We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zanna-Pearl Ngimukua a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Zanna-Pearl, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Two voices reside within, both equally valid. One echoes positivity, the other doubt. Neither is inherently right or wrong, yet one holds the truth. The choice is yours.
I believe it’s only natural to question oneself; I often wonder if I’m good enough, capable enough, smart enough, strong enough. There are moments when it’s challenging to embrace my worth because, alongside the uplifting voice, there’s a persistent one that tries to pull me down, making me question my worthiness. It can be a difficult at times, but it has been my reality.
If you’ve never faced this struggle, count your blessings because it’s certainly not easy. However, I always choose the voice that propels me forward. I choose the one that continues to elevate me, bringing me closer to my goals and instantly shut down the one that disagrees. The truth is simple: I’m skilled at what I do, and that’s it. That’s the only voice I choose to listen to. This understanding along with my God given natural talents remind me that I am able.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am Zanna-Pearl Ngimukua, and I am a passionate braider, entrepreneur and model. My journey in the world of hair braiding began at the age of 10. Initially, it was just a fun hobby, and I’ll admit that I wasn’t particularly skilled at it back then. Nevertheless, I persisted and devoted countless hours to practicing, and soon enough, braiding became an essential part of my life. In fact, I became so engrossed in it that I earned myself a reputation at school for transforming classrooms into makeshift salons while braiding my friends’ hair. But I couldn’t have cared less because braiding was my true calling.
When I graduated from high school, I found myself deeply enamored with the idea of pursuing a career as a stylist. However, I opted for a safer path and enrolled in college, studying Human Services. I held various roles as a caregiver, which I found fulfilling, but deep down, I knew it wasn’t my true calling. You see, I’ve always been fiercely independent, self-reliant, a bit of a nonconformist, and the idea of working a regular job didn’t entirely satisfy my longing for creative expression.
I continued to hone my skills as a hairstylist and eventually landed a position at a barber shop and of course the support of my family. Not only did I serve as a stylist there, but I also became an integral part of the team, learning from an incredible group of individuals who imparted valuable lessons about what it takes to be an entrepreneur and a business owner. Regrettably, at the time, I wasn’t prepared to handle the pressures of managing a business while juggling my academic pursuits and navigating the complexities of the real world. However, I made sure to carry the invaluable knowledge and experiences with me as I took a step back to reflect on my journey and explore other interests.
Despite my brief hiatus, my passion for hair never waned. During my time away, I decided to chase another dream that had been lingering in the back of my mind for quite some time. Modeling had always held a special place in my heart, even though it initially felt like an unattainable goal. I took a leap of faith and invested my last dollars in a trip to New York, where I had the privilege of receiving hands-on training from the iconic Coco Rocha at her model camp. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of walking the runway for a few shows, establishing partnerships with local agencies, and focusing on commercial modeling.
I’m now ready to propel myself forward and immerse myself in exciting collaborations with fellow models, talented photographers, and innovative brands. If you’re interested in connecting with me, you can find me on Instagram at @zanna.nn or reach out via email at [email protected].
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three key elements have played a significant role in helping me navigate and overcome numerous obstacles in my journey a strong support system, taking action, and gratitude. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals is crucial in maintaining a successful mindset though not necessarily a skill it does have a bit of a learning curve. We’re fortunate to live in an era where we can easily connect with thousands of people who share our goals and perspectives. Engaging with YouTube videos and podcasts that offer motivation and mental fortitude has been an indispensable part of my journey. Due to the surplus in information it is important to take everything with a grain of salt and apply what you learn as it fits into your life. While staying mentally motivated is important, it’s equally vital to translate that motivation into action. Sometimes, the challenge lies in not knowing what the next step should be. However, I’ve learned that any action, no matter how small, is superior to taking no action at all. Small efforts accumulate quickly, often leading to the achievement of your goals, even when the path forward may seem unclear. Expressing gratitude and being thankful for what you already have is a fundamental aspect of personal growth. It positions you to better handle the blessings that come your way. If you fail to acknowledge and appreciate what’s already in front of you, it becomes difficult to manage or appreciate future achievements. Failing to cherish what you already possess can lead to an endless pursuit of the next thing, without ever truly savoring the present.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
God has undoubtedly been my source of strength when I feel I have non left. There have been times where Ive hit extremely low point and just when it seems my battery is completely drained I am able to draw strength from an infinite source, It is genuinely not by my strength alone that I continue fighting and striving forward. As well as support from family and friends.
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