My name is Jemimah Nzola from Kenya. I am a Certified I/O Psychologist, Holistic Nutritionist, Author, Speaker, and Crusader for All-Rounded Wellness.
My writing journey:
The beginning:-
From childhood, I have always loved writing. I would take my old school books, tear out the papers, sew them together with thread, and make small notebooks. In these, I wrote stories about what I saw around me, how my day was, and various other things; journaling different aspects of life. At some point, I even thought I would be a journalist or news anchor but God had other plans.
Later, I desired to study medicine, but I missed joining medical school by just one point. Instead, I ended up studying business management, graduated, and began working successfully in different key departments in the corporate sector.
However, the desire for health and wellness remained within me, though God led me to it in a different way, by introducing me to holistic medicine. Unlike conventional medicine, holistic medicine resonated with me because of its focus on the root causes of diseases and preventive rather than curative approach. That passion led me to pursue a diploma and a higher diploma in holistic nutrition, which became my entry point into the world of health and wellness.
My life’s purpose:
I have always sought clarity on my life’s purpose, and for years, at the start of each year, instead of just setting goals, I would ask God, “What part of my purpose are You clarifying this year?” It has been a beautiful journey of evolving, realignment, and direction from God.
As I practiced as a holistic nutritionist, I saw myself evolving and embracing new spaces God was leading me into. I realized I loved teaching, writing, and sharing information about wellness.
In 2019, my good friend and fellow psychologist, Michelle Wanjiku, put together a reading club. She was a tough coach. The rule was to read one book per week and post a review every Monday. There were no excuses; if you didn’t read, you risked being removed from the group. That year, I managed to read 43 books. This reading habit fueled my love for writing. Almost every week, I found myself writing, sometimes blogging, other times writing for posterity, unsure whether the pieces would ever be published. By the end of that year, I strongly felt the Holy Spirit leading me to share my knowledge. I reflected on the idea that if I only consumed knowledge without sharing it, I would become like the Dead Sea – always taking in but never giving out. Knowing that as children of God, we are meant to be givers and carriers of life, I decided to start writing seriously.
‘When the student is ready, the teacher appears’:
In January 2020, I encountered an opportunity that aligned perfectly with my goal. One of my businesses involved fresh juice supplies, and I used to supply juice to a church called Mavuno Church for the Fearless Bootcamp leadership program led by their senior pastor. The program profoundly intrigued me. Initially, the program was exclusively for their pastors, but was later opened up to public that year. I joined the program, and one of its key requirements was to write a book by the end of the year. This was the push I needed.
The program guided us through the entire book-writing process – choosing a topic, creating an outline, drafting, editing, proofreading, publishing, and marketing. By November 2020, I published my first book, Gems of Healthy Living. A book on all-rounded wellness based on the biblical principle found in 3 John 1:2: “I pray that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers.” The book was well-received, especially in an era where people are keen on health and well-being. It was even nominated for the Acaba Awards in 2023, for which I was deeply grateful.
Since then, my writing journey has continued to flourish. In 2024, I published my second book, Blessed Beginnings, a pregnancy journal designed to help expectant mothers pray, plan, and prepare intentionally for their unborn children. This book provides psychological, physical, spiritual, and mental support to pregnant women and has been warmly embraced in the market.
The journey continues:
My journey in health and wellness continues, and currently, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Business Psychology, which focuses on wellness in the workplace. I know that God has so much in store for me, as stated in His Word: ” No eye has seen, no ear has heard, nor has it entered the heart of man what God has in store for those who love Him .” I truly believe that God has a great plan for me.
I am also in the process of writing two other books. The Tea with Benefits, is inspired by my business of blending and packaging non-conventional medicinal herbal teas. Given my passion for teaching and sharing knowledge, I decided to write a book showcasing the various types of teas available in Kenya and Africa and their benefits for human health.
The other book in the works is:- Become , focuses on the concept that we are human beings, not human doings. It delves into the necessity of becoming who God intended us to be rather than merely engaging in endless activities.
As my journey unfolds, I remain deeply grateful for how God continues to guide me, open new doors, and lead me toward my purpose. To Him be the glory.
I’m deeply honoured to be part of this year’s ACABA awards🙏
God bless you.
