Author - Jammy

1.Your name and what do you do?
My name is Ridhwan Abdallah Ahmed. I am a wedding decorator based in Mombasa.
2.What was the most unique wedding you ever decorated?
A wedding I recently did in Malindi, it was simple but unique in its way.
3.Where do you get your designing styles?
90% percent of the designs & styles are my own, I stay late into the night coming up and drawing new designs. The rest I get from the net where I do modifications to change the looks.
4.What is your secret for staying calm under pressure, and how do you deal with day-of disasters?
Our work has a lot of pressure, there is no way out if you fail. The best thing to do is to relax as you go on with the works, don’t receive calls until you are done.
5.What’s the biggest wedding mishap you’ve ever encountered and how did you deal with it?
My cousin sister’s wedding; we completed the work a little late than expected due to internal and external pressure. I apologized for being overwhelmed.
6.What’s the cost of the average wedding décor in Mombasa?
Wedding decor can be as cheap Kshs 10,000 and as expensive as 150,000 depending on the clients’ taste and requests
7.What have you gone through before this business and currently?
I tried my hands on several businesses and failed but l never gave up because giving up is not my style. All the businesses I did failed after a year or so but here I am Alhamdulillah By Allah’s Grace am rising the tough steps. Believe you me I started this business with only Kshs 3,000, lots of hardship and a raw deal from competitors was what made me strong by the day. I usually believed if they can do it even though they had liquid cash why cant I do it with the little income am generating. I ventured widely deeper into hiring events equipment which made me better than most. My clients are very satisfied with our work which is a reason we are staying above others in the list. Lastly but not least my wife is my pillar of this biz. I owe her everything this biz has achieved.
8.In Mombasa, the wedding halls are limited, what advice would you give to someone wanting a unique location?
Mombasa is the only county in Kenya where Afro Swahili/Arab/Asian weddings take place in halls in big numbers due to the fact that the large populace being Muslim. Due to the respect of tenets of religion many are obliged to do them in halls though there are other outdoor venues where they can be done in that respect too.
9.Being an entrepreneur, What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?
Success comes in many ways but these ways are the best. Be innovative: often come up with newer strategies, products and services and grab opportunities by the horns whenever opportunity knocks. Patience and perseverance and keenness these believe me are the major skills that make an entrepreneur. Be a risk taker as entrepreneurship is all about risk taking but risk it the right way.
10. Parting shot:

Alhamdulillah wassalatu wassalam ala rasulillah. Every business has positive and negative sides of it. Take the positive and be positive. Persevere and be strong. I always believe “Falling and failing Isnt the end of the world” so don’t make it the end of your career . I fell and got up and fell and fell but got up and here I am today rising the business ladders step by step. There is no success if there is no failure.

1.Your name and what do you do?

My names are Abdallah Hassan and am a photographer

2.Who inspires your photography?
Who inspires me? The first photographer I ever remember being inspired by was bobby pal. I still love his work so much.
Karl Taylor, Serge Remelli, bobby pal are a few first for me as well. I was really first drawn to people documenting life and taking honest portraits. Later when I started photography classes I met and took classes with Rahim Mansur Kara and he was a huge inspiration to me as well.
3.What kind of tools do you use for post processing? Explain your work flow.
I use lightoom 5 for most of the editing and adobe photoshop cs5 for retouch. This is how it goes…after importing images in lightroom I have created presets that easen my workflow so I don’t have to cram the exact settings its like copying and pasting editing settings and if am not satisfied then the image is imported to photoshop for retouching and blending.
4.In Mombasa, photography is not well received as Nairobi, what could be the reason?
Mombasa being an Islamic majority state, the prohibition to represent animals and human beings is widely accepted scholars have resented photographic portraits because they feared image worship especially when the picture is hanged on the wall, this norm has been passed down generations thus photography is not popular among this young generation and the few who break this norm and take up photography get little appreciation from others.
5.Name your top three photographers that inspire you.
• Serge remelli
• Karl tylor
• Craig howels
6.Among the gadgets that you own, is there something that you wish you hadn’t bought? Why?
canon 18-135mm lense. I bought this lense from a photographer who claimed it was new. Yes it looked new but I have only used it for 8months now and its not working anymore. What a crap.
7.What is the one thing you wish you knew when you started taking photos?
I wish I knew how to composite images. Although no one can immediately learn how make good composition it takes time and a lot of research you have to watch other photographers work.
8.If you had a chance to start a photography school in Mombasa, what location would you choose?
Old town. Since there is a lot to take pictures and explore and most international photographers come to visit the old town I think they will be much accessible to mentor the students I think this is the best place to start a photography school.
9.Share with us your best picture

