Wilde’s journey to this achievement is one of dedication and perseverance. A lover of fitness for many years, she discovered her passion for planking while recovering from a wrist injury. With consistent practice and determination, she honed her strength and technique, ultimately leading to her record-breaking performance.

Despite the physical and mental challenges she faced during the grueling hours of the plank, Wilde remained focused and determined, pushing through discomfort to reach her goal. Reflecting on her accomplishment, she expressed disbelief at her success, describing it as a dream come true.

The post 58-Year-Old Woman Smashes the Planking World Record appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Menstrual Phase

Picture this: cozy blankets, your favorite book, and maybe a bit of chocolate. During your menstrual phase, estrogen takes a dip, dragging your energy levels down. It’s nature’s way of saying, “Hey, it’s okay to take it easy.” Embrace the chill vibes, say no to overcommitting, and catch up on some well-deserved rest.

How to Maximize Your Time During This Phase: Tackle challenging tasks, amp up your exercise routine, and socializing with friends.

Ovulation Phase

During this phase, estrogen and testosterone hit their peak. You’re on a natural high, feeling energetic and ready to conquer the world. It’s the perfect time for important conversations, team projects, and, if you’re trying to conceive, well, you know what to do!

How to Maximize Your Time During This Phase: Seize the moment for team tasks, engage in challenging conversations, and celebrate your peak energy.

Luteal Phase

As you transition towards the luteal phase, progesterone takes the lead. If pregnancy isn’t on the horizon, progesterone levels drop, leading to potential sluggishness. PMS symptoms might make an appearance, so it’s time for self-care and relaxation.

How to Maximize Your Time During This Phase: Embrace self-care, focus on lighter tasks, and indulge in a bit of pampering.

Understanding Your Cycle

Every woman’s body is unique, and understanding your cycle is the key to unlocking your full potential. Whether you’re a calendar tracker or an app user, knowing your patterns empowers you to navigate through the month with grace.

Bonus Tip: Keep a menstrual diary to track patterns and share insights with your healthcare provider for personalized care.

In a world that often overlooks the magic of the menstrual cycle, it’s time to celebrate the incredible journey your body goes through each month. So, embrace the highs and lows, listen to your body’s cues, and ride the hormonal rollercoaster like the queen you are!

The post HOW MONTHLY PERIODS AFFECT YOUR ENERGY LEVELS appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Ingred Awuor is an ex-model and currently a model coach and a fashion show producer.  Own The Runway is a non-profit organization that focuses on events for community impact. This year, the charity fashion show supported young mothers who live in informal settlements in Kenya. Some of the designers who showcased include Epica Jewellery, Bam’I Collections, Sewphisticated by Viane, Miss CEO and Roma Designs Africa.

Previously, the charity fashion show  supported and advocated for recognition of albino models in the fashion industry. They also supported the albino community with resources essential for their well-being and survival.

Truth be told, you put up quite a show. Briefly talk about how you planned the event.

It took five months of planning. Planning involves scouting for models and designers, looking for a postpartum foundation to support, and visiting mums who are grappling with postpartum depression, to build a relationship and offer therapy. 

We also trained models on the catwalk, ensuring designers understood the concept of the show. Planning also  involved talking to artistes for entertainment and collaborating with event organisers and looking for a venue, doing dress rehearsals, and involving the Mcees.

Why was  the focus on postpartum depression?

INGRED AWUOR, CEO AND FOUNDER BLACKDUST EVENTS.

Postpartum mums in the urban slums have low or zero income which means that besides financial insecurity they struggle with postpartum depression. 

Depression is worse when one has no financial support and a support system, therefore, Mums with newborns need support in every aspect. I am a mother too so I understand these struggles.

Some highlights from the charity Gala 2022?

First and foremost, I am proud of the fact that we gave upcoming designers a platform to showcase their designs and be visible. I am also proud of allowing upcoming models to grace the show and showcase their talent. I am glad that the audience enjoyed every bit of the show, and for many, it was their first time at a fashion show.

You worked very closely with not one but several notable sponsors including Linton’s Beauty College, Verushka wigs, Alpha Fit gym; the list is endless. Do you have any  message for them? 

I would like to thank all the sponsors for believing in me and supporting this noble cause. I am definitely looking forward to future collaborations.

After the show did you go to bed knowing that you achieved what you had planned?

Yes, it did but I hope the next edition will be bigger and better.

So what’s next in line?

Since Own The Runway is an annual event, I can’t wait to host it again Next year in April. It’s going to be one of a kind. Stay tuned.

The post OWN THE RUNWAY FASHION SHOW: WHY WE CHOSE MOTHERS appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

The exclusive interview on Her Standards is here. 

How do people react when you walk into a room? 

People living with vitiligo command a lot of attention because we are different. When I walk into a room everyone stares, others point fingers and make comments such as, “angalieni huyo msichana (look at that girl).” Surprisingly,  I don’t mind the attention, because this is who I am. It used to bother me back in the day but now I have embraced myself and what people say is the least of my concerns. 

