Having recently founded Moko Maya – a home décor line based in Nairobi - Nyandia Kamawe continues her evolution as a visual artist, now embracing the world of glass recyclables. Nyandia shares her journey through artistry; beginning at a time when Kenya’s political climate was not ideal for self-expression. Following this, Nyandia shares the next phase of her life which was lived out in the United States of America from 1996. Finally, she shares her journey to repatriation in 2011, where she renegotiated her relationship with the place she calls home. Having been raised in a supportive family unit, Nyandia affirms her immense appreciation for the values that followed her upbringing. She now realizes more than ever that God and family are the foundation to her existence, and why she does what she does. Nyandia also shares some of her realizations about life, religion, and self-development, which she admits have all been continuous processes throughout her life. Today, Moko Maya’s founder feels more grounded than ever to be taking on life’s challenges however they may come, while pursuing a new path in her career. Part 1 of this interview: https://youtu.be/Qx4vi2Jknsk Follow Moko Maya: https://www.instagram.com/mokomaya/ ______________ Check out more episodes: https://www.geekhappynetwork.com/represented _______________ Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: Apple Podcasts https://tinyurl.com/yctqmjfw Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc3jvb4b Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yczq9buh _______________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/representedpodcast/ This podcast is presented by Geek Happy Network. Check out other shows at geekhappynetwork.com

Represented

S02 | Episode 07 | Nyandia Kamawe – My life, art and Moko Maya (Part 2)

#RepresentedPodcast #MokoMaya #NyandiaKamawe Having recently founded Moko Maya – a home décor line based in Nairobi - Nyandia Kamawe continues her evolution as a visual artist, now embracing the world of glass recyclables. Nyandia shares her journey through artistry; beginning at a time when Kenya’s political climate was not ideal for self-expression. Following this, Nyandia shares the next phase of her life which was lived out in the United States of America from 1996. Finally, she shares her journey to repatriation in 2011, where she renegotiated her relationship with the place she calls home. Having been raised in a supportive family unit, Nyandia affirms her immense appreciation for the values that followed her upbringing. She now realizes more than ever that God and family are the foundation to her existence, and why she does what she does. Nyandia also shares some of her realizations about life, religion, and self-development, which she admits have all been continuous processes throughout her life. Today, Moko Maya’s founder feels more grounded than ever to be taking on life’s challenges however they may come, while pursuing a new path in her career. Part 2 of this interview: https://youtu.be/1dUb7bFmJdU Follow Moko Maya: https://www.instagram.com/mokomaya/ ______________ Check out more episodes: https://www.geekhappynetwork.com/represented _______________ Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: Apple Podcasts https://tinyurl.com/yctqmjfw Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc3jvb4b Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yczq9buh _______________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/representedpodcast/ This podcast is presented by Geek Happy Network. Check out other shows at geekhappynetwork.com

S02 | Episode 07 | Nyandia Kamawe – My life, art and Moko Maya (Part 1)

Lisa is a talented singer, songwriter, arranger, and producer living and working in Nairobi, Kenya. As a family-centered, highly introspective and self-aware individual, Lisa always strives to learn from her daily experiences. These experiences not only shape her life, but also her art.  In this episode, Lisa shares her educational journey at the Berklee College of Music in Boston Massachusetts, which ties into her formative years abroad. It was in Boston where Lisa’s career in music took shape, as well as her appreciation for life’s inevitable growing pains. Lisa also shares some deep and insightful reflections about how her family and friends greatly contribute to her sense of self. Lisa’s passion for music has created an interesting backdrop to her life journey in general. As an outward expression of her need to connect, and truly inspire a sense of belonging for those around her, Lisa’s music has often served as a tool for togetherness. Lisa channels her love for authenticity and people through each musical endeavor she embarks upon. Having moved back to Nairobi just under 2 years ago, Lisa is currently navigating the local music scene with fresh eyes, but with the same desire to be the best artist she can be.    Follow Lisa:  https://www.instagram.com/lisaoduor/ ______________ Check out more episodes:   https://www.geekhappynetwork.com/represented _______________ Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app:   Apple Podcasts https://tinyurl.com/yctqmjfw   Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc3jvb4b   Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yczq9buh   _______________ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/representedpodcast/   This podcast is presented by Geek Happy Network. Check out other shows at geekhappynetwork.com

