LIFE
CHANGING
EXPERIENCE
| JANUARY - MARCH 2019
THE
9th EDITION | KSH 300
YOUTH WITH A FUTURE
HEALTH:The Treasure Of Life SAM THE SALONIST :
Hair Designer with a Passion
SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT: Living For God
Fashion & Style: The
Perfect Shot
HELLEN MUTHONI GOSPEL MUSICIAN WITH A MISSION
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CONTENTS
The Favourite Magazine | Issue 9
6
Feedback
24-25
The perfect shot
8-13
28-29
GOOD HEALTH: THE TREASURE OF LIFE
HELLEN MUTHONI
14-15 18-19
31 Chicken Casserole Recipe
4 | The Favourite
Achieving Milestones SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT SAM THE SALONIST
20-22
EDITORIAL
COUNTING BLESSINGS Hello readers! So year 2018 has come full circle and we now have a brand new year 2019. We have turned the page and our pens are poised to write even better things on the days ahead of us. Despite the January blues, my challenge is that you take stock of your life! Dag Hammarskjold stated that the longest journey is the journey inward. But this is the right time to have a quiet time with yourself away from all the rush of festivities. Even as you review your new year resolutions list, could you create a list of all the blessings in your life? We are living in a world that is moving rather fast around us, leaving us reeling in the realities, pressures, expectations and negativity that is life today. We thus require a motivation to make us rise every morning and enjoy all we have to do. What better things than reciting to ourselves the blessings we have, just like the A,B,C…Z. chart we religiously chanted in our formative years. King David in Psalms 21 exalted God for all the good things He had granted him and we should borrow a leaf. Someone advised, “Don’t make such thorough plans for rainy days that you don’t enjoy today’s sunshine!" As year 2018 sped past, we saw many receiving cheers for their accomplishments in the world stage. Our Kenyan Eliud kipchoge the marathoner, broke the record in the London marathon on 22nd April, Berlin marathon 16th September and as the year ended he was named the athlete of the year in the world. An African American rapper Kendrick Lamar received the Pulitzer Prize for
music. Nice Nailantei was recognized internationally for her crusade against FGM by Times Magazine amongst other great people and this young Maasai lady made her mark. Meghan Markle married into royalty as she tied the knot in the wedding of the year with Prince Harry and became Duchess of Sussex. The list could go on and on and yet your name isn’t there! So you wonder what went wrong. Why didn't the lucky break come? Worry not, for surely you are blessed. When you wake up every morning and report to your work station and earn your daily bread, you are indeed lucky even if it means hassling all day long. When you take that phone and say hello to a friend or relative who has remembered you or sit for a chit chat over coffee, don’t take it for granted. When you look back at the difficult times you went through and say you have made it through, that is a plus. When you held someone’s hand and gave them a smile and hope, you achieved a lot. So readers, I wish you a prosperous new year. Let us learn to appreciate the moon, the sun and the stars that we encounter in our daily lives. Be more positive and thankful this year. Shalom!
Suzie Editor in chief
The Favourite | 5
FEEDBACK
Disclaimer
The Favourite Magazine is a publication of Favourite Suzie Enterprises. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited, while every care is taken in preparation of The Favourite Magazine. The publisher cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information held herein or any consequences arising from it. All photographs taken are assumed to be publishing in the magazine and the publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material.
Photographers:
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Urban Studio
Stylists:
Njeri, Wambui from Ruthex Salon.
Creative design & layout
AMD Studios
Executive editor Suzie
Susannjau3@gmail.com
Distribution Manager Wangui Njau
Publishers
Suzie favourite enterprises To advertise with us 0735013552 Share your comments with us, write to "THE FAVOURITE MAGAZINE" Email:susannjau3 @gmail.com.What do you think of this issue of The favourite magazine? Let us know what is on your mind , please include your name as it may appear in print.