How old were you when you noticed the first white spot? 

I was 15-years-old,  in Form Two and I had just joined high school. I noticed tiny whitish spots on my face and lips. The first person I informed was my mum and family. The first reaction was to get a medical opinion and soon we started visiting hospitals, many hospitals  hoping to get a medical explanation which was not forthcoming. 

I have been to many hospitals, about ten hospitals in search of a permanent solution but so far nothing seems to work. Even with the medication, sometimes the spots increase which is so frustrating.  Now I’ve lived with vitiligo for six years. My former classmates or people who knew me before, those we went to primary school with, can barely recognize me, and it’s okay.

Do you sometimes  try to hide the spots?

I tried to conceal the spots using makeup but it got to a point when I couldn’t hide them anymore; after they started spreading to visible parts of the body such as my hands. Currently, the pigmentation is all over my body. I am not using any medication and I don’t intend to subject my body to that struggle again. I love myself just the way I am.  I still wear makeup to slay and not to hide. I love makeup and did cover my face until covid-19 pandemic happened and we started masking up, then it didn’t make sense to glam the face.

Certain people have said very mean things about vitiligo. Some even associate it with witchcraft …

There are too many myths and misconceptions about vitiligo. Let me put the record straight. First of all, vitiligo is not a painful skin condition; well unless survivors are exposed to long hours in the sun. In that case, the skin is affected, it turns red, pink or it may swell or even peel. 

Secondly, vitiligo is not contagious, neither is it associated with witchcraft. And no, it’s not a curse. Vitiligo can affect anyone at any time.  People living with vitiligo can lead normal lives and do what normal people do including  getting tattoos. I don’t have one yet, but it is definitely on the bucket list.

Have you ever felt discriminated against because of your skin?

Not directly, but the fact of the matter is people who are like me are treated differently. Take for instance my life as a model, it is difficult to get gigs compared to the rest who are considered normal. 

When we do shoots, we wear dull outfits and Ankara doesn’t go well with vitiligo. 

What would you tell them?

See beyond the skin; I am more than the vitiligo on my skin. Models with skin conditions work just as hard as the rest and deserve equal opportunity. 

And what’s that one comment that really ticks you off?

Getting unsolicited advice. I have been told several times…  go try this and that. While I appreciate everyone’s concern, I’m in love with who I am now. Just stop.

On a lighter note, let’s talk about dating for people living with vitiligo.

Honestly speaking, many people struggle to date men or women like me, although my experience has not been that bad. I was in a relationship and we broke up. Now I am single. However, my greatest fear is facing rejection and being judged by the family of my potential partner who may not be judgemental at all; but his family might view me differently. 

What would  you tell those who are reading your story today? 

I am not my skin. Date me for who I am and even though my skin stands out, my heart is responsible for loving and having meaningful relationships. Learn me, know my heart and just forget about my skin. Maybe someday it may get better or never. 

So, a little birdie told us that you and America’s Next Top Model (also living with Vitiligo)  Winnie Harlow , are bffs?

Winnie Harlow: [PHOTO: COURTESY]

Well, one time, I commented on her Instagram post and she inboxed me, to find out how I am living with Vitiligo. It was so humbling. 

Most rewarding thing about opening up?

I have been a video vixen, notably in Otile Brown’s sont , ‘Just the way you are’

Moreover, I wouldn’t get TV interviews, if it wasn’t for my Vitiligo. Besides, the one and only Winnie Harlow noticed me. 

What does tomorrow hold for Joan Mbugua? 

I am so keen on creating awareness about vitiligo. Truth is anyone can develop vitiligo and having correct information is key to thriving with this condition. People like talking and they’ll never stop. As a young person, all you have to do is love yourself, accept yourself for who you are. Just find a way to get used to your skin, the world will adjust. 

The post MODEL WITH VITILIGO: I AM NOT MY SKIN appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Two years on, Rosa still wears African designs every waking day. As the world marks African Day, curious me sought to find out why the girl born and bred in the coastal city of Mombasa cannot leave the house without a touch of African fashion.

What would you wear to a hot date?

For a casual date, I would rock a pair of jeans, tank top and an Ankara Kimono; or I would simply wear a floral dress. A fitting dress, heels, jewellery is my go to look for a hot dinner date.

Three things that people don’t know about Rosa Agutu?

I love reading books more than watching movies. I just finished Dear Ijeawele by Chimamanda, it was a quick read. I want to have a collection of African literature. In my bucket list, I must visit the Hamoni library in Mauritania and the famous Library in Timbuktu, Mali.

The second thing about me is my love of cooking and hosting. I host people a lot and yes I am a good cook.

Rosa is also a basketball fan. I would wake up at 3am to watch an NBA game. I am currently excited about the Basketball Africa League in Rwanda.

How long have you worn African designs?

Officially since 2015. For six years now, I haven’t left the house without an African touch. I feel incomplete without it.