S02 | Episode 06 | Lisa Oduor-Noah (Part 2)

S02 | Episode 06 | Lisa Oduor-Noah (Part 1)

Ralph is a Nairobi-based artist, marketer and producer who has been striving to make strides in the Kenyan music industry for the last 10 years. We spoke to Ralph about his inspiration for creating music and the various struggles he has faced on his journey of self discovery within the entertainment realm. Ralph also shared some old stories about creative endeavors in high school that fueled his belief in the power of creativity and togetherness. As a strong believer in a personal vision for his life, Ralph believes that his hustle is the key to helping himself and those around him. Not limiting himself to music, Ralph also dabbles in various business ventures to make ends meet as well as fund his dreams. Through determination and hard work, Ralph has pulled through the toughest of times and uses the experiences as motivation to keep moving forward.   Part 1 of this interview: Ralph Kings (Part 1)   Follow Ralph: https://www.instagram.com/ralph_kings_official   ______________   Check out more episodes: https://www.geekhappynetwork.com/represented   _______________   Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: Apple Podcasts https://tinyurl.com/yctqmjfw Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc3jvb4b Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yczq9buh   _______________   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/representedpodcast/   This podcast is presented by Geek Happy Network. Check out other shows at geekhappynetwork.com

S02 | Episode 05 | Ralph Kings (Part 2)

Ralph is a Nairobi-based artist, marketer and producer who has been striving to make strides in the Kenyan music industry for the last 10 years. We spoke to Ralph about his inspiration for creating music and the various struggles he has faced on his journey of self discovery within the entertainment realm. Ralph also shared some old stories about creative endeavors in high school that fueled his belief in the power of creativity and togetherness. As a strong believer in a personal vision for his life, Ralph believes that his hustle is the key to helping himself and those around him. Not limiting himself to music, Ralph also dabbles in various business ventures to make ends meet as well as fund his dreams. Through determination and hard work, Ralph has pulled through the toughest of times and uses the experiences as motivation to keep moving forward.   Part 2 of this interview: Ralph Kings (Part 2)   Follow Ralph: https://www.instagram.com/ralph_kings_official   ______________   Check out more episodes: https://www.geekhappynetwork.com/represented   _______________   Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: Apple Podcasts https://tinyurl.com/yctqmjfw Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc3jvb4b Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yczq9buh   _______________   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/representedpodcast/   This podcast is presented by Geek Happy Network. Check out other shows at geekhappynetwork.com

S02 | Episode 05 | Ralph Kings (Part 1)

Noni Rubia is a Kenyan-born, and raised adventurous spirit living and working in Canada. As a return guest to Represented, Noni reflects on the happenings of the last year and a half since we spoke to her. We also happened to have the opportunity to interview Noni’s cousin, Michelle Noni on the same day. We got to learn a bit about yet another young ‘diasporan’ making their way in the United Kingdom. Our follow-up interview with Noni in Nairobi was unfortunately only made possible due to her grandfather’s passing. Both Noni’s were in town for the funeral. However, the cousins were able to share heartwarming perspectives about why their grandfather’s death served as a family-wide blessing in disguise, despite the tragic event. Noni (Rubia) also shares a daunting experience she had while stuck in Mexico with no passport and minimal financial support. Since our last conversation in Vancouver, her hunger for new experiences and travel have only grown; which brought about some new perspectives and very interesting stories to tell.   Follow Noni: https://www.instagram.com/noni_rubia   ______________   Check out more episodes: https://www.geekhappynetwork.com/represented   _______________   Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: Apple Podcasts https://tinyurl.com/yctqmjfw Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc3jvb4b Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yczq9buh   _______________   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/representedpodcast/   This podcast is presented by Geek Happy Network. Check out other shows at geekhappynetwork.com

