From calculating fluid mechanics equations at the University of Nairobi to directing creative shoots and running a travel-inspired brand, Wabosha Maxine has taken quite the unexpected journey — and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
A Mechanical Engineer by training, Maxine wears many hats: content creator, creative director, and founder of Safirii, a platform that seeks to inspire travel and exploration.
“I studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nairobi,” she shares. “But during my time there, I discovered my true passion and chose to follow that instead.”
While campus life for many is mostly books and lecture halls, Maxine’s was a high-wire act between studies and side hustles.
“I was busy,” she recalls. “I spent most of my time juggling between building my brand and keeping up with studies.
To keep the cash flowing, she worked as a make-up artist and content creator, two gigs that would later help shape her professional future.
But it wasn’t all work and no play. “Campus introduced me to a whole new mix of people. It was fun connecting with different individuals on deeper, more personal levels,” she says.
Though she describes herself as a homebody, weekends sometimes included hangouts at Uhuru Park and ice cream dates with friends to unwind after hectic weeks.
When asked about her favourite and least favourite university courses, Maxine doesn’t hesitate: “Material Science; the lecturer made it genuinely exciting. But Fluid Mechanics? I don’t think that even needs an explanation!” she laughs.
Despite having moved on from engineering, Maxine doesn’t regret her academic journey.
Instead, she channels her analytical skills into building Safirii and its in-house workshop, which she hopes to expand to help budding creatives bring their ideas to life.
“The biggest challenge as an entrepreneur has been learning on the job, which often means making costly mistakes,” she admits.
“But I see those as ‘school fees’ for the invaluable experience I’m gaining.”
With eight years of content creation under her belt, maintaining her brand identity while working with other brands has become second nature.
“I feel very much at home in front of the camera. It brings me so much joy.”
And to the youth trying to find their path, Maxine offers this timeless gem: “Jump and grow wings on the way down. Don’t wait for the perfect time; it rarely comes. Work hard and have good intentions; that combo never goes out of style.”
As for a possible return to full-time engineering? “Highly unlikely,” she says with a smile. “My focus right now is on growing Safirii into a household name.”