Author - Jammy

Your name and what do you do?

Rehema Madzumba I own a herbal beauty products company called Zola.

Tell us about Zola.

It’s an upcoming beauty company that manufactures herbal hair skin and facial products.

Hair growth oil – contains a blend of different natural oils which are good for the hair. It nourishes the hair making it strong and healthy . Gives the hair a shine. Reduces premature graying of hair. Makes the hair fuller and longer.

Moringa cream- contains moringa oil,coconut oil,black seed oil and Hair growth oil – contains a blend of different natural oils which are good for the hair. It nourishes the hair making it strong and healthy. Gives the hair a shine. Reduces premature graying of hair. Makes the hair fuller and longer.

Moringa cream- contains moringa oil,coconut oil,black seed oil and honey. It makes the skin firm and smooth. Clears marks on the skin. Clears stretch marks with time. Makes the skin look radiant with a natural glow.

Liwa and turmeric soap- contains sandalwood turmeric and black seed. Helps in clearing acne. Reduces occurrence of acne. Makes ones face smooth. Gives a natural glow. Makes the skin firm and smooth. Clears marks on the skin. Clears stretch marks with time. Makes the skin look radiant with a natural glow.

What inspired you to start?

I had acne problems and thinning hair the process of finding the solution to my problems was my inspiration.

What challenges did you encounter as a woman entrepreneur?

As a young lady in business most of the people don’t take me serious and also most of the people try to steal your idea.

What resources did you use to start Zola?

I started with the little savings I had saved while in campus.

Do you export your products?

Currently I don’t but soon I will be.

Do you utilize the online space for Marketing to sell your products?

Yes I do I have a facebook page called Zola beauty products.

How hard or is it easy to find ingredients?

It was hard a first but now I have planted all the products I use.

Do you participate in women empowerment projects to empower young girls?

Yes I do.

Parting shot

Anything is possible when one puts effort.

Contact Rehema : rehemamadzumba@gmail.com

Your name and what do you do?

Aashni Piyush Sawjani  (AS). I am the photographer /cofounder/co owner at infinity photography and a part time law student .

Ankit Parmar (AP). I am a full time photographer/owner/founder at Infinity Photography

What other type of photography do you do apart from Wedding photography?

AS: We do anything and everything. We specialize in weddings. But other than that we do customized shoots too. Be it for newborns, kids, maternity, families, couples or even pets and solo portraits. We also do product and model portfolios as well as events and parties

AP: We specialize in wedding photography, but we also do model portfolios, parties and events as well as product/business portfolios.

How is photography perceived in Mombasa?

AS: Having lived in Kenya all my life, but studied in the UK, I can say the perception of photography in Mombasa has a long long way to progress. For most people photography is still about standing in a row staring into the camera lens and getting a picture clicked. We have had instances when people have told us they didn’t like the pictures because they were too candid.

Yes, it is progressing, people now focus on smaller details of events, and they want candid photography as opposed to the scripted poses. People are more open to experimenting. But there is still a long way to go

AP: I have lived in Mombasa all my life, and overtime I can at least admit that the perception towards photography is slowly changing but there is still a long way to go. Albeit its growth, you still come across people who think photography is only about big equipment just taking a photo, but there is still a long way to go. People suddenly claim to be photographers but they forget that it is not about just the DSLR. There is a process after too. The editing.

Furthermore, we still get people who want good work but at ancient costs.

Yes the capital- Nairobi has more scope for growth, but perceptions are changing slowly

Does your gender difference affect your business?

AS: In many ways. Yes.

I am the only Hindu girl doing photography probably in Mombasa. And for a girl to be seen late out at night taking pictures at a party is ‘awkward’ sometimes they ask only for Ankit

In other instances my gender helps in getting the job. As they need a female photographer only. It has its perks and lows like all jobs. But I wish it wasn’t my Gender that affected the jobs we get or don’t get. And it was solely based on the kind of work we do.

AP:  In some ways, yes. With a lot of males out there who are also in the business a lot of comparison is a lot of comparison that happens in the initial stages of discussions and meetings with clients, it is then up to me to show them my work and convince them that my style is different and the work is good.

