CHRISTINA GWIRA
TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BUSINESS.
Hey! What's up! Hello :) My name is Christina, and I do a lot of things, so we'll just call me a serial entrepreneur :D My main "gig" is as the lead developer at my digital design and marketing firm NOYADESIGNS. I've worked in the design, tech and telecom space for over 10 years. I'm self-taught in all that I do, but that hasn't hindered me from working with organizations like Ryerson University, CIBC, WE Hub and OACAS. In addition to NOYADESIGNS, I also run Eldan Telecom, a VoIP communications company and COCOVADO, an all-natural, vegan body care line.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?
I run three businesses currently: one I created out of necessity, one I was thrown into and one I created out of love :)
WHAT WAS ONE HIGH POINT FOR YOU?
My highest point in business till date is working with the One Vision One Voice Project to create the event POWER UP! a symposium for black youth in care within the province of Ontario. To see the work that my team and I produced impact so many people on a personal level, that is why I continue to design, develop and show up as a black woman in the tech and design space.
WAS THERE EVER A SITUATION WHERE YOU WANTED TO GIVE UP? AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THAT (YOUR A-HA MOMENT)?:
I want to give up everyday lol :) My A-HA moment comes to me each morning as I roll around in my bed, open my Macbook (while in bed), and design a piece of art that'll change someone's business or life.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A B.A.B.E.?
Representation. I started out in entrepreneurship in the telecom sector which is predominately male. I was 17 years old having meetings with men who were my father's age. No one looked like me. There was no one to turn to or talk to. This is why I B.A.B.E.
TELL ME 3 FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU.
I love ice-cream... like alot
I love food and cooking
I think snakes are cute
WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE US?
Say no loudly and often.