Q- Briefly introduction yourself and where you are located?

Ans – My name is Natasha Chiumya and I’m the founder and director of Diaspora Connect, known as Buying Property in Zambia online and on all social media platforms. I’m also the managing partner for Folotiya & Chiumya Legal Practitioners, a law firm that deal exclusively in corporate and commercial matters. We’re located in Lusaka.

Q – How do you define yourself? What 3 words describe you?

Ans – Determined – I don’t easily give up on the things that I believe in. This is an important quality if you’re going to be an entrepreneur. No one can believe more in your business than you do.
Pioneer – I love doing things that are different and haven’t been done before. For instance, our law firm was the first that exclusively dealt with corporate and commercial law. We don’t even go to court and this has allowed us to give more focus and attention to our clients. Another example is Diaspora Connect, its an online estate agency whose sole focus is the diaspora, I don’t think any other estate agency does this!
Straight forward – no BS with me, I tell it like it is!

Q – Did you have any key mentors or people who deeply influenced who you are, what you believe in and what you’re committed to in your work and life? Tell me about them.

Ans – My parents. They were business owners when we were under socialism and humanism during the KK era. I got my first taste of property through them because they had a construction company. My sister and I used to follow my Dad to construction sites and play hide and seek in half built structures! I didn’t know that this was setting me up to be a businesswoman in real estate and property development. Because of them entrepreneurship and real estate is in my DNA.

Q – What would you say most motivates you to do what you do? What are the goals you most want to accomplish professionally and personally?

Ans – I’m driven by excellence. Its part of my upbringing, my Dad really emphasised doing well at school and being the best. So, I don’t like being average in anything I do. Also, I lost my parents at a young age so I always feel like I have a lot to accomplish and little time to do so. None of us know how many days we have on this Earth, so I’m driven to make a difference in the little time I have.

Q – Share with me something about yourself that you’re working on improving, what personal development areas do you have?

Ans – Well, being driven is good. But sometimes it has its down side, I’m a very impatient person. I like things to be done NOW. That leads to a lot of stress. So I really have to work on myself to be more patient every day.

Q – Did you have any life-defining experiences that shaped you into the person you are today? Tell me about them.

Ans – The death of my parents has had a huge impact on me. My step mum and I are very close, but when you lose your parents at a young age, you don’t take anything for granted. Also, although I have a great team, the buck stops with me. So I push myself a lot. I feel I’d be a lot easier on myself if I had parents to fall back on. I probably wouldn’t because I have friends who still have their parents and work hard but this is just something that’s in my head. It’s a personality trait that I developed over the years of working hard that I’m trying to ease up on as I get older.

Q – What is your philosophy in life? What is your favourite quote?

Ans – You create your own reality. I truly believe this more than anything. Its how I live my life, its why I thrive in the midst of many difficulties. I keep my thoughts aligned with the things and life that I want.

Q – Given a chance to have dinner with 3 Zambian people, who would those be and why?

Ans – My partner, who’s the sweetest soul. My younger sister who’s the life of any party and Esther Chungu. I watch her on Tuvwange and she just seems like a young person who’s really got her head screwed on right!

Q – What day-to-day habits do you have that make you have a successful day?

Ans – I get up early every day (except weekends of course). I meditate, this is so important in keeping myself in alignment. I exercise at least three times a week. I drink water. I choose happiness.

Q – How have you managed to overcome the social challenges that may hold you back from reaching their goals?

Ans – My Dad was a force of nature. He instilled in me that I can do anything I put my mind to. I don’t see social challenges as challenges, I feel that all challenges are internal not out there with society, to create social “challenges”.

Q – What is the vision for your future? What do you still want to achieve?

Ans – A LOT! I’m just getting warmed up. There’s still so much I want to do. I want to build an online business that sells property and property related digital products such as courses, ebooks and a property buying app.

Q – What advice would you give to your younger self?

Ans – RELAX! It all works out in the end.

Q – What’s your message to the people of Zambia?

Ans – Take ownership of your life. Its only through your consistent thoughts that you can create the life that you want. No one will change your life if you have the wrong attitude; no politician, no relative, no employer etc – its only you who can do it through your attitude and approach to life.

Q – What’s your favourite Zambian tourist destination and why?

Ans – Livingstone of course. Every time I round that corner and see the falls – it literally takes my breath away every time. It never gets old.

Q – What’s your favourite Zambian food and why?

Ans – ground nuts. Although I can’t eat them as much now because of my braces.

Q – What are your social media handles?

Ans – buyingpropertyinzambia on all handles.