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Meet Plenty: I am Loko For Herbs

“The peacefulness and good health that comes when humanity and nature come together to coexist, the testimonials I get of how caring for plants brings calmness or how drinking organic and healthy foods improve people’s lives, brings me so much joy,” says Loko 4 Herbs founder Plenty. The business offers a wide variety of herbs such as rosemary, mint, basil, lemongrass, parsley, celery, lemon verbena and stevia. They also offer super seeds like chia flax, pumpkin seeds and fenugreek. Organic honey and teas like hibiscus, cardamon, maca, moringa are available as well.

Why the name? “Loko is a name given to me by my paternal grandmother. In English it means crazy so it’s to mean I am ‘loko’ crazy about herbs,” says Plenty.

“My love for herbs began back in 2017 when I had been in and out of hospital because of fatigue and anemia. One day, I asked the doctor how I could improve my health and she simply said that I needed to take a healthy diet. I started juicing and adding herbs to my drinks. I saw how my body responded and was excited and wanted to make it my lifestyle. I quit my job after some months and with the help of my dad who also loves growing edible plants, opened a shop in Ongata Rongai where I would make healthy drinks and also sell his live herbs in recycled containers.”

After some time Plenty got recommendations from clients and friends and they also wanted plants and herbs. As a result, she decided to get into ornamental plants. Being a small business and the pandemic happening, we are now operating online as @loko_4_herbs on Instagram.

Plenty also has a part-time job as a customer service associate. Her hobbies are hiking, swimming, reading and planting trees. She is planning and praying that at some point she will open a physical location with a combination of all the products they are selling online.

Follow @loko_4_herbs on Instagram for more of their amazing products.

Essential Beauty Tips for Healthy Skin

Happy Tuesday! Skincare entails treating your body right from the inside out. Today we share some tips that are also working great for us!

Take care of yourself: Eat a balanced diet and find an exercise routine that works for you. It is very important to care for your body from the inside out, you will not only feel great, your body will function to it’s optimum and you’ll look amazing.

Photo by **RF._.studio** from **Pexels**

2. Always wash your face: This sounds so obvious but it’s so easy to forget especially after a long day. Soap and water remove dirt and residue allowing your skin to breathe. Go ahead and cleanse and moisturize, this will take no longer than 5 minutes; your skin will thank you for that.

3. Stay true to your skincare routine: Find out what works for you and faithfully care for your skin. Different products work differently for different people. Someone could be using 5 different products for their daily skincare routine, another one 3. What really matters is what is working for you.

Photo by **RODNAE Productions** from **Pexels**

4. Be kind to yourself: A lot happens in life and your skin may be affected as well. You may be having a stressful period, therefore having breakouts and may be frustrating. Do not be obsessed with having ‘perfect skin’. Life happens and in those moments, love yourself and embrace where you are.

5. Quality over quantity: Think of your skincare products as an investment. Cheap may sound attractive, but when it comes to your skin it is important to spend a little extra on yourself. We are not advising that you spend a fortune, but always think quality when purchasing skincare products.

Self-Care Saturday: Unwind

It’s the weekend and we are excited. Today we are all about unwinding. Here are some tips to help you relax and rejuvenate:

Treat yourself as you would a loved one: Valentine’s day was just a few days ago, we hope you enjoyed it. Self-care extends far beyond Valentine’s, though, it’s an everyday thing. Take time to do something for yourself that you would a loved one. You can cook in, take yourself to solo dates etc. When your cup is full, you are also able to pour into others.
Be present: When you are exhausted it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by tasks you are yet to do that would normally not stress you out. Instead, engage your senses in the present moment. Say, you are taking a walk, take deep breathes, breath in the fresh air, notice the movements around you. This also allow you to take a mental break.

3. Play: Yes, play is a wonderful way to relax. Watch cartoons, play eg with your nieces and nephews, draw, play video games etc.

4. Have a to-do list: Noting down what we need to do during the day allows our minds to rest, without having to go back and forth, figuring out what activities we need to do.

5. Practice gratitude: Gratitude helps us to focus on what we have, rather than what we don’t have. If you are undertaking a long-term project, for example, you will most likely experience bouts of exhaustion in between and may start to question what you have been doing. Instead, stop and focus on what you have accomplished so far and everything that has gone right. This will instantaneously lift your spirit.

Meet Tunza Dada Founder: Victor

“Tunza Dada was birthed in 2017 with the aim of reducing period poverty among adolescent and young single mothers in the rural and informal settlements. This is by offering sustainable solutions (period kits) and offering mentorship and empowerment,” says founder Victor Layson.