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Inspiring Lives
HELLEN MUTHONI
GOSPEL MUSICIAN WITH A MISSION: MELODIES with A HEAVENLY TOUCH By Suzie
Cover model: Hellen Muthoni Wardrobe: Ellah Empire 0799201222 Make-up: glam_with_carey Photography: Tarrelgraphy Location: After40 Hotel 8 | The Favourite
Inspiring Lives Music is the universal language of love and beautiful melodies calm turbulent waters and lift us to higher levels of ecstasy. No wonder, all pupils in their English compositions know the time-tested starter. The birds were singing their beautiful melodious songs as I woke up …it is no wonder that anywhere you go, everyone is donning earphones as they listen to songs they have downloaded. So, what are your music favorites? In comes a youthful, dynamic, energetic, anointed gospel singer who is actively engaging our musical space in Kenya. Hellen Muthoni brings the splendor of God’s grace on Inooro TV every Sunday morning with DJ Covenant on “Rurumuka.” Recently, you hear her belting out the Kenyan anthem in Gikuyu with other musicians. Possibly, you have encountered her in a variety of events doing what she loves best gospel gigs. You are then awed by this beautiful girl, so full of life and clothed with the glory of taking the lord’s side in a world where such beauties are turning to slay queens and literally painting the town red! I met Hellen in the elegant Nairobi Hotel “After 40.” Her openness and genuine smile and zeal for life radiated warmth all around and I really didn't know where to start. When the story began to flow, it dawned on me that even Cindarella in that famous fairy tale had seen dark times before that clock hit midnight. Hellen is the third born of four siblings: elder sister ,brother, herself and their last born brother. Life was normal until some crazed minds targetted the US government and terrorists brought down the US embassy and its neighboring Ufundi Sacco building. Nairobi was hell on earth. Kenya and Tanzania were caught up in this mammoth disaster that sent ripples of devastation left and right. As the debris in Nairobi were being cleared, an innocent standard three child experienced the claws of evil as she looked at her father’s casket. Her beloved dad was a victim of the bomblast and though death was a foggy subject to a child, her heart was in anguish. The sadness, futility, finality, helplessness of grief stole her childhood forever.
Her mother became the greatest casualty as she sank into such a debilitating depression that she could no longer take care of herself and her children. Hellen recalls the dark period that saw them move from their home to her grandmother’s home in Nyeri county, Karatina , Gatondo village. She was brought up by her distraught mother and her poor grandmother. But there was love, security of belonging and Christian values that gave her a footing. She knows what dire poverty is as making ends meet was a tall order. Her mother could not go out to earn their upkeep and with her kid brother so vulnerable, young Hellen took up the role of bringing him up. She matured first enough. Changing fortunes meant walking barefoot and doing without the comforts of life. But as she looks back to that desert experience, she gleans a lasting lesson. Her character formation was positive. She became responsible, independent and trusting of God’s providence. Her gradma prayed a lot about everything, always adoring “our Holy father in heaven…” in Gikuyu, “awa muthingu…” young Hellen strived to have a heavenly father just like her shush. The ache of her dead father needed a balm. Church was part of her childhood and oh my! Did she love to sing! Every Sunday, she was in cloud nine singing her heart out. One Sunday, she was late for Sunday school service and ventured in to the main service. She sort out her uncle and declared her wish to accept Jesus as her personal savior. At six years, the uncle was not too sure whether she really understood what it entailed. He sort out her Sunday school teacher who guided her in making this major step. She recalls a day when her mother was so sick she could neither talk nor rise from bed. With her grandma out, she sat on the bed side and said every prayer a child could say. With limited language, her repertoire ran out. Healing was not coming to her mother. She did what was natural to her. She sang. The hymn, “Jesus lover of my soul…” “Jesu we unyendete” was favourable but she didn’t know all the words. She fixed her own The Favourite | 9
Inspiring Lives and her mother spoke. Something was finally happening. But alas! She was being admonished for changing God’s song. “But how does God write a song?” she asked her mother who explained that individuals, after prayer, got inspiration from the holy spirit and wrote the words and got a tune. “Is it possible for me to do it mom?” she asked. “Yes, if you pray, the holy spirit will guide you." Her journey in music production began that day. Sitting outside, she prayed for the holy spirit to come but no one appeared. She closed and opened her eyes. Nothing happened. She was perplexed. She decided to create words meanwhile and find tune. After many attempts, she had a song, “Ngai wi munene, God you're great. ”Her mother could hear her struggle and she loves this song and knows every single word even today. However, this song came to the public domain 17 years later when she revised and recorded it. Meanwhile, she attended a public school and thankfully president Kibaki’s government had introduced free public school education. By God’s grace she got a sponsor and attended Gataragwa secondary school. But the devil still wanted to steal her dream. As she prepared for KCPE, she fell critically ill and three times was admitted in hospital. One day, at Kenyatta National Hospital, death was beckoning. She used every ounce-of will power left in her weak body to make a covenant with God. If God saw her up again and out of that hospital, healed, she would never miss church. This was on a Saturday. On Wednesday, she was discharged. Her miracle had happened and her resolve to walk with God was sealed. After form four, her desire was to join college but school fees became a limiting factor. Her younger brother was then joining form one. Every coin her family could lay their hands on would be channeled to his education for four years. So college was out. She realized that she needed to get out of the village and so headed to her sister’s house in Nairobi. Fortunately she landed a sales job selling stationery and was posted to Nakuru. She gave it her all as she did business with institutions like Egerton and Kabarak Universities.
