We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kentisha Mazeke a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kentisha, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My mom did so many things right, but if I had to pinpoint one crucial aspect, it would be her ability to face adversity with unwavering strength and determination. Growing up, she was not just a parent; she was my bestfriend, protector, provider, and the living embodiment of strength and resilience.

In the face of challenges, especially during her battle with colon cancer, my mom never allowed hardship to define her. She showed me, through both words and actions, that no matter how tough life gets, you can always get back up. Even in the darkest moments she left an indelible mark on my perspective on life.

Her impact transcended our personal struggles; it became a guiding force in my career and life choices. Watching her navigate family and her career while battling a relentless illness taught me the importance of perseverance, hard work, and the belief that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.

My mom’s ability to overcome obstacles with grace and determination has influenced my approach to challenges in my professional and perssonal life. I carry her lessons with me every day, whether it’s facing professional setbacks or pursuing ambitious goals.

My mom’s legacy is not just in the sacrifices she made but in the strength she instilled in me. She taught me that challenges are opportunities for growth, and every fall is a chance to rise again. Her impact resonates in every achievement, every obstacle overcome, and every moment I choose to stand resilient in the face of adversity.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Kentisha, a 22-year-old, found herself navigating the uncharted waters of life without her mother, Felita. The pair had been inseparable, sharing laughter, dreams, and an unbreakable bond. At the age of 45, Felita lost her battle with colon cancer, leaving Kentisha, an only child, adrift in a sea of grief.

Instead of succumbing to the darkness that threatened to engulf her, Kentisha drew strength from the memories of her resilient mother that ignited a fire within her to turn her pain into purpose. Propelling her on a mission to bring awareness to the disease that had taken her mother’s life.

Kentisha founded Felita’s Love, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring her mother’s legacy by raising awareness about colon cancer, particularly among young adults. The organization became a beacon of hope, providing resources, education, and support to those affected by this often silent and deadly disease.

Driven by her personal journey, Kentisha used her platform to speak openly about the impact of colon cancer on families. Kentisha, with unwavering determination, aimed to ensure that no one else had to endure the pain of losing a loved one to a preventable disease.

Felita’s Love not only became a vehicle for colon cancer awareness but also a sanctuary for those grappling with grief. Kentisha, with a compassionate heart, extended her outreach to individuals experiencing various forms of grief, encouraging them to turn their pain into purpose.

Kentisha shares her journey, offering glimpses into the healing power of resilience and the importance of transforming grief into meaningful action. She finds solace in touching the lives of others who find solace in her words and inspiration in her deeds.

Kentisha, with every initiative and outreach effort, carried her mother’s spirit forward. Felita’s Love became a testament to the enduring impact one person could have in turning personal tragedy into a force for good. In the face of grief, Kentisha emerged not only as an advocate for colon cancer awareness but as a guiding light for those seeking purpose amidst the shadows of the passing of her mother.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One significant lesson I had to unlearn was the notion that vulnerability equates to weakness. Growing up, especially during the challenging times when my mom battled colon cancer, strength was synonymous with keeping emotions in check and presenting an unyielding facade.

It took me a while to understand that vulnerability is not a flaw; it’s a strength in itself. Unlearning the idea that expressing my emotions or seeking help was a sign of weakness was a transformative process. I realized that being open about my struggles allowed for authentic connections and a deeper understanding of myself and others.

As I embarked on this journey of self-discovery, I encountered another vital lesson: learning to be there for myself as I am for others. While I had always been a pillar of support for family, family, friends and even strangers extending that same kindness and understanding to myself was a revelation. The process involved dismantling the belief that self-care was selfish or secondary to caring for others.

Now, as a mother of two daughters, I’ve had to confront yet another lesson: recognizing that I can’t raise my kids in the same way I was raised or expect them to behave like I did. I had to learn that my girls are wonderful, unique individuals who need the space to learn and grow from their own mistakes. Understanding that they have their own journey, distinct from mine, has been crucial in fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for their development.

My mother, with her unyielding strength, unintentionally instilled the idea that showing vulnerability was a compromise. However, as I am navigating life’s complexities, I recognized the power in embracing vulnerability. It became a catalyst for healing, personal growth, and stronger connections with those around me.

So, the lesson I had to unlearn was that vulnerability is a weakness. Instead, I’ve come to understand it as a source of strength, resilience, and a genuine connection with both myself and others. Learning to be there for myself, just as I am for others, has become an integral part of my ongoing journey toward personal and emotional well-being. Each step towards embracing vulnerability and self-care has opened new doors to authenticity and a more profound sense of inner strength, enriching not just my life but also the lives of my precious daughters.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The death of my mother was an incredibly tough chapter in my life. It was a devastating blow, and the grief threatened to consume me. However, instead of letting it overpower me, I made a conscious decision to overcome grief. My journey with Felita’s Love is deeply intertwined with the deaths I experienced of not only my mom in March 2005, but her parents as well. After my mom died, my grandparents, were the pillars of support throughout my life. They passed away back-to-back in December 2015 and December 2016. My grandparents were my anchors who left me adrift in a sea of grief.

I found solace in the idea of turning my pain into purpose. I decided to channel my grief into something positive that could help others. The death of my mother and grandparents became the catalyst for Felita’s Love, an organization that not only raises awareness about colon cancer but also serves as a support system for those experiencing various types of grief.

The journey wasn’t easy, it required extensive research on colon cancer, collaboration with other non-profits, and organizing community events to spread awareness and fundraiser for individuals impacted by colon cancer with the aim of making a meaningful impact in the fight against colon cancer. The heart of Felita’s Love, however, goes beyond raising awareness about colon cancer. It is about using my own experiences of grief to help others navigate their grief journey. I share my story, encouraging individuals to turn their pain into purpose and find healing through helping others.

My journey with Felita’s Love is a testament to the resilience that can emerge from the depths of grief. It highlights the transformative power of channeling pain into purpose and how, even in the darkest moments, we can find a way to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.felitaslove.org
• Instagram: FelitasLove
• Facebook: FelitasLove
• Linkedin: FelitasLove
• Twitter: FelitasLove
• Youtube: Felitas Love