Category: Lifestyle

The comfort zone is more than just a place of security; it is a psychological state where routine and predictability reign. While it offers a sense of stability, it can also become a barrier to taking risks, exploring new possibilities, and reaching one’s full potential.

Dependence on the comfort zone often manifests in subtle patterns that can hold individuals back. Identifying these behaviors is the first step toward breaking free and pursuing meaningful growth.

While routines help structure daily life, an overly rigid schedule can stifle creativity and limit experiences. When every day unfolds in an identical manner, it may indicate a reluctance to step into the unknown.

Signs of being trapped in a routine include difficulty adapting to change, discomfort with unpredictability, and a gradual decline in problem-solving abilities.

One of the biggest barriers to growth is an aversion to risk. Many people avoid stepping outside their comfort zones due to fear of failure, judgment, or discomfort.

This hesitance can lead to excessive over planning, missed opportunities, and an unwillingness to embrace challenges that could lead to personal or professional advancement.

Yet, true progress often requires stepping into uncertainty and trusting the process of learning through experience. In reality, overcoming obstacles fosters resilience and paves the way for greater satisfaction.

Many equate staying in their comfort zone with peace and fulfillment, but real growth often comes from facing challenges. The belief that avoiding difficulties leads to a content life can be misleading.

More to this, comfort zone dependency can suppress creativity and hinder innovation. When individuals become too accustomed to the status quo, they resist adopting new ideas or approaches.

This is especially evident in workplaces where employees hesitate to embrace evolving technologies or strategies, limiting both personal and organizational progress. The fear of making mistakes often holds back breakthroughs that could lead to significant achievements.

Another consequence of remaining in the comfort zone is the underutilization of talent and skills. Those who avoid new challenges may find themselves stuck in career stagnation, leading to dissatisfaction and a lack of fulfillment. Without taking initiative to grow, opportunities for career advancement remain limited.

When individuals prioritize comfort over progress, personal and professional goals often take a backseat. The safety of routine can lead to procrastination, with aspirations left unfulfilled. A deep attachment to familiarity may prevent people from taking necessary steps toward success.

Ironically, those who stay in their comfort zones often struggle with impatience when they do attempt growth. Expecting instant results, they become frustrated with the gradual nature of development.

This mindset can make it difficult to embrace the process and appreciate the small victories along the way.
Stepping out of one’s comfort zone is a conscious choice that requires effort and persistence. It involves embracing uncertainty, taking small but deliberate risks, and being open to challenges.

A strategic approach to breaking free includes setting incremental challenges, building resilience through exposure to discomfort, surrounding oneself with a supportive network, and celebrating progress, no matter how small.

Shifting one’s mindset is key to overcoming the limitations of the comfort zone. A growth mindset fosters the belief that challenges present learning opportunities rather than obstacles. By viewing discomfort as a necessary part of development, individuals can push past their fears and unlock their full potential.

Recognizing the restrictive nature of the comfort zone and taking proactive steps to move beyond it can lead to a life filled with growth, fulfillment, and success.

The path to personal and professional advancement begins with the willingness to embrace the unknown and challenge oneself to evolve.

Although there is no written rule that states when a person is expected to be married, society has developed much more respect for married individuals than those who are single.

It is the desire of every parent to see their child married before they grow old and most times, these parents will pressure their children into finding a worthy lover.

However, much leniency is given to men than women when it comes to seeking out a lover and marrying. Human society ties a woman’s identity to her success in building a home and her capabilities to sustain her family.

Being a spinster has proven to be difficult as pressure is mostly mounted on women from to marry early before they are no longer attractive in the eyes of men. This rhetoric has birthed a popular dating sites or campaigns which most unmarried women attend in hopes of finding a man.

52-year Pascasia Nyinawumuntu, a mother of seven says that women marry early to avoid so many complications, including health, as menopause often begins between 45 and 55 years old, barring women from procreating and starting a biological family with their husbands.

“As young girls, we were raised to always marry early so we could be of use to our husbands. There was an ancient belief of marriage as strictly for procreation and the extension of legitimate lineages unlike these days where people marry for love or just for fun,” she explained.