10 | The Favourite
Inspiring Lives This unfortunately came to an end as the company restructured and closed the Nakuru branch. She was rendered jobless. This devasted her. The vibrant, enthusiastic under 20 who had ventured on her own and made it was now a desolate hopeless youth in her sister’s house. It was the lowest moment in her life and for two years did housework and depended on others for upkeep. It was a humbling experience. In all these, her musical quest was still intact. Singing came naturally. At Gataragwa secondary, she had started a music club. In the house, she sang as she did her chores. She attended events where she could sing. This is what brought Paul Mwai, a gospel worship song artiste her way. She joined his singing ministry and every Friday would be at Tumaini House. She learnt a lot on music as she interacted with other like minds. To make a few shillings, she sold second hand clothes, mainly boys’ trench coats in various neighborhoods like Jericho and Buruburu. Through her turmoil of facing a bleak future, one thing she never lost was her desire for God and gospel music. But she felt empty and hopeless and was often on her knees crying out to God to give her a breakthrough. One day, alone in the house, she felt enough was enough, she sang out a fervent prayer to God to redeem her. Words and tears flowed and she took a paper and wrote the song down. She felt the weight of the shame of dependence, joblessness and uncertainty. She identified with biblical figures who took a step of faith and went to Jesus like the woman who had bled for forty years, the blind man, Bartimaeus and the short taxmaster Zacchaeus. She wrote a song as a down pouring of her soul to God. Much later she attended a weekend challenge at Njiiris Boys. she felt discouraged but when singing she gave it her all. On the last day, Paul Mwai joined them and gave her a lift home. Everyone in the car was in good moods and jested a lot. They happily banter led to a few jokes of her being petite. To put in a word edgewise, she just blurted out that she had a song. They challenged
her to sing it. She felt trapped and in adequate. This song was her private prayer and these were musical greats. But sing she did and almost bit her tongue every time they asked her to stop then continue. By the time she was through, everyone was singing along in synchronized voices. They all applauded her. She realized they had recorded the song. Wanyoike invited her to his recording studio that week. She told him she had no money. He asked her whether he had asked her for money. God was opening a door and so she heeded and went for the recording. Since it was pre- recorded, he had worked on the settings and she only sang once and went home. Later, she was sent the song on her phone and it was
The Favourite | 11
Inspiring Lives awesome. Her siblings liked it. She cried a whole week over this wonder. Her siblings put the song in a CD and they all prayed together about it. She stated before God that she wanted it to save souls and heal. The song, “Nii Ninjui Ndiriganiire – I know I’m not forgotten”, changed her life and perspective irrevocably. Behind the scenes, God was setting things in motion. The song, without her knowledge, received airplay and became a hit. God gave her a platform to serve him to a wider audience. She got an invitation for an interview in a radio station and gave out her phone number. Many called her asking her to pray for their salvation and healing and to report how the song was a blessing. The irony of it all was that the song was a big hit but the singer was really unknown. She has since written many songs, attended many events, but breaking the ceiling was a tough process. She recalls in laughter her one Sunday best that she wore to all events. It had been bought as she shot the video at St Andrews from a loan from her older brother. She got a sales job in a branding company at Muthaiga and moved to Kiambu to start life on her own. But strangely, she was dissatisfied, her passion was gone and the only thing that kept her going was the need for rent and the pride of staking it out on her own. For one year, she did her job and on weekends went for music gigs. God was not done with her yet. Two things made her change her destiny. A friend called over a dream she had had of Hellen committing suicide yet she had a big concert to attend. She made light of it but in her house she talked to God and determined to leave her sales job and get into the music ministry full time. At the same time, a call came from Benjamin Wangari of Inooro who invited her for a music project. She declined for that would affect Friday and she was working. Jeff
12 | The Favourite
Kuria of Inooro called on the same and persuaded her to rethink and ask for permission from her boss. She re-considered and went to her boss for permission to be away. Her boss sat her down and urged her to make a decision whether to work or pursue music. She felt pressured for she had only been to events over the weekends not workdays. That weekend gave her the answer direct from God. During the tour, she had carried 200 CDs of her music. She sold all of them and was amazed by the answered prayers. For once she had real cash in her purse. That became a sign of Gods providence. On Monday she put in her resignation. Every weekend, she would be with Inooro and her CDs sold. She could pay rent, buy clothes, a TV and see herself rising. Then bang, a dry period set in. the money was no longer flowing. But the God of promises set the wheel moving again in unexpected ways. One evening, she received a text from one Eunice Mwangi to appear for an audition for Inooro at a city hotel. In this era of fraudsters, she checked out with Benjamin and was assured it was a genuine deal. The interview for a Sunday morning show for Inooro TV was rigorous. After many elimination sessions, she got the job. Her first trial on live TV was challenging and she played the violin, a skill she had learnt in her musical engagements. In the last trial, she was more relaxed and enjoyed herself. She won and got the job in Christian ministry. She has been at it for three years and is getting better. In 2017, she also did a morning show for one year at Inooro radio, “Thereruka” from five to six a.m. as a co-host; looking at all these glories, she can attest the words of Psalm 118:15 “The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous, the right hand of the lord does valiantly."