S02 | Episode 04 | Noni Rubia feat. Michelle Noni

Aram Laloui is a Kenyan-born and raised businessman of Iranian descent. Having come from a family of unconventional thinkers, Aram strives to spread a message of love and inclusivity through his Bahai faith as well as the work he pours himself into. We spoke to Aram about his early life as an alumnus of one of Nairobi’s most prestigious institutions – St. Mary’s School – which he admits formed a great deal of his personality to-date. Not only did Aram meet life-long friends and business associates at St. Mary’s, but a lot of his experience of being accepted and loved came from his fellow Saints. For his university studies, Aram had the opportunity to travel to Vancouver, Canada, where he discovered his love for business in a whirlwind of homesickness and soul-searching while at the University of British Columbia. Together with another St. Mary’s veteran friend at UBC, they made the collective decision to cut their studies short and return home to Kenya to begin pursuing business together. Aram shared his growth as a young person striving for greatness, while battling the various uncertainties most young people can relate to today. Through love, family, business and education, he has found ways to continuously discover what his true purpose needs to look like. As Aram establishes himself as a force to reckon with in the Nairobi business scene, the importance of self-awareness and collaborative effort is not lost on him.   Part 1 of this interview: Aram Laloui (Part 1)   Follow Aram: Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aramlaloui Zana (Real Estate Marketing): https://www.instagram.com/zanagroup Hummingbird Transport: https://www.instagram.com/hummingbirdtransport   ______________   Check out more episodes: https://www.geekhappynetwork.com/represented   _______________   Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: Apple Podcasts https://tinyurl.com/yctqmjfw Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc3jvb4b Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yczq9buh   _______________   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/representedpodcast/   This podcast is presented by Geek Happy Network. Check out other shows at geekhappynetwork.com

S03 | Episode 03 | Aram Laloui (Part 2)

Aram Laloui is a Kenyan-born and raised businessman of Iranian descent. Having come from a family of unconventional thinkers, Aram strives to spread a message of love and inclusivity through his Bahai faith as well as the work he pours himself into. We spoke to Aram about his early life as an alumnus of one of Nairobi’s most prestigious institutions – St. Mary’s School – which he admits formed a great deal of his personality to-date. Not only did Aram meet life-long friends and business associates at St. Mary’s, but a lot of his experience of being accepted and loved came from his fellow Saints. For his university studies, Aram had the opportunity to travel to Vancouver, Canada, where he discovered his love for business in a whirlwind of homesickness and soul-searching while at the University of British Columbia. Together with another St. Mary’s veteran friend at UBC, they made the collective decision to cut their studies short and return home to Kenya to begin pursuing business together. Aram shared his growth as a young person striving for greatness, while battling the various uncertainties most young people can relate to today. Through love, family, business and education, he has found ways to continuously discover what his true purpose needs to look like. As Aram establishes himself as a force to reckon with in the Nairobi business scene, the importance of self-awareness and collaborative effort is not lost on him.   Part 2 of this interview: Aram Laloui (Part 2)   Follow Aram: Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aramlaloui Zana (Real Estate Marketing): https://www.instagram.com/zanagroup Hummingbird Transport: https://www.instagram.com/hummingbirdtransport   ______________   Check out more episodes: https://www.geekhappynetwork.com/represented   _______________   Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: Apple Podcasts https://tinyurl.com/yctqmjfw Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc3jvb4b Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yczq9buh   _______________   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/representedpodcast/   This podcast is presented by Geek Happy Network. Check out other shows at geekhappynetwork.com

S03 | Episode 03 | Aram Laloui (Part 1)

Double M is a radio show host with the United States International University’s student-run station 99.9. As he works towards his educational goals at USIU’s Nairobi campus, Double M also hones-in on his passion for engaging the student community with a variety of radio shows. Having previously attempted the corporate life by acquiring a regular job at a local bank, Double M found himself still yearning for more. He then broke free from the expected path and continued following his inspiration to be a media personality. We spoke to Double M about what keeps him inspired to be creative and unconventional with his life decisions. The radio host was adamant about his belief in a bigger vision trumping the comforts of right now. Double M hopes to inspire others in his field and beyond to seek opportunities outside their comfort zone (no matter the pay). Despite what others may think, Double M believes that one’s vision for themselves is worth the fight if you are willing to put in the work. Having steadily created connections with some of the big players in Kenyan media, Double M also channels his energy towards helping young creatives acquire a platform around Nairobi. His support for Kenyan content is evident in his daily work, as well as those that mentor him in the media landscape.   Part 1 of this interview: Double M (Part 1)   Follow Double M: https://www.instagram.com/doublem254   ______________   Check out more episodes: https://www.geekhappynetwork.com/represented   _______________   Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: Apple Podcasts https://tinyurl.com/yctqmjfw Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc3jvb4b Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yczq9buh   _______________   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/representedpodcast/   This podcast is presented by Geek Happy Network. Check out other shows at geekhappynetwork.com