Furthermore, a lot of events we cover need a female photographer only making it another difficult problem to tackle on my own if my partner is away on a different job or unavailable at that time

How does it feel working together?

AS: Working together is always amazing. I have known Ankit for 8 years out of which for 3 years we have been business partners. It is always good working with someone you are friends with. Not only does it make the work load less but the work seems more like a big party.

AP: It’s a great feeling, we both love photography and we are not just business partners but friends too. So every event we cover is like a fun party that we are both attending. Yes we have our differences. Her editing style is different to mine. She prefers smaller details I like capturing faces but I think that is what makes our work so unique. We are two different people with 2 different ideas and mindsets coming together to make one big final picture

How do you deal with the culture, where a male and female working together is considered taboo?

AS: It has been hard. Being the daughter of someone well known and respected in town, moreover, being an Indian girl, doing photography with a man it has been challenging. When we started off people were more concerned about the kind of relation we share professionally as opposed to the work we do. The community was cautious when hiring us. And there were instances when even our parents had been asked questions that would make a normal person squirm.

It is rather sad actually, in a world that is progressing so fast the genders of 2 business partners impact the kind of work they do. It was definitely very hard in the beginning, but eventually, our parents, our close friends, and us aswell, told ourselves, that we should stop paying attention to these things. We just kept going doing what we did. We took the negativity in our stride and worked to better ourselves, and today the same people who were more concerned about this boy-girl partnership are the ones waiting for a booking.

Through this we definitely learnt. People are going to talk. You just got to believe in what you are doing and hope that one day the work you do will be enough.

AP: Initially it used to annoy me. Because more than the work we did, it was our relation as business partners that people were more concerned about. It is unfortunate that in such day and age these barriers and taboos exist. But Aashni and I have both decided the best way to deal with this is to let people talk and ignore them. We just look past it and do what we love with the hope that one day our work itself will be enough to break past these barriers

What is the most challenging part about being a photographer?

AS: The whole process actually. People think photographers do nothing. They just come. Click pictures. Print them and give them to you.

They forget that we face competition from 20 other photographers; they forget that our equipment cost fortunes. They forget that while they dance and enjoy the event we are constantly on our feet battling aunties and kids to try get decent shots and starving. And even then, after the event is over, we spend hours in front of a laptop screen editing and compiling pictures.

Other than that, I think, trying to make each and every photography job different and unique from the previous job. Its missions

AP: I think personally for me it is the editing process. Taking the pictures is the easy thing. But after the events are over and everyone else is going about their merry lives, we spend countless hours and sleepless nights getting the final product ready. Making sure we are delivering the absolute best work and still making it stand out- keeping it unique. It can be a tedious job.

Tell us 3 best photography tips that help in getting the best shot

AS: For the photographer?

You need to be fast. There are so many moments and expressions that you can capture in an event. Often times the photographer isn’t fast or attentive. And miss out a potentially amazing picture. Speed matters

Patience.  Events can go on for hours. Sometimes to get that one picture you have to take 20 others. Patience is essential

Knowledge- I think doing background research, communicating with the clients, asking them of what they want etc is essential.  In order to deliver a perfect job

For clients?

Smile. More often than not people get so caught up they forget to smile. If you want a perfect picture, smile.

Be confident. If the client is happy in their own body and not cautious their photographs shine

Wear something comfortable- often times in attempts to looks stylish clients sacrifice their comfort which shows in their pictures too.

AP: Communicate- it is so vital to have clear communication between the photographer and client so we understand exactly what you need and can help you achieve exactly that.

Laughter- if you can get the people in front of your frame or even those around you to loosen up and just be comfortable you have conquered half the battle

Confidence- in myself as the photographer as well as for the clients too.

If I am not confident with my work, it will show. I will not be able to instruct my client to stand a certain way or to smile more and in the end the photos turn up dull and lifeless.

Likewise as clients be confident, your photographer is being paid to do a good job. Stop stressing, stand straight, look into the lens, and smile more. And you will see the difference

Share your best photos

Parting shot

AS Thank you so much for this interview. We have lost many opportunities as mentioned above because of us being 2 people. People only want to often interview one or the other, so thank you

Other than that, make sure you hire us! I kid. It has been a roller coaster ride. We have had our ups and downs but the growth of infinity makes my heart bema with pride it’s so nice to see clients appreciate our work. And it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our families. We can only hope that we can keep delivering and doing what we do for years to come.

