Barbara Kamba-Nyathi, Founder and CEO of Bold Dialogue

Sep 13, 2023

Please tell us your name, where your business is located and what is it that you do?

My name is Barbara Kamba-Nyathi popularly known as Barbs The Emotional Alchemist. My business, Bold Dialogue is an intuitive wellness platform that facilitates healing, ignites hope and dare to believe that you can live a life that honours your passions and dreams. We achieve all this through our various offerings ranging from eclectic therapy, lifestyle & wellness coaching, inspirational speaking, masterclass & workshop facilitation, mentorship, mediation, curation of wellness retreats and custom designed programs. We are located in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.Tell us about how you got started.

Being my mother’s daughter conceived the entrepreneurial spirit in me and together with my passion to heal the world have resulted in the Emotional Alchemist that the world knows me as today. I learnt patience, kindness, forgiveness, self care and never to give up on what I love and believe in. Bold Dialogue is clearly a manifestation of all this and more.

What makes your company unique?

Our vision is to serve through healing whether in therapy, coaching, speaking, writing, or in our curated wellness programs. 

No business is without setbacks, can you tell us about a time when you faced a significant setback and how you recovered from it?

In 2019 we approached a certain radio station to be independent broadcasters so that we could reach more people in one of our emotional and mental wellness programs. The station rejected us but our golden lining (why settle for a silver lining when I can have a golden one) came in the form of COVID 19. During lockdown the idea of starting a magazine to address the emotional and mental health issues affecting people was born. Today we boast of not only a monthly magazine but a talk show on a local radio station, SkyzMetroFM. When the time is right, God, the universe and my ancestors made everything align and happen. It is also important to highlight the 5 convictions I live by; knowing who I am, having a vision, passion to heal the world, always wanting to be more and acceptance of my reality.

How do you define success and to what do you attribute your success?

Success to me is everyone I help to heal from their emotional and mental trauma and becoming their best everyday.

What's next for your business, what will it look like in 5 years?

In the next 5 years Bold Dialogue is going to be Africa’s go to company and safe space for emotional and mental wellness, curator of the most sought after wellness retreats and owner. Above all we will be behind the great reduction in the numbers of suicides and suicidal attempts in Africa.

What do you think the future holds for Africa-focused entrepreneurs and advice do you have for entrepreneurs who are just starting out?

We are the answer and solution to all the challenges Africa is facing right now if only we dedicate ourselves to serve. There is more than enough room for everyone to thrive and flourish in Africa. It’s very important to always remember that Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu.

Owning a business while balancing a personal life can be challenging; how do you take care of yourself?

Listening to my body is the first step in my self care routine, in order for me to keep growing, innovating and serving I must take care of my self. I take time off from work and do things I enjoy such as reading, watching comedies, going away on vacations and sometimes just keeping to myself at home. I also practice yoga to keep fit physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. I am compassionate, loving and kind to myself.

What is your favorite quote or mantra?  What keeps you going?

My late mother’s favourite bible verse, Galatians 6:7, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows that he shall also reap.” This was the most empowering verse for me, it gave me courage to choose how I wanted my life to turn out. I was empowered to know that I am never a victim of any circumstances, it doesn’t matter what cards life deals me, I still have the power to choose if they break or make me and I’ve mostly made the most of any situation I have found myself in. From this verse I learnt that whatever choices and decisions I make today, that is me showing up for my future self. I am eternally grateful for her sharing the verse with me and instilling its life values in me. What keeps you going? Helping individuals, groups and organisations who want to regenerate, transform and become the best version of themselves by healing from generational and or inner child traumas while facilitating holistic emotional and mental wellbeing. 

What is your favorite app or a business tool that you can't live without

Canva is my favourite app, I am so grateful for it, as it has helped unleash the visual creative side I did not know existed in me.