about us.
about the Ndeza Collective
Since creating "Braiding Nairobi" in September 2022, we've realized the greater need for storytelling and social entrepreneurship centering African women. Through our brand new company, we will be combining the power of storytelling with technology, accessibility, and the gig economy, to expand past the borders of Kenyatta Market, Nairobi, and Kenya. More details are coming soon. You won't want to miss out. Join our email list if you'd like to stay in the loop. ​
our team
talented women who believe in the power of accessibility, storytelling, and tech.
CEO/ Founder
Natachi Onwuamaegbu
A journalist, writer, and Stanford graduate who has a deep passion for storytelling as demonstrated through her work in The Washington Post and recent National Geographic storytelling grant. Natachi has been interviewing braiders in Kenyatta Market and sharing their personal narratives since Sept. 2022.
Financial Advisor
Claire Chauvel
A journalist, writer, and Stanford graduate who has a deep passion for storytelling as demonstrated through her work in The Washington Post and recent National Geographic storytelling grant. Natachi has been interviewing braiders in Kenyatta Market and sharing their personal narratives since Sept. 2022.
Strategic Advisor
Bethany Hou
A journalist, writer, and Stanford graduate who has a deep passion for storytelling as demonstrated through her work in The Washington Post and recent National Geographic storytelling grant. Natachi has been interviewing braiders in Kenyatta Market and sharing their personal narratives since Sept. 2022.
where we began
As a Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellow, Natachi Onwuamaegbu is exploring the economic opportunities in Nairobi’s Kenyatta market by interviewing female hair braiders and the key players who make decisions that dictate the lives of the hair braiders. Kenyatta market is a place for Kenyan women to find economic liberation – young women can start businesses and support their families – but it can also be a place of economic entrapment. Women are paid impossibly low wages under bosses with no legal responsibility and have no healthcare or job security. Natachi will create a series of articles profiling at least 20 people along with creating a series of videos, photo collections, audio pieces and a book. Follow along with her work here, on Instagram, or on her National Geographic Blog.
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