This is my best friend fabbio with his kid having fun at the beach

10.Parting shot
This is to other photographers
I think you should shoot what makes you happy, not what you think others want to see. People can see through that.

 
1.Your name and what do you do?
Hussein Omar. Founder and Managing Director – Iman Properties Ltd, Kenya.
I am a techprenuer; specialising with real estate and systematic automation of property management functions.

2.Do you enjoy being an entrepreneur?
So much, it is the most fulfilling angle of my life. Entrepreneurship is one of the most cutting-edge careers a person can get into. I am never satisfied with the status quo, thus the potential and opportunities that entrepreneurship has exposed me to are very huge.

3.Have you ever been employed? If yes, how’s the difference?
I am also employed. In employment, a lot of time is taken to write plans and overanalyzing situations rather than taking action. In entrepreneurship, you invent as you go. Analyzing and integrating the challenges the two sectors offer is what keeps me in balance.

4.Property management is tough, how do you manage it?
With my abled dedicated Team, we involve processes, systems and manpower required to manage the life cycle of all the acquired property including control, accountability, responsibility and maintenance. I am increasingly facilitating this with my latest deployment of a simple web portal that will enhance property management by automating some of the functions. http://www.imanproperties.co.ke/nyumbacenter/login.php

5.What’s the big plan for your business?
The BIG plan for my business is simple, LISTEN TO THE CLIENTS. This will show us which of our products or services provide the most value. With the evolving technology, customer needs change very fast, we constantly plan to evolve, tweaking our business concepts in response to market feedback.

6.What are the trends in real estate to watch out for in Mombasa?
– Joint venture (JV): A joint venture is a business agreement in which the parties agree to develop, for a finite time, a new entity and new assets by contributing equity. They exercise control over the enterprise and consequently share revenues, expenses and assets.
The middle and low income group possessing land are now teaming up with developers to see how they can partner on a Joint venture and overcome high costs of developing house units individually.
– Off plan purchase: Developers are also coming out with concepts where those interested can purchase a house off plan. This gives the purchaser time to raise deposit before project kicks off and amount required to purchase as the project is a work in progress.

7.Would you put your money in Kilifi? There’s lots of good projects there currently.

Anytime of the day.
Kilifi offers everything you need when looking for a location to develop; security, vast arable land for agriculture in Galana, tourism and hotel industry along white sandy beaches in Mtwapa, Kilifi and Malindi, marine national park, game and wildlife reserves, cement factory in Kaloleni and much much more. Kilifi County strategically borders Mombasa to the south, Kwale to the west, Tana River and Lamu to the north. What more can you ask from Kilifi as an investment destination?

8.What project are you currently working on?
I am currently working on two (2) projects: Three (3) Low cost housing typologies and The ‘Rental Property App.’
In shaa Allah the ‘Rental Property App’ will be a game changer in the rentals market. Looking for a rental property will involve 3 simple steps at the comfort of your smart phone: Search | Pay Online | Move in
Landlords/property managing agents can view/update information & details relating to their Rental Properties and Tenants from any location in the world.

9.In Mombasa, more people are constructing multiple story building and renting out. Is this trend profitable in the market?
No, I do not believe so. The numbers on constructing high rise apartments for residential rental units do not tally in my mind. The return on investment on multiple story buildings for residential rentals is very low especially in Mombasa. Furnished apartments with unique living experiences or hostels to accommodate the growing number of students from Universities and colleges in Mombasa offers a better return.

10.Parting shot
It is important to surround yourself with people smarter than you and to listen to ideas that aren’t yours. I’m open to ideas that aren’t mine and people that know what I don’t, because I think success takes communication, collaboration and, most of the times, failure.

