Owing your Personal Sovereignty, Decolonizing and Democratizing the Future and Personal Narratives – Zahara Chetty
The African diaspora is a powerful force, with millions of people scattered across the globe, carrying stories of resilience, struggle, and triumph. As a creative entrepreneur, you are part of this ongoing narrative—one that is rich with history, shaped by colonial legacies, and alive with the potential for transformative growth.
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
But to truly succeed, there is something essential that you must understand: Owning your personal sovereignty is the key to unlocking your fullest potential and redefining the future of African entrepreneurship.
See the full podcast interview – Own your Sovereignty and Decolonize the Future of Personal Narratives – Zahara Chetty
The idea of personal sovereignty—reclaiming your inherent value and purpose—may seem abstract, but in reality, it is deeply practical. It is the foundation upon which you build your business, your identity, and your connection to the world.
For those of us within the African diaspora, it is both a personal and collective journey, one that requires unearthing the trauma that has been passed down through generations, challenging the systems that still perpetuate inequality, and telling stories that reclaim our rightful place in the future.
This theme was brought to life in a recent episode of the Obehi Podcast, where host Obehi Ewanfoh sat down with Zahara Chetty, a multifaceted futurist, business consultant, and trauma expert.
Their conversation ranged from the impact of apartheid on self-love to the importance of decolonizing personal narratives. In this article, we’ll explore how storytelling, trauma healing, and self-mastery are crucial to your journey as an African diaspora creative entrepreneur.
See also Your 1000 True Fans: A Path to Success for Creative Entrepreneurs in the African Diaspora
Now, let’s delve into how owning your personal sovereignty can drive both personal growth and business success.
The Healing Power of Storytelling in the African Diaspora
Storytelling has always been an essential part of African culture. From the griots of West Africa to the diasporic poets, musicians, and filmmakers shaping global culture today, the ability to share one’s story is both a source of empowerment and a means of survival.
For you, as a creative entrepreneur, storytelling is a tool to craft your own narrative, not only for self-healing but also to engage an audience that can relate to your journey.
In the context of the African diaspora, storytelling is also an act of resistance. It is a counter-narrative to the colonial and racial stereotypes that have long defined the African experience in the West.
As Zahara Chetty pointed out during her interview on the Obehi Podcast, the collective trauma from slavery, colonization, apartheid, and other forms of systemic violence has left an indelible mark on African people’s sense of self.
“Trauma disconnects you,” Zahara said. “It disconnects you from your experiences, your emotions, and even your identity. So much of our lives are lived on autopilot, disconnected from our true purpose.”
In her article “How to Heal from Trauma” published on Verywellmind.com, Ariane Resnick, a chef, nutritionist, author, and expert in intuitive eating, explains that trauma results from a negative event.
It occurs when you experience emotional or mental distress from something that has happened, and it can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this article, Resnick outlines how to heal from trauma. First, she provides a clear explanation of what trauma is so you can determine whether it’s what you’re experiencing. Then, she offers practical steps and helpful tips to aid in the healing process.
As an entrepreneur, you must first understand this trauma, not as something that defines you, but as something that you can heal and transform. The stories you tell—whether through social media, blogs, music, or art—are not just for your business.
They are for healing, for reclaiming lost pieces of yourself, and for creating a more authentic connection with your audience. When you share your narrative of struggle and triumph, you invite others into that journey.
In turn, these fosters trust and deepen your relationship with those who may share similar experiences.
Owning Personal Sovereignty: Reclaiming Your Purpose
Zahara’s concept of personal sovereignty, the idea of reclaiming your inherent worth and purpose, resonates deeply within the context of African entrepreneurship. Colonial history has left many of us disconnected from our cultural roots, our sense of self, and our understanding of our place in the world.
This disconnection has profound implications on everything from mental health to financial success. Research shows that African diasporic communities often struggle with identity issues as a result of historical oppression, which can affect their ability to thrive in business and life.
See also Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship: Aligning Your Story and Business with Your Core Values
For instance, a 2018 study by the Global African Diaspora Network found that over 60% of African diaspora entrepreneurs reported feeling marginalized or disconnected from their cultural identity, leading to challenges in building networks, securing funding, and reaching new audiences.
This disconnection often manifests as what Zahara calls “autopilot living”—a state of just going through the motions without deeply reflecting on one’s purpose.
To break free from this, you must first take the time to examine your own story and ask critical questions: What is my true purpose? What do I value? And, perhaps most importantly, how can I use my story to bring value to the world?
Reclaiming personal sovereignty is about shedding the limiting beliefs and behaviors that have been instilled in you through generations of trauma. It requires you to rediscover your worth—not as defined by external forces, but as rooted in your own intrinsic value as a person.
When you start from a place of self-love and self-awareness, your business will no longer be just a means of survival—it will be an expression of your purpose.
The Role of Technology and Digital Entrepreneurship in Reclaiming Sovereignty
One of the most significant tools at your disposal as a creative entrepreneur is technology. The rise of digital entrepreneurship has opened new avenues for Africans in the diaspora to not only engage in the global economy but to democratize their voices and access to resources.
See also Crafting Your Mission: How Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs Create a Vision for Long-Term Success
This is an important step in reclaiming your sovereignty. Technology, when used thoughtfully, can help you transcend the limitations imposed by historical inequality, opening doors to new opportunities for growth and expression.
