“Pull a thread here and you’ll find it’s attached to the rest of the world.”
― Nadeem Aslam, The Wasted Vigil
Being born and raised my formative years in South Africa, the best way I can describe my inspiration and gratitude for those who have helped me in my journey is through the term “ubuntu”. This South African word is from a Bantu language, and has no direct translation into English. It describes a worldview and philosophy in which people can only find fulfillment through relationship with others — ‘I am myself because of you’. An additional layer is added by the Zulu saying: ubuntu ngumuntu ngabantu : ‘I am because we are and I am human because I belong’.
Those in the seen and unseen world who have supported me on the road to this present moment are too many to name. It is important for me to honour my community, because I could never have done this without a web of relationships and love in my life.
My commitment to honouring my South African roots finds expression in my logo, which is inspired by a West African fern Adrinka: A fern is a resilient plant that can flourish and find beauty amongst adversity.
I am who I am because you are who you are:
In the spirit of ubuntu,
Nicola