When did you discover this?

Growing up, my mother would add a touch of African on most of my outfits, so as I grew older I started doing it myself. But my mother still played a big role because she would make African jewellery and bags for the both of us. When she received good feedback, she started selling on order.

I remember in 2017 when our church had a cultural day and my tailor ruined my dress. On the actual day of the event, I had no dress. Thanks to my mother’s creativity and quick thinking, she fixed my dress with offcuts from the tailor and it was the best dress ever; everyone at the function was envious.

Talking of tailors, who makes your clothes?

I use two trusted tailors here in Nairobi.

And where do you shop?

I buy the African stuff, mostly tailor-made or Online; non-African outfits are mostly thrifted. But the interesting bit is that I receive lots of gifts from people. These are mostly earrings, bracelets and head scarfs. They are yet to gift me 11m African print materials.

When was the last time you wore non-African designs?

Full non-African? Good Lord! I can’t even remember. Probably 2014. I have learnt how to accessorize my look with African accents.

How do you do it; don’t you get bored?

You can’t get bored with African stuff, whether it’s music, food, art or clothes. But I always accessorize. Sometimes I can rock a formal dress and accessorize with an African print headscarf and jewellery. When I am wear jeans and T-shirt, I layer with an African print overcoat.

Any particular reason you are saying yes to African outfits?

I am a dark-skinned African Woman, self-proclaimed Queen of Melanin. I want people to see a proud African Queen when they look at me.

What’s the long term plan? What message are you passing on?

Long term plan? Who knows maybe I will start designing my own stuff or follow in Diana Opoti’s footsteps and do something close to 100 days of African fashion. The message I am passing on is, we are Africans. If we don’t embrace our own culture people will claim it and we will have no one to blame but ourselves.

Tanzania, Nigeria have one day in the week when they promote local designs: what’s wrong with Kenyans?

I think we are getting there, one step at a time. Gone are the days when African fashion was associated with old school ladies. These days, we rock the print to work, business meetings, galas even cocktails.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

Rosa Agutu is a night owl.

The post AFRICAN QUEEN: WHY KENYAN BLACK BEAUTY PROUDLY WEARS AFRICAN EVERY SINGLE DAY appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Here’s the solid proof. This year alone, the global nail industry grew to an estimated US$9.9 Billion, despite the Covid-19 crisis.

Actually, one survey indicates that 33 per cent of women own at least 25 bottles of nail polish. This is on the lower side as there are women with 300 plus bottles decorating their dressing table yet they can’t stop buying more.

To feed the growing demand for more advanced technology, the industry keeps launching new products and concepts all to the joy of consumers. But seriously speaking, who wouldn’t?

Wachinga Anami 28-year-old Kenyan woman literally nailed this opportunity to create a home-grown nail care line called Thamar to satisfy the over 26.5 million women in Kenya. Not forgetting the metrosexual male audience who have no qualms with occasional manicure or pedicure. Thamar is the reverse of Martha, Wachinga’s first name.

The financial engineering graduate not only wanted to give her clients variety but was also keen on self-employment and feeding her innate love of beauty. But Thamar’s unique selling point is her non-toxic range of products.

With nail polish a commonly used term for non-toxic products is five-free; which refers to polishes that do not contain five specific ingredients considered harmful. These are formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde resin and camphor. More advanced products market themselves as seven or even ten-free.

Wachinga explains that her nail care line is seven-free and, “Doesn’t contain harmful chemicals that could cause damage to skin or nails.”

The holder of a Master’s degree in Strategic Management created Thamar in two phases: Research and development and implementation. This was four years ago but the nail polish was officially launched in 2018 to cater to both men and women.

She explains why. “Getting a manicure or pedicure is luxury for everyone, and that includes men.”

Her argument is backed up by global research which has shown that the nail care market is growing significantly. An estimated 90 per cent of women and 12 per cent of men worldwide use nail care products. 

Thamar is inspired by Kenyan experience and comes in over 42 colour shades with unique local names such as Watamu Tamu, Nairoberry, Mombasa Raha or Mara green. 

The shades are heavily pigmented lacquers, long-lasting and chip resistant, Wachinga told Woman Kenya Network. In addition, the brand comes with a protective top and base coat, she says.

The youthful businesswoman who quit employment adds that they stock both regular and gel nail polish. And price ranges between Sh200 and Sh950. A leading chemist is their main distributor but they also have stockists in different towns. Clients can also buy directly from the website.

 If you thought the nail polish industry was losing colour, maybe you should think again.

The post SHE NAILED IT: 28-YEAR OLD MAKES A MARK IN NAIL POLISH BUSINESS appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

She is a Kenyan supermodel, a mother, and an entrepreneur.

The one-time Victoria’s Secret model who comes from a marginalized community has also been vocal against skin bleaching. Nasenyana has worked with Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen in her pursuit of a modeling career. She is a philanthropist advocating for access to education for children through her Ajuma Nasanyana Foundation.

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