Our first Interview on the My Nairobi, My City goes to someone I know very well. Her name is Maureen Kamari and she’s the founder and owner of Amari Bakery in Nairobi. She was born in Nairobi, grew up in the Waithaka/Riruta area. Her primary education was in Nairobi Primary School, which she remembers fondly because she made lasting friendships. She left the city for a few years, and did her high school and college abroad. She returned six years ago to start a business in this beautiful sunny city. Here’s what she has to say about her Nairobi.
Elly in Nairobi: Describe your Nairobi? How do you see Nairobi from your perspective?
Maureen: My Nairobi is beautiful, grimy, busy, fashionable, tough and oh so loveable.
Elly in Nairobi: What is your favorite place/ spot in Nairobi city?
Maureen: Driving in a car in Nairobi, listening to music and watching all the activity in the city as I go by.
Elly in Nairobi: How would you describe yourself in Nairobi city?
Maureen: When I’m in Nairobi, I feel excited, motivated, renewed & inspired. All those things rolled into one.
Elly in Nairobi: What feeling does Nairobi give you?
Maureen: I feel nostalgic, hopeful and happiness because to me, Nairobi is home, and the place I’m most comfortable.
Elly in Nairobi: How do you feel about your fellow Nairobians?
Maureen: I feel one with them, although there are times I don’t always understand them, I feel our unity as a city is unquestionable. When it comes to certain situations you always feel you can find another Nairobian who’ll understand it.
Elly in Nairobi: What is the best thing about Nairobi? What is the Worst?
Maureen: The Best is the People. Nairobians are so open-minded and just energetic. The Worst thing about Nairobi is the Corruption.
Elly in Nairobi: Tell us more about what you do and how that has changed your view of the city?
Maureen: I bake. I run a small business in Nairobi. I have met amazing people that inspire me to do great things and who keep me going even when I feel I’m going to give up. They’ll come into my shop and tell me, “This is a great job you’re doing, great job, keep going. We like coming here and seeing you doing well.” And that keeps me motivated.
Elly in Nairobi: What would you tell others about your Nairobi?
Maureen: She’s the best city ever! But you have to be build tough to survive her.
She’s made me cakes for my birthday since I can remember and that always makes me feel very special. Maureen’s Bakery is located along Kikuyu Road in Nairobi. Visit her shop or order cakes online and she’ll deliver to you.
Address:
Amari Bakery, Kikuyu Road, Beulah Plaza, shop no. 2.
Visit her website: http://www.amari.co.ke or her blog http://www.quickbreads.blogspot.com
Do you have questions? Ask them and we’ll get the answers for you.