S02 | Episode 02 | Double M (Part 2)

Double M is a radio show host with the United States International University’s student-run station 99.9. As he works towards his educational goals at USIU’s Nairobi campus, Double M also hones-in on his passion for engaging the student community with a variety of radio shows. Having previously attempted the corporate life by acquiring a regular job at a local bank, Double M found himself still yearning for more. He then broke free from the expected path and continued following his inspiration to be a media personality. We spoke to Double M about what keeps him inspired to be creative and unconventional with his life decisions. The radio host was adamant about his belief in a bigger vision trumping the comforts of right now. Double M hopes to inspire others in his field and beyond to seek opportunities outside their comfort zone (no matter the pay). Despite what others may think, Double M believes that one’s vision for themselves is worth the fight if you are willing to put in the work. Having steadily created connections with some of the big players in Kenyan media, Double M also channels his energy towards helping young creatives acquire a platform around Nairobi. His support for Kenyan content is evident in his daily work, as well as those that mentor him in the media landscape.   Part 2 of this interview: Double M (Part 2)   Follow Double M: https://www.instagram.com/doublem254   ______________   Check out more episodes: https://www.geekhappynetwork.com/represented   _______________   Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: Apple Podcasts https://tinyurl.com/yctqmjfw Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc3jvb4b Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yczq9buh   _______________   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/representedpodcast/   This podcast is presented by Geek Happy Network. Check out other shows at geekhappynetwork.com

S02 | Episode 02 | Double M (Part 1)

Mr. Kamawe is a Kenyan-born Hip Hop artist and entrepreneur currently living in Atlanta, Georgia. During our conversation, Mr. Kamawe gave us his perspective of what life was like in a 90’s-era Nairobi; Kenya’s capital city. Evidently, at the time, Mr. Kamawe reflects, there was a clear lack of opportunities for the youth to engage in meaningful activities. Conscious of this reality, Mr. Kamawe chose Hip Hop as a lens through which he could imagine a brighter future. In the 90s, Hip Hop culture had also just begun making serious waves globally. This further inspired Mr. Kamawe’s journey once the decision to study in the United States came about in his latter teen years. Mr. Kamawe’s story offers an outlook on the struggles that young diaspora often encounters as they strive to juggle their education and self-actualisation. Through his undying will to express, as well as find himself, Mr. Kamawe acknowledges the growth that has inevitably followed his decades-long life in America. At the time of the interview, Mr. Kamawe had just undergone the major milestone of getting married weeks prior. Therefore, we also got a chance to explore the realm of family and relationships. “God first, and family second,” Mr. Kamawe says, and he keeps these aspects close to his heart and art.   Part 1 of this interview: Mr. Kamawe (Part 1)   Follow Mr. Kamawe: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrkamawe/ Website: https://www.circlegroupmedia.com   ______________   Check out more episodes: https://www.geekhappynetwork.com/represented   _______________   Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: Apple Podcasts https://tinyurl.com/yctqmjfw Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc3jvb4b Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yczq9buh   _______________   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/representedpodcast/   This podcast is presented by Geek Happy Network. Check out other shows at geekhappynetwork.com

S02 | Episode 01 | Mr. Kamawe (Part 2)