AP: It has been a good three years. Progress has been slow but we are thankful. We pride to deliver quality and be accommodating as photographers. We love people and being a part of celebrations. We understand the importance of photographs being captured as a way to store memories forever. We can only thank the almighty for giving us the strength and ability to look past the problems and carry on with this journey.

For More of their work check their website : http://infinityphotography.co.ke/

Your name and what do you do?

My name is Mohamed Seif. I am a communications officer with the Kuza Project

What is the Kuza project?

Kuza is a three year UKaid sponsored project through the Department for International Development      (DFID) that tackles youth unemployment through a combination of skills development and market development interventions aiming to benefit marginalised young people in Mombasa County

Has Mombasa County partnered with Kuza Project to provide assistance to the youth of Mombasa? What are the projects

Yes, the County Government is a key partner to the Kuza project alongside other players as well. We are all working together to promote employment for the youth.

Regarding the projects, we have the new six Labour Market Information and Training Centres [which have been branded Imarisha Vijana centres] operating across the County with one centre serving each of the six constituencies in Mombasa. These are places where young people can go to and access a range of training services either in business skills, career skills training, mentoring and coaching in addition to some referral services such as workplace attachments and referrals to vocational training programmes.

In market development, Kuza is working with the County to develop Mombasa Invest, a new investment unit which the County would use as the vehicle to reach out to potential investors who can invest locally and create jobs for our people. There are also some interventions in the micro retail and waste management areas involving some innovative business models where Kuza is working with both small scale businesses, organised youth groups and companies to help grow their businesses, generate more opportunities and create more jobs.

Tell us about three projects you have worked on that were successful?

I’ve had quite a successful stint practicing journalism. When starting out as a writer you often have to contend with a sense of insecurity as far as your work is concerned, but thank God I worked hard and proved myself even in the estimation of others and in process I managed, as a freelancer, to have my work published in a leading national newspaper. And the sum total of all that brought me to where I am today.

I’ve also worked with a charitable early education institution previously where I was part of the team which developed its first communications strategy, a move that proved very instrumental in marketing the project to the donor community with positive results. Today the institution is a fully fledged primary school facility.

And while Kuza Project is still a work in progress the fact that Kuza managed to train over 2000 youths in skills such as business & entrepreneurship and career skills training in addition to creating over 500 jobs in Mombasa by end of 2015 that is an achievement myself and all my colleagues at Kuza are proud of so far.

In terms of education, the universities in Mombasa have limited programs for students to choose from. Do you think this affects as to why we have low percentage of graduates?

I don’t think so, the low numbers of graduates in Mombasa cannot be attributed to limited courses alone. I believe its credited to a combination of factors.

Are there enough resource centers (career centers/youth centers) for the youth in Mombasa?

No, and that’s part of the reason which led Kuza to support set-up of the Imarisha Vijana centres

What kinds of decisions are most difficult for you?

Wow, did you really have to ask this! But let’s see, ummmm……eeeehhhhh……..answering this is the most difficult, you know. hehehe. Okay, there are many decisions which would qualify as difficult but I think those I dread the most would be decisions around financial issues. There you have it.

How do you balance between life and work?

By living my life to the fullest when not working and working hard when It’s working time

Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

Inshaallah I like seeing myself running my own business, though only Allah knows better.

Parting shot

Thank God for everything. Love and respect your parents. And work hard, always

Your Name and what do you do?

My name is Hatim Hassanali. I’m a Cinematographer / Director / Filmmaker / Journalist / Educator and Advertising & Media Consultant. Also the CEO of Mara Moja Productions International Ltd, a full service advertising, film and digital media agency creating world-class content for clients who value innovation. Mara Moja Productions is headquartered in Mombasa, Kenya, with branches in 15 cities worldwide.

Why did you choose to be a cinematographer?

I’ve always had a passion for photo, film and entertainment in general. My great grandfather used to be a photographer and filmmaker in Zanzibar. My father had a passion for photo and video, so I basically grew up around a bunch of gear to play around with. Within no time, I knew this is what I wanted to do with my life. All I did was accept my calling.

