I remember getting a revelation one day telling me I need to do more of what I love. So I followed this revelation, and now I have more than 20 plants in my appartment, and I have never been happier. I am a proud plant mamma, and yes, I have enough space for all of them in my apartment. There are so many benefits to having indoor plants. Firstly, being around plants helped reduce my stress and anxiety levels, which generally promoted a sense of calmness and wellness in my apartment. Having plants around me helps to improve my mood and increase my productivity levels, as they help to create a more pleasant, relaxing and creative environment. My indoor plants also play a huge role in enhancing my apartment’s natural beauty. My indoor plants have become a central home decor, and it simply creates a more aesthetically pleasing space. Taking care of indoor plants is so rewarding. The reward comes when all the effort you put into taking care of the pants turns into a new baby leaf and more growth.

Being a plant mamma also exposed me to other interesting realities. I have been referred to as a “coconut” for loving and caring for indoor plants. For your reference, The term “coconut” is sometimes used to describe a person who is black on the outside (referring to their skin colour) and white on the inside (referring to their cultural identity). It is typically used to describe people of a specific ethnic or racial background but may not fully identify with the culture or traditions associated with that background. Apparently, being a plant mamma is a “white thing”. I do not usually get upset over such things, but I wonder how many black women are shamed for doing what they are passionate about. It is already hard for black women to fit into the conventional ways of being, but it seems like it is just as hard when they pursue what they are naturally good at.

These are just societal pushbacks that need to be pushed back. As Black women, we may face unique challenges and barriers, but we should not let this discourage us. We have the power to overcome any obstacle, and our unique journeys to success will only make us stronger and more resilient to do the things we are passionate about. We are beautiful, intelligent, and full of potential. We trust in our abilities and never give up on goals, dreams and passions.

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For most young black girls living in remote rural and underdeveloped villages, dreams and goals seem arid and/or impossible to reach. I know that because I was once that young black girl whose dreams were clouded by the societal misconceptions of what a woman can and should be. Having a conversation with Noxolo felt like revisiting the long-buried memories of my childhood. A time when I had an irresistible burning desire to be heard, seen, and recognized for what I could offer the world. And for a moment, I wished someone had told me that I wasn’t crazy for wanting to be more than what society had dictated for my life. Which is why sharing Noxolo’s passion for art, an area predominantly known to be a “white man’s field”, was an honour. This is how our conversation went:

MK: Briefly tell me about your upbringing, qualifications, aspirations and hobbies.

Noxolo: I am 22 years old. My grandmother raised me in Ntinini village, in KwaZulu-Natal. Later in 2016, I moved to Gauteng to complete grade 11 and 12 at Boitumelong Secondary School, located in Tembisa township (Sedibeng section). In 2018, I started my National Diploma in Food Technology at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). Now, I am a quality intern at Kellogg’s Springs Plant.

I do a lot of writing. I write short stories, poems and some of the poems have been published by Avbob poetry. I was also shortlisted in writing a children’s anthology by Kwasukasukela books. And last year, I fell in love with painting and drawing.

My hobbies include acting, monologues, writing, painting, watching animation and comedy movies. My greatest aspiration is to bring change to the world through art.

MK: At what age did the desire to create art through writing, painting, and drawing arise?

Noxolo: When I was nine years old, my mother passed away. Life became so hard because I started a new life with my grandma’s family- my mom’s aunt. I found it so hard to adapt and fit in at my grandma’s place from the very start. One of the reasons that made it challenging to adapt was that no one really understood me because I was slightly introverted. My heart was constantly aching and bleeding because the scene of my mother’s last days was stuck in my mind, and I had no courage to talk about it. So during those difficult times, pen and paper became my friends. At first, I used to write letters for my late mother. That is when I realized that writing was my healing process, making me feel happy.

I fell in love with poetry after reading the poetry anthology titled “Izinkwazi Zothukela” by M. Makhanya. I was intrigued by the nature of poems, and I got a lot of inspiration from that book. So, in 2017, I started to write poems. Over the years, I have been writing about hope and love. Fortunately, some of those poems have been published. I love poetry because it allows me to touch souls and hold the hands of the hopeless.

The idea of a painting came when I was building characters for my short story. In brief, the story narrates as follows: “There was this young widow named Grace. After her husband and her only child lost their lives in a horrific car accident, Grace was left swimming in the pool of tears, breathing pain, and there were absolutely no words that could make her feel better.” So from that, I asked myself, “what is it that can possibly make my protagonist “Grace” feel better?” And the answer that came to my mind was “paintings”. And instantly, I knew I had to try to execute this idea.

I chose painting because sometimes words aren’t enough, but what we see is all that matters, and we can analyze or narrate our stories from what we see. So, when Grace glanced at the wall, she saw this painting that whispered in her ears. And suddenly, a smile appeared on her face. Well, that’s how I started painting. Some of the paintings I’ve done taught me that painting is not about perfection but the emotions it evokes when looking at it.

MK: Ever since you started writing, did you have any challenges that made you want to quit? Challenges such as; prolonged writer’s block or inevitable personal challenges that made writing seem pointless.

What did you do to overcome those challenges?

Noxolo: I have never been in a position where I felt like quitting because every single day, it’s like a new fabric that I use to create stories. However, like anyone else, I have had challenges here and there. The major challenge is that I tend to jump from one story to another before finishing the previous one from a writer’s perspective. Ironically, I know how to fix this problem, but I still repeatedly find myself hurdling the same situation.

At some point, I realized that my dream of having a successful novel on the market was probably a vague idea. So last year (2020), I decided to focus only on poetry and do the collection titled “The rainbow of feelings”. In the turn of events, I even transformed some of the pieces I never finished into free verse poems. And by God’s Grace, I believe that I will finish it.