Since 2017, over 2000 girls have benefited directly through their school visit programs as well as teenage girls in the orphanages. As a non-profit organization, Tunza Dada is committed to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (2030) by promoting education, equality among teenagers, equal access to education and information especially on matters of Sexual Reproductive Health as well as Menstrual Health Management. This is by introducing teenage boys into the discussions regarding periods and their contribution towards rising against the stigmatization of girls during periods and breaking cultural taboos and myths.

“The objective of Tunza Dada is to establish a holistic ground for both boys and girls where they can express themselves on what affects their day to day learning. We would like to address issues such as gender-based violence, defilements, abuse of any kind, introduction to drugs at a tender age among others. We would then strive to find long-term solutions like partnering with institutions,” says Victor.

Future plans? “We are looking forward to setting up a creative hub where women and young mothers can come, get empowered with practical skills that will enable them to be self-dependent. These skills will enable them to start businesses that will be profitable to them. This will help reduce period poverty and they’ll be in a position to access sanitary pads.”

Besides running the non-profit organization, Layson is a creative writer and theatre director. He loves mentoring and coaching budding creatives. He also loves cooking. Layson is motivated by people and the fact that each day brings opportunities to try and push harder.

Follow @tunza.dada on Instagram

Apple Cookie Recipe

Today we are making something exciting, cookies with apples in them. This is an exotic recipe, yummy and easy to make. Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon of baking powder

5 tablespoons margarine

4 tablespoons sugar

1 egg

1 apple

Juice of 1 lemon

Method

Add the sugar to a bowl, add margarine and beat with a fork till fluffy.
Mix in egg.
Into a separate bowl, chop apple pieces. Squeeze in lemon juice. Add to the egg mixture.
Add the baking powder to flour. Add to the mixture.
Slightly knead the dough.
Scoop the dough using a tablespoon and roll into balls. Flatten each ball a little with the palm of your hand.
Place the balls slightly apart from each other on a baking sheet that is greased and dusted. They will be approximately 8.
Bake them in the oven at 180 degree celcious for 30 minutes until they are golden brown and slightly firm on top.
Leave the cookies to cool for around 15 minutes before serving.

Beauty Tuesday: Foundation Basics

Hi there! Today we are all about the base of our makeup, foundation. Foundation can make or break the look so here are some essential tips:

Ensure your skin is well cleansed and moisturized before applying the foundation: Moisturizer smoothes the skin’s surface for a more even application of foundation and can even help makeup to stay on longer. If your skin is uneven or oily, apply primer to enable smooth foundation application.

2. Apply foundation in layers: Instead of applying a thick layer of foundation, start by applying less and blend. Add until you are content with the coverage.

3. Try your foundation before you buy it: Always try your foundation on your face and not your hands as they tend to be lighter than the face. Test it on your cheek towards your jawline and rub it into your neck.

4. Use a beauty sponge to blend: Beauty sponges are readily available and are now very affordable. Use the sponge damp with foundation, bounce it onto the skin for natural coverage.

5. Set your foundation: Always remember to set it with a finishing spray or powder. This way it lasts longer.

The fundamentals of negotiation

Happy new week! Today we are all about negotiation, whether it’s a project you are proposing or a deal you want to seal. So what is essential in negotiation?

Communication: It is very important to express yourself, through verbal and non-verbal cues i.e. body language. Engage with your listener so that is not a one-sided conversation.
Listen intently: Besides communicating what you would like, it is also very important to listen to and understand your audience’s point and view. Avoid being passive in order to be able to engage and listen to feedback. Your listener also feels heard.
Manage your expectations: It is important to enter a negotiation with a clear goal. However, you can adjust your expectations if you feel that you will not be able to agree with each other’s terms. However, do not lose yourself in the conversation, know how far you are willing to compromise.
Integrity: In every negotiation, it is important to be respectful, honest and thoughtful. It is also important to be able to deliver on your promises. Avoid overpromising though as a way to try to persuade your listener as it will be difficult for you to eventually deliver.
Ability to solve a problem: It is important to see a problem and solve it in the process of negotiation. Eg, if raw materials are scarce what can you do to increase supply? Being able to provide solutions is very essential to reaching a compromise.

Colony Couture: Game-Changing Affordable Luxury Accessories

“Colony Couture is a premium brand in the ‘affordable luxury’ leather accessories market. “Colony” is derived from the verb colonize which means ‘to take over’. Our vision is to take over the affordable luxury market. Colony Couture is characterized by craftsmanship, elegance, sophistication and class,” says founder Branden Malik.

