THE ROYAL WEDDING AND OTHER THINGS
For a brief moment in time we were glued to the Royal Wedding on Friday 29th March, 2011 when Prince William married Kate Middleton. I raced back from Kitwe at 6am in the morning to be on time, to watch every moment of the proceedings on television. Those that know me would chuckle because early mornings are not my thing.
A modern day Prince and Princess – ah a far cry from the fairy tale of Cinderella or is it?
Prince William sure took his time to make a decision. Kate is 29 years old and by Zambian standards, ‘ old” to get married. Plus she is a year older than The Prince. What struck me is that this Royal couple have a clear vision of their partnership. The way the wedding was planned and the way they conducted themselves showed that they are very comfortable and certain about each other. Weddings always trigger memories in our own lives and also comparisons to when Prince Charles and Diana married. Kate is a woman, self assured and very aware of her role. We can take a leaf out of their book. Prince William thought long and hard about whether Kate was the right person for the “job.” Too many people go into marriage for all the wrong reasons.
The Bishop of London, said that marriage is about creating a work of art of each other. The whole ceremony was just that, a work of art and we were all allowed to believe in romance and finding our one and only true love just for the day.
I do hope that brides all over the world look at how simple sophistication won the day. The understated elegance is something to learn from. Many brides regardless of their shape and size pour themselves into strapless ill fitting wedding dresses that make them look like wobbly jelly. A wedding gown is just that – a gown and not a party dress. So says my sister, Diane.
Zambians are obsessed with fashion and should remember to dress for the occasion. Some were conspicuous by their strange over the top attire at the Royal Wedding.
Having visited Harare recently I missed the panache of the Zambian women, as the Zimbabweans looked stuck in the 80’s. I couldn’t believe some of the handbags and shoes and outfits, not to mention hair styles. So I love it that our Zambian women always dress up.
The more I meet people from all walks of life in Zambia I see that there is a real lack of self esteem and confidence in people that have talent. They have almost given up and I find this sad.
I am starting a television programme in July that will feature business makeovers. From the readers that write into me I have the concept that I want to work with. In life, our job, is to be merchants of hope. The ‘vision “for the programme that will be called “ CWC” (Conversations with Carol / Carol White Consultancy) is simply “conversations that stick.” The mission as well as the introduction to each programme will be “ conversations are an emporium of self discovery.” The elements in the programme will cover, doctrine, business makeovers, reading, careers and human trafficking.”
The objective of each programme is “ a better life starts with you right here in Zambia.”
Too often people are not willing to take small steps to make a career or money or even a difference. By waiting for everything to be in place they miss the timing.
I met an artist outside of Mona Lisa Restaurant in Kitwe and he was selling his paintings that had been done with a palette knife. He had also framed them a bit crudely and even had his label on the back. He also had blank greeting cards. So my aim is to feature him on my tv programme and to find a source for the framing that is professional as well as a market for them. Immediate thought is that the monthly market at the Dutch Reformed Church would be a good start as well as an advert in the Lowdown. I will approach these entities and see how we can give this artist a jump start.
It is commendable when people refrain and resist the temptation to beg or to borrow money and endeavour to create their own income. There is so much talent in Zambia and commercialising it and finding outlets and markets is possible. The tv programme will demonstrate this. It isn’t always about a big business idea and plan and big money. Using what you have and what is available locally use that as a stepping stone.
At The Fig Tree Cafe in Kabwe I am always excited by the great cuppachino, fresh food and home made produce. My latest find was Impwa Pickle, with chilli and garlic. Delicious. Using a local vegetable and customising it into a popular pickly is perfect. I will contact them and find out what their marketing strategy is.
I was wondering when a bank in Zambia would excite us with a brand that is compelling. I then saw the new Cavmont logo on a bill board. I love it. I have no idea what it means but my gut feel is that it will be something different. I had hoped Zamtel would be more exhilarating and the La Farge advert, ‘Chillax” is giving me chills. Accolades go to the Kenya Airways television commercial endorsing their sponsorship of the national rugby team. It puts a smile on ones face and I found myself dancing with the doggies around the lounge.
We all want lighter moments and lets have fun finding them this week!
ideas@carolwhiteconsultancy.com
www.carolwhiteconsultancy.com