#theConversationsCrushes: Jojorie!!!!
I am so excited that we are doing this!!!! I am so proud of you!!
(If that seemed awkward, let me explain, I have known Jojo for like 10 years now…. She’s one of my closest friends so put up with my excitement. )
Okay, lets’ dive in!
➢ Getting To Know Marjorie
It feels weird calling you by your full name. It reminds me of our hostel warden back in high school.
“Assimwe Marjory…. Come here… Why are the girls making noise?”
So can I just call you Jojo? Where does that nickname come from btw?
Yes you can, my parents nicknamed me Jojo from my name Marjorie, because it seemed too long for everyone to pronounce!
How are you? How have you been?
I’m good thank you. Been great. Trying to figure out this whole adulting thing.
But God is faithful.
How would you describe Jojo if people didn’t know who Jojo was?
I’m a simple, happy girl. I love working and doing things I love. I’m a social worker by profession, also currently pursuing my Masters Degree in Human Resource Management. I’m also a business owner. But most importantly I’m born again and I love the Lord.
How did your upbringing and adolescence years inspire your love for what you do today? (For those who do not know, what do you do?)
Well like I said, I’m a business owner. I mainly deal with bridal hair and makeup but also have a beauty store. Well growing up, I loved seeing my mum do her makeup and dress up and look good. I could say she inspired me in what I am doing today. She would dress my sister and I in matching clothes, make sure our hair was well groomed and all that stuff used to make me happy. So now my job is to make sure brides look good.
➢ The Birth of Shanana
What does that word mean? And why that word? Why did you choose that word for your business?
Shanana means, “glow” in my local language (rukiga).
When I was thinking of what to name my business, I wanted a name that first of all would stand out and many people (local) would relate to. I wanted a catchy name; I can testify that today some people call me Shanana because of how catchy it sounds to the ears. I also was looking for something “different “ from the usual…e.g. “makeup by Jojo” boring (eye roll)
Tell us about Shanana’s humble beginnings…how humble were they?
Well, I didn’t own a single brush to my name. I borrowed all the makeup tools and products from my friends whenever I had gigs. And saved the money I made in order to buy my own products.
Where did the idea come from?
It was more of a passion than a business idea.
And your passion for makeup, I don’t remember you being into when we were in high school. Where does it come from?
My mother had a lot of makeup growing up, and once in a while I would illegally try it on my self and it made me happy. My dad also has an artistic background so I guess it runs in the blood as well. And I loved the whole beauty thing from right when I was a baby. No wonder I am in this industry.
➢ On Career Choices
I am going to take a guess and say that you must have gotten many side eyes when you mentioned to people that you wanted to go into makeup. Did you have to defend yourself and your dream, much?
Of course, some relatives asked me why a whole Bachelors Degree holder is doing makeup. But why not? I make 2 times more (in few hours) than what people in offices make in a month. Besides that, I’m passionate about makeup. It makes me happy and my family loves to see me happy. So many of them adapted to the idea and have given me tremendous support.
Is this your dream?
Mmhhhh. It’s the start of a dream
I’m not yet where I want to be. But baby steps
Baby Steps! Yas!!!!! Tell me about your first client?
It was one of my friends at campus. I did I pretty good job because I was really excited and nervous at the same time.
What’s been your biggest achievement so far with Shanana?
We got featured in daily Monitor. I don’t take that for granted.
To get to where you are now, you must have had to overcome several challenges, depression being one of them. What other challenges have you faced?
I had to offload what people thought and download what God thought about me.
I believe so much in Gods will and purpose for my life. I don’t take anything for granted. I am where I am because of Jesus!
Any advice to aspiring entrepreneurs out there, what would you say to someone who has a brilliant idea but doesn’t know where to start?
Believe in your baby. Work hard like it all depends on you. I know I sound cliché but give it your best. Never give up. Business has both good days and bad days. The bad days should even motivate you to work 10 times harder so it never happens again. Lastly and most importantly, pray for your business, tittle and give thanksgiving for every milestone.
➢ On Mental Health
Have you ever felt like quitting?
Oh yes!
What about the naysayers, the haters and critics, I know you have some. How do you handle those?
I have a positive mindset. I always try to ignore all negativity.
Mental health is such an important discussion that needs to be had more often because we’ve all struggled with/struggle with something. As a young woman, what do you struggle with today?
Sometimes I struggle with knowing that I am capable of doing certain tasks or things as a woman. Believing that I am strong, wise and beautiful sometimes is a hustle but it all starts in the mind, so as long as you change your mindset, you are on the road to success
What’s your mental health journey been like, trying to grow a business while finishing school?
Positive thinking. Having the belief that everything will be ok. It helps me go through the bad days. I also pray… a lot.
How do you implement self-care into your day-to-day routine? How do you self soothe?
I take days off, treat my self to good food, music and do my skin routine. It’s very therapeutic for me
➢ On Girl Power
What roles have the friendships you’ve established around you played?
Wait!!!! We cannot give you all the good juice at once! Breathe. Take another deep breath.
Stretch your legs. Then rush back here and read Part 2 of this interview to hear Jojo’s answer to this question and her insights about female role models, gender stereotypes, her faith and a quick rundown of her fav stuff!
Also, we have interviewed other inspiring women here… Enjoy.
Keep hanging onto hope,
Naks.
