Jamila El-Jabry, AKA @Mombasa_Gal, is the founder of digital marketing company Muse Digital and lifeinmombasa.com. She is a professional communication specialist and photographer based in Mombasa. She has a Bachelors degree in Arts with an emphasis on Interpersonal communication from Metropolitan State University in Minnesota (USA).
We had a few questions for her and this is what she had to say:
1. What was your first phone?
My first phone was the LG AX8600 flip phone and it was red in colour. It was one of the most interesting things that I had owned in my life at the time. Also, the of flipping the phone shut after a conversation was beyond epic.
2. What do you prefer? Facebook or Twitter? Why?
I prefer Twitter because I can be myself and share most things. I like knowing its only Twitter and if anyone don’t like you or your Tweet, they can just unfollow. With Facebook I am sometimes cautious because I have connected with family members there that wouldn’t want to offend. However, both social media platforms play a huge role in my life in terms of growing the business and my blog.
3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Five years from now I hope to see Muse digital in all major cities in Kenya with multiple employees and to be the leading digital marketing agency in Mombasa. I also hope to own a house by the beach where I can relax. I love the beach you see.
4. Any question for us? We’ll publish our answer as well
Can Hapa Kenya be sold?
But of course? Just give us a lot of money. Cash is preferable. 🙂
5. What would you do if you were president for a day?
Wow! Tough question! Just for a day? What could a person do in one day? Anyway, I would try sit with the Ministry of Roads & Infrastructure and discuss how to fix infrastructure. If most of our roads were in a better shape especially in smaller counties it would help in improving the livelihood of many Kenyans.
6. What’s your favourite book & movie?
Favourite book: “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and It’s All Small Stuff” by Richard Carlson. It literally changed my life.
Favourite movie: Fever pitch. I love the musical part, how they mix different types of music.
7. Who/What inspired you to do what you do now?
Wow. I don’t know where to start. What I do today is a mix of inspiration, passion and courage. The three helped me get where I am today, it has been a long journey but I am finally here.
8. If you were to change jobs, what profession would you get into? Why?
I recently changed jobs; I am still trying to learn from this. Going from being a banker to digital marketing has taught me a lot. But If I could change professions I would definitely be a cartoonist. Cartoons are awesome and using creativity to capture people’s attention is fascinating.
9. If you had a superpower, what would it be?
To read people minds. How cool would that be? If I could know what a person is thinking, I wouldn’t get hurt. Different people think differently and how we interpret the thoughts makes a difference in our interpersonal communication.
10. If you were deserted on an abandoned island what 5 things would you want to have?
- Tons of food and water
- Lots of books
- Lip gloss
- A hammer and some tools to build a house
- A person I can have endless conversations with
11. If you were a car, what car would you like to be? Why?
Maybach. It’s expensive, classy and just beautiful.
12. If you could be in any other band in the world, which one would you like to be in? Why?
Backstreet Boys. They were the ultimate boy band in my time (read 80’s baby). They were cool and their songs rocked my entire teenage years.
13. What is the most challenging thing you have encountered as an entrepreneur? How did you overcome it?
People paying for your service. Since I run a start-up most people ask for free services in exchange for exposure. How is one supposed to grow a company on exposure? Some potential clients also don’t want to give you business unless you have worked with big companies.
I have overcome by showing them the other projects I have worked on and demonstrating what I can do for them once they give me a chance.
14. Share something interesting about yourself with our readers
About 8 months ago I quit my job in the banking industry to pursue my passion in photography and blogging and also start a digital marketing company. It has been a great experience for men. I have met a lot of people and I also have more time to enjoy life and make the best out of it.