Mahfoudh presenting a gift to a new student

1. Your name and what do you do?
   My name is Mahfoudh A. Ammar , A serial Entrepreneur in Higher Education,Science and Technology.C.E.O Ammarcom Institute and Ammarcom Computer Solutions.
2. Are you concerned with the education level in Mombasa?
   Yes,I am,that’s the main reason for our existence as an institution which offers higher learning with quality assurance at heart.
3. What challenges did you face starting Ammarcom institute?
   Financing during the startup process,Accreditation Procedures,high competition rate with existing institutions.
4. Do you connect your graduates with employers?
   Yes We do,That has always been in our system of Higher learning,We guide and support our students through interviews and connect them with prospective employers.
5. Does a teacher create a positive impact on a child?
   Yes, If the teacher focuses to be a role model to the child. At the same time a teacher can impact negative characters on to a child depending on his/her vices.
6. Where do you see Ammarcom Institute ten years from now?
   Ammarcom Institute has been operating for the past 5 years,Our Aim is to offer higher education with quality assurance and guarantee job placements for our new graduates.We see Ammarcom Institute as Private Accredited University serving the whole coastal region and Kenya at large.
7. How can we assist the youth of Mombasa from being radicalized?
   Education is the Key to every problem in the coastal region of Kenya.If Only we could tap the young individuals and take them to vocational training institutions and also guide them through job search and self employment strategies we will definitely have a better Mombasa !
8. Will the digital era impact the education system and learning process?
   Indeed it will, and will definitely reduce the work loads in all departments of educational organizations and the learning process will be more swift and interactive.
9. What packages do offer for new high school graduates?
   We have a wide range of courses for school leavers starting with Computer Literacy.Business,ICT,Languages,Accountancy,Secretarial,Social Sciences,Professional Courses.
10. Parting shot
    Courage doesn’t always roar.sometimes courage is the quite voice at the end of the day saying “I will try Again tomorrow”. Its never too late to get Educated, Join me In the intellectual journey !

1.Your name and what do you do?
My name is Maureen Bandari and I am a fashion blogger based in Mombasa
2.Who inspires your style in fashion?
I draw inspiration from everywhere, it can be people on the streets, on instagram, celebrities or from fellow bloggers locally and internationally. My all time style icon has to be Soraya de carvalho a fashion blogger in the UK. I love her originality and personalized style.
3.Do brand names matter?
Not really. Of course It will always feel good to wear an item from Emilio pucci, Alexander Mcqueen, Michael kors, Balenciaga etc but style is not about brands. You can still shop second hand items and look like a million bucks. It’s all in the pairing, wearing the right outfit at the right time and choosing quality over quantity while shopping.
4.How’s the fashion industry in Mombasa?Fashion in Mombasa has a long way to go if you compare it to Nairobi and other cities across the globe. I guess a big part of that has to do with the weather in that the first thing you think about while dressing up is being comfortable and not necessarily stylish. There are few fashion related events here so somehow fashionistas have no common place to meet and sink in all the style goodness. However, that’s not to say that we are not trying. Slowly but surely we will get there.

5.If you are stepping out for the night in Mombasa, what would you wear?It depends on where I am going. Most of the time I am in short shorts, a fancy decent top, my face all made up, stilettos and a small clutch for my essentials. Once in a while I switch it up with crop tops and skirts or a nice figure hugging dress.

6.Do you have rules when putting outfits together?I try not to match everything, I also don’t wear more than three different colours at the same time, Other than that it’s more of a free style exercise. I change at least three times before I can settle on an outfit sometimes

7.What challenge do you have for fashion blogging in Kenya?When brands want you to work for them for free. People are yet to value the time, creativity and passion bloggers put into their work. Also depending on other people to take photos of you. If you have no photographer you literally have to beg friends and family to snap a few shots of your outfit at one point. Even if you have a photographer like me, sometimes they can fall sick, travel or have unavoidable circumstances that make it impossible to shoot. That equals to no content

