From Nairobi to Paris: A Journey of Redirection

The hum of Nairobi was my first symphony, a vibrant prelude to a life that, for a time, seemed destined for the familiar rhythms of design. My Bachelor’s in Design from the University of Nairobi laid the foundation, a practical canvas where I honed my eye for aesthetics and function. I plunged into the world of apparel, rising to Chief Apparel Technologist at Vivo Activewear. Here, I thrived on the pulse of consumer demand, translating mass data into tangible products, even earning the coveted “employee of the month” title. I learned the art of delegation, leadership, and the critical skill of understanding what people wanted. Before that, my stint as a design intern at Wazawazi had given me a taste of marrying creativity with commercial success, proposing designs that resonated with a deeper narrative of environmental impact, even if, at that nascent stage, the “why” of it wasn’t fully articulated in my own mind. The foundational customer service skills I acquired as an art salesperson were invaluable, teaching me the importance of effective communication and understanding user needs – lessons that would later transcend the commercial sphere.

Life was good. I was okay, some would say successful, engaged, and steadily building a career. Yet, beneath the surface, a subtle unease began to stir. The relentless churn of consumerism, the rapid pace of trends, the often-ephemeral nature of fashion – something felt… incomplete. It was a whisper at first, a vague sense of a deeper purpose unfulfilled. This internal dialogue began to crystallize during my time at Vivo Activewear, where, despite the satisfaction of meeting market demands, the broader implications of production and consumption started to gnaw at me.

The true turning point, the seismic shift in my career, came with a realization: I no longer wanted to simply design; I wanted to design change. The world was, and is, grappling with unprecedented environmental challenges, and I felt a profound calling to be part of the solution, not an unwitting contributor to the problem. This wasn’t a sudden epiphany, but a gradual awakening, fueled by an increasing awareness of the impact of human activity on the planet. I started to see the interconnectedness of everything – from the sourcing of materials to the lifecycle of a product, and the often-overlooked social implications of our consumption patterns.

This burning desire to make a tangible difference led me to a radical decision: a complete career redirection. I packed my bags, leaving behind the familiar landscapes of Kenya for the new horizons of France. My destination: Business School in Lyon for a Master of Science in Strategy and Design for the Anthropocene. This was more than just a degree; it was an immersion into a philosophy. It was here that my nascent understanding of environmental issues transformed into a robust framework for action. I learned the intricacies of conducting impact assessments, the strategic importance of implementing sustainability initiatives, and the power of data in measuring and improving environmental performance. The very name of the degree, “Strategy and Design for the Anthropocene,” resonated deeply with my newfound conviction – that we, as humans, are the dominant force shaping the Earth’s geology and ecosystems, and it is our responsibility to redirect this influence towards a more sustainable future.

The knowledge I gained wasn’t just theoretical; it was immediately applied. During my internship, I had the incredible opportunity to contribute to the formation of the Institut de la Redirection Écologique in Lyon. This wasn’t just an internship; it was the crucible where my ideals were forged into tangible action. I delved into vital research, analyzing data to identify trends related to sustainability. More than that, I played a key role in structuring the Institute’s body, laying the groundwork for a collaborative hub where individuals and organizations dedicated to sustainable practices could share ideas and work together. I layed the groundwork of building bridges, connecting diverse voices, and amplifying the message of ecological redirection.

This experience solidified my understanding of what it meant to be a catalyst for positive change. It wasn’t about grand gestures alone, but about the meticulous work of gathering insights, structuring initiatives, and fostering a community of shared purpose. My involvement with the Institute continues to this day as part of their administrative team, a testament to my enduring commitment to their mission.

My journey of redirection hasn’t been confined to formal education and internships. It’s a continuous process of learning and engagement. The L’Oreal Brandstorm and Heineken African Inspired Fashion Challenge, though rooted in the commercial world, provided platforms to explore sustainable solutions within established industries. The “Inside LVMH” Certificate, though a recent addition, reflects my commitment to understanding the complexities of the luxury industry and its potential for sustainable transformation.

Beyond academic and professional pursuits, my commitment to sustainability extends to my personal life. Volunteering at CCFD-Terre Solidaire connects me with grassroots efforts for social justice and environmental protection. My role as a writer, researcher, translator, and proofreader at Observatoire National de l’élevage d’insectes (ONEI) allows me to contribute to emerging fields of sustainable food systems. The seemingly simple act of Googling is a constant quest for knowledge, for new data, for better ways to do things.

My career change wasn’t just a pivot; it was a profound transformation. I am no longer merely designing products and living as I did before; I am striving to design a better future. My transition from the commercial design world of Nairobi to the sustainability-focused environment of Lyon and Paris reflects a deep-seated desire to align my professional life with my personal values. 

I am driven by sustainability, not just as a concept, but as a guiding principle in everything I do. From ideation to prototyping, I thrive on user research, gathering feedback, and translating those insights into tangible work that contributes to a more sustainable world. Innovation, for me, truly stems from the data we derive – the data that informs our understanding of environmental impact, social equity, and the urgent need for redirection. My ambition is to continue cultivating new skills in collaborative environments, learning from others, and contributing to the collective effort to build a more resilient and equitable planet. 

Design is not just a career; it is a calling, and I am ready to be the change.