We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aisha Lumumba a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Aisha with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I get my work ethic from my entire family. I can’t remember anyone that was not always busy doing something. Of course, there was down time, but we were taught to work until the job was done and that there would be plenty of time for playing and relaxing afterwards.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I started my work-life career by working whatever job I could find. As a newly high school graduate, I had little idea about the way I wanted to go. I eventually ended up in college shortly after working a couple of odd jobs. Deep inside I loved sewing and creating but had no idea that it could be a job or career. I always kept sewing as a hobby and a fallback when I needed to relax my brain.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As I look back, I see the three qualities and skills that were most impactful on my journey were: 1. Committment, 2. Steadfastness, and 3. Willingness to learn/study how to improve my craft. I always tell others who want to delve into the realm of artistry is to be open to things happening around you, study your craft and follow others involved in the same arena. There will certainly be ups and downs as well as doubts but one must learn to push through.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I give three people credit for being at the top of my list of people that pushed me forward to the artist I have become. First of all, I give my Aunt Marie Ponder credit for taking a little girl under her wing and teaching her every sewing technique she could. 2. My father who did not know what to do with a budding teen who loved to sew. He stepped back and slowly encouraged me every now and then, bought me a sewing machine at a young age and encourage me. 3. My husband, Chinyelu-who is my ride or die partner, my support and my rock. He is always there encouraging and helping me become better and better.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.obaquilts.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obaquilts
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/alumumba1
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aisha-lumumba-61bb58a
Image Credits
Jabari Lumumba Chinyelu Lumumba