Zahara Chetty, with her expertise in design psychology and futurism, emphasizes how technology can be used as a tool for innovation and regeneration. In her work with Bloomforge.co, Zahara helps African and indigenous entrepreneurs leverage digital platforms to create sustainable businesses that are not only profitable but socially responsible.
She believes that technology offers a unique opportunity for the African diaspora to redefine its future one where the past is acknowledged, but the focus is on rebuilding a more equitable world.
Different statistics support this notion. According to reports from the World Bank Group and the Business Financial Times, Africa’s digital economy is poised to make a significant impact on the continent’s GDP, with projections estimating it will reach $180 billion by 2025 and an impressive $712 billion by 2050.
Over the past decade, digital platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok have become invaluable tools for African creatives to share their stories, build their brands, and connect with global audiences. You, too, can harness the power of these platforms to tell your story, build your brand, and connect with your ideal audience.
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Whether you are an artist, designer, writer, or business consultant, the digital world allows you to create, share, and monetize your work in ways that were previously unimaginable.
The challenge is in harnessing these tools with intention—to not only grow your business but also to contribute to the broader narrative of African sovereignty and empowerment.
Decolonizing Personal Narratives: Rewriting the Future
One of the most powerful ways to reclaim your sovereignty is through decolonizing your personal narrative. This involves confronting the colonial legacies that have shaped how you see yourself and your potential.
Colonialism has imposed a worldview that devalues African cultures, traditions, and identities, positioning them as inferior to the West. To decolonize your narrative is to actively reject these imposed identities and redefine yourself on your own terms.
For African diaspora entrepreneurs, decolonization means recognizing that your history is not one of victimhood but of resilience, creativity, and innovation. It means understanding that the systems of oppression that continue to dominate the global economy are not your destiny and that you have the power to create new pathways for success.
See also The Vatican And European Imperialism – Moving Beyond The Shadows Of Colonialism In Africa
Zahara Chetty speaks of the need to “redefine the narratives of African and Indigenous communities” in order to build more equitable futures.
Your personal story, when told from a place of sovereignty and empowerment, can serve as a beacon for others in the diaspora to do the same. It is through these new, self-affirming narratives that you can contribute to a broader cultural and economic shift—one where African entrepreneur are not merely consumers but creators of the global economy.
Overcoming Trauma: The Dark Night of the Soul
As Zahara so perfectly expressed, the trauma passed down through generations can feel like a burden too heavy to carry. But the path to true liberation often involves what she refers to as the “Dark Night of the Soul”—a period of profound emotional and spiritual reckoning.
See also Overcoming Pain: Valerie Lomari’s Journey from Trauma to Advocacy
For many in the African diaspora, this reckoning is long overdue. As a creative entrepreneur, you will likely face moments where your business, your identity, and your sense of self come into crisis. These are the moments that challenge you to ask deep, soul-searching questions: Who am I? What is my purpose? Why does my work matter?
This process of self-discovery is not easy, but it is necessary. It is through confronting these uncomfortable questions that you can truly reclaim your personal sovereignty and move forward with a renewed sense of purpose.
The trauma that you carry is not something to shy away from—it is something to confront and transform. When you emerge from this period of reckoning, you will do so with a greater sense of clarity, purpose, and strength.
Business Tips for Creative Entrepreneurs in the African Diaspora
The road to personal sovereignty is deeply intertwined with entrepreneurial success. When you start from a place of self-love and self-awareness, your business becomes a reflection of your deeper values and vision.
See also The Life and Legacy of Michael Jackson: Insights for African Diaspora Creative Entrepreneurs
Here are a few practical business tips to help you harness your sovereignty and build a successful venture:
- Start with Your Story: Your personal narrative is your greatest asset. Use it to connect with your audience, build trust, and differentiate yourself in a crowded market.
- Focus on Social Impact: As Zahara Chetty emphasizes, the future of African entrepreneurship lies in regenerative business models—those that prioritize social and environmental responsibility. Align your business with values that serve your community and the planet.
- Leverage Digital Tools: Digital platforms offer an unparalleled opportunity to grow your brand and reach global audiences. Be strategic about how you use social media, websites, and online marketplaces to build your presence.
- Mentorship and Community: Seek out mentorship and build a network of like-minded entrepreneurs who can support your journey. Collaboration is key to overcoming the barriers imposed by historical inequalities.
- Invest in Personal Growth: The more you invest in your own self-mastery, the better equipped you will be to face the challenges of entrepreneurship. Prioritize mental health, spiritual growth, and personal development as part of your business strategy.
Conclusion: Reclaiming the Future
As an African diaspora creative entrepreneur, your journey is both personal and collective. By owning your personal sovereignty, you are not only transforming your own life but also contributing to the broader narrative of African empowerment. Storytelling, trauma healing, decolonization, and digital entrepreneurship are all interconnected paths that can lead you to greater success and fulfillment.
The future of African entrepreneurship is bright, but it requires a new kind of leader—one who understands the importance of personal sovereignty, tells their authentic story, and uses technology to create sustainable, impactful businesses. It is time to reclaim your narrative and build the future you deserve.
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