MK: Most often, it’s either you draw and paint, or you write. It’s rarely both. You are amongst the few artists who them simultaneously, and on the other hand, you still managed to pursue a career in food sciences. What’s the trick?

Noxolo: That’s a good question because food science is a busy industry, primarily where I work. However, if whatever you have on your plate makes you happy, it doesn’t affect the scale. Art is my therapy and forever joy. Sometimes I thank God for it because it helps me ease the stress of work.

MK: Would you, at some point, consider creating art (through creative writing, painting and drawing) as a full-time career? Or is it something you want to keep as a side hobby/side-hustle?

Noxolo: No. I don’t think I would be financially stable if I could consider art as a full-time career. It’s better as a hobby/side-hustle.

MK: Most people see art as a risky and unstable career. What was the primary inspiration behind your vision to “create” from such a young age? But I guess you have answered it, or is there something you would want to add to that?

Noxolo: I totally agree. Art is a risky career. However, if you try to blend it with other things, the statement changes. That’s what I want to do. At some point, I want to integrate art with food science. Part of my vision board includes a dream to start a coffee shop business with a unique touch of art in it. Depending on my customer’s preferences, it won’t be just a cup of coffee, but a cup of coffee topped with an original quote or an illustration.

MK: You have a creative mindset. Open-minded and goal-driven young individual. I love that about you. What message(s) would you say you are trying to translate through your art?

Noxolo: *All shall be well*.

It might not be today, but eventually, everything will fall into place. I want people to know that some things are beyond our control. Like when God has decided to agree with life’s enemy, life has no choice but to come to an end. So, what can we say without saying goodbye?

Mostly, I want people to see a glimpse of hope through my work.

MK: When you hear the phrase “Start Now”, what is the first thing that comes to your mind?

Noxolo: There’s no better time than now, and you’ll never know your capabilities until you try. I know this because I wouldn’t have ever known that I could paint if I didn’t try.

MK: Last but not least, what does self-evolution mean to you?

Noxolo: To me, self-evolution is about being aware of your strengths and weaknesses. The corrective actions you take to improve yourself and to know what keeps you going.

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I still remember how proud I felt the first time I got my first pay check. I was working at a local second hand book store as a cashier whilst on my gap year. Whilst the pay check was very little. It did give me the freedom I needed to do the things that I wanted to do that year like go out with friends. Top up my cellphone with data and airtime. And even do some shopping. Sometimes however, after a busy weekend, I dreaded going to work. And my little pay check didn’t feel like enough motivation despite the little luxuries it afforded me.

Growing up with a single mother who believed in a good work ethic however, meant that even though I wanted to. I did not leave my job and expect my mother to pay for everything. Even when I saw girls I went to school with and felt embarrassed by my minimum wage job. This attitude and lesson helped to prepare me for my next few jobs in University where I helped pay off my university living expenses and fees working at the university library and the apple store on weekends. I remember how tough it was in University to sometimes get to my weekend job that was almost 4O minutes away by taxi. But I kept going. Again not because I was forced to but because of the independence it gave me.

Whilst my friends had to ask their parents for money. I made most of my spending money myself and felt good when I was out with friends on weekends able to buy what I wanted. As I’ve grown older these little jobs helped set me up for success in some ways as they taught me about perseverance, doing something as a means to an end. But also about making and spending my own money.

Today I am 31 years old, have two jobs, and own two homes with my husband on different continents. As we both work, we have made it a priority to own our homes instead of renting (at least not for long). Which has meant neither one of us owns a car (I owned a scooter for many years instead). And when our goals call for it, we find work to pay off our homes and live comfortably. We both still have to work hard even on days we don’t want to and the responsibilities pile up. But one thing that is a big motivator is remembering what we are working for. At this stage in our lives it is to travel,  afford our homes and take care of our daughter. And when all is said and done, so that we can go out for the occasional meal out. Or do something fun for ourselves.

Luckily we are both home bodies and don’t really spend much going out a lo. Which means that instead we make our homes our refuge. Our places to have fun, work, raise our family and see friends. But let me tell you getting to this point in financial freedom is not always easy.

As I write this both my 8 month old and I are sick. We are moving to our new home in two days. And the last thing I want to do is work. But I also have to remind myself why I am doing it. And also see the bigger picture. Some days its worth it, other days it feels like pulling teeth. But if there is one thing I have learnt in my 31 years it is that money does not grow on trees. And all the things we want in life are a hard days work away. So if you want financial freedom, remember that it is not always glamorous. Nor is it something that you will always love (even if you like your job or work).

There’s a saying I try remind myself often that goes “we do what we have to do so we can do what we want to do”. It is the motto that got me through some hard months working in jobs I hated. Jobs that ultimately led me to where I am now. Working in not one, but two areas I love (most of the time). I also try to remind myself how lucky I am to even have a job in the first place when so many do not.

The post Why being financially independent is not always easy but is often worth it appeared first on Sheevolves.world.

It may seem a little early, but as someone who likes to think ahead, setting goals for next year is something I don’t like to leave to new years eve. In part because of the madness the ensues around the time. But also because I find myself easily influenced by other peoples goals and resolutions. Which is why even though it’s only November, I have a few ideas for what I’d like to achieve next year. At least when it comes to my career/work and money goals.

1. Relaunch my interior and homeware design business and make them profitable by mid next year
2. Continue finding new and innovative ways to grow SheEvolves and our team
3. Pay off my home that I own with my husband by the first quarter of next year
4. Continue to find ways to expand my knowledge in design and interiors
5. Start a savings account for my daughter
6. Launch side hustle in my new home town to help pay off our second home

What are some of your new years goals and resolutions for the upcoming year?

The post Bite Size: Career and financial goals for next year appeared first on Sheevolves.world.