PURSUING PURPOSE WITH VEE KATIVHU
I see her words and her work pop up across all forms of media, so it was great to finally meet Author, Education Activist & YouTuber Vee Kativhu in person.
Fresh from her month long adventure around the States, I spoke with Vee about her new book 'Empowered' , which sums up who she is and what she does - from growing up in Zimbabwe to studying at Oxford, whilst growing a dedicated community on YouTube too.
Vee, it seems like the first chapter of your book is where it all started for you?
“Yes, I was born and raised in Zimbabwe and as a child my dad passed away, my mum moved to England and my sister and I were split up, so I had to find my strength and resilience at a young age. Growing up, I’ve always been super grateful for everything and I don’t take any moment for granted, as I know that things could been so different.
“I then moved to the UK and had to rebuild a relationship with my mum, and the beginning stages were hard, but our bond is now stronger than ever.”
Are there any particular elements of Zimbabwe that you think shaped you into the woman you are today?
“Zimbabwe is a beautiful country with amazing traditions, whilst also having a lot of economic and political negatives. It takes a village to raise a child in Zimbabwe, and respect for everybody is a big thing which I love. The food is amazing as is the togetherness of it all. We love vibrant colours. We’re vibrant and lively people. There’s a lot that shaped me - celebrations are part of the tradition, we celebrate anything and everything. You just don’t know what’s coming tomorrow, anything could disappear so we take each moment and we live it.”
One of your teachers refused to help you to apply to Oxford University, but within a few years you were on campus vlogging what your life as a student looked like! What made you decide to start your YouTube Channel?
“I wanted to demystify a lot of peoples fears about going to Universities like Oxford. I felt the fears too - I wondered if I’d fit in. I got there I had to make sure other young Black people around the world know that they don’t need to change themselves or compromise their beliefs, what they stand for, or change their hair - they can come exactly as they are. My channel began as way to break down barriers and show what day in the life looked like, and I hadn’t realised what a big appetite there would be for it, and it just kept growing and growing. I love it.”
Let’s jump into some of the tips in your book - you talk about the importance of goals and sharing accountability, is this something that you’ve always done?
“Yes and it’s so important to look to your friends to help you do it. Having an accountability partner or circle is crucial because they keep you on track, particularly in the moments when you’re low and feeling down. You need people as invested in your goals as you are, that want see you do better. Choose people that you know will make you do better.
“You need people you can share your low moments with, people who see your vision and want what’s best for you. You winning is them winning. Choose carefully as your dreams are precious, you need to hold them with care and give them to someone that’s gonna do the same thing.”
Follow Vee on Instagram.
Get your copy of ‘Empowered’.
Listen to the full episode here:
