- Give us a brief profile of yourself.
My name is Brenda Ndirangu. I’m an editor working with the Bloggers Association of Kenya which I’m glad to be working with an amazing team since January 2021.
- Share something interesting about yourself
I have a great love for motorsports; both cars and motorcycles. Personally, I enjoy riding motorcycles and when I get a chance, I love trying out cars. Speed is exciting. Music is also something that I enjoy, I’m a good singer so should I say.
- What attracted/inspired you into blogging?
The fact that one can express themselves through writing. There are a lot of issues that we as humans especially Kenyans go through that may not be expressed openly by word of mouth but can be done by writing and can be able to address these issues to the public/ audiences at large.
4.What is the name of your blog and what is it about?
At the moment, I do not have a specific blog that I’m working on at the moment. However, editing has become a very interesting part of my work. I enjoy every bit and I am soon planning on launching a blog of my own so I could share my thoughts and ideas especially on health matters.
5.You could have written about anything, why this niche specifically?
It is said that health is wealth. Creating awareness on the different health issues is something I would like to focus on a lot. I have seen some close people to me go through some health difficulties like Cancer and renal failure which have been a great challenge in this country. Creating awareness and also being a voice of change to our community would be something that I would want to be involved in.
6.What accomplishments are you proud of most?
I worked as an intern at the Huduma Kenya as a social media manager. I really enjoyed the job and was able to help the organization earn an award for the best customer service on social media in 2015. I felt proud of myself for such a step.
7.If you could sit down with your 13-year-old self, what would you tell her?
Confidence is key. Try to be confident as much as possible because confidence can take you places and bring you opportunities that you never thought you could get.
8.If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Adventurous. Outgoing. Funny.
9.If you could time travel, where would you go?
Back in 2014, I got to share an elevator with a very prominent political leader. I have always admired his work ethic and I have always dreamt about being part of his team. Unfortunately, the chance to talk about my work and my goals passed by because I wasn’t confident enough. How I wish I could get back to that moment.
10.What is the weirdest food combination you have ever tried?
Githeri and chapati. That combination was weirdly delicious.
11.If you were not a blogger, what would you be instead? Do you have a day job?
If I were not a blogger,I probably would have been a backup singer or in a band.
I’m an editor and once in a while I consult small online businesses especially on social media management.
12.Of all the posts you have ever written, which one is your favourite? Why?
As I had mentioned, I am passionate about health issues. I had a story that I had written on the effects of cancer on families. The story was close to home because it was inspired by a friend who lost her mother to breast cancer. It gave me a different understanding about the disease and how one can show compassion not only to the patient but also to their family members.
13.What is the most difficult thing you ever had to do?
Having to quit a job during the pandemic. I was burnt out and depressed. I was not at a happy place.
14.Who is the most influential person in your life and why?
My mother. She has been a pillar of strength in my life and a very hardworking woman. She has helped to mold me into a strong person and encourages me even in my low times in life.
15.Besides blogging, what else do you do? What is your obsession?
I enjoy motorsports and travelling.
16.What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Try!!! The worst they can say is no. Being told no does not mean you stop pushing.
17.Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Practicing Public Relations in the public sector and hopefully I will get to get a degree in psychology.
18.Is there a quote/mantra you live by?
Just live and be kind.
19.If you would be a superhero, who would you be and why?
I don’t know if I’m allowed to say that my mother is a superhero. She is a hardworking and loving woman. Selfless and has a shoulder I can lean on. That is the kind of woman I would want to be like.
20. What lessons have you learned the most from 2020 and how do you plan to make a difference?
Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Having lost some people due to the Coronavirus, I have learnt to live each day like my last and also the value of being there for our loved ones.
21.What is your greatest achievement?
2020 was a tough year. At some point I fell into depression and fighting to get out of that became a big achievement for me. Considering my mental health has become my biggest achievement so far. In my career, being an editor with BAKE is something I don’t take for granted. It a milestone.
22.What are some of the changes in the blogsphere between now and when you
started out?
I have become more open-minded. It has helped me create a space for learning and making mistakes. Being in this industry has made me understand the different human perspectives and ideas and being able to accommodate different people for who they are. It has also helped broaden my creativity and has also challenged me to want to do more in the digital space.
23.Advice to the budding blogger
Understand the topics you want to tackle. Don’t limit your creativity and be unique.