We recently connected with Kelly Shitambasi and have shared our conversation below.

Kelly , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

In 2010, I was diagnosed with Melanoma, skin cancer. I was only 14 years old then, enthusiastic and elated to join high-school. I underwent a few rounds of chemo and the chemotherapy changed my appearance. I have scars from then upto now and i remember not liking who I was because of my scars, this lead me to not appreciate and love myself. I started an online platform to help ne heal as I learn how to love myself and like who I am and I am so grateful, the platform has grown and we’ve built a community of like minded women

Kelly , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Kelly Shitambasi, I am 28 years old Kenyan. I started my platform Kenyan feminine goddess as a way of healing and discovering myself which has ended up being such a huge platform. Kenyan feminine goddess is a platform on Instagram that focuses on femininity, self development and leveling up. I wanted to create not just a community but a sisterhood of women coming together and grow as individuals, as a cancer survivor I wanted to be inclusive and also create a body positive platform where we love ourselves unapologetically. Kenyan feminine goddess helps in solving issues on healing by sharing tips and real life stories from other women, including myself. just last year we decided to expand our horizon by venturing into advocacy work and we started an initiative in rural Kenya that helps in building and empowering communities. we’ve provided food, medical care and even clothing. I am very proud of the Goddess Care Initiative which has helped shape the communities by providing basic needs of the people. Goddess Care Initiative invites you to share and be part of the movement by being a volunteer, donor or even a sponsor. details are on the kenyan feminine goddess website.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

At the age of 14, I was confronted with the harsh reality of skin cancer, a diagnosis that rocked my world and forced me to confront my mortality at a tender age. Fast forward to 2017, I found myself back in the hospital, this time with mysterious symptoms that baffled doctors. Despite their best efforts, my condition worsened, leaving me immobile and reliant on strong antibiotics.

During this tumultuous time, I forged a deep connection with a fellow patient, a sweet girl whose friendship provided solace amidst the uncertainty. Tragically, she succumbed to her illness, leaving me grappling with the raw pain of witnessing her final moments. This experience shook me to the core, exposing me to the fragility of life and the profound impact of loss.

Yet, from the depths of despair emerged resilience and strength. I realized that life’s adversities had the power to shape me, but not define me. My journey through illness and loss instilled within me a newfound appreciation for life’s precious moments and a determination to overcome whatever challenges came my way.

Sharing my story with my doctor, and receiving her embrace and apology, further reinforced the resilience that had taken root within me. Through adversity, I discovered my inner strength and the capacity to rise above life’s trials, emerging not only unbroken but stronger than before.

In essence, my journey through illness and loss transformed me into a resilient force, capable of weathering life’s storms with grace and fortitude.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

After leaving the hospital in 2017, I was profoundly impacted by the fragility of life and decided to pursue a course in cosmetology. Through volunteer work, providing makeup services to cancer patients who felt unseen and lacking in beauty, I found solace in helping others reclaim their confidence. However, as I navigated this path, I felt myself drifting away from my true calling.

It was during this period of self-reflection that I founded the Kenyan Feminine Goddess platform. Recognizing the need to connect with like-minded women and embark on a healing journey of my own, I sought to create a space where women could support and uplift each other through shared experiences. Drawing from my own struggles with cancer at a young age and subsequent hospitalization, I found purpose in advocating for women’s empowerment and healing.

This pivotal moment marked a shift in my career trajectory, as I discovered my passion for advocacy work and creating positive change within my community. The Kenyan Feminine Goddess became not only a platform for personal healing but also a vehicle for empowering others to embrace their journey and find strength in their vulnerabilities. Through this journey, I found my true path and a newfound sense of purpose in advocating for the well-being of women and children in need.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kenyanfemininegoddess.org/#
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenyan_feminine_goddess/

Image Credits
kELLY SHITAMBASI