People think big moments change your life. For me, it was small ones.
One evening in Nairobi, I stood at a kiosk counting coins before buying milk. I remember feeling embarrassed because I had to check twice if the money was enough. Around me, life moved fast — cars hooting, people rushing home, music playing from nearby shops.
Nobody noticed my small struggle.
And that’s when I understood something: most victories in this city are quiet.
The first time I earned money online, it wasn’t millions. It was just enough to buy airtime and a few household things. But that night, I slept peacefully because I knew I had done it myself.
The first time I balanced responsibilities, deadlines, and motherhood, I realized strength doesn’t always look strong. Sometimes it looks tired but determined.
Nairobi teaches resilience without announcing it.
You learn to celebrate things others may never see;
• finishing a long day without giving up
• learning a new skill from your phone
• finding opportunity where there was none yesterday
Every corner of this city carries someone’s dream — from street vendors opening before sunrise to young people working late nights chasing online opportunities.
We are all building something quietly.
I no longer measure success by how fast I reach somewhere. I measure it by how far I’ve come from the days I doubted myself.
Because in Nairobi, survival itself is an achievement.
And every small win deserves celebration.
Tatyana from Buruburu