Inspiring Lives Mission? To be a voice of hope planted in God. Be an icon of godliness. Mentor people Describe what you do? in what I do. Serve God. Joyous, natural, fulfilling As the interview came to a close, 1 pondered over the words of James Allen Worst childhood memory? -Seeing dad in a coffin, though just (1855-1942) “Cherish your visions.. cherish your ideals. Cherish the music that stirs in a child, the sadness gripped my your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes heart like a tornado. you purest thoughts, for out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all Best childhood memory? heavenly environment; of these, if you but remain true to them, your world -Wearing my first high heels as will at last be built.” a girl. A pass-on from grandma’s friend in Karatina whose daughter had outgrown them. Worst childhood trouble? -Breaking family flask Which 3 people for dinner? -The president Uhuru Kenyattaadmires his sincere heart -Tyra Banks- watched her TV shows in her difficult times and was mentored daily - Mercy Masika – loved her songs and learnt voice projection skills. Which three people for a sleepover? -Teresia Wairimu – a unique anointed evangelist -First lady Margaret Kenyatta- an elegant warm lady. -Oprah Winfrey- a strong woman who enjoys what she does Greatest fear to overcome to attain success? Uncertainty in risking leaving an assured end month pay to chart the unknown in God’s ministry. 2 enjoyable things? Travelling, listening to gospel music Heartbreaking scenario? Seeing a talented individual underutilizing their potential Dressing style? -Simple, but unique -Rubber/open shoes, Maasai accessories, skeeters Best meal? -Chicken though not a fan of food. Dream vacation? Greece, Rome, Israel Status? -Single Venture? -Fashion design. Ella Empire designs makes all manner of garments in God’s honour. Parting shot? -God is able -Don’t live life that is not yours and life that doesn’t make you happy. -Enjoy life. Live every day as if it is your last.
Quick ones for Hellen
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Youth and Life
Achieving milestones
By menta T Dear youth, time is that vital ingredient in this process of life. As it passes, it marks various phases we must go through on this journey. This is where milestones come in as we make effort to achieve our goals in the time we have. What are your milestones so far? Joseph conrad (1902) wrote a poem entitled: Youth. “I remember my youth and the feeling that will never come back anymore, the feeling that I could last forever, outlast the sea, the earth, and all men ‌!! The youthful stage is a gem for every individual as one charts their life map. This is when you have the zeal and the desire for everything pronto! Everything seems feasible! Someone stated that time is what
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keeps things from happening all at once. As we grow up, reality makes a check on our idealism and we realize our milestones come at varying times for a reason. You have actually made a major leap of transiting from childhood to adolescence and young adulthood. That is no mean feat. But in that transition, you have met challenges that called upon you to make choices. These may have been right or wrong. If they were wrong and you suffered the consequences, did you learn the lessons to make you wiser? If they were right and you paid the cost of walking the narrow and straight road, do you enjoy the peace and fruits with pride? Life has components: physical, spiritual, intellectual, social and however else you may classify it. To reach any level of achievement in
any of these areas, we require other people. We must always appreciate them when we celebrate our milestones. Some are at the forefront like our families and teachers. Others stay at the background moving things that actually push us to greater things. As a youth then, learn to appreciate the role of other people in your individual life. Never forget the wise words that if you ever see a tortoise on a table, know that someone placed it there. In this respect, Kenya just celebrated its 55 years of independence from colonial rule. To the current blood of youngsters of our motherland, this is just a mere historical fact. But for those who faced the indignity and tribulations of colonialism, it is a different story. To our nation it is a major milestone
Youth and Life we are proud of. But for the elder generation with their lined faces, bent backs, quivering voices and gnarled fingers, living in the fringes full of memories of the fight for freedom, it is not a thing to be taken for granted.They did it for us and we are enjoying the fruits of freedom. This has left us with a fair field where we can achieve great milestones. However, in all major things of life, the buck stops with the individuals. What are you doing as a youth to set up things in motion towards a better life? Are you living a life of honour, holding on to virtues and habits that will guide you to higher achievements? You must lay a firm foundation so that finally when you reach the apex of your life, your castle will not come tumbling down. A great tragedy is unfolding everyday as we see promising young persons dying in acrimonious situations, murder in love triangles, death by the bullet in robbery stunts, instant
deaths or maiming in road accidents due to recklessness, suicides from the folly of failure, death from alcohol and drug abuse, but most tragic are the many living-dead. Countless zombies, narcissists, perverts and lazy bones walk our paths. They physically strut around but died long ago for their souls, hearts and minds are void. What will it be worth if you drive that dream car, build that dream house, attain those dream stares from your admirers, only for the truth to come out that it was a sham? You could have hyped it when it was not even real, you could have got it fraudulently, or you could have actually sweated long and hard but somewhere in your choices, the skeletons in your closet come to haunt you. The book of Proverbs 26:27 cautions, “If a man digs a pit, he will fall into it. If a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him." Life is actually good and
rewarding. It is the best gift God gave us. Every minute should actually be a celebration of a milestone. My advice to you dear youth is to appreciate and accept who you are. You are unique with special endowments that our heavenly father bestowed on you. Utilize your time, opportunities and resources wisely. The poem Desiderata urges you to, “enjoy your achievements as well as your plans … take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune!" As year 2018 ended, the world lost a notable states person George H .W. Bush, former president of the United States. At 94 years, he was accorded state honours and all notable persons sent their condolences. But it is his son, George W. Bush, who captured the essence of what is really important in his tribute to his father.
