For the past month, I've embarked on a unique journey of managing my relaxed hair without plaiting it - not even cornrows. This decision has allowed me to experience a newfound sense of freedom in caring for my hair, and it has been an empowering and rewarding experience.

Taking care of my relaxed hair has been a top priority during this period. I've established a routine that involves treating and washing my hair regularly, oiling it, and keeping it well-combed. These simple yet essential steps have significantly contributed to the health and strength of my hair, demonstrating the importance of consistent maintenance.

In addition to these practices, I have also taken the initiative to trim my hair when necessary, ensuring that split ends and damage are kept at bay. This proactive measure has proven to be beneficial in maintaining the overall condition of my hair, promoting growth and vitality.

When it comes to styling, I've found that putting my hair in a bun has been a practical and versatile choice, especially when I want to lie down or sleep. This method not only keeps my hair out of the way but also minimizes tangles and friction, ultimately preserving its smoothness and luster.

Furthermore, wearing a headband, particularly when I'm preparing to sleep, has become a crucial part of my hair care routine. Not only does it prevent tangling, but it also provides a gentle yet effective way to keep my hair in place, ensuring that I wake up to manageable and well-kept strands.

Reflecting on this experience, I feel an immense sense of pride in having maintained my relaxed black hair in its natural state for a month while being able to effectively care for it. Each day, I'm reminded of the beauty and resilience of my hair as it dances in the wind, unrestricted by braids or extensions. It's a source of empowerment to be able to embrace and celebrate the natural texture of my hair, affirming its uniqueness and individuality.

Embracing this freedom has allowed me to explore various styling options and feel confident in my appearance. I've discovered that my hair possesses its own distinct beauty and charm, and I've found joy in experimenting with different looks that complement and enhance its natural attributes.

Managing my relaxed hair without plaiting it has been a gratifying journey filled with valuable lessons and newfound appreciation. This experience has reinforced the importance of nurturing and celebrating our natural hair, recognizing its ability to exude beauty and resilience. As I continue to embrace and care for my hair, I am filled with a profound sense of empowerment and pride, knowing that I can confidently style and showcase the natural elegance of my relaxed black hair.

Are you an African woman looking to become financially independent? This post will show you why financial independence is the key to achieving your goals and dreams. Learn about the 3 main reasons why you should consider becoming financially independent and how it can help you reach your full potential and take control of your life today.

3 reasons why you need to consider being financially independent as an African woman 

Imagine a situation where you can eat, go or do anything you want to because you can afford it. That's the freedom you get when you are financially independent. When you can afford your basics and at least some of your luxuries you are free. When you don't depend on others for your daily expenses then you begin to experience real freedom. It's true we need each other's support one way or the other but financial independence gives you the ability to make a choice and be free.

With financial freedom, you have a more peaceful mind to go after your dreams if you haven't achieved them yet. You also have the possibility to live your dream life because you can afford it.

When you depend on people who are abuse the power they have over you, you are exposed to violence and other forms of oppression. Most women who experience domestic violence can't leave mostly because they are not financially independent. They can't fend for themselves and their children so they are obliged to stay with their oppressors. A financially independent woman can choose to leave or has the possibility to escape violence because she can afford it and her fear of how she will survive are minimal.

Another bonus reason is that being financially independent sets a good example for your girl children and other young women. It also enables you to leave a legacy for them. If you are fully dependent on a man and you no longer have him in your life how will you survive? 

It is very important to consider doing something that brings in some money dear African women - no matter how small it is. It is important! 

This past week, feels like a rollercoaster ride of emotions and events. From frustrating power cuts to unexpected upsets in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the challenges of reviving my business after its relaunch, it's safe to say that this week has been quite eventful.

The frequent power cuts throughout the week were undeniably annoying. It's incredible how something as simple as electricity can affect our daily routines and productivity. However, amidst the frustrations, I found myself appreciating the moments of calm and simplicity that came with each blackout. It's during these times that I truly learned to disconnect and find peace in the stillness.

The weekend felt long, especially since my kid didn't have school on Friday. While I cherished the extra time spent with my child, it added an element of disruption to the routine. Nevertheless, it was a great opportunity to bond and create some wonderful memories.

The AFCON matches provided both entertainment and disappointment. The competition has become increasingly tough, with no weak teams anymore. The elimination of Cameroon from the tournament this Saturday by Nigeria was a major blow. As a fan, I felt the disappointment alongside fellow supporters. We had high hopes for our team, and it's always disheartening to see them fall short. Nevertheless, we continue to support them and look forward to future competitions.

Looking at the month of January as a whole, it has certainly been tough and long. January indeed has 99 days 🤣. The challenges and obstacles have tested my resilience, but they have also served as opportunities for growth. As we approach the end of the month, I'm reminded of the importance of perseverance and optimism in the face of adversity.

Speaking of revival, I am excited to share my plans to revive my business after its relaunch this weekend. The past few days have been dedicated to refining strategies, analyzing customer feedback, and envisioning new ways to enhance the customer experience. This relaunch marks a fresh start, and I'm eager to implement innovative ideas that will propel the business forward.

In conclusion, the past week has been filled with ups and downs, but it has also been a source of valuable lessons and experiences. As I navigate through the challenges and victories, I am reminded of the resilience and adaptability that reside within me. Here's to approaching the upcoming weeks with renewed determination and a positive outlook. 🥂 Happy new week! 