8.What’s the biggest tip you have for anyone wanting to start a fashion blog or website?Don’t do something just because people are doing it and you feel you can fit right in. Do something because you have passion for it. Blogging is a lot of work and Sometimes it gets difficult and that love and passion for your work is the only thing that will keep you going. Also stay true to yourself. Don’t be swayed by crowds, be unique and dictate your own terms. lastly, be patient. That’s the best virtue you can have. Things will eventually look up

9.Name three places to shop in Mombasa.
I still shop in Nairobi most of the time but I can name all places I know so far. I recently discovered Kongowea which is huge on second hand items so if you want a bargain, that’s the place. Miss kerre fashions on moi avenue has some nice stuff as well. Mr price can serve those who want current trendy stuff. I visit marikiti for beautiful deras when I need some. Finally, I discovered two online shops on facebook that have physical shops in Mombasa that is complete fashion wear and waridi fashions. They sure have some trendy items
10.Parting shot
I would love to see more fashion oriented events in Mombasa. I know there are so many stylish people and I would love for the fashion industry here to have a voice too. Fashion designers inclusive
Do visit my blog for all things fun,fashion,make up,hair and skin care 

1. Your name and what do you do?

My name is Murad Swaleh and I am a user experience designer at Crablinks Interactive where we build web sites, web apps and mobile apps. I like to build things for the internet that people will use at ease and make their life better.

2. Tell us a childhood moment that you cherish?

Learning to ride a bike taught by my big brother was awesome.

3. What has changed in Mombasa over the years

I have seen people embrace technology and became so passionate about engaging with the community because of technology. The rise of IT Communities like MombasaTech which has helped the community learn from others. Students from different universities have come close because of such gatherings and have been able to produce mobile solutions to companies.

The face of Mombasa has really changed in terms of beautification projects along the main roads and the trucks for garbage have also been helpful in keeping the city clean

4. When was the last time you went to Mama Ngina and what did you do there?

Almost 3 months ago, took my family out to enjoy the breeze and kids have fun on the bouncing castle

5. Do you think technology can help improve service delivery/communication by the county government

Technology can help improve service delivery in many ways. A good example can be a system to provide business permits where one can apply online and get the certificate in an hour. Payment can even be made through mpesa and all the company details will be included in the business permit certificate as for the manual, you will fill all details but the officers do not fill it all.

In communication, we have seen many corporate companies using social media to communicate to their customers. County government can use social media for feedback and any relevant news about the county.

6. If you could teach upcoming techies something, what would it be ?

Website Design.
It’s my passion and at my company, www.crablinks.co.ke we have been taking interns and training them on website design and development. This year, we trained 12 students from different universities and they learnt a lot in website design and am happy to see some of them implementing what they learnt in client products.

7. Give us three random hashtags that describe your life right now

#DesignNerd #Instagrammer #Entrepreneur

8. Mombasa is the landing point of the all submarine cables that bring high speed internet to Kenya. Why isn’t Mombasa the hub then?

Hard question, but to shorten it, I would say companies have been having issues with Mombasa because of guys who are idle and abuse drugs. In Nairobi, people know what they want and are going places to get things done. I think Mombasa has changed a lot right now with people now having their eyes opened and looking for new opportunities. The coming up of tech communities will also bring a difference

9. Android or IOS guy? Why?

iOS is the most advanced OS out there for mobile even though many would not agree with me. As a UX/UI Designer who is very passionate about design, I use tools/gadgets that reflect great design. I have been using Apple products for almost 3 years now and still will.

10. Parting shot
I would like to see more people intermarry. It changes people’s perspective about other tribes and cultures.

1.My name is Winnie Araka. I am a writer- I have self published a book called “No Change”, a blogger- I run the site www.SunsetInAfrica.com, a script writer and an upcoming actress.

2.What do you think about the dating life in Mombasa?
(Giggles) I don’t know much about the dating scene in Mombasa, in fact I don’t know much about the dating scene anywhere, but from the little observations I have made I believe that dating in Mombasa is a bit laid back, “bila pressure” more so because girls are very conservative here and the guys are abit shy, unlike in say, Nairobi where guys are very aggressive and girls are quite liberal.