To his very last days, dad’s life was instructive As he aged, he taught us how to grow old with Dignity, humour, kindness… never too busy to Share his love of life with those around him…the Horizons he saw were bright and hopeful. He was A genuinely optimistic man… dad could relate to People from all walks of life. He was an empathetic man. He valued character over pedigree… He strongly believed That it was important to give back to the community and Country in which one lived … knew how to be a true and Loyal friend … had an enormous capacity to give of himself …taught us what it means to be a wonderful father, grandfather And great grandfather!.. As you progress in this life, can those whose who encounter you have positive things to celebrate about you? When you walk to the life’s podiums to receive accolades for your achievements, will you hold your head high and say that truly you have made it? Adieu
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Faith and Healing
SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT: LIVING FOR GOD By Heaven – Bond pilgrim
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Faith and Healing The bible is a well of wisdom and helps us chart our spiritual journey. As Christians, we are asked to live for God. However, like any other undertaking, our Godly journey is often beset by trials and temptations. Thus, James, Jesus’ brother, a leader in the Jerusalem church, wrote a letter in A.D49 to the first- century Jewish Christians who had been scattered throughout the mediterrean world because of persecution. His words are very relevant to us today as we begin a new year 2019 and are faced with challenges on sticking to God’s ways. James 1:5-6 tells us: if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” A story is told of a hyena who set out for a walk. Along the way, he sensed the aroma of cooking meat and his interest was aroused. He walked with a new energy as he thought of how satiated he would be on reaching where the meat was and partook of the delicious meat. But his quest led him to a junction and his one road diverged to two. He was in a hurry thus couldn’t afford the patience to try out each road at a time. He made an impulsive decision to follow the two roads simultaneously. At first, things were okay. Two legs on each road and his nose, focus and greed concentrated on the aroma. Soon enough, the space between the two roads widened but he foolishly struck on. Within no time, he stretched his body to the limits and he split into two. He died and never reached his destination. He lost everything. As we journey towards heaven, our eternal destination, we must make the choice to live for God, and only for God. However, we are human beings living in a world that offers us many lucrative choices. Drawing the line between these choices can prove quite tricky. But we must make the right choice otherwise we will perish. We must take the path that will take us to our destination of faith however slow or narrow or unseeming. We have closed over to 2019 by the grace of God and thus should take
pause and reflect on who we are and who God is in our lives. We must distinguish what things we should pursue and what things we should let go. In a world where everything is so hyped up and everyone is using whatever means to amass more and win everyone’s recognition, our guiding light should be the words of Dwight L. Moody, “Be humble or you’ll stumble.” As we sang the Christmas carols and generally made merry this last December, we were reminded of a couple in distress. Joseph and Mary were fulfilling their national obligation of a census, a long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. They did not detour or refuse to go or take two paths.
Luke 2 : 6-7 tells us, “while they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.” Often in this life, the greatest breakthroughs come in the midst of the greatest difficulties. We often lose sight of what is most important because we are involved in too many side shows and sense of importance. Jesus, that tiny baby in a manger became the savior of our world and delivered us from sin. Let us therefore strive to live for God and glorify Him in all our undertakings, great or small, in this year and the years we shall live. In this world, let us not compromise by wanting to grab the worldly and the heavenly all at the same time.
