Nataizya Mukwavi

Written by Filsan Abdiaman

Part 1

On Sept 29, 2019, PLR Vancouver had the pleasure of hosting guest speaker Nataizya Mukwavi.

She joined three other women to talk about managing self-care when you are your own Boss.

This is her Story: Nataizya Mukwavi

First, please tell us a little bit about yourself and your business.

My name is Nataizya Mukwavi and I am a Executive Director of a non-profit organization in Surrey. I started Black Women Connect (formerly Black Girl magic) in 2017 as just a christmas party in my clubhouse with a few close friends and their friends. Black Women Connect Vancouver is a collective of women who come together to inspire, empower, leverage our strengths and embrace our diverse experiences. It’s a community where we can build meaningful relationships, and celebrate the beauty of black womanhood.

What was your biggest inspiration for starting it?

My biggest inspiration in starting Black Women Connect Vancouver was that I noticed there wasn't a place that black women in Vancouver could come together and just "be black women". We go through similar struggles, joys and isolation in Vancouver but didn't have a place to share that with other black women. I wanted to have a space that we could celebrate and support each other in a city that has such a small black population.

What is your favourite part about running your own business?

My favourite part of running my own business is hearing the women talk about how they finally feel like they have been heard and that they belong somewhere.

What is the most challenging aspect of running your own business?

Right now the most challenging part is developing a team, because I do most of the work. but that will come soon!

Please take us through an average day in the life of Nataizya

An average day for me looks like working 9-5 Monday to Friday at the non-profit organization. Then when I get home I catch up on my Black Women Connect emails and updates etc. On weekends I spend it with close friends or I try to relax and much as possible.

Did you face any obstacles / challenges during the beginning stages of the business? If so, how did you overcome them?

There have definitely have been some obstacles starting Black Women Connect, and to be honest it would be myself. I have been my biggest obstacle because I had to get past the fear that I could actually do this and was capable. How I overcome this fear is realizing if it wasn't a need in the community no one would be attending events.

How do you manage your self-care?

Self care is something I have been trying to learn to do well. I have chronic pain from a car accident 3 years ago and also chronic illness I was diagnosed with last year. So I'm still trying to figure out how to do self care well. I do find that stretching, meditation and reading have been the biggest things that help me.

What does "PLR" mean to you?

PLR means to me to learning to navigate the journey to loving yourself! To know that you are worth it and that you can find support with others who are going through similar circumstances. Women need the ability to have a safe place to be heard and connect with other women.