My name is Nolia Moshodi, and I am a mother and a passionate advocate for women’s health and well-being, especially for young African, Black, and Brown women. My journey into raising awareness and advocating for issues affecting women is deeply personal and profoundly shaped by my own experiences with cancer.

I carry the genes for potential generational cancer from both my parents. My mother and my grandfather both lost their battles with cancer, and their losses left me grappling with the fear of what my future might hold.

When my daughter was born five years ago, I was advised to get a mammogram. But life quickly became overwhelming, and I had to put off the appointment. I wasn’t ready to face the reality of my family’s cancer history. I felt like I was robbed of a chance to prepare for a future that seemed uncertain and very frightening.

This experience has taught me just how important it is, as individuals, to understand our genetic history. It’s not just about knowing our family’s health issues; it’s about how we confront and manage these challenges before they become difficult or impossible to deal with. Our children rely on us for guidance. They deserve the benefit of our awareness and honesty to help equip them for their own future.

I have always been driven by a desire to make a difference, both in my own life and in the lives of others. I want Black children to know that their worth isn’t determined by their circumstances or struggles but by their hearts and actions. My mother was my hero and inspiration. These goals and desire to bring about change in my community are inspired by the work she used to do when she was still alive.

My mother’s legacy of giving back (even when she didn’t have much herself) continues to inspire me. I remember how she would take me with her when doing pick-ups and drop-offs for clothing drives, and personally delivering the clothes to families in need. One family that stands out is a single mother and her two adult sons with disabilities. My mother would dedicate her time and efforts to ensure those boys were cared for. Her compassion and dedication have profoundly shaped who I am today.

My passions keep me moving forward. They fuel my desire to bring smiles to faces and make our community stronger and more informed. I hope to inspire others to embrace their potential, face their fears with courage, and work together to create a brighter future for our children.

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Meet Cathrine, a young Malawian woman who was born and raised in Zimbabwe. Despite growing up far away from her ancestral land, Catherine was always drawn to Malawi and its beautiful landscapes. As a child, she dreamt of one day visiting her parent’s homeland, and when she finally did, it was love at first sight. She was captivated by the lush greenery, cultivated fields, the rolling green hills, and the friendly, welcoming people of traditional rural African villages.

Cathrine’s connection to Malawi deepened over time, even as she faced various social and financial challenges that forced her to leave her country. She never forgot the warmth and kindness of the people she had met there and remained committed to helping them in any way she could.

In 2021, Cathrine finally returned to Malawi to settle in her parents’ village of Tukombo, located in the Northern region where the Tonga-speaking people reside. She was eager to reconnect with her roots and to make a positive impact on her community. She reached out to the Traditional Authority  of the village’s land to understand the most pressing needs in the area, and she was determined to find a way to help, even though she had no resources of her own.

Cathrine’s unwavering dedication to her community inspired her to seek out like-minded friends who shared her vision of creating a better Africa for present and future generations. Together, they embarked on a journey of asking for assistance and Cathrine was humbled by the overwhelming response from her friends, who were eager to help her build her village and work towards creating a better Africa, one village at a time. Despite having limited resources,

Cathrine was able to make a significant impact on the lives of those in need in her village, by providing assistance and support whenever needed.rney of asking for assistance and Cathrine was humbled by the overwhelming response from her friends, who were eager to help her build her village and work towards creating a better Africa, one village at a time. Despite having limited resources, Cathrine was able to make a significant impact on the lives of those in need in her village, by providing assistance and support whenever needed.

Cathrine’s passion for the environment led her to get involved in a tree-planting project in her community of Tukombo. She collaborated with Chifundo from the DFFE, and together, they planted trees in a school and an elderly home. Cathrine had to seek permission from the Chief, Zilakoma – Mr Wellington, to run the project on their land, and he was eager to assist Cathrine in carrying out her vision to transform the landscapes while preserving the cultures and traditions that her ancestors had worked so hard to build.

Her approach to the tree-planting project was unique and inspiring. She not only taught pupils how to plant trees but also explained why it was important an

d how to care for them. She encouraged each student to plant trees with a purpose and to name each tree they planted so they could nurture and protect it as a living treasure. Cathrine’s dedication to planting trees and helping those in need is truly admirable. Her efforts have given hope for the future of our planet and the natural world. Her story is a testament to the fact that one person can make a significant difference in their community with determination and a clear vision.