In the past, women were believed to always find favor in the eyes of the man who would marry them and care for them, therefore making their individuality and desires obsolete as they would eventually end up as family home caregivers.

Today, according to popular opinion, men have always married later than women, except for some men who married early.

With the strong voice of feminism and the recognition of women beyond their matrimonial services, women are beginning to embrace individuality, such as creating a life and career for themselves before choosing to settle and marry, just as men.

While women are told to marry early, between the ages of 20 and 25, men are allowed to ‘hustle’ and be excused from marrying as early. This part helps society embrace the idea of a young girl marrying an older and accomplished man.

A random survey carried out by IGIHE in Kigali City indicates that, on average, “unmarried youth and their parents view 20 to 25 as acceptable ages for women to marry, while ages 23 to 30 are appropriate for men.
Historically, men’s income-earning capabilities were necessary for marriage, while attractiveness and household capabilities were more important for women.

{{Feminism, a pushback on women marrying early}}

Feminists understand the power dynamic between a man and a woman in a traditional marriage, whereby the men are always authoritative and have dominion over their households.

This is because their wives, who have been conditioned to marry early before chasing any personal goal, have to be financially dependent on them (their husbands). Feminists believe that women should shun the idea of marrying early and instead focus on personal growth and achievements before settling to create a family.

Although there have been fights against women ageing without marriage and starting a home, feminists strive to ensure that all women get the chance to choose their lives and what they want with them rather than being conditioned to enjoy such a life for themselves.

Feminists have claimed that early marriages often lead to early childbirth, and this could pose a disaster for women, especially if they are not emotionally or physically prepared to take on such life-threatening roles.

{{Should women marry early or not?}}

Marrying early or marrying at all is best left to any individual who identifies as an adult. Men are pressured to produce off springs and women are asked to marry early while they are fertile.

However, before any man is congratulated for starting a family, he must be scrutinized by those around him as they gauge his financial capacity to understand if he is ready to take on the role of a “breadwinner.”

This scrutiny is why men are often given the freedom to marry whenever they want, as they could also produce off springs at any age, unlike women.

Today, young entrepreneurs are making huge investments in the sector, turning it into a competitive and thriving industry.

From offering fancy hairstyles like the undercut, pompadour, buzz cut, and quiff to recruiting top-tier barbers—much like signing star players in football—and employing innovative strategies to attract clients, barbershop owners are redefining the art of grooming.

Marsha Alain, a barber at the popular Kigali Clippers Zone barbershop, has been in the industry for 18 years and has witnessed a dramatic shift in his clientele. Once he primarily served clients seeking simple trims, but his chair is now filled with young professionals, students, and celebrities, all eager to experiment with the latest styles.

Over the same period, he has also seen a major change in the perception of his work, which has become his family’s main source of livelihood. Additionally, young women are increasingly joining the profession, offering shaving services as well.

“The first time I picked up this clipper was in 2006. Things were different then, but now it’s a very good, serious job. I’m enjoying it. I’m working like a star, as you can see. I’m a proud papa—I have a child and a wife, and we’re living well here in Kigali,” he shared during a recent visit to the barbershop in the heart of the city.

“I started shaving when it cost 50 Rwandan francs. Now, the price is 10,000 Rwandan francs, and that’s before any tip or extra charges.”

Alain, who was born in Burundi, lived briefly in Tanzania before settling back in Rwanda, where he discovered his passion for barbering.

He now serves a diverse clientele, ranging from top Rwandan celebrities like musician Mugisha Benjamin, also known as The Ben, to influential figures in Rwanda’s corporate sector and beyond.

Innocent Safari, the assistant manager at Kigali Clippers Zone, believes that the innovative strategies blending luxury with top-tier customer service have set the barbershop apart, despite the intense competition in the city.

“We serve everyone—music directors, government officials, and even children,” Safari shares. “This is where everyone feels at home, whether they’re getting ready for a music video or a corporate meeting.”

Safari’s role involves ensuring smooth operations in what he describes as a “huge factory for hair.”