Colony Couture currently specializes in small leather goods such as belts, wallets and cardholders. Their products are priced fairly, a cardholder costs Kshs. 1000, a wallet goes for Kshs. 2000 and a belt, Kshs. 2000.

“The brand was born to solve a personal problem; finding high-quality leather products without overspending is a challenge. Colony Couture was born as a response to dissatisfaction in the already existing products in the market which were of average quality and lacked a strong brand identity,” says Malik.

The founder, Branden Malik is a product/industrial designer by profession and a passionate luxury fashion enthusiast. “My higher education background is in design. I undertook a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Design at the University of Nairobi, majoring in product/industrial design. I design products that solve problems in society. I am especially passionate about designing for the leather and fashion industry.”

Colony Couture currently has three best sellers:

The Fumani Box

The name Fumani means “to be rich and be blessed with wealth.” The Fumani Box is the perfect gift for any occasion. It is well curated to include a matching set consisting of a Bifold wallet (men) or Long wallet (women), a cardholder and a belt. One can curate their own box according to their own choice of colors of leathers. The items can also be personalized with a name, initials, personalized message or logo. It comes in luxurious Colony Couture packaging, along with a blank card that allows you to write a handwritten message to the person being gifted. It’s the ultimate gift for him/her. The Fumani Box goes for Kshs. 6,000.

The Sterling Wallet

The Sterling Wallet is lightweight and non-bulky. It has 4 card compartments and 1 currency slot that can accommodate all types of currencies. It is made from the finest cowhide leather with a variety of colors and textures to choose from. It can be personalized with your name, initials, personalized message or logo. The sterling wallet goes for Kshs 2000. This is a perfect gift for your loved one.

Colony Couture belt

The belt has the signature CC buckle. Available in a variety of colors and textures. It is made according to your waist size. It goes for Kshs. 2000.

In the near future, Colony Cotoure wishes to expand to other lifestyle products like bags and shoes. Their mission is to become the reference point for high-quality made in Kenya accessories.

Apart from running the business, Malik also designs for other brands; both established and startups in various sectors, for example, the cosmetic industry, health and hygiene among others. He is also an Operations Manager at Caliber Auto Lab, a company that specializes in accident repair of vehicles.

Follow @colonycouture on Instagram to see the whole range of products and to purchase as well.

Easy-to-make multicoloured cake

Multi-colored cakes don’t have to be complex to make. There is no one way to do it. Have fun with it and enjoy the process.

Multi-coloured cake (1kg)

Ingredients

2 cups flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 cup sugar

13 tablespoons margarine

3 eggs

3/4 cup milk

food colour of your choice (red, blue)

Method

1. Grease the baking tin or sufuria with margarine. Dust with flour. You can also use parchment paper.

2. Add sugar to a bowl. Add margarine. Add 1 egg. Use a fork and beat till they combine.

3. Add 1/2 of the flour and 1 other egg and beat. Do this so that the mixture can mix evenly without lumps.

4. Add the remaining half of the flour, egg and milk and mix. The batter will be of dropping consistency.

5. Divide the batter into 3 portions. To one add red, to the other blue. Leave the third portion plain.

6. Scoop the red batter into the tin, then the blue, then the plain one.

7. Bake in the oven at 160 degrees celsius for 1 hour. When ready a skewer or knife inserted in the cake will come out clean.

8. Serve warm and enjoy!

Turning your hobby into a career

Happy new week! So you want to turn your hobby into a career? Maybe you are currently working and would love to build your hobby into an incoming generating activity that you would eventually love to carry out full-time. Or maybe you are a student and you would love to convert your passion into a career. So how do you go about it?

Have a plan: Think through your product/service, your target market, pricing and marketing strategy. It is important to think through this so that you have a realistic assessment of how things are going to work out.
Start small: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Break down your goals into achievable steps and begin from there. Enjoy the journey and adapt accordingly.
Be consistent: Consistency is key. You should carve out time everyday to work on your goal. Be commited to your hobby and little by little you will see results.
Stay true to your brand: Be authentic to who are and what you are selling. Don’t be tempted to copy others. You’ll enjoy what you are doing and others will appreciate you and your work and pay for your product/service.
Be open to feedback and critic: It is very important to listen to feedback as this helps improve the quality of service/product you are offering. It is also important to know what your target market likes and does not like, therefore offering solutions to their needs.