African All-Stars Series: Nancy Mumbo

Empowering Confidence and Wellness Using Fashion

Nancy Mumbo, a lifestyle and wellness content creator, is on a mission to inspire and empower her community. With a dedication to promoting confidence and self-acceptance, Nancy encourages individuals to embrace their authentic selves and feel comfortable in their own skin. Her content revolves around the importance of mental well-being, advocating the need to maintain a balanced fitness regime and integrate prayer into daily routines.

How do you use TikTok to raise awareness about mental health issues or to provide support and inspiration to those facing mental health challenges?

Over time, I've cultivated a thriving TikTok community where sharing fashion and lifestyle content has allowed me to express my creativity to my audience. I hope this inspires my community to embrace confidence and comfort in their own skin. Through my genuine use of clothing and everyday life, I aim to convey that it's perfectly fine to lead a normal life and share it on social media. It's okay to be your true self, and venturing into content creation is entirely achievable. Find a niche that resonates with you, start with what you have, and give it a go because you can do it.

World Mental Health Day aims to break the stigma around mental health. What can the creative community do to contribute to a more open and understanding conversation about mental health?

Building a community is vital. When like-minded people gather to share ideas and experiences and collaborate, it significantly boosts mental well-being. Communities uplift individuals through connections and conversations, offering support during challenging times. They provide benefits beyond mental health, enhancing various aspects of life. Collaboration is key, offering diverse content and potential friendships. Fashion creators, in particular, should unite and collaborate more often, as we all benefit from each other's support and creativity. We're not meant to be islands.

Which TikTok creators do you believe bring positivity to the platform?

I adore @noordinarynoire! Her content on body positivity and her authentic approach to life are truly inspiring. Another Kenyan creator I'm a huge fan of is @ms.kendi – her content is impressive and played a significant role in inspiring me to start creating. Then there's @dr.lindahmuthoni, who reminds me there are no limits to what you can achieve. And let's not forget @the_odditty; her joyful demeanor always brings a smile to my face, and I'm sure anyone who watches her feels the same way.

What strategies or self-care practices do you incorporate into your daily routine to maintain good mental health while pursuing your creative endeavors? Do you have any tips or advice for fellow creators on managing their mental well-being?

My top priority is fitness. I started going to a local gym in February, and it's had a remarkable impact on my mental well-being, helping me stay in shape and remain consistent. Additionally, I make a conscious effort to maintain a balanced diet. I read and journal at least three times a week to connect with my inner self. Prayer is also an essential part of my life and has brought positivity. I listen to self-help podcasts to continuously improve my life. Creating content brings solace when I overthink - it's genuinely therapeutic, like playing dress-up with my camera. Here's some content I created last weekend; despite my low mood, the session with my sister made it worthwhile. Here is some content I created last weekend; I was low on moods, but this session with my sister made it worth it.

To my fellow creators, taking care of your mental well-being is essential to your life. Start by setting achievable and realistic goals, especially in the creative process. Take good care of your mind, body, and soul, and find a hobby for each. Spend some time outdoors and stay connected to the real world because getting lost online can be so easy. Always remember that progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Celebrate every victory because your brain thrives on rewards. In general, remain consistent, but don’t get burnt out while at it.

Many creators feel pressured to produce content and engage with their audience constantly. How do you balance your creative work and taking time for self-care and mental health?

I've established a daily routine that works for me. I prioritise avoiding phone scrolling before 8 am and waking up early. My commitment to fitness provides structure and grounding to my day. I'm conscious about not using my phone in bed, focusing on getting enough sleep for an early start. I admit that as a digital marketing strategist, I sometimes must be on the phone for extended hours, which can lead to daily screen time exceeding 5 hours. To manage this with my content creation journey, I've devised a plan to ensure I upload 3 to 4 videos weekly. I also follow a creative schedule because of my 9-5 job. Remember, there's no need to add unnecessary pressure to yourself. Instead, create a personalized plan and strategy that suits your needs. Trust the process, stay patient, and be kind to yourself. Establishing a routine and having a plan can significantly impact your productivity and well-being.