We had the good fortune of connecting with Kui Mwai and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kui, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
It’s two-pronged. First, because I really love creating content. It’s what I’m passionate about, and a career I really see myself doing for the rest of my life! I can spend hours talking about a podcast show concept, or working on a script or building a character. It’s one of my life’s greatest joys. Second, there’s a unique opportunity, here in Kenya, to help build its growing media industry. Now feels like the right time to establish a business like Karibu Productions, which is committed to creating content that amplifying fresh, modern and unique Kenyan voices. We’re the only business in this realm, and we’re excited to make our mark on the industry and create content people really love.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m lucky enough to have a career where I get to express myself creatively in different ways. As a journalist, I have the pleasure of covering culture and entertainment, and the occasional personal essays, for outlets like Vogue, Blavity, Rolling Stone, Essence, and more. As a podcaster, I’ve hosted a few shows, including Movie Buffs, Kenya’s first movies and TV podcasts. I host that show with my business partner Wilson. Karibu Productions is all about revolutionizing the content space in Kenya and beyond. We have Movie Buffs under our docket, and a few more in development. Here’s a breakdown of the other questions you asked.

How did you get to where you are today professionally? By asking a lot of questions and doing a lot of research. I didn’t get a degree in communications, journalism or media studies, so I’ve been turning to folks who I admire (and my gut) to help guide to the next step. It’s a work in progress, and definitely not easy!

How did you overcome the challenges? By not being afraid to pivot, and know when to pivot. We’re constantly changing and evolving at Karibu Productions, and that can be exhausting, but because we’re in the early stages of the company, its necessary. That’s the biggest lesson I’ve learned on this journey so far.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story? I want to world to know what Kenyan creatives are capable of, and to challenge people around the world’s view of what African stories look and feel like. We have something new and fresh to say. We deserve a seat at the table.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
So many people! First, my business partner, co-host, and boyfriend Wilson Mwangemi. Running a business and being a couple is no easy feat, but Will and I make sure we do so with the utmost love and respect for each other. He’s my rock and my calm, and non of this would be possible without him. Next, our incredibly hard working team at Karibu Productions. We’re small but mighty, thanks to our awesome interns who put their heart and soul into this company. And last but not least, my mom, who always talks me down whenever I’m spiraling about the business. She believes in the company and me so much, and I’m so lucky to have her. KP is too!

Instagram: @karibuproductions , @kuimwai

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuimwai/

Twitter: @kuimwai_

Image Credits
@dosmedia.ke

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