We were lucky to catch up with Robert Mbu recently and have shared our conversation below.
Robert, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
My journey with mental health has been deeply personal, especially given the stigma surrounding men (especially black men) and mental health. Too often, we choose to stay silent, but I realized that every time I spoke publicly about my struggles, I would hear from other men who told me I was expressing what they had always felt but never had the words or courage to say.
Additionally, the financial uncertainty of pursuing a creative career has been a major stressor on my mental well-being. However, I’ve learned to navigate these challenges by surrounding myself with people I can have honest conversations with, rejecting the shame and stigma around mental health, and embracing openness.
Leaning into my purpose has been transformative—I’ve learned to turn what I once saw as weaknesses into strengths and help others do the same. Therapy has been invaluable, with art and design being my most powerful tools for healing.
Beyond that, I’ve found strength in prayer, solid and reliable friendships, and deep community involvement. These have all played a crucial role in helping me persist despite the challenges, allowing me to move forward with a lot of resilience and clarity.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m Robert Mbu Batuo—a Cameroonian born, 1st generation immigrant artist, designer, entrepreneur, and community builder passionate about creativity and economic empowerment. As the CEO, Co-Founder, Independent Artist & Designer at BATUO Inc., I’ve built a brand that blends contemporary art, fashion, and storytelling to create futuristic, bold, and immersive experiences. BATUO Inc. isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement that challenges norms, celebrates individuality, and connects people through artistic expression.
Beyond BATUO Inc., I serve as the Regional Entrepreneurship Advisor for the Atlantic Provinces at Groupe 3737, a non-profit dedicated to empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs. My work here focuses on breaking barriers, building sustainable businesses, and fostering economic inclusion by providing mentorship, resources, and strategic guidance.
In addition to my entrepreneurial work, I’m also deeply involved in art facilitation—using art as a tool for healing and self-expression (aspiring certified art therapist here… lol). I love curating creative events that bring people together, facilitating connections between talent and opportunity, and mentoring emerging artists and entrepreneurs. I also offer creative consulting for individuals and arts-based organizations—so if you have a wild idea, I’m the person to call!
Recently, I founded a non-profit called Ember Creative Guild, dedicated to uniting, inspiring, and empowering creatives across different disciplines. It’s a space where artists can collaborate, grow, and access opportunities that push their work forward.
What Drives Me:
What excites me most is blending art, entrepreneurship, and community—not just creating, but inspiring and connecting. I have a rare ability to navigate the creative spaces and the more conventional spaces seamlessly and unite people from both of these often contrasting spaces. No matter what endeavour I undertake, I have the same mission; to unite, inspire and empower. That is what keeps me going.
Upcoming Projects & Events:
1)Panache Luxury Line: We’ve launched Panache, a luxury fashion line now available at www.batuo.ca.
2)Ember Creative Guild: Our non-profit is live, creating new opportunities for creatives to connect and grow.
3)BATUO Inc. Expansion: We’re developing exciting artistic and entertainment experiences, strengthening community
ties, and pursuing bold collaborations.
4)Sparksphere: A creative hub for artists in or passing through Halifax, launching this month.
5)Halifax Fashion Heart: Expanding Halifax’s first fashion incubator, which we founded in 2024.
6) Re-Invention Series: Leading creative direction for this live-recorded show in Halifax.
7) TEDx Halifax: Volunteering with the team bringing TEDx to Halifax in August.
8) Halifax Fashion Week: Expanding Halifax Fashion Week, which we helped launch in 2023.
9) Global Fashion Weeks: Engaging with major fashion weeks worldwide.
At the core of everything I do is a commitment to creating, elevating, and empowering—whether through art, fashion, business, or community work. My journey has been one of resilience, innovation, and pushing past all sorts of limitations, and I’m excited to continue shaping the future in bold, unconventional and impactful ways.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
That’s a great question. If I had to pinpoint three things that have truly shaped my journey, I’d say community building, creative leadership, and adaptability—all of which are deeply rooted in empathy.
First, community building has been everything for me. I’ve always believed that creatives thrive when they feel seen, understood, and supported. Whether it’s through BATUO Inc., Sparksphere, Ember Creative Guild, or just the way I move in creative spaces, my focus has always been on bringing people together in an authentic way. My advice for those starting out? Lead with genuine care. Don’t just connect for the sake of networking—listen, show up, and invest in relationships. The right people will find you when you create a space that makes them feel valued.
Second, creative leadership has played a huge role. I’ve always seen gaps in the art world—whether it’s the lack of diversity in influential spaces or the lack of financial stability for artists—and instead of waiting for someone else to fix it, I take action. To those early in their journey, I’d say: own your vision. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about caring enough to try, to learn, and to push through even when things get tough. And never underestimate the power of leading with kindness; it opens more doors than anything else.
Finally, adaptability and execution. The creative world is constantly shifting. You can have all the ideas in the world, but if you can’t pivot when needed or take action, they won’t mean much. I’ve had to adapt so many times—whether it was in fashion, tech, or community projects—but that’s part of the journey. If you’re just starting, I’d say: don’t be afraid to start before you’re “ready.” Learn as you go. Surround yourself with doers. And most importantly, be kind to yourself in the process.
At the end of the day, the thing I value most about myself is my empathy. It’s what fuels my work, my leadership, and my ability to connect with others. If you move with empathy, everything else falls into place.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Yes Please. I am looking to collaborate with anyone who wants to push the needle of creativity forward. Other artists, designers, photographers, poets, speakers, writers, storytellers, directors, actors, leaders, dancers- just anyone who wants to move at the beat of their own drums and create. They can reach out to me at @batuoinc or @robenga on Instagram, @batuoinc on Tiktok, @batuo on facebook.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.batuo.ca
- Instagram: 1) https://www.instagram.com/r.o.b.e.n.g.a/ 2) https://www.instagram.com/batuoinc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Robert-Mbu/pfbid02eVLGrHBzJfruUb5vTsvpFnzQuZXGtTXavpHLoY3V82r27ZwUnCjBYmv8xFzS7Dedl/#
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-mbu-batuo-74a919186
Image Credits
Photographers: Emmanuel Nizeyimana, Natanni Kya, Blair Bartlett, Michelle Rwabutara, Jordan Banyan
Models: Soli Management Models
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