Have you worked on International movies?

Yes indeed. There’s several short and feature films I’ve worked on in Canada, England and the US. As well as feature documentaries in Kenya, Somalia and Iraq.

For Example : Modern Conventions of Love Making

Factory Blues & Reds

Pixels

Foot In The Door

Flashpoint

An Almost Epic Month

Answers On The Other Side

You work between Kenya and Canada, what are the differences in work challenges do you face?

The first challenge would be communication. Being literally all over the place, communicating with my team in over 15 cities globally starts becoming a challenge due to different time zones and conditions. At times I see myself up all night communicating and collaborating with my team on the other end of the world. The main difference between Canada and Kenya would be time, things move a lot faster in Canada, out here in Kenya, I feel there’s a slight slack and with that, quality suffers. But things are changing. We’re constantly working on picking out the right team members and ensuring the same standard of quality is maintained throughout our bases.

What makes a movie good?

Well, I could sit here and write you a 200 page novel on that, but here’s the skinny. Good story, good visuals, good sound. And of course, a good crew, as a lot goes into making a great film. What you see on your screen took weeks, months or even years, to plan and execute.

Any upcoming projects we should know about?

I’m currently working on two a short films titled ‘Lucky Luke’ and ‘Sandwich’, followed by a feature film that begins shooting in November. Stay tuned for that.

In Mombasa, the film industry is now picking up. What advice would you give to other directors?

The first thing I’ll say is stay true to yourself and your surroundings. Secondly, keep it simple, make do with what you have. If you’re unable to afford an explosion in your film, scrap the explosion. I’m not saying don’t do the impossible, but if you are planning on it, make sure its done correctly rather than doing it for the sake of. Third, it’s never about the camera and gear you’re shooting on, make do with what you have. I’ve shot films on iPhones and Blackberries and I’ve shot on Alexas and Reds, what matters most is how you make use of the gear you have. Lastly, before anything technical, have a good story. Nothing is original in this day and age. Most stories have already been told, but you have the power to tell it differently, use it.

In terms of cinematographers, who inspires you?

There’s very many cinematographers who inspire me, but my top 7 would be Gordon Willis, Emmanuel Lubezki, Roger Deakins, Dean Semler, Rodrigo Prieto, Jeff Cronenweth and Bobby Bukowski.

Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

I think I see myself doing the same thing I’m doing now, at a larger scale of course and with an Oscar sitting on my desk.

Parting shot

The only motto for me is: This might not work, but I’m about to do it anyway. I don’t want to waste your time with mediocre generic experiences. Your mind should be blown every single time you see my work. And I believe everyone should have the same mentality. Challenge the basic, challenge yourself, challenge the world.

Follow my work and adventures on

www.facebook.com/HatimHOfficial

www.instagram.com/hatimhassanali

www.twitter.com/hassanalihatim

www.hatimruinedmyfilm.com

www.imdb.me/hatimhassanali

Your name and what do you do?

My Name is Alfred M. Mwakio a Kenyan, and a proud son of the Island Mombasa.

I work with the County Government of Mombasa in the Ministry of Youth, Gender & Sports as the Executive Assistant or PA -CECM

How long have you worked at Ministry of Youth, Gender and Sports- Mombasa County?

In general I started working with the Ministry of Transport & Infrastructure for a year then when my Boss Hon. Mohammed Abbas was reshuffled to the Ministry of Youth, Gender and Sports he tagged himself with me. So I have served the YGS department for a year and the County Government of Mombasa for 2 years and half now.

Tell us three things that you have accomplished in the last two years?

The 3 things I have accomplished is;-

1) I initialized or I’m the Co- Founder of a movement dubbed #WordToTheYouth my brain child initiative whereby the objectives are multi sectoral movement for a National Transformation aiming;-

*To promote national cohesion

*Mentoring/Inspiring

*Nurture/ Equip/ Develop value based leaders

*Skills development for improved Livelihoods & sustainable development

*Social economic empowerment of the youth, women & PWD’s

2) I’m the first Youth to write a proposal that will change the system in which the Youth, Women & People living with disabilities will represent themselves to the Government bodies and will serve as a bridge between the two. Through the dossier it will give them platform to stand tall and be counted as they get to taste the piece of the County cake from the grassroots level fairly.