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In a world where fashion changes in the blink of an eye, I’ve found my own way to show myself and help the environment: I only wear used clothes. This choice isn’t just about style for me; it also shows my beliefs and my commitment to lowering my impact on the environment.

Every item in my closet has its own story that happened before I bought it. When I put on an old jacket or a gently used pair of jeans, I can’t help but think about the people who wore them before me and the things they did. It’s like taking a piece of someone else’s journey and putting it into my own. By buying used clothes, I’m lowering the need for new clothes to be made, which in turn reduces the strain on resources and waste that often comes with “fast fashion.” It’s a small but important step toward making the future more sustainable.

Some people might think that used clothes don’t have much style or range, but I disagree. My closet is proof that thrift stores, vintage shops, and internet markets have a huge range of high-quality, unique clothes. I have put together a collection that shows who I am and what I like. It has both standard and unusual pieces. In the world of used clothing, there is also an element of prize finding. Every time I go shopping, I have the chance to find secret gems, like a one-of-a-kind ornament or a beautifully made blouse that I know I won’t be able to find in a regular store. It’s a fun activity that keeps me interested in fashion without adding to the problem of too much stuff.

There are, of course, people who don’t like my choice because they worry about cleanliness or old styles. But I’ve found ways to deal with these problems, like making sure things are clean and putting them together in new ways that make things that look old look fresh again. It’s all part of the journey, and I welcome each task with open arms.

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I’ll be the first to admit that I love a good shopping spree. But with the economy being what it is and with a demanding and very expensive toddler to take care of, the days of splurging on designer pieces are far behind me. At least in the way that I used to. That is until I found Vinted. A popular second-hand online shopping platform here in France. Vinted has every high street and designer label item you can think of, and as I’ve discovered, there is a wide range of people who use Vinted, from stylists, editors, moms, housewives, students and everyone in between. In other words, you can find your Prada skirt or Gucci shoes for half or a third of the retail price, which is a HUGE relief. Not only is Vinted highly beneficial for my wallet and future spendings, but it will also come in handy for all the Christmas shopping that I want to do this season. I will find second-hand items of GREAT quality or those that haven’t even been used yet. I can also gift these items to my loved ones. 

Since using Vinted, I have also been able to offload items that I no longer wear and things my daughter has grown out of, which has been a great help in decluttering our cupboards whilst knowing that another family will get great use from the sold items. And as the heading of my article suggests, I have realized that whilst some of us may be put off from buying second-hand items predominately based on the stigmas around second-hand shopping, it is important to remember that second-hand shopping is highly beneficial. Not only is it a great way to save money, but it is also better for the environment AND is not as disgusting as people have made it out to be. Especially when so many measures have been put in place for your health and safety. 

Setting up and reselling second-hand clothes or home goods is also worthwhile. It is actually an excellent way to repurpose some of the goods you no longer need and perhaps benefit financially from that. It’s a perfect side hustle. After all, who doesn’t love a passionate side hustle? But if you are simply looking to update your look or even sell some items. Don’t overlook your local or national second-hand selling platforms as a starting point, with most sites and spaces offering support and insurance on items. You will likely get the real deal instead of some knock-off or something that looks nothing like what you ordered. 

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Lately, I have been focusing my spending on timeless and elegant pieces that will hopefully last me a couple of years. After spending most of my money in my 20’s on trendy items from places like Zara and H1M. I started to realize tat whilst these items look good in the moment, most of them did not have staying power in my closet. Furthermore, even when buying from these stores, I wasn’t focusing on their more high end, natural material items. But as the years have gone by and my spending has gotten a little wiser, I am more aware of what I buy and think about how long I want it to last me.

Here are a list of four pieces I always spend a little extra on.

