Shiko Nguru is a 33 year old mum of two young children aged 7 years and 18 months. She spends her days chasing after her kids and creating parenting and lifestyle videos for her YouTube channel – The Green Calabash.
1. You are known for your family blog and vlog Green Calabash. How and when did you start blogging? Why did you decide to go into vlogging?
I started blogging back in 2010 when I was pregnant with my first born. I used my blog as a way to connect with other mums by telling my story and building a community around shared motherhood experiences. Over the years, I noticed that I was consuming more and more video content and wondered whether my readers were doing the same. So in 2016, when I was pregnant with my second born, I decided to experiment with a couple of YouTube videos. I fell in love with vlogging! It allowed me to still tell my story, but now, I could do so with the rest of my family by my side.
2. You quit your job to go full-time as a blogger/vlogger, what has the experience been like?
Scary, rewarding, empowering, exhilarating. I could go on and on. Trading in a guaranteed salary for irregular (many times late) payments has been scary, but it’s been one of the best risks I’ve ever taken. I feel like I’m doing exactly what I was created to do. I’m exactly where I am supposed to be. I just pray and take it one step at a time.
3. What are the challenges of running a family vlog with your family?
We love vlogging. We always say that the moment it stops being enjoyable, we’ll quit. But so far, so good. Sometimes unexpected things come up when kids are in the mix – they get sick, they get grumpy, they misbehave – but we just roll with the punches. It’s never that serious!
4. What is something that our readers may be surprised to learn about you?
I am incredibly nervous and shy most of the time. Talking to a camera is not the same as face-to-face!
5. Name 3 women you are inspired by and why?
There are so many! But off the top of my head: Shonda Rhimes – Creativity and unabashed ownership of who she is. Serena Williams – Discipline and dedication to her craft. Oprah Winfrey – Commitment to spirituality and service.
6. What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Not quite advice but the following related quotes have had a tremendous impact on my life over the past 2 years: “Your power is in your thoughts, so stay awake” (The Secret), “And when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it” (The Alchemist) and “As a man thinks, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7)
7. What do happiness and success look like to you?
Loving family, good health and thriving in my God-given purpose.
8. What is your favourite thing about Nairobi?
The people! Nairobians are perfectly feisty, fun and friendly in equal measure.
To get in touch with Shiko or know more about The Green Calabash, we’ve got links to her vlog and social media accounts below.
Twitter: @ShikoNguru
Instagram: @ShikoNguru
YouTube: The Green Calabash