Equipped with walkie-talkies to coordinate across the sprawling space, he explains the level of organization required to maintain their reputation.

“When we started in 2019, we had four barbers. Now, we have over 40, plus trainees who learn our unique style before joining the team.”

{{More than just haircuts
}}

The barbershop offers a waiting area with a mini-bar and snacks, creating an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation. Clients receive personalized consultations to ensure they get exactly what they want. After a haircut, they’re treated to a luxurious wash, ensuring every detail is perfect.

“When you leave here, you don’t just look good—you feel good,” Safari emphasizes, jesting about the beautiful ladies who wash and offer relaxation massages to clients.

For Safari, the service goes beyond aesthetics. “People are stressed nowadays. Life is hard. When someone comes here, they might be spending their last five dollars. It’s our job to make them feel at peace.”

From high-end equipment to premium products, the barbershop spares no expense. Even during power outages, the team continues to work seamlessly.

“We don’t close until the last client leaves. Sometimes, we’re here until 4 a.m., ensuring everyone gets what they need.”

Safari envisions an even brighter future for Kigali Clippers Zone and the barbershop scene in the city.

“We’re planning to make this a one-stop destination. Imagine a place where you can get a haircut, grab a coffee, and even have your kids entertained in a playground while you relax. That’s where we’re headed.”

Speaking on the ‘Long Form’ podcast by Sanny Ntayombya, McCormick opened up about his experiences cooking for President Paul Kagame, who he said he has cooked for at least five times, along with his family.

He detailed the “pressure and scrutiny” that came with preparing meals for the Head of State, who, according to McCormick, prefers a healthy diet.

“It was a lot of pressure the first time, but after that, as they got to know me, it eased up,” said McCormick, referring to the President’s handlers and the chefs at Urugwiro Village.

He recounted an intimate gathering where he observed President Kagame watching a football match, a moment that humanized the leader often seen through a lens of political and historical significance in the liberation struggle of Rwanda in the early 1990s.

{{Starting anew in Rwanda
}}

McCormick, who now owns the Le Petit Chalet restaurant and Kigali Pizza Company in Kigali, along with the fine dining establishment Lilly, also discussed his life-changing decision to move to Rwanda during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

After losing his job in the U.S., where he had worked in various high-profile positions, including as a corporate executive chef managing multiple restaurants, McCormick found himself at a crossroads.

“The circumstances made it so it wasn’t a normal life journey,” McCormick explained, reflecting on his move to Rwanda.

He cited his desire to raise his children in a different cultural and political climate as a primary motivator for the relocation.

“I moved here because of my kids. I wanted them to grow up in a different system, away from the political and social divisions in the U.S. at the time. I felt it would be better for them to experience life differently,” the chef remarked citing President Kagame’s strong leadership.

McCormick’s wife, originally from Ethiopia, was equally enthusiastic about the move, seeing it as an opportunity to return to Africa.

“My wife felt the same way I did about moving; she left Ethiopia at around 13 and finished high school in Toronto before moving to the U.S., giving her a broad perspective from living in different places. She always wanted to return to Africa, considering the whole continent her home, not just Ethiopia. So when I presented the opportunity to move to Rwanda, she was 100% on board, especially given the circumstances back home and the global situation with the pandemic. Why not leave?” he stated.

McCormick’s journey in Rwanda has not been without its challenges. He discussed the high failure rate of restaurants, noting that in America, 90% of restaurants don’t survive their first year. In Rwanda, however, he finds the market less competitive but still demanding.

“You need a lot of skill, dedication, and an understanding of the local economy,” McCormick stated, emphasizing the need for adaptability and creativity in menu planning to cater to both local and expatriate diners.

McCormick has managed to find success in Kigali by blending international flavours with local tastes, although he admits to missing the larger market and variety he experienced in the U.S.

His restaurants have become popular spots for both Rwandans and foreigners, with the Le Petit Chalet particularly noted for its Eurocentric menu and standout dishes like French Onion Soup and Chalet Potatoes.