1. Good denim: As a mom, denim has never been more important to me than it is now. And finding the perfect denim piece often costs a pretty penny. Which is why I like to buy from second hand clothing stores and online platforms. I also like to ensure that I am buying 100% cotton denim that will keep its hold rather than blends that can stretch out and look outdated fast
2. Knitwear: As a South African living in France, I never understood the purpose of good knitwear. But now I know better with slightly colder weather that a good knit can be the difference between suffering all winter, or feeling cold and grumpy all winter long.
3. Flat shoes: As a heel lover, I never thought the day would come when I was more concerned with comfort than style. one the less I now know that good footwear can make or break my day (and outfit). From ballet flats, to good trainers. Owning and investing in timeless flats helps keep me feeling confident and ready to tackle the day.
4. Timeless jewelry: Nothing makes me feel more put together than putting in a pair of earrings everyday. I feel like no matter what I am wearing, adding some hoops or dainty earrings helps to make my outfit. Which is why these days my birthday wish list only includes good quality, sustainable jewelry that I can wear ever single day. This doesn’t mean breaking the bank either as some pieces are not too expensive and often go on sale.

What are some pieces you dont mind investing in?

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Whether you live in the Southern hemisphere, or the North, transitional dressing is something we could all do with mastering. After all, no one country or place has the same weather all the time. Here are six affordable transitional pieces we are coveting from high street brands.

1. Linen jogger pants from H&M: I First saw these pants on a blogger in New York and knew I needed them. Part of H&Ms conscious collection and made from sustainable material. this feels like a piece I will be wearing for years to come.
2. LemLem x H&M linen dress: Whilst this dress leans to sunnier weather, I feel there could be a strong case for layering it with denim and wearing it as a top. Or stockings and a denim jacket. Which ever way you chose, this sure to be bestseller is something we will be keeping in our closets (and minds) for years to come.
3. Ribbed knit Zara top: As a sucker for a good top. This one ticks all the boxes and feels appropriate all year round. Whether you chose to wear it alone or layer it with jerseys and jackets.
4. Tie dye knit cardigan and crop top from Zara: Tie-dye and cardigan. Need I say more? This colorful duo is great for wearing with jeans, skirts, swimming bottoms or anything you like.
5. Denim jacket from Zara: A transitional wardrobe would be incomplete without a go to denim jacket you can throw on for those days when the weather is a little unpredictable. This one is classic and can go with just about anything you already own.

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Here in the South of France where I live, things are starting to heat up. Just enough to shed a layer or two of winter clothes, but not enough to only wear summer clothes. Back home in South Africa, things are cooling down and in this interim period, no matter where you live. We are all starting to look to pieces that can take us through these in-between periods. Since I’ve been going through a bit of style rut I thought it imperative to welcome the new season with some key essentials. Pieces that are as stylish as they are practical.

1. A light coat & leather jacket: Nothing says transitional dressing like a light coat or jacket. I like to change between my leather jacket, and my trench coat. Both are warm enough for those chilly days but not so warm that they make you sweat.
2. Well-fitted jeans: It’s amazing how many outfits you can create with a good pair of jeans. I found mine at fast fashion brand Mango and I wear them all the time. The denim is nice and thick and the fit is just perfect.
3. Go to t-shirt: I’ve never thought about good basics as much as I do now. these days I love finding good quality basics like t-shirts in natural materials like cotton or linen. I am a sucker for a good stripped t-shirt but I also love a basic white t.
4. Easy to wear flats: As a mom to a toddler, I can say that my heel days are far behind me for now. Instead, I am constantly in the search for good flat shoes. For transitional weather where boots are too warm, I like to reach for a pair of leather ballet flats or a good pair of white trainers.
5. Satin skirt: Whilst the weather isn’t quite warm enough to wear dresses. I am one for layering my cashmere sweater with a satin skirt, t-shirt and leather jacket.
6. Cashmere jersey: Since buying my cashmere jersey a few years ago, I have never looked back. And before you think you have to spend a pretty penny, think again. There are so many affordable options to try. From second hand to sales or shops like uniqlo which stock a selection of affordable cashmere jerseys.

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For those of us who live in the Northern hemisphere. Spring is a hop skip and a jump away from being a reality. Which means this is the perfect time to clean out your space, closet and anything else that you have been hoarding all winter. Whilst I have never been one to subscribe to clean outs at certain periods. This year feels a little different, and I am wanting to feel lighter as we head into warmer weather. This is even more true as the reality of things opening back up becomes more and more likely. Like many people I have been spending the past year in sweats, very little make up and worn out clothes. So much so that when I did want to get dressed up recently I couldn’t figure out how to pick out an outfit.

Which inspired me to start looking through all the clothes I have and try come up with outfits and things to wear. Below are my tried and true steps for cleaning out my closet and finding my personal style.