3. Are there places in Mombasa that inspire you to write – or be creative? How so?

This is a hard one. I can’t really say there is a specific place that inspires me. My ideas come from anywhere and at the most weird of places. It could be in a Jav on my way home, while having a discussion with my friends, while having a shower….you get the drift? My ideas come anywhere and out of nowhere really. I could go for weeks without anything to write about and then one morning while preparing breakfast, Bam! Although I must admit chilling at Light House really does something for my soul and writing too.

4. Are you a realist or a dreamer

I have and always will be a dreamer! Dreams keep me going. Reality is too harsh! Who needs reality in this short, short life? Not me. Seriously.

5. If you could be a character from a book, who would you be?

Why chose one if I can have two? I love African literature so I’ll chose Ihuoma from Elechi Amadi’s “The Concubine,” because I really do believe true love never ends well and Akoko Obanda from Margret Ogola’s “The River and the Source.” Now that was a super strong woman right there.

6. What is the most unusual thing that has happened to you in Mombasa

So one day I was in Mama Ngina (light house) all by myself having ice cream when I felt a sharp slap across my face. I looked up and saw……no one! (Laughs hysterically) I got you there, didn’t I? No really, much as I’m trying to think, I can’t remember anything unusual happening to me in Mombasa.

7. #mydressmyright what are your sentiments

Those thugs using African Culture as a reason to strip women should just stop already. You worship a God that was introduced to you by the white man. You stopped being African a long time ago and turned your back to anything African. You call yourselves names that have no meaning whatsoever in your culture; you have no respect for family, don’t uphold family values and have the audacity to strip women in the name of culture? Just die already.

8.How do you deal with others stealing your work as a blogger?

So far four of my articles have already been stolen by different bloggers. The first time it happened I was shocked and a bit angry but with time I’ve learnt to look at the positives. I take it as a compliment. After all, they say imitation is the best form of flattery.

9. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

I want to be among Kenya’s best script writers and a blogger like none the land ever saw.

10. Parting shot

Patience pays.

1. Your name and what do you do?
I am Fikrah Teule,
A Recording artist, poet and Social Activist based in Mombasa, Kenya.

2. What do you like the most about Mombasa?
The calm atmosphere, vibrant culture and the easy lifestyle that accommodates people of all walks of life.
It’s always cool to be in this amazing place, most people think Mombasa is slow but I tend to differ because time is of the essence to those who know that it waits for no man.

3. Your favorite place in Mombasa?
Old Town any day, it’s nostalgic and relaxed away from the hustle bustle of the CBD, the only noise you get to hear is that of the passing by tuk-tuks and children playing around.
Then we have various spots and joints in North Coast because I prefer to hangout near town during weekdays, South Coast has good places too but that has to be planned and mostly over a long weekend.

4. Describe your music?
Sublime & inspirational lyrics laced over soulful beats.

5. Who inspires your music?
My list has got many, from Scholars, Writers, Activists, Great leaders to fellow Musicians.
Ali Mazrui, Steve Biko, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Fela Kuti, Oliver Mtukudzi and Eric Wainaina are among the people who inspire my music.

6. Tell us about your album Falsafa Za Mwendapole.
I like to believe that this is one of my historic moments in life and I hope there many to follow.
As the title suggests, it has taken me hard-work, determination, patience and persistence to get to where I am today even though the journey is ongoing, I am happy with the progress thus far and thank God for that.

7. Tell us about some of the under-appreciated coastal artistes.
I am not in a position to speak on behalf of other artists but all I can say is, believe in yourself and people will believe in your work, respect and appreciate other artists as well.

8. Is Mombasa a good place for artists
That depends with the music genre, audience, growth and development plan an individual artist has. Mombasa is good and has it’s unique challenges that not many artists can rise up to, again that’s what refine an artist as long as one stays on course and never loses focus through the struggle.

9. Mombasa was once a cultural hub in East Africa, do you think the county government has a role in improving this stature
Yes, The County Government and Mombasa residents have a role to play in making Mombasa shine again in East Africa as a cultural hub it once was.
We have the resources and will so nothing is impossible if we get the visionary leadership needed in place and put them to task.

10. Parting shot
Play your part in life, seize the opportunity and God bless you!