Looking ahead, Chef McCormick is not resting on his laurels. He plans to expand his culinary empire within Rwanda, with ambitions to open a dry-aged steakhouse, a jazz bar, and possibly another pizza outlet, perhaps even at the new Kigali International Airport.

He also expressed interest in establishing a non-profit culinary school to nurture local talent, recognizing a gap in the training and development of restaurant staff in Rwanda.

When questioned about the future of Rwanda’s food scene, McCormick was cautiously optimistic. He noted the absence of Michelin stars in Africa but suggested that with the right focus on local ingredients and innovation, Rwanda could carve out its own culinary identity.

The mother of two told the New York Times that she purchased a stake in Cesta Collective, a company that has been selling these handbags since 2018.

These handbags are woven by women in Rwanda and then sent to Italy to enhance their quality. Meghan Markle revealed that 2023 was the first time she carried a Cesta Collective handbag, during an outing with her husband Prince Harry, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Cameron Diaz.

She shared that she discovered these handbags online, as she spends a significant amount of time on the internet looking for new trends and innovations from around the world.

According to Meghan Markle, what motivated her to invest in Cesta Collective was its alignment with her goal of empowering or supporting female artisans to improve their livelihoods and ensure they receive fair wages.

She stated, “With Cesta Collective, I have begun to understand the number of women whose lives have been transformed through their work, and that is something very valuable to me.”

Erin Ryder, the CEO of Cesta Collective, mentioned that since they started collaborating with Meghan Markle, their products have gained much more attention compared to other successful periods in their business.

Investment is synonymous with Meghan Markle, as she has invested in nearly 10 other companies. Nowadays, wherever Meghan Markle goes, she carries Cesta Collective handbags. During her recent visit to Colombia, she carried various handbags, including the Braided Canvas Tote (priced at $750) and the Crossbody (priced at $750).

Kigali moved four slots from ninth in the World’s Best Awards 2024, behind Morocco’s Marrakesh, Cape Town, Jerusalem, and Dubai respectively. The awards are organized by Travel + Leisure, a travel magazine based in New York City.

The annual award program considers traveller experiences to rank the top cities around the globe. The parameters used to rate the cities include sights/landmarks, culture, food, friendliness, shopping, and value.

In the 2024 edition of the awards, voters described Kigali as a beautiful hub, very organized with friendly and helpful residents.

“Amazingly clean and progressive city! I felt safe walking all over,” wrote a voter. “There is a wide variety of cuisine available and amazing coffee.”

The list was dominated by countries from North Africa, led by Morocco and Egypt. Fez in Morocco took the sixth position, with one respondent said to have described the city as “a treasure trove of culture and history! A must-see if you are in Morocco.”

The much smaller city of Essaouira still in Morocco was ranked number seven, marking its first reappearance on the list since 2021. Tel Aviv in Israel secured the eighth position, followed by Luxor and Cairo of Egypt.

Kigali first featured on the list in 2021 as Rwanda continued to position itself as a premier destination for tourism and high-profile conferences.

In 2023, when Kigali was ranked ninth, the Tourism sector recorded an impressive growth to record $650 million (RWF 832 billion) in revenues. This represented a 35 percent increase in revenue compared to 2022, according to the Rwanda Development Board.

Rwanda welcomed 25,927 gorilla visitors in 2023, marking a 29.4 percent increase recorded in 2022. This is the highest number of visitors received in the country’s history.

The city has also featured in several other high profile rankings including last year when it was recognized as Africa’s premier smart city. Thirty cities participated in the assessment, according to the 2023 African Smart City Index.

In May, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) revealed that Rwanda was named the second most popular destination for international business conferences in Africa for the year 2023.

ICCA’s “Country and City Rankings for 2023” placed Rwanda behind South Africa, which hosted 98 international events compared to Kigali’s 32 events.

Kenya came in third with 29 international events, followed by Egypt and Morocco, which hosted 28 and 26 international conferences and meetings, respectively.

ICCA has its headquarters in Amsterdam, Netherlands and is the global community and knowledge hub for international association meetings industry, offering data, education, communication channels, as well as business development and networking opportunities.