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Real Life
SAM THE SALONIST:
Hair Designer with a Passion By Suzie Beauty is intriguing. Beauty is invaluable yet variable. Beauty is much sort after since time immemorial. The Agikuyu have a saying, "Uthaka uri ruui-Beauty is in washing oneself."Thus, as people seek to look beautiful, a multibillion beauty industry is thriving the world over. The main target are the ladies who love the feel of being acknowledged for their looks. Just like the endearments in Song of Solomon 4:1, "Behold you are fair my love! Behold you are fair! You have dove's eyes behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats going down from Mount Gilead." This desire has seen them seeking beauty artists who will bring out the best in them. On social media, the name Sam, the hair designer, has been making rounds, if you are from Zimma, you will definitely know his salons that have been popular in recent times. So, who is this Sam? This youthful innovative entrepreneur was not born with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth. Sam Njau Karanja was born to a humble struggling peasant couple as their last born of 13 children. This was in Kagwe Lari Sub-county of Kiambu County. Chiffoni village is basically a farming community in a cold tea-growing region. He attended Gatamaiyu Primary School and by the time he sat K.C.P.E, things were financially bleak. He watched his peers join various secondary schools while he wilted at home in despair. Term 1 and 2 went by and then a glimmer of hope radiated itself as he joined Gacema Secondary in Term
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3. He had missed a lot in terms of settling down and syllabus coverage and this translated to a very poor performance in his end year exams. This dealt a death blow to his aspirations of a better future through the education key. He quit and has never stepped in a classroom again. The life of a young school drop-out became quite challenging. To make ends meet, he became the village handyman earning a pittance. He trapped moles, ferried timber and did any other odd job that could bring in a shilling. He relocated to Nairobi which he knew as a city of opportunities. He hawked peanuts and worked in a car wash. He struggled valiantly but city life became too tough. He made the decision to go back to shags. He had decided a technical course in an engineering field would better his chances in life. His father was in agreement but there was a catch. The family coffers were at Zero and he was told to wait until the tea-bonus was paid in October. He waited it out while still doing chores for the ten months! At this time, something
Real Life was stirring in him. He found himself admiring hairstyles and beauty designs in the people he encountered. That was a realization in 2013 of an interest that changed his life compass. He had observed he would be venturing into a womendominated arena but decided to pursue a course in hair and beauty. His parents were not amused. They had not heard or seen a young man braiding women's hair! They were shocked that their young son would think of such a thing. Luckily, the stand-off didn't deteriorate into something ugly. In fact, the parents gave in and paid his fees at 'AfroLady' in Kagwe Town where he learnt the ropes. It was difficult. His hands were not fluid enough and braiding was an uphill task for him. But he stuck to his dream for a solid 6 months. Armed with new skills, he was back in Nairobi and went to work in a salon. Greater challenges awaited him. City styles were far removed from village ones and he was back to square one of being a handy man. His daily tasks involved washing client's hair, feet and hands as the experts did the manicure, pedicure, braiding, chemicals and styling. This meant his commissions were minimal. But he never gave up. He did his bit and observed how everything was done adding to his skills. He felt disillusioned since the financial break was nowhere in sight. In fact, when his roommate in Kayole left and he had no one to split the rent with, he had to be innovative. He would be at the salon during the day, hawk peanuts in the evening and cut sukumawiki for a fee later at night. But though salon work became easier, his three jobs that took all his working hours were not bringing him enough. Just before he packed his bags to return to the village, a friend connected him to a salon in Githurai. Rent was a challenge but he got an offer for a free house in a church. In return, he would be the caretaker at night. This was more or less being a watchman. During the day, he
continued with salon work and one year soon elapsed. Always seeking greener pastures, he relocated to KM in Kenyatta University environs. Work here was in plenty braiding students in session for between 200400 shillings. But during holidays, finances would dry up. His break came in KM when he came up with a new style and tried it on a client. He called it Pencil Braid style. As his client went around, the style rocked and caused a buzz. More customers sought him and things were looking up. Amidst this new discovery, a new idea came through. He used his old phone to advertise and reach clients outside KU. He landed a home client who paid a cool 3,000/= per one braiding session. He had never gotten such a good deal before. This inspired him greatly and he went fully into social media advertisement and phone negotiations. Luckily, technology had brought in new gadgets where one could post photos of the style. This was in 2015. He started a facebook page and posted his details. Things started moving once he went mobile. He went all over the county to braid clients in their homes. For 2 ½ years he traversed Kiambu, Nairobi, Murang'a and Mombasa. In 2016, he sat down to count his savings for the salon he planned to open. He only had 5,000/= yet he needed 9,000/=. He was a frustrated youth. He had worked so hard with no tangible results. Like a typical impulsive youth, he spent all his earnings that Christmas vacation. He had given up. However, the new year 2017 reinvented him. He re-strategized. He sought space in a container in Zimmerman and set up a small salon. He decided that his clients should now come to his base. This was in June and he employed one assistant. He had done a good job branding himself and clients streamed in. He extended the space in the container and added six employees. God's favour was on him and he opened outlets all over Zimmerman. A new wind was blowing bringing in good tidings. Had he been much of a books person, he would have realized he was living the philosophy of Robert Schuller in his book, If It's Going to Be, It's Up to Me. He entrusted everything to The Favourite | 21
Real Life God's providence but made sure he rolled up his sleeves and gave it his all. This saw him merge all his outlets in one spacious place and this is how he is operating in 2019 with 13 employee's. His star is rising. Sam has come a long way from his mole trapping days. This is mainly because he made the choice to take charge of his life and use whatever resources he had despite his limited academic credentials, or his financially poor background, or even the gender stereotypes in the career space. Listening to his story, one is reminded of words in Napoleon Hill's book, Succeed and Grow Rich Through Persuasion, "The man of decision gets what he goes after, no matter how long it takes no matter how difficult the task. The man of decision cannot be stopped. The man of indecision cannot get started."
