I think it was around November, 2014 when I saw on Amani Institute's twitter handle about an organization seeking social entrepreneurs to support. I applied and didn't quite think I would get through because I hadn't really started making an impact in terms of the number of girls whose school fees I'd helped pay. I'd sold some stuff and at the time it was just stickers and scarves, but not enough to make a meaningful contribution. I'm not even making any money out of this to cover my own bills! My savings are quickly running out. Long story short, in Jan I was selected. We were 18 social entrepreneurs from all over Kenya. Basically we were going to get free training on running a social enterprise, logo and website creation if you needed it. Legal support and $250 to test your ideas/register your business as a company.
I really appreciated this opportunity because it was like an indication to me that I was on the right path. I met some brilliant people doing amazing things and even made a few friends who I've been in touch with ever since. My favorite is this guy called Mapesa, he's looking to have digital villages across the country to bridge the digital divide. This guy is consumed by his idea. He never talks about anything else and that is why I like him. I like people who are passionate about what they're doing. Another one was a lady called Teresa Njoroge who was falsely incarcerated when working at the bank and now she started her enterprise to support women get jobs when they leave the prisons. She has won several awards and I just admire her. When I grow up....
.lol
(
i'm second from left, standing)
However, it was also tough for me and draining at some point. I had to REALLY THINK about what I was doing and see whether it was the right path to take. We needed to come up with 100 ideas of solving the problem we're trying to solve. For me it was paying school fees for girls in high school. As we speak, I'm pivoting my ideas and big things are coming soon. I feel like I'm on the right path.
It was also difficult because of the group dynamics in the sense that sometimes you get into a place and sense that there is some tension especially among women and some guys too! Some people try to make you feel less than good in subtle ways which makes no sense at all to me. We're not even working in the same industry to say that we're
competitors! I just thought it was stupid but I shook them off Taylor Swift style;). I have significant experience with haters ;) who are sometimes even seniors to me! It's crazy!!! It's as if they want you to break. Some sadistic types. You see, the thing is, my confidence has grown over the years and I have learnt to project myself with confidence around people. Some people may take it as arrogance which I believe is actually a reflection of their own insecurities, and because they don't know how far I've come. They have no clue about the pain and rejection I've had to go through to develop this thick skin. They probably imagine it's been all roses and candies for me. My battles deserve a book and maybe one day I will put them in a book. For now I'll just say, I believe in God, myself and in my calling. I'm definitely not perfect and I don't even want to be. A lot of things happened that I wouldn't want to discuss in depth in my blog because I'm moving on and plus it's just embarrassing to see what massive egos can make people resort to. I have a purpose to fulfill dammit, so I choose to FOCUS. I believe in respect for others and uplifting those around me because I believe in doing that, I'm sowing a good seed that I will one day reap. You know what they say about Karma. However, I withdraw from those who don't want to share the love. They'd rather just be haters. I tend to have a good judgement of character and I know it doesn't matter what level of success you have, whether you are a CEO or a gardener, if you have no character and if you're the kind of person to delight in seeing others in misery, you're dead to me (like Kevin O. Leary says it, Shark Tank fans you know what I mean :)).
Okay, clearly I needed to let this off my chest. To my readers, I want to encourage you and remind you that no one fights losers, and if no one's talking about you then you're probably not making an impact. Be strong, even Jesus had haters ;)
Tip: Listen to good music. My favorite is Divine Sorrow by Wycleaf Jean ft Chidinma,
Shaa et al and
Elani songs. Also, surround yourself with quality people (QP), the kind who support you and can also be critical
with you. But be very careful, some people only support you because they're being politically correct when in a group. Learn the difference. If you haven't found QP keep searching, you will find them and most importantly BE ONE.
Blessings,
Lila
