A Journey Fueled by Positivity: Claudia is in Conversation with Waridi Wardah

"Growing up as a Muslim girl, with a Muslim background in Nairobi… I grew up with my aunt and she was super strict, so I was really traditional in the way I wore clothes, the way I appeared, and went to school. I went to Muslim girl’s school, so we wore long trousers and covered our legs and always covered everything up. it was a special time, as a young girl or young woman, I didn’t have boyfriends. But I still had feelings as a young girl. And just watching my girlfriends enjoying that, I actually could never really imagine, that I could do what they’re doing. Although I respected my space and my place. On the other hand, I  always knew: I will be traveling. There was something in me, I knew that I’m not going to be staying in Nairobi or in Kenya, I'd be traveling–but I didn’t know where yet."

Waridi is a fantastic story teller. She takes us through her journey from growing up in Nairobi under the strict guard of her aunt, into unfolding into her own, slender body which leads her, as a Kenyan, to a successful modeling career in London, Paris, Milan and New York. Waridi shares how her positiv outlook on life always helped her to pivot forward into a next phase, to reconnect to her past, and embracing not only her African heritage, but also her Arabic roots. Fashion has become her tool to change the narrative about Africa and to focus on new, young, talented Fashion Designers with her platform Fashion Africa 254.

SHIFT HAPPENS is a bi-weekly podcast (released every second Wednesday). SHIFT HAPPENS creates a space for women to pause for a moment and to share, to listen and to feel heard. A space where we connect and talk about life and its pivotal moments. This podcast is a little window into the world. Host Claudia Mahler invited women from all walks of life, and various counties, countries, and continents. She is in conversation with authors, business owners, artists, life coaches, change-makers. All these women have their individual life stories, and much wisdom to share.

Follow and learn more about episode guest Waridi Wardah at: Fashion Africa 254

To learn more about SHIFT HAPPENS, click here

 To learn more about Claudia's business Curated Conversations and her Salons in New York, Zurich and Berlin, click here

You can also connect with Claudia on Instagram @claudiamahlerconversations and LinkedIn at ClaudiaMahlerNYC

This podcast is created, produced and hosted by Claudia Mahler.

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