Hello customers of Ngumabi Shop.

We're thrilled to announce the grand reopening of our online store, where you can find a fantastic range of essentials for women and kids. After careful consideration and planning, we have restocked to provide an even better experience for our valued customers.

With a focus on providing high-quality products that cater to the needs of women and kids, our store offers everything from stylish fashion items to everyday must-haves. We understand the importance of convenience and simplicity when it comes to shopping for essentials and we are dedicated to make your shopping experience seamless and enjoyable.

At our store, we are committed to empowering women and delighting kids with our carefully curated selection of products. Whether you're looking for trendy clothing, practical accessories, or adorable kids' essentials, we've got you covered.

We invite you to explore our online store on WhatsApp ( 696229223 ) and discover the wonderful array of essentials we have to offer. Join us in celebrating the reopening of our store and enjoy the convenience of shopping for all your women and kids' essentials in one place.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to serving you as you shop for all your essential needs. Happy shopping!

Ngumabi shop,

🌸 Your One-stop shop for essentials for women & kids. 

Fashion, beauty & everyday must-haves. Empowering women and delighting kids

696229223  on WhatsApp for orders. 

For ages women in general have been judged and valued by the level of their physical beauty. African women come from a society that prepares them for marriage even before they reach puberty and are still very much convinced that a beautiful face and body are enough for them to survive in the world today. 

But unfortunately, it is not.

I have once been the African woman who strived to pull the attention of well-to-do men so that I could kiss all my financial problems goodbye. But with time I realized that playing just the role of a beautiful woman in the life of a man or in society isn't enough. 

You are more than just 'beautiful' dear African woman. You can also be ambitious and beautiful! Aspiring and beautiful! Or even career-oriented and beautiful if you want! Pair your beauty with something more meaningful and see yourself shine even brighter. 

A beautiful African woman who is knowledgeable and has achievements and aspirations is a beautiful sight to behold. 

How do you survive if your beauty is no longer present? How do you feel when people value you only because of your physical looks? Do you know the respect you'll earn when you add your intelligence to that beauty? Do you know it is better to use your knowledge and skills to earn a living rather than just relying on your looks?

Dear African woman, your beauty alone is not enough! You can do better than just being beautiful.

 

Hi ladies,

Happy new year 🥂

I hope you had a great end of year break with yourself, your family and love ones. 

To stay focused, motivated, and aligned with our true desires, we need to have a theme for the year.

Happy new year 🥂

It's been a few weeks since I shared any posts here and honestly I was getting bothered by that. I was so busy lately. The transition from holiday to back-to-school has been hectic but thank God it went well. I'm settling in to the changes and adapting now. 

By the time we got to the week before school started, I was wondering if school was really starting the following week because I couldn't just bring myself to accept that I have to start having very early mornings at least five times a week. I'm not an early morning person so you get my struggle. But I've been trying my best. There are days we are late and others are on time. So we thank God for that. 

I'm giving myself time to adapt to the new routine of early mornings and doing homework in the evening. It can be easy to judge or blame yourself for not doing so good at something if you don't consider that you need some time to adapt before you can be more performant or productive. 

By the way October will soon be here and that means we are three months away from the year 2024! I mean, we just said happy new year a while ago so why are we already talking about another year? This is mind-blowing I tell you. The year has gone by so fast in my opinion. 

Related post coming soon : Dear ambitious African woman, how far with your goals for 2023? 

In the meantime I'm optimistic about this new week. It's my second week of using my new skin care products I got last week. I got more sivoderm products for myself and some products for the kids. There's been some changes after I used them this first week so I'm looking forward to how it will be this week. 

I hope you have a great week too and take care of yourself. God bless you and thanks for reading. 

While in a taxi the other day I overheard a conversation between the driver and someone on the phone (and yeah the driver shouldn't even be on the phone while driving) but what they were talking about caught my attention. 

He said he just payed school registration for his child and went further to talk about the many mouths he has to feed at home (probably holiday makers). He also mentioned it is not an easy task and wondered how an aunt of his who had a fuller house managed to feed everyone three times a day. 

Their conversation reminded me of the fact that it's not easy to confront this hard economy especially during this back to school period. It's stressful. Overcoming the pressure of this hard economy needs a strong mind that can stay focused and take the right decisions. It also requires you to learn how to deal with stress related to your finances and to make a plan to turn these challenging times into opportunities for real growth and change. 

Most of all you need to calm down and relax to avoid stress related issues. I know it's not easy but you'd have to. 😉

I hope your back to school preparations are going on well and may God provide where we lack in Jesus name. 🙏🏾

I don't know why I take fine pictures and hesitate to post them. Maybe I'm not used to being 'fine' anymore. (Warning ⚠️ This is a Vulnerable post). 

After I became a mother, a lot of things about my body changed. I embraced those changes and applauded my body for the amazing job it did to procreate. My body was even making a lot of effort to heal. But it needed more time to do so. 

And then I felt ok about myself but not 'fine' enough or as 'fine' as I used to be. 

Looking at the mirror these days and seeing a resemblance with the person I used to be before I became a mother makes me feel happy. I'm finding myself again I tell myself. But i still feel scared when I remember it's possible to lose the image of yourself you identified with because of something you wanted to do with all your heart. 

Hopefully I get used to being and looking fine so that I can post more 'fine' pictures of myself. 😉