Meet Trailblazer Nathalie Mukendi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathalie Mukendi.

Nathalie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I, like many women, have always loved and had an interest in fashion. Growing up in Africa was an enriching experience. The style there is a combination of bold, colorful ethnic prints and western glamour. Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of always looking presentable – it is a sign of respect to others and ourselves, but most importantly it is an extension on our personalities, it gives us the freedom to express ourselves.

Fashion magazines have always caught my attention and have always been part of my world. I started journaling my outfits about two years ago as a means to ‘escape’ my 9 to 5 job. A family member suggested that I start a blog for fashion-loving women in the workplace, and that’s how I started The Coquette Diaries. I’m currently adding the finishing touches to my blog, it will go live very soon and I’m super excited about it.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Blogging is a wonderful way to express one’s creativity. There are many pros to it, but there are also challenges. The struggles that I noticed (like many) is that the blogging industry is saturated – this makes it difficult to break into the industry and to make a name for yourself, but it’s not impossible.

My advice: What I think can make a blog successful is to be your unique self and have content that is relatable to your audience. If you are authentic, your uniqueness will shine but you have to work hard for it, don’t give up on yourself and on what you need to accomplish. With hard work and patience, you will get there slowly but surely.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I have a great passion for sisterhood, friendship and Style. With the world having so many negative issues, it is a time where women, all women are celebrated, breaking barriers of ethnicity, economic and social classes.

My blog will mostly be about fashion but will also talk about few other things that I’m extremely passionate about such as entertaining guests, food, travel and my love for God. It will be a one stop blog where you can follow simple and easy recipes which women can share with one another, traveling tips, advice on where to buy the latest and affordable trends, inspirational verses/quotes and motherhood (I became a new mom three months ago)

My motto is “You can be stylish without breaking the bank.”

Which women have inspired you in your life?
My mom is my number one inspiration, not so much about her style but more about her work ethic and dedication towards her family and work. She is an extremely hardworking woman. She always told me to go after my dreams no matter how hard they were . She is a very good cook and I developed my passion of food and entertaining at a very young age thanks to her.

Diane von Furstenberg, the brain behind the wrap dress. The wrap dress contributed to the fashion industry as it is a style which is adapted to all shapes. It is very flattering, versatile and can be worn at any occasion. Pioneers and innovative game changers are individuals I always look up

Lastly, Michelle Obama, the first African American First Lady. Her style has always been very simple but yet always appropriate and very elegant.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thecoquettediaries.com
• Email: hello@thecoquettediaires.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoquettediaries/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/thecoquettessdiaries
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CoquetteDiaries
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/coquettediaries/

Image Credit:
Nathalie Mukendi

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