Mr. Kamawe is a Kenyan-born Hip Hop artist and entrepreneur currently living in Atlanta, Georgia. During our conversation, Mr. Kamawe gave us his perspective of what life was like in a 90’s-era Nairobi; Kenya’s capital city. Evidently, at the time, Mr. Kamawe reflects, there was a clear lack of opportunities for the youth to engage in meaningful activities. Conscious of this reality, Mr. Kamawe chose Hip Hop as a lens through which he could imagine a brighter future. In the 90s, Hip Hop culture had also just begun making serious waves globally. This further inspired Mr. Kamawe’s journey once the decision to study in the United States came about in his latter teen years. Mr. Kamawe’s story offers an outlook on the struggles that young diaspora often encounters as they strive to juggle their education and self-actualisation. Through his undying will to express, as well as find himself, Mr. Kamawe acknowledges the growth that has inevitably followed his decades-long life in America. At the time of the interview, Mr. Kamawe had just undergone the major milestone of getting married weeks prior. Therefore, we also got a chance to explore the realm of family and relationships. “God first, and family second,” Mr. Kamawe says, and he keeps these aspects close to his heart and art.   Part 2 of this interview: Mr. Kamawe (Part 2)   Follow Mr. Kamawe: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrkamawe/ Website: https://www.circlegroupmedia.com   ______________   Check out more episodes: https://www.geekhappynetwork.com/represented   _______________   Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: Apple Podcasts https://tinyurl.com/yctqmjfw Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc3jvb4b Google Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/yczq9buh   _______________   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/representedpodcast/   This podcast is presented by Geek Happy Network. Check out other shows at geekhappynetwork.com

S02 | Episode 01 | Mr . Kamawe (Part 1)

As we come closer to the new season of Represented, we'd like to revisit some of our favorite episodes from the first season. This week we're revisiting Nyex's conversation with a former co-worker, Mik Narciso.   Mik Narciso comes from a family of Philippino pioneers who have given him the drive to search for his own expression of meaningful work. As he finds himself professionally in Greater Vancouver, Mik believes that improving communication is the basis of all productivity. Therefore based on this, Mik aspires to be a great communicator in all aspects of his life. In this episode, we explore some of the ways he has made steps to be better at communicating while exploring some of his early failures at doing so. From awkward female encounters to annoying managers, Mik shares his war stories and how he has observed his own evolution. This podcast is presented by Geek Happy Network. Come check out their other shows at geekhappynetwork.com

Represented Rewinds: 002 Mik Narciso

As we come closer to the new season of Represented, we'd like to revisit some of our favorite episodes from the first season. This week we're revisiting Nyex's conversation with Vancouver actor, Jaymee Mak.   Jaymee incorporates a deep sense of self-awareness in everything she is involved in. This often comes out when she works on her craft as a screen actor. As a youth, Jaymee had to learn to cope with her mental health which forced her to get to know herself better. Ultimately, Jaymee draws strength from her battles. Now, as a budding filmmaker in Greater Vancouver, Jaymee continues to uncover the lengths to which she can stretch her talents in the buzzing Vancouver film industry.   This is the final episode of Represented's first season. Nyex will be back later this year to begin a new season of Represented.    Feel free to follow Jaymee on: Instagram:instagram.com/jaymeemak/ Twitter:twitter.com/JaymeeMak IMDB:>imdb.com/name/nm8272389/   Enjoyed our episode? Subscribe to us with the link below or on your favorite podcast app. geekhappynetwork.com/represented iTunes tinyurl.com/yctqmjfw Spotify: tinyurl.com/yc3jvb4b Google Podcasts: tinyurl.com/yczq9buh Instagram: instagram.com/representedpodcast/ instagram.com/_nyex_ Special thanks to the Vancouver Public Library's Inspiration Lab vpl.ca/inspirationlab   This podcast is presented by Geek Happy Network. Come check out their other shows at geekhappynetwork.com

Represented Rewinds: 013 Jaymee Mak

Represented takes us on a journey through people’s lives. People from different backgrounds, with different interests, ambitions, motivations, needs and wants. Just like you, these people have something that wakes them up each day to fight their fight. As a host, Nyex explores a variety of conversations; ranging from light hearted, to deep and uncomfortable. All this is in an attempt to gain a wider perspective on each guest and hopefully learn something from their journey.

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Represented

hubhopper