{{Communication and Reserve}}

One notable observation from the newcomers was the reserved nature of Rwandans. Unlike the open and expressive communication styles they were used to back home, Rwandans tend to be more reserved and speak less. Marumbo, a poet from Zimbabwe, speculated that this could be influenced by Rwanda’s historical experiences, suggesting that past events might have shaped a more cautious approach to communication.

{{Impact of Weather on Daily Life}}

Another surprising aspect for our visitors was how the local weather affected daily activities. Lily, a volunteer from Germany, mentioned that in her country, all weather is considered suitable for any activity; it’s just a matter of wearing the right clothes. In contrast, she observed that in Kigali, a heavy rain could bring everything to a standstill, a practice that was quite unfamiliar to her.

{{Observational Tendencies}}

Delah Dube, an artist from Botswana, was initially confused by how much she was being observed by locals. In Rwanda, people tend to watch newcomers closely, which can feel unsettling for those not used to such attention. This intense observation is a part of how Rwandans interact with those who are new to their community.

{{Culinary Discoveries and Social Spaces}}

Food was a highlight of cultural exchange, with dishes like chapati, sambusa, and Sombe providing a taste of Rwanda’s culinary diversity. However, the lack of designated hangout spots for youths was a challenge. The visitors noted that Rwanda seems to have fewer casual places for young people to meet and socialize compared to their home countries.

{{Dress Code Adjustments}}

Adjusting to local dress codes also posed challenges for the youths. Rwanda’s dress norms are more conservative, and adapting to these standards required a shift in their usual attire choices, highlighting the cultural importance of clothing in Rwanda.

Through these stories, it becomes clear that cultural shock is not just about large-scale differences but often about adjusting to the subtle nuances of daily life. Despite the challenges, such experiences are crucial for fostering a deeper understanding of global cultures and for personal growth among youths navigating new cultural landscapes.

These experiences highlight the beauty of diversity and the richness that cultural differences bring to our global interactions. While cultural shock can initially be disorienting, it ultimately serves as a powerful catalyst for growth and understanding.

By embracing these differences and learning from them, individuals can gain a broader perspective of the world, appreciating the unique ways in which different communities live, work, and interact.

Through such exchanges, we not only enrich our own lives but also contribute to a more interconnected and empathetic world.

Women and handbags are ‘inseparable’; they have this relationship where not only ‘one complements the other,’ but one where ‘one can’t do without the other,’ just like pen and paper, tea and sugar, or what ‘Radio and Weasel’ sang about in one of their hit songs: bread and butter.

There have been trends of women going ‘braless,’ ‘pantless,’ ‘make-upless,’ and ‘hairless,’ but fashion experts truly doubt they will ever go ‘bagless.’

In fact, researchers have it that six is the average number of bags a woman has in her closet.

Designed in different sizes, from different fabrics and for different occasions, bags play a pivotal role in a woman’s life, not just as an accessory, but a ‘survival kit.’

Just as men’s wallets always have business or ATM cards and currency notes, there are certain items that will always make it to a woman’s bag, regardless of its size.

{{‘Always haves’}}

{{Make-up:}} When it comes to women who have embraced their ‘natural’ looks, we have to give it up to ‘Rwandans.’ I don’t know if it’s because Rwanda is the only country I’ve been to after Uganda, but again, I’ve worked in places where clients are from all walks of life and been to international schools for my education.

So yes, I can confidently say Rwandans rock their natural looks even on ‘big’ events like wedding days.

But hey, makeup is not only foundation, powder, primer, or concealer. Makeup is any product that is used on the face to enhance one’s looks, and this may include mascara, lip balm or lip gloss, lipstick, eyelashes, and eyeshadows.

No matter the size of the bag, a woman of any age is guilty of carrying at least one of those in their bag.

{{Mobile phone:}} If there’s one thing 99.9% of people, men alike, never leave home without, it’s the phone. In brief, mobile phones are like the ‘MTN’ network of Africa, “everywhere you go,” you carry them with their accessories, like earphones, chargers, or power banks, phone cases, among others. However, don’t get the same attention, simply because they can be shared.

