This week Ziada and Mary Ann talk with Wambui JL the creator of Hairpolitian Lifestyle, an online magazine that focuses on African women who have or want to return to their natural hair.

We talk following your gut as a way to do business, almost giving up (but not quite), sharing your struggles to inspire others (and also get support) and the way that creative ideas emerge at 3 in the morning (we don’t know why!).

 

Wambui JL is a natural lifestyle and creative entrepreneur based in Nairobi, Kenya. Wambui also has a passion for women in business and she moderates panels for events that seek to uplift women in that space. She’s a Graphic Designer by profession and over the years has used her expertise to give brand consultations to individuals and companies alike.

Photo of Wambui by Photos by Jeri 

Get in touch with Wambui JL and Read Hairpolitan

Wambui JL
Facebook: WambuiJL
Instagram: WambuiJL
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Twitter: Hairpolitan

Ziada tells Mary Ann all about the upcoming Nywele Natural & Beauty Expo which Kipilipili are part of organising in Dar es Salaam. We find out what visitors can expect at the show and why the organisers have chosen to focus on natural products made as locally as possible as well as offering women a chance to learn from exhibitors and experts about the natural hair and beauty challenges they face!

This is the first of a two part launch episode in which we introduce you to the women behind Change Making Women.

TOPICS WE DISCUSS IN THIS EPISODE

    • What Kipilipili means and why Ziada believes it is so important to love your natural hair
    • How Kipilipili has grown organically from a simple idea about sourcing products to a business with a change making mission behind it
    • Working with a partner  – and tips about how to make it work if you are already friends
    • The huge importance and benefits – of listening to your audience
    • How Ziada is maximising social media channels to expand the impact of Kipilipili
    • Mixing making a difference with a business that provides what real women actually want

Some Quotes from the show:

‘Love your natural hair’

We are learning as we go along – it’s been a beautiful journey so far’

‘Especially Instagram is really big in Tanzania, people do business on Instagram a lot’

‘What we are really telling you is not to alter your natural hair, you don’t have to change yourself’

‘We are very much data driven, our inspiration comes from women who give us feedback’