5 African Trendsetters Share Their Biggest Lessons Learned During the Pandemic

5 African Trendsetters Share Their Biggest Lessons Learned During the Pandemic

By Anu Kehinde

The pandemic is not over. 2020 was a whirlwind – and navigating these strange times now into 2021 may be equally as confusing. To share some hope, we reached out to 5 African trendsetters. They share their biggest lessons and provided insight into how they stay motivated.

Kimcy Arnold, Model/Afropolitan Magazine Stylist 

Kimcy Arnold’s biggest lesson learned, encourages us to continue preserving during this “new normal.” The stylist reminds us that, “No matter what’s happening right now, keep faith for the future.” However many months into this pandemic, a little reminder to keep pushing. It  goes a long way.

Meley Sie, Fashion Photographer/ Content Creator

Meley Sie provides equally inspiring encouragement for us to keep going and reveals how she has been developing herself during the pandemic.  “During this pandemic, I figured out that it was time for me to challenge my creativity and stop hiding behind excuses. I understood that life will always be challenging and that it’s okay to fear something new or bigger than myself. What is not okay, is to let that fear overtake me!”

Joe Williams, MILC Magazine Creative Director/ Publishing Director

The Creative and Publishing Director of MILC Magazine, placed emphasis on the value of time, when sharing what he has learned during the pandemic. “The biggest thing I have learned during this pandemic is that time is a form of wealth – everything can change in a single moment. Taking time for yourself and for your family is a luxury made accessible by the pandemic, which has forced us to move past the futility that we thought was essential a few months before.”

Yannick, Actor/ Content Creator/ Model

“Never  take things for granted.” His statement encourages us to appreciate and embrace every aspect of life.

Lafalaise Dion, Designer 

The Ivorian designer and “Queen of Cowries” shared her biggest lesson, saying, “We are still in a pandemic and we are still learning. If there’s one thing that I’ve learned during this period, it’s that we have to give ourselves time. Take the time to appreciate the magic behind the process, to adapt, and finally, to listen to ourselves.”

Rightly so, in the midst of unprecedented times, being patient with ourselves is crucial and necessary for our wellbeing. What did you learn in 2020 that you’ll be applying this year?