{{‘Must haves’}}

I’m ‘tiny’ by nature, if there is such a thing in English, but I enjoy small things.

However, when it comes to bags, I make sure not to buy extremely little ones because there are some things that I know I can’t go without because of my gender, both for safety and sanitary reasons.

I’m not sure what you always take in your luggage, but the following items are essential for every elegant woman.

{{Pocket tissues:}} Along with their kin wipes, pocket tissues should never be left out of a lady’s bag. While you leave home, you never know what you will encounter along the way. For us pedestrians, an angry driver may splash water onto you, or you may spill food on that gorgeous outfit while you have lunch; a wet wipe or pocket tissues will come in to ‘save the day.’

{{Mint or chewing gum:}} When Philip Knight Wrigley, an American chewing gum manufacturer said, “fresh breath, fresh moments,” he didn’t lie. There’s a certain confidence that comes with speaking with fresh breath. It’s similar to how you can freely pose and smile for the camera after brushing your teeth in the morning. If you want to maintain that confidence throughout the day, carry a pack of chewing gum, or just sweets, for after lunch and later in the evening so that you don’t have people ‘turn heads’ when talking to you.

{{Wallet:}} They have recently replaced handbags, where one would just grab their wallet and move. This is not to say that if you are carrying a handbag, you should leave your wallet at home. Due to their size, wallets may fit in almost any bag and should never be forgotten. Not to mention how they help one look classy and organized because they don’t have to empty the bag on the floor when looking for their ID, business cards, or banknotes.

{{Hand cream:}} I know we are past Covid-19 times where we had to wash hands because our lives depended on it, but every now and then, you find yourself having to wash your hands, especially after answering that nature call. A hand cream should come in handy after drying your hands; both as a cosmetic (they help keep your hands free from fine lines) and also boost your confidence (imagine not wanting to shake your colleague’s hands because your hands feel rough and dry).

{{Hand sanitizer:}} Covid-19 did a good job of convincing us to carry these on a daily basis. Whether you were carrying a tote bag or a belt bag for the day, sanitizers were available in all sizes. Although the virus is long gone, germs and bacteria are still there, and carrying a sanitizer with you at all times will help you keep them at bay.

{{Toiletries:}} The list of toiletries is vast, and some may seem unnecessary, especially if you’re not going to a sleepover (e.g., soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, and so on). Carrying some like sanitary towels, however, even if you are not on your period, can be a ‘life-saver’ for a friend, colleague, or stranger. So make it a point to carry one with you on a regular basis; they’re not that heavy after all.

{{Sunglasses and an umbrella: }} You may not need to carry these at all times, especially if you own a car and know you won’t be strolling around in the sun. But if you don’t have that luxury and you know the weather can change at any time, having them in your backpack will do you more good than harm.

{{Notebook and a pen:}} My profession allows me to have these most of the time; but, you can develop the habit as well. Journaling has been shown in research to lessen overall levels of depression. According to a 2006 study by Stice, Burton, Bearman, and Rohde, “writing in a journal can be as effective as cognitive-behavioral therapy in reducing the risk of depression and anxiety symptoms.” Even if you use your phone to record important occurrences, a pen and book are still useful because they don’t require a ‘battery’ to function.

{{Phone accessories:}} Although I previously indicated them under things not carried frequently, accessories such as earphones/earbuds, power banks, or chargers should come in handy with their kin; the phone. You don’t want to miss an important phone call or record a once-in-a-lifetime moment because your battery is dead, and no one else uses the same charger as you.

{{Pepper spray whistle: }} I can’t say it ever occurred to me to carry these in my luggage, but after reading Lilian Arjona’s blog, I felt obliged to purchase them one of these days. Women are a vulnerable gender by nature; imagine being attacked as you make your way to your car in the parking lot, or being attacked as you open the door to your house after work; what can help you first, other than pepper spray or a whistle to summon help?

Whichever bag you decide to carry, let it have some of these essentials. “Don’t just add sparkle to your look, add memories and safety.”