.
Prices on the market for cake ingredients. Prices keep increasing left and right and yet clients expect you to be consistent with your price, some of them when you increase and give reasons why, they decide to refuse to order with you.
Transportation. Sometimes cakes get cracks because of how they were poorly transported, making the client complain.8.Share some lessons you have gained since the start of Jakin.
Customer Care is very essential. As a starting business, it’s always to remember this, because you don’t just want to deliver your product but also to leave a good impact. Some people sometimes come back because they were treated well.
Never forget to pay yourself. However small the payment might be, do it, it’s a way of appreciating and motivating yourself and your team.
Always keep records of all payments and expenses. This helps one know how the company is progressing.
Obey the law of the land. Legalise your company. Sometimes you won`t take on business deals because you are not registered. So to avoid this, one needs to legalize their business.
9.How has your social media presence impacted your business?
Well more people have gotten to know about the bakery like what we are about, why we do what we do, our products etc.
10. Which people have inspired and mentored you since the start of the Jakin journey?
We don`t know everything and mentoring helps us harness a skill and master it. A number of ladies including ;Lynnet Birungi , Dr. Eunice Adubangu, Mrs. Sylvia and Mercelorna Ainembabazi.
 “​​​​​​​​The local church is the hope of the world’-Bill Hybells. This simply means , the church is a solution to the problems the world`s experiencing.  Meet Soul Touch International whose priority is to be church to the vulnerable children in slums around Kampala.
1. Who is Soul Touch?
Soul Touch International is a registered Christian organisation that was initiated by a group of university students in 2011; under the leadership of Ronald Amanya to respond to God`s call to preach the gospel and help needy children in slums, believing that every sinner can turn into a saint and every slave can become a master given time and opportunity. We focus on gospel missions, student outreach and child care. Child care is handled under the  soul care project.
Founding team back in 2011 (Ronald Amanya ,seated between the two ladies on the grass) Â Â Photo source: Soul Touch International
2. How do you get the kids under soul care project?
They are recommended by a school, church, police or organizations in the community. The soul care team follows up the child in order to get full recommendation from the local council of that community and then the family`s consent. Parents need to give us permission to take on their children .
We take on kids who are deemed to be needy, vulnerable or less advantaged from the slum communities of Katanga, Bwaise, Kasokoso, Kawala and Mulago. We register children between 5-9 years. The idea is to evolve with them upto university level.
 3. How many kids did you start with in 2011 and how many do you have currently?
We started with only 2 children (Paul and Denis) from Katanga who were not attending school at that time because their parents lacked school fees and other scholastic materials.
Paul & Denis, the pioneer children
We currently have 30 children  under our Soul care project .They are all enrolled into various Nursery and Primary schools for example Batvalley, Buganda road, St.Martin, Kawala Junior,and many others.
4.What more do you offer the children besides school fees and taking care of their school needs?
Mentor-ship where we connect them with mentors who can inspire them to fulfill their dreams.
Family empowerment involves helping the parents of the children start up their own small businesses so they are able to sustain their families. It also involves visiting with the families and praying with them to ten to their emotional and spiritual needs.
5.Challenges Soul Touch has  faced since it’s inception.
Financial constraints since the budget expenses are always high especially when school begins.
Fundraising is tedious since the term Ngos and money has over the years received a bad reputation.
Rent since we have to maintain an official address.
Soul Touch International  is a growing organisation with most of our staff being  volunteers who are not easy to depend on as their commitment and experience is not reliable.
6. What are your sustainability plans?
In partnership with Makerere Palliative care unit,we started a piggery project in Wakiso which can partly support the organisation.
We have started teaching our children to make crafts which we will in turn sell off .
7.How can people partner with Soul Touch International?
5.Lessons learnt since blog formation.
No Ordinary Scribbles 