• Desired holiday destination: Dubai • Challenges encountered: Financial challenges that saw me go through a rough ride to reach where I am. Customers who looked down on me as a start-up, never trusted me in my mobile days thus often I had to braid outside their gates and often late into the night and some failed to meet their part of the bargain. Dealing with disgruntled customers especially those who refuse to listen to advice and insist on styles that don’t fit their: facial and head shapes, others insist on being attended to only by me, yet I have a competent team and each of us has their specialization. False information on social media aimed at spoiling my integrity/ professionalism. Ten Quick ones for Sam: • Future prospects: • Age : 24 years The sky is the limit. The beauty • Status : Single industry is booming and an • Notable Achievements: everyday affair. Clients will Establishing a successful salon always need your services so I see business and being financially growth. I advise hair designers independent. and beauty specialists to pay Rising against odds and making it attention to details, acquire skills in life. that are needed, be unique and Getting recognized in the beauty innovative. world and winning 'The Best • Parting shot: Hairdresser of the year 2017', Accept yourself and don’t let your during the Mashujaa Awards at limitations put you down. Carnivore organized by AMO LA Simply work hard. Use your hands MODA Kenya and BACK TO BACK constructively and you will never ENTERTAINMENT. lack. • Winning personal brand: Don’t be selective. Practical skills Pencil Braid style provide self-employment. No one • 5 years from now: should talk of lack of jobs. Salon outlets in all the areas I Though I never went up the visited in my mobile stylist days. academic ladder, people should Start a college on Hair and Beauty know that education is important. that emphasizes on practical Invest in it; it will give you wider skills. Majority are concentrating skills. on theory producing graduates who lack the hands-on demands of the real world. Mentor others in my area of expertise. • Daily Mantra: Pray for God's favour and do what is right. Be professional all the time. Aspire to become better all the time. Believe in myself, my potential and the future possibilities.
22 | The Favourite
Do not miss out. Pick your copy of The Favourite Magazine at Fastmart Supermarket @ 300|= Educative | Entertaining | Inspiring | Motivational
Call 0718 958 381 / 0735 013 552
The Favourite | 23
Fashion & Style
The perfect shot
A model in fashion has been defined as a person whose job is to wear and show new styles of clothes and be photographed wearing them. (Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary) In this respect, each model must pose in a way that brings out the best depending on where or what they are modelling. Just like any endeavor, getting the best requires time, practice and knowledge. Those who think modelling is a walk in the park should change their perception and know that a lot of hard work and trials and long hours are part and parcel of the deal.Voltaire, a French Writer (1694_1778) said,"perfection is attained by slow degrees. It requires the hand of time." To capture the perfect beauty portrait for a particular commercial shoot or just a family photo for memories you need to observe the following as you pose for a close-up photo:
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Fashion & Style
1 Identify your best side by checking what side of your face looks good and represents your facial features the best. 2 Know your facial features for everyone has unique features and different shapes and sizes of the head 3 Know how to maximise your potential by working on your facial expressions, smile, your teeth and eyes 4 Avoid looking down, closing your eyes, bending the neck, exposing too much emotions that may be counterproductive for the final product. 5 Seeking professional assistance to get a sound opinion and creativity that will enhance your shot 6 Choosing appropriate attire, background, environment, make-up and photographer and camera/ phone
By Ericah Christensen Models from EM MODELS AFRICA
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Salon & Barber Shop Looks and smartness maketh a man and a woman of substance. Stand out by experiencing the personal professional touch at Ruthex salon and Barber shop along Kangundo Road at Lake Oil Petrol Station. Also located at Kiambu, Ruiru Road, opposite Kirigiti stadium.
We Specialize in • • • • • •
Shaving call styles Head Massage Machine massage Pedicure Manicure Facials
• Braiding, Crocheting & weaving • Plaiting (Ghanaian and bandika lines) • Plaiting kids lines with gentleness, love • Retouch, Treatments • Blow-Dry • Shampoo dye
Ask for service you require, we shall serve you promptly to your satisfaction.
CONTACT: 0723 674 354
Health & Nutrition
GOOD HEALTH THE TREASURE OF LIFE By correspondent
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Health & Nutrition
TIPS TO BETTER HEALTH 1. Develop the right mental attitude M.tt. Schaffner and Dorothy v. schaffner in their book Health at it's Best advise their readers: “The condition of the mind affects the health to a far greater degree than many people realize. Many of the diseases from which men suffer are the result of mental depression. Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, and distrust all tend to break down the life forces and to invite decay and death. If we think and speak sadness and discouragement, we strengthen these feelings. We should consider it a duty to resist melancholy, sad, discontented thoughts and feelings! 2. Know your body How many body parts do you have? How does each part work? How do all these parts co-exist in a synchronized whole to function without any hiccups? Each of us has a responsibility to take care of our bodies and requires having the right information or knowledge as regards our bodies. From the brain, to the heart, skeleton, kidney, bones, skin and all other parts, we must not neglect any part. Be responsible of taking care of that body. Tend it lovingly. Knowledge is power and thus empower yourself. Proverbs 4: 20-26 urges us, “my son pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body!! God gives us only one life and good health is the best treasure one can have in this life, we all know how ill-health is wreaking havoc on individuals and families in Kenya today. The story of hospital bills and endless pains has become part of our narrative. Yet, when we are happy and thriving, we take it for granted. Day in day out, we make choices that compromise our health. We ignore all the advice and basic common sense that should make us have vibrant health.
