Today we’d like to introduce you to Yvonne Bulimo.
Yvonne Bulimo is proudly Kenyan born and American raised. She fell in love with science from an early age, with big dreams of running her own public health organization in Sub Saharan Africa. After graduating from Howard University with her Bachelor’s degree in Health Science, she moved back home to reconnect with her roots. She began hosting a popular Kenyan TV show and it was there when her fitness and entrepreneurship journey began.
Yvonne started her first business, a production company with the mission to create compelling and entertainment Digital content. Her first project “The Brunch Series” is still getting views on YouTube. A jane of all trades, she also sold custom made wedding dresses to keep both businesses going. After embarking on her fitness journey, she noticed she couldn’t find brands that connected with her in Kenya, “I didn’t see myself reflected in them. So, I started a new journey to create what I wanted to see. It is my vision that ZOEZI inspires you to feel good, and by looking good while working out, you’ll be more motivated to stay fit”.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Looking back, I would say I needed to learn every lesson that made my journey bumpy. It is hard to prove yourself as a woman in a male dominated industry. Women are leading the Entrepreneurship journey but it’s so difficult to get funding and financial aid as a Black Woman. So I worked ten times as hard than most of my peers just to stay ahead. Social media has it’s pros and cons, but didn’t aid in my fight against imposter syndrome. I spent a great deal of time comparing myself and seconding guessing all of my goals because I didn’t think I could do it. The moment I started to celebrate my small wins and victories, I ignored it immediately. There were many doors that closed for me and it would damper my mood but now I am confident in knowing that what is meant for me, won’t miss me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Aside from designing and running the business of Zoezi Sport. I have worked professionally as a Senior Clinical Research Associate. Health is my passion and I love what I do. I have audited clinical sites on behalf of the FDA. I’m well versed and certified in Good Clinical Practice. I am most proud to know that the work I do benefits my subjects and the community. I’ve worked in so many therapeutic areas, with Oncology being my strongest suit. My passion for Health is directly correlated with the work I do for my brand Zoezi Sport. I want my Zoezi tribe to be mindful and keep their health at the top of their priority list. The clothes I design are meant to motivate you to want to workout. I also blog on my site Mazoezi (my exercises). I write about various fitness and nutritional tips and offer more value in my brand. All of this goes hand in hand and what gives me the upper edge when it comes to fitness-wear and athleisure.
How do you define success?
Staying productive and taking successes and failures in stride. Setting short term and long term personal goals. Doing your best and being recognized for it. Inspiring and motivating those around you. Being happy with what you do and loving it!
Contact Info:
- Email: yvonnebulimo@zoezisport.com
- Website: www.zoezisport.com
- Instagram: iamvonneyb
- Facebook: zoezisport
- Twitter: iamvonneyb
Image Credits
Yellow – Rue Romani Pink – Adam Simms