1. Create a mood board: Before getting to the hard work, I like to sit down and pin outfits I love. Outfits that make me feel happy to get dressed up, confident and strong. After I am done pinning I like to see what the common thread is in the outfits I have put together. It seems the coming season is filled with lots of feminine dresses, pastel colors and comfortable by stylish flat shoes.
2. Edit accordingly: After I have honed in on the items I am loving. I like to edit my closet seeing which pieces fit my style and look. I also make a note of any pieces that are missing for when I shop. This ensures that I shop with intention instead of buying pieces just because.
3. Create piles: In true Marie Kondo style I like to create piles for my clothes during my clean out. This includes items that need altering and fixing. Stuff to donate. Clothes, shoes and bags to sell and those to gift to friends and family.
4. Make everything accessible: After cleaning out my closet I like to pack everything back in in a way that will allow me to see all my clothes as much as possible.
5. Play dress up: Last but not least is playing dress up. I like to put together outfits that I love and want to recreate from street style images or magazines I have seen. Having at least a weeks worth of outfits at the ready makes dressing up easier. Especially on days when inspiration is lacking.

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As much as I love shopping, I also am a huge fan and advocate for a good closet lean out. Coming from a family of three girls, closet clean outs are not only fun, but also necessary. Although my sisters and I vary in age, we do wear pretty much the same size. Which means when one of us cleans out our closets, the others win BIG time. I also love that clothes can be reimagined by someone else. because whilst we may share parents, our styles could not be more different. And seeing how my sisters reimagine or wear certain pieces is always a cause for great inspiration.

Another reason to enjoy closet clean outs is because of the hidden treasures you will find. I know for myself that when ever I clean out my closet, I find pieces I have not worn in a while that bring me so much joy to rediscover. Below are some of my tips and tricks for a fulfilling and useful closet clean out.

1. 1. Start by knowing what your style is: As someone whose style changes as often as the weather. I love putting together an inspiration board together to help me see what looks, styles, colors, cuts and clothes I am currently into. The great thing is that also with the use of platforms like Pinterest. I get to see cool ways of wearing clothes, styles and colors I like.
   2. Remove everything from your closet: In true Marie Kondo style. The best way to do a true closet clean out is to remove everything from your closet. This gives you a blank canvas to start from and helps you see just how many clothes you have.
   3. try on everything: The reason a good closet clean out can take all day is because of the various steps and process. One of which includes trying everything on. Not only will you see what fits but also what needs fixing, altering etc.
   4. Sort your clothes into piles: Gone are the days of only having a keep and throw away pile. When doing your closet clean out consider having several piles. Mine usually include; keep, fix or alter, give to family or friends, donate, resell and get rid of. The get rid of pile is usually my smallest and is reserved for items that have seen better days and cannot be fixed or used.
   5. Arrange your closet in a way that makes sense for you: Unlike Marie Kondo, I don’t think we all have the space or time to hand everything. Nor is this the best method for everyone to see and access their clothes. Which is why I say go with what works for you. Personally I like to color code my clothes for easy access and its a system that works for me. I

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If you have been reading our website for some time. Then you probably already know that we are huge fans of environmentally (and wallet) friendly options when it comes to clothes, decor and even what we put onto our skin. Which should come as no surprise then that we are also huge fans of second hand shopping. With so many clothes and furniture dumped into landfills every year, it feels only right to sell your unwanted goods instead of just throwing them away. Its also a great way to make a bit of money. Below are just some places we like to go for our online shopping needs.

• eBay: Tried and tested ebay is the place to go for everything you may need. Looking for a vintage silk scarf? eBay probably has it. Even some barely worn Nike trainers are up for grabs on this go to shopping site for buyers and sellers.
• Gumtree: Gumtree is the eBay equivalent for South Africans. Be ware of scammers however and make sure to pay cash on delivery so you get what you actually want.
• Vestiaire Collective: This global platform is THE secret of fashion insiders around the world. Not only is this site full of beautiful vintage finds. But also newer and more stylish clothing options.
• 1st Dibs: If there was a second hand clothes olympics then 1st Dibs would win first place. This high end site that sells everything from designer (second hand) couches to limited edition Hermes hand bags. 1st Dibs is a treasure trove for true collectors and fashion enthusiasts.

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