Book Review 15: No Makeup On

Book title: No Makeup On

Subtitle:The Rebirth of Identity

Author: Hope Babigumira

Pages: 150

I got this book from a friend (Hey Prossy) and I promised her that I would be done within a week,little did I know that a week was too long for me to devour 150 pages. Hope Babigumira thank you for sharing your story with me. Here goes my review….

No makeup on is a transparent book with a grace-filled story.

Hope is born into a good family with father ,mother,siblings, a good house and good schools and so much more. Her parents care so much to give them a good education and therefore ensure they enroll them into the best schools in Kabale, because hey, the right foundation is important.

As with many Ugandan stories, death snatches their father away from them and the once well off family lands on a stranger-STRUGGLE. Her mother has to pick up what is left and fend for her babies along with other dependents ,who she had to eventually release because she was unable to help them any longer. As if the loss of their father wasn`t enough, death visited again and snatched away their little brother. It could have been Hope but as fate would have it, the brother sat in her place and boom,the wall hit him hard.

Hope on the other hand goes through her own struggles. She struggles to fit in, be cool, body consciousness and sensitivity, sexual abuse, drinking and partying, daddy issues, abortion.

Armed with a distorted self image, Hope ends up getting pregnant for the first man who treated her like a queen. Her perspective on love was what Mills and Boon had served her with, a handsome money with a body to die for, would meet you and you fall in love instantly ,have sex and live happily ever after. But this wasn`t the case, this handsome man got her pregnant and he wanted nothing to do with her. Stuck with a pregnancy in her Senior six, her friends advise her to abort and she goes through with it. This left her with a feeling of guilt only God can heal anyone from.

She  moves on to Makerere University, her cycle never ends, drinking, partying, and sex never stop. She graduates, starts the work journey but has no idea of saving or handling money better ,which is the case with many graduates and those still at the university. She is on a journey to financial freedom and writing a book is one of the chapters on this journey.

She meets her husband, they fall in love and move on to start a family. She comes back to her church roots (she was raised in a christian home with strong christian values) because she was tired of life as she knew it and needed to be better for her daughter.

A friend recommends her to a church-worship Harvest where she heard the gospel of grace. She could n`t believe that God wanted anything to do with her after her dark past, but indeed He wanted everything to do with her. God has dealt with her daddy issues, distorted identity, sexual abuse trauma, low self esteem and so much more. He has restored her to Himself and to her purpose.

It is evident through her journey that she has learned invaluable lessons, found her voice and her purpose. She is ready to live her life with purpose and impact the next generation of young ladies.

I recommend this book to every girl/woman out there, we all have issues we are dealing with similar to Hope`s.We need someone to tell a story we relate too/with and Hope does that in her book.You are guaranteed to have `AHA!!’ moments as you flip the pages.

To all the ladies out there, you are enough.You FATHER loves you deeply.He rejoices over you with singing. Be brave.Be you.

Get a copy of the book  at Aristoc -30,000 Ugx

 

 

 

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Nzuri Textures

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)

7.People /brands you would love to work with.

Brands: Kentaro, Movit, Kweli skin organics

People: Imigani, Third Local

8 .If you were an animal,what would it be?

Rowena: butterfly

Lydia : Gazelle

9.social media sites.

Blog :www.nzuritextures.com

Instagram: @nzuri_textures

Twitter: @nzuritextures

Photo credit:Nzuri Textures.

©Racheal Kizza 2017

Extraordinaire 6:Patsy-that writer chic

“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.

10.Social media sites.

+Keep up with her on her blog:https://justifiedecstasy.wordpress.com

+Twitter:@MugabiPatsy

+Instagram:@justified_ecstasy

Extraordinaire 3 : Noeline Kirabo

Women empowerment can best be done by women who know and understand fellow women. Meet Noeline Kirabo who is building an active legacy when it comes to empowering young ladies to live out their God -given potential. Many know her for Kyusa but today, she tells us all about the New Generation Mentoring Program and how to be apart of the upcoming cohort in September.

