Though she wields influence, Amb. Maryben Omollo does not like being referred to as an influencer. “My brand isn’t just built on content,” she says. “It’s about consistency, credibility, and contribution to the community.”
What to call her then? Mental health advocate, leadership expert, humanitarian, entrepreneur. Take your pick. Or better yet, why pick when you can have it all? “I have learned that people follow mission before they even follow personalities.”
With an undergraduate degree in Business from the University of Nairobi, she is the founder of Greeneseal Cleaners and Pest Controllers, and currently serves as the chairperson of East Africa Serf Transport Cooperative and Vice President of AfCFTA Young Entrepreneurs Federation.
But to a knowing few, if few can be termed as hundreds of thousands of followers, Amb Maryben has swum the rivers of grief, through the thrashing undercurrents of mental health disorder—seven years, if you are counting—to emerge on the other side, if not a willing swimmer, then a skilled one.
"There’s hope for a tree that has been cut off, but only if you put in the effort."
Five failed suicide attempts. Four years of surviving under antidepressants. “I mend hearts for a living,” she says. Hers is a tale of resolve, courage and conviction.
Now, here she is, putting an arm around others’ shoulders, restoring hope, telling people that life’s worth living, that it’s going to be OK. She’s been there and knows the way out.
“I’ve learned that people are not able to differentiate who they are and what they’re going through,” she says. “They’re thinking they’re their mistakes, their own fault. And I looked at how much time I took to heal myself and get to this point, and realised I need to help others too.”
But even the barber needs a haircut. She credits Sir Eric, her mentor, as her cornerstone. They met in 2019, during her final suicide attempt, and he threw her a lifeline.
Some of her awards: Top 40 Africa Under 40 (2022): Women Empowerment award, Ghana Home Builder Awards, Africa Young Female Entrepreneurs 2022.
There’s hope for a tree that has been cut off, she says. “But only if you put in the effort.”
–Eddy Ashioya