Linda Kagechi Waihenya commonly known as Keshi is a Ugandan based Kenyan Documentary and TV Content Producer with over 10 years’ experience. She currently works with Media256, an award winning Film and Television production company that produces content for CNN in Africa. Keshi describes herself as ‘a mother, mentor, sucker for DIY’s and Entrepreneur who likes to think I could do anything I set my mind to.’
- Where are you right now, and what’s the setting like?
Right now I am in my house with my son and 5 dogs. Writing answers to my 21 questions as I listen to my new iTunes playlist that I put together myself. - What’s the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this week?
The most interesting thing I have read this week and have decided will be my mantra, a short poem by Nikki Banas:
Knowing
You don’t have to know what comes next.
You don’t have to have everything figured out right this second.
You don’t need to know your entire story.
You are a living, changing, growing souls riding through your unique and beautiful journey of life.
And that’s exactly what it is— a journey—and it wouldn’t be a journey if you knew. Everything that was coming next.
It wouldn’t be a journey if you knew how it would all turn out in the end.
So be patient with yourself and smile at the not knowing, because your story is just starting to be written. - Who is your fashion inspiration?
Truth is I do not have one. I like to be comfortable and casual.
I do have friends like Rebecca Nanjego who are super fashion forward but I don’t have the courage to dress bold and stand out.
Keshi - What are the wardrobe staples you think every woman should own?
a) Leather jacket
b) Flat pair of boots - What’s your favorite holiday destination and why?
Kilifi county at the Kenyan Coast. Beautiful beaches, the ocean, awesome sea food, nice people. The dream though is to holiday in Spain for the Wine (lots of it), culture, food, beautiful places to see …that’s why! - What’s your secret to feeling and looking good?
My version is, you gotta love yourself first and when you do, you learn to let go of things that stress you. Stress causes you to age fast, drains you and pushes you to make bad decisions because you are not thinking straight. So when I am feeling down, I dress up and take myself out on a date. I put on my favorite music and dance around the house, mostly in front of the mirror. - What is on your bucket list?
a) Go on more fun girl trips…family trips too.
b) Own my own home
c) Learn how to drive and get myself a small car. This lockdown has taught me a lot about myself. I hate walking and it sucks to have to call someone who owns a car to go to where you need to. - What is on your nightstand?
A miniso lamp - What is currently on your playlist?
a) Suzanna -Sauti sol
b) Insecure- Sauti sol
c) Everything I wanted- Billie Eilish
d) Blinding lights-The Weekend
e) Before you go & Bruises – Lewis Capaldi
f) To Die for – Sam Smith
g) Good as hell – Lizzo
h) Boss Bitch – Doja Cat
i) Sun comes up- James Arthur
j) All I want- Olivia Rodrigo
k) Dont start now- Dua Lipa
- What are you watching right now?
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J Walker on Netflix - What three people would join you in your dream dinner party?
That would be my mom, Denzel Washington and Kandi Buruss (Yes! The one from Real Housewives of Atlanta). - If you could swap places with one person (living or dead) for a day, who would it be? Why?
That would be my mom (who is resting with the angels). She was my go to person for everything. I still have so many questions that I need answered.Keshi - What is your beauty routine for a healthy nourished skin?
My beauty routine is pretty simple. I wash my face with natural soap that I will be stocking soon. It is possible to have good skin without using countless beauty products that cost a fortune. Then I add coconut oil to my favorite lotion to turn it into sunscreen. (Thank me later). - What apps can you not live without?
Whatsapp, Airbnb, Google and Pinterest. - What social media accounts are you currently following religiously?
Kara Sidai, CNN Africa, Great big story and Glim. - What trends are you loving right now?
T-shirts with feel good quotes, jeans, leather jacket and boots. - What is your most treasured buy?
My phone. I can’t function without my phone. My life literally revolves around my phone. - What beauty products are in your make-up kit?
Calvin Klein Sheer beauty spray, Revlon Kiss lip balm, Eyeliner, mascara, lipstick and mini lotion that I mix myself. - What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
It has been two lessons for me that I feel go hand in hand and that is, life is too short and you have to love yourself FIRST! - What are the 3 things that have improved the quality of your life?
1.My Family
2. My Friends
3. Learning to believe in God - What would people be surprised to know about you?
Something that people would be surprised to learn about me is that I do suffer from Impostor Syndrome. I am a high achiever but I still have moments of self-doubt. Maya Angelou also admitted to suffering from the fraud syndrome. Sadly, people who get to the top aren’t necessarily the smartest but those who take every opportunity to talk about themselves. There is a difference between humility and self-doubt. Humility is self-awareness that allows you to admit your shortcomings whereas self-doubt makes you second guess yourself. To get what you deserve, you have to learn to blow your own trumpet. Put yourself out there more and ask yourself what is the worst that could happen?