1st NGMP cohort, Further left, Sumaya, Cathy, Grace, Noeline Kirabo , Fifi and Justine on the extreme right. Certificate ceremony.

1.Who is Noeline Kirabo?

NK: Noeline Kirabo is a family therapist by profession and a social entrepreneur by passion. She has over twelve years’ experience in the nonprofit sector mainly working with children, youth, women and community self-help groups.

She is the Founder and Executive Director of Kyusa, a registered organization that empowers out of school youth in urban slums to become employable by developing passion driven sustainable careers.

She is the Co- Founder and director of Newen Consults a personal and business development consulting firm.

Noeline is also the founding president of Christian Women Entrepreneurs Network (CWEN); a platform that brings together Ugandan Christian women in business to connect, create and collaborate.

As part of her passion for women, Noeline has also pioneered a four months coaching program called New Generation Mentoring program for young adult women 20 – 35 years preparing them to identify their potential and use it to strategically influence in the market place.

Noeline is an author, writer, motivational speaker, life coach, career mentor, trainer and business development consultant. Her life mission is to empower people to identify their life purposes and turn their passions into skills for fruitful living.

2.The name Noeline is synonymous with kyusa,but what is New Generation Mentoring Program (NGMP)?

The mentoring program was birthed out of my passion and commitment to nurturing young women to actualize their potential so as to influence in the market place. I had been mentoring and coaching ladies one on one for years so I just decided to turn it into a group mentoring because of the number of ladies that were approaching me for mentoring.

New generation Mentoring Program is a four months mentoring program that aims at developing outstanding female leaders. It is an experiential program that nurtures holistic development and equipping of women for kingdom service in the market place.

Noeline Kirabo

3. How many Cohorts has NGMP had so far ?

NK: Currently, we are running the third cohort and applications for the fourth cohort that will be starting is September are open.

Bonding moments with cohort 3

4.How does one apply to be part of the program? Any qualifications needed?

NK: We are looking to work with:

 Women who actively seek ways to maximize their own potential

 Individuals who enjoy problem solving and creative thinking

 Women who thrive when working with other people

Ultimately, we are looking for 20 women per cycle who want to use their talents to make positive change in their lives and the world.

If you are thinking “wow, this sounds like me!” we would like to offer you an opportunity to apply for the next class of women influencers.

Weekly sessions will be held every Tuesday evening at Kyusa community library in Kalerwe.

Program requirements:

 20 – 35 year females

 Commitment for the entire four months

 Commitment to team work

 Positive attitude towards learning

 150,000/= program fee

You can apply through this link: https://goo.gl/forms/p9X65h1AgsD9H41x2

5.Benefits? what is it set to achieve?

NK: Selected Mentees will be receiving:

 Individual mentoring and coaching

 Field study exposures

 Leadership opportunities in different projects

 Opportunity to take part in community service projects

By the end of the program participants have developed life plans, mapped out career and personal development goals, acquired leadership skills, public speaking skills, ability to effectively work in teams, financial management skills and have a supportive network to enable them continue growing into their full potential.

6.Achievements so far?

NK : NGMP alumni are influencing in different industries which include the legal fraternity, business, fashion, education, social entrepreneurship, telecommunication, IT, agriculture, writing and Beauty industry among others. This provides a wealth of networks and resources that alumni can continuously draw from as they advance in their career and personal development goals.

At the moment 30 ladies have gone through the program and are accomplishing great things both in their personal and career lives.

7.Future of NGMP

NK :At the moment we are focusing on smaller groups for the cohorts with the intention of consolidating the learning experience.

Alumni are expected to also run their own mentoring clusters thus producing a ripple effect of the program impact.

Recently we inaugurated the first Executive Committee that is spearheaded by program alumni with the intention of having alumni take a lead on the growing alumni network so as to strengthen networking, collaboration as well as community impact.

Future plans (starting 2018) include:

• Hosting an annual women in the market place conference
• Monthly seminars for women in the market place
• Quarterly community outreach activities
• Annual Rising Woman award

The rest will be unveiled with time.