3. Strive to keep well We are always told that prevention is better than cure. If you happen to go to a hospital, the suffering of patients leaves a sour taste in the mouth for pain is awful. It then becomes imperative for each individual to follow the rules of wellness to keep diseases at bay. This means maintaining the basic hygiene, eating well and healthy, exercising, drinking plenty of water, breathing fresh air deeply, resting adequately and keeping safe. There is no compromise on any of these expectations. Follow it daily to the letter. 4. Accepting our infirmities and acting accordingly Life is not perfect. We often find ourselves caught up in ill-health one way or another. Many of us aggravate the situation by living in denial and
not following common sense and medical advice we are given. Today in the world, we have it as a fact that Aids is not a death sentence. We have cases of incurable diseases that have defied medical odds. We have many with conditions. Don’t get caught up in fads and retrogressive beliefs and personal obsessions that go against your well-being routine. Simply do the right thing. 5. Avoid entanglements of today’s lifestyle. Life as it is today is a good. It is convenient. We have everything under control by the tap of our fingers. From smart phones, the know-it –all father Google, the SGR and direct flight to Washington DC, the varied gadgets that do all the hard tasks for us in a jiffy – we have all things working well. But wait a minute! When the deal is too good, think twice! We deride those in the past and in our lives today who walked everywhere, who bent their backs to finally bring a harvest home, who became dirty in order to gain, who toiled in smoky fires to cook food and talked face to face to get a groove on their lives. We thus sit on swive chairs for long long hours, stare at screens endlessly to do our work, eat fast foods with abandon, abuse drugs and alcohol, hide under the hypocrisy of social media with our mouths and souls closed tight and generally hold dear the remote controls to make our lives convenient. Then, we spend millions in hospitals and suddenly collapse from hearts and bodies that can take no more idleness and abuse. Let us live cautiously knowing truly well that nature is very unforgiving.
YOUR HEALTH IS IN YOUR HANDS: GUARD THAT TREASURE The Favourite | 29
Food & Drinks
Chicken Casserole Recipe
BY CHEF KEN of SUNSIDE GUEST HOUSE Chicken casserole is one of the hearty meals that we make for families. We use a collection of tagines ideal for chilly evenings. Here is our simple recipe on how to prepare tasty chicken caserole; Ingredients Steps (i)
1 large chicken, disjointed into 8 pieces (ii) 100s streaky backon, chopped (iii) 25g soft butter. (iv) 200g small onions, whole & pooled. (v) 150g button mushrooms. (vi) 2 carrots cut into chunks (vii) 1 stick celery, cut into chunks (viii) Bouquet garni. (ix) 500ml chicken stock. (x) 300ml White Wine (xi) 25g plain flour (xii) 2tsp double cream (xiii) Chopped fresh parsley.
Method
1.In a large frying pan, heat a little oil and brown the chicken pieces, transfer to a plate. -Brown the bacon and put on the plate with the chicken. Add butter to the oil in the casserole and gently brown the onion and mushrooms, before adding the chicken & the bacon into the casserole. 2. Add the carrots, celery, bouquet garni chicken stock & wine to the chicken & season well. Cover & transfer to a preheated oven at 170% for 40 mins. 3. With a slotted spoon transfer the chicken & vegetables to a larger dish and keep warm. Mix the flour & butter to form a paste (beurre manie) 4. Bring the sauce in the casserole to boil and add amounts of the beurre manie to it, whisking continuously until dissolved. Add the rest of beurre manie a little at a time until the desired thickness. 5. Stir in the double cream, then pour over the chicken & sprinkle with chopped passley. 6. Serve the Chicken Casserole with fried rice and fresh fruit punch.
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WORLD BUSINESS CENTRE 3RD FLOOR TOM MBOYA STREET OPP ODEON CINEMA brintybeautycollege brintybeautylounge
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What are your plans for Valentine this season? Choose us for that quality,classic,relaxing ,unforgettable valentine treat. Come to Sunside Guest House located in Ruai, 40 minute drive from CBD and approximately 7km from JKIA; 900m off Kangundo road (at Makongeni stage)
For reservations contact 0722 111 125/ 0722 212 111 sunsideguesthouse@gmail.com