We had the good fortune of connecting with Joanne Kadiri and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joanne, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
At ‘Her Light’, Our mission is to empower black females to thrive by providing transformative luxury events that cultivate personal and professional growth. Through industry leaders, guest speakers and networking opportunities we want each individual to be left inspired and ready to conquer the world.

As black females in society we often start the race behind our peers just because of our skin colour or economic status. I want to empower a generation of black girls and women by creating a space where we have the ability to reach for the moon and aim for the stars by getting the help of the correct help to do so. I want to bridge the gap between potential employers and knowledgeable experienced black females that can advice and help fill the cups of girls that are just starting or do no where they want to go. I want events to not only focus on professional success but I want us to cover uncomfortable topics such as personal failures (we don’t believe in failure in my books I call it feedback but we will definitely cover this in an event), exploring how our difference or struggles is our super power and mental/physical health.These are just some of the few topics I would love to explore and have expert speakers and sponsors on.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Since I was 10 years old, I have had a passion for helping people through receiving them with open arms and being a vessel to be vulnerable to. I want individuals to know that they are safe talking to me and that they need a form of letting go even if that is talking, writing, singing or drawing.

In my primary school we had a huge field, on one random day I decided to have a therapy session with some girls from my class. We had a small bench at the corner of the field and I sat the girls down there. Individually I took them to the back of the fields to hear their struggles and worries at the time. I spoke to them for the short time I had and let them release a huge scream. As children, I knew we didn’t feel seen or heard – it was frustrating. Just because we didn’t have bills and less responsibilities didn’t mean we did not have things that worried us. Because we didn’t have a way to release the frustration a lot of people acted out or were just sad. I felt that energy and wanted to give them the opportunity to let go of that.

From that day onwards, I knew I wanted to be a therapist. It was almost like my path was so clear from then. I had found my purpose. I knew that in every single thing I do in life I want to make a positive impact on people.

Naturally, I am not the smartest but I love to learn and gain understanding – I am extremely creative and expressive so I loved English and Drama. I was diagnosed with dyslexia at 11 so my path in education has not always been easy. I wanted to dive deeper into the study of people so I can be of better help to individuals in my path to being a therapist so I decided to study Psychology in University. Which is where I am currently.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So I am from LDN, I love London – the diversity, the food and all the beautiful cultures. Personally, I love London in the winter so lets pretend this is a winter trip.I would take them to do some SHOPPING first of all, you cant come to London and not shop so we would definitely spend a whole day exploring Knitesbridge, West-field white city and then Oxford Circus. (that is a shopping day) The lights up at the time will be so beautiful too. Then I would take them to the best food market in Camden and Brixton (some nice street food markets) we would tour around London this day and go to London eye, London bridge and all the touristy places. Also, Last but not least we would have to step outside london to go to one of the best theme parks : Thorpe park!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost God , I am a christian and I am nothing without the Lord. One of my biggest inspirations are my parents, they are first generation immigrants from Nigeria who work really hard to provide the best for us. I have seen them continually go above and beyond to provide a roof over our heads and to ensure we have as many opportunists as they can give us.

My father is the epitome of a leader. He is my greatest mentor who is always setting an amazing example to follow. He knows exactly what to do and say to create a meaningful change within people, I really try to be just like him and follow his lead.

Instagram: Joanne.kadiri and Herlight514

Linkedin: Joanne Kadiri

Image Credits
Aledia Hammond / Aleida’s studio

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