8.As our chat ends, how do people connect with NGMP on Social media ?

NK :You can follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/New-Generation-Mentoring-Program/

We share learning experiences from the program participants as well as inspirational articles written by the mentees.

We shall soon be sharing different offers and opportunities.

Extraordinaire 1:The Mutano story

1. Who is Shiellah A. Muhumuza?

SM: I am a 24 year old creative, with a passion for God, fashion, and solving problems. Currently the lead designer at Mutano-an accessory line that deals in a wide range of hair accessories, necklaces,earings,bags for both men and women, bow ties.

Photo credit:Mutano

2. Why the name Mutano?

SM: Mutano comes from a rukiga word, `ekyomutano’ meaning something unique and the name perfectly represents the brand.

I desired to create products that were unique with both western and local influences since I have experienced both worlds.

3. Mutano`s story

SM: I started making things like earrings, bracelets and simple headbands in 2013 in my first holiday break. I was pursuing a business computing course at Uganda Christian University (UCU).Friends loved my simple things and they encouraged me to grow it into full scale business hence the birth to Mutano in June, 2015.

I started with a sewing machine my parents had given me and a little pocket money from my school days to kick-start off Mutano in 2015. The products I made in 2013 were not with a machine but just my hands.

4. What is Unique about Mutano?

SM: We engage in social entrepreneurship. My mum has a school –Nyamiramah Christian School in Kanungu district where kids pay subsidized fees. Mutano gives a percentage from every product sold to the school, to support the children.

5. What`s your Typical day like?

SM: My days are divided into 3; Workshop, delivery and shopping days.

So on either of those days, I get up and have devotions, cup of tea and then go to work from 10am.

6. Mutano`s future plans?

SM: Mutano `s vision is to mentor and empower young women to save, have practical skills alongside business skills. Giving back in my mum`s school is one step in the right direction. Mutano will be employing ladies to work on the day to day running of the business as they are empowered.

7. What do you do for fun?

SM: I am a foodie so I explore restaurants, watch movies and hang out with friends. Live bands are a must attend for me.

8. Advise for young people

SM: Do what you love to do-nothing is too small. When you start a business ,build your business skills.

9. Social media links….

Fb:mutano

Insta:mutanoug

Racheal Kizza © 2017

Be bold for change

8th March is here and we are celebrating International Women’s day.
The theme for this year is bold for change ;what does this mean for all girls and women out there?

For any change to occur, bold steps have to be made.

Times have changed, as women we have a voice though it is lost in stereotypes ,tradition and other mumbo jumbo.
Don’t get me wrong,I am not against tradition; however I believe in many ways tradition embedded in our culture stands as a blockade for women today.

However, there are women making history each day with what they are doing :some silently ,others on the big screens and receiving worldwide recognition.

I watched the lunch hour news on NTV, there was a story of a one Ms.Kawooya in Luweero who provides a cup of porridge to primary school children.

She decided to take this bold step when she noticed some kids didnt have porridge while others did.And we all know studying on an empty stomach is the worst thing to happen to mankind when in school.
She offered to provide porridge to kids whose parents couldn’t afford the ONLY MEAL they had while at school.

The school has reported an improved performance in last year’s PLE results. She has plans of rearing chicken so she provides each child with an egg in the near future.

Ms.Kawooya doesn’t get paid to do what she does however she has realised that bold steps have to be made for change .

Government can’t ,won’t and will not do everything.
Individuals can change lives if they commit to it right where they are with whatever resources they have.

The reality is,women’s day is going to end and we will have another theme next year.
Question is what will we be doing between now and the next women’s day?Can we make bold and smart steps to be the change we hope for?

The key is in being consistent not just picking up activities and initiatives just because women’s day is here and we need to be seen on social media platforms as doing something.

Be bold for change; join forces with those making bold steps like 40 days 40 smiles, Kyusa,volunteer,give of your time,money and any other resources.

Be consistent in all you commit to do.

#Be bold for change.

Racheal Kizza © 2017