3) I serve a good example to my fellow youth as a ROLE MODEL through my life history, humble beginning and life experience as I raise the ball a notch higher and set the standard for my fellow Youth to follow suit.

What quality of yours or personal trait matters the most in your career?

My personal trait that matters the most in my career is LOYALTY, INTEGRITY & REPETITION of my work which is to deliver good services to all citizens without being bias of the status background, religion, race, tribe and etc.

The Art scene (Poetry/spoken word/Painting/Plays) in Mombasa has grown in the past year, what is the Ministry planning on promoting artist?

I won’t give much detail to what the Department is planning on promoting artist because its beyond my job description & will be bridging protocol but as a County Staff and a Youthful  Leader I can confirm proudly that the County Government of Mombasa under our Governor, role model and Mentor H.E the Governor Hassan Ali Joho has allocated a good budget this financial year 2015/2016 to the Department and has  made sure there is sustainable and equitable social economic empowerment of youth, women & PWD’s so as to nurture talents & create platforms as we empower them with entrepreneurship skills to be job creators other than job seekers.

High number of Youth in Mombasa are jobless, is that due to no Jobs, or lack of skills (Education)?

The high rate of unemployed youth in Mombasa County according to my research is due to lack of Skills.

As a resident and youthful leader from County 001 I’m proud to have come from this magical Island with a rich history full of exploration, spices trading, dynamic battles and a Cosmopolitan and ever expanding County with access to an extensive labor face. Mombasa boasts a functional literacy rate of 96% in its youthful population, nearly half of whom have travelled to Mombasa to find work or study. Mombasa is a home to multiple universities and vocational training centers. While well-established industries have created pools of skilled labor.

Let me break the ice berg and name a few reasons that cause high number of unemployment in this County;-

* Rural -Urban migration influx of unemployed youth from other Counties to Mombasa in such of greener pastures. Note;- Mombasa is a Metropolitan County.

*Lack of proper information that is being offered by the labor market

*High numbers of school leavers Vis a Vis in relation to the number of job opportunity in the labor market

*Issue of Attitude most youth don’t want to do manual jobs they are looking for white collar jobs which are less available in the market.

* Another factor is that the Government policy which are not conducive to the growth of local industries e.g. High Taxation, Neema

*Lack of credit facilities to the Youth coz of security or guarantee.

Do you think Women entrepreneurs have increased in Mombasa? And are they marketing themselves well?

I think Women Entrepreneurs have increased in Mombasa, a good example is most of the tendering are handled by Women and even bigger business companies. The girl child education in Mombasa has empowered many with skills that they implement. As we have also seen the Women are becoming family bread winners in most families and ladies taking the jobs that long were perceived to be for men like Job supervision, Directors, photographers and many more.

In terms of marketing I think they are on the right track depending with the business but I believe women do better marketing than Men.

Where do you see Mombasa in the next 10 years?

In the next 10 years I see Mombasa as a Major Business Hub.

As we all know Mombasa has been known as ‘the city of Merchants’ due to its location, strategical placed midway between South Africa and the Middle East, So I believe in the next 10 years Mombasa being the gateway to East & Central Africa will be the Major Business Hub coz it’s on the right channel of becoming the most efficient and expansive transportation network in the region through long standing trade and transportation hub which is a testament to the healthy infrastructure that allows for the ready transport of goods to and from Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Eastern DRC, Northern Tanzania, South Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia.

County Government of Mombasa through our able Governor H.E Hassan Ali Joho is constantly working to expand its business services for Local and International markets through different sustainable projects that benefit & gives a priority to its resident ‘Normal Mwananchi’

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

In the next 10 years from now through God, I see a bright future coz I have dedicated my time to giving back to the community whereby I’m learning more that will help me in the nearby future.

My Work speaks for itself, the rest I live it to God.

Parting shot

My message is very simple plant a seed in a fertile soil, water it with carefulness and let it grow in a favorable environment and you will get a strong, fruitful, and everlasting tree. Similarly, Youth who are in an encouraging environment, surrounded by a strong support system, when given the chance can unleash their potential on the whole world. #WordToTheYouth