COFFEE
TEXT
MARYANNE NJOROGE
KAHAWA
DIARIES
HOW I TAKE MY COFFEE WITH SHELLA THIONG’O
S
hella Thiong’o is a
beautiful, hardworking
single mother who
works in Client Relations
at Flametree - a local
advertising agency. The way she
takes her coffee shows that she is
very focused and decisive but bold
and outspoken - characteristics she
is starting to see in her beloved 4
year old son, Tristan Nanzai Washika.
How do you take your morning
coffee?
Black. No milk, with very little sugar.
What’s your morning routine?
When my son is with me, he wakes
me up and I help him get ready for
school. I have a quick breakfast and
22.
coffee, drop him at school and dash
to work.
What’s your favourite pastry?
What are some of the most
challenging things about being a
mom?
Plain croissant. Uncomplicated.
Being a parent in general. You may
not know what’s right or wrong.
There are no books on it. You just
have to trust your instinct.
What would be your ideal mother’s
day breakfast?
A cake and eggs made by my son
(with help, of course). Bacon made
by me and pineapple juice - his
favourite.
How would you describe his
personality?
He is such a free spirit. He’s the
loudest kid in the class. He’s very
open-minded and not shy to talk to
people even if he’s just met them for
the first time.
What are some of the most
rewarding things about being a
mom?
I can’t even put it into words.
That unconditional love. You’re a
superstar to someone everyday. He’s
my best friend. I wouldn’t have it
any other way.
What inspires you to keep going
everyday?
He has inspired me since the day I
found out I was pregnant. I bought
my car because I never wanted to
get into a matatu with him. I got a
bigger house... At the end of the
day I know there’s someone who
depends on me and my decisions
will impact him in some way.
Where do you want to be in 10 years
time?
In the rare event that I’m single (I do
hope to get married) I would want to
be a motivational speaker to young,
single moms. I want them to know
that being a mom is the best thing
that can happen to you. It gets better
and better each day. Career-wise,
If I could be a marketing manager
for a multinational brand, I would
be happy. I hope all my experiences
lead me to that.