Rainbows In My Clouds
Patricia Okelo tells us about Rainbows In My Clouds by Radhika Lee
I read this book after I had done my interview with Radhika, for my book A Candid Handbook for Women Doing Business. She was one of the first people I interviewed and her story really left an indelible mark on my heart.
Radhika’s life journey can be used as a guide to a younger generation on the meaning of the phrase – Life is not a bed of roses. Her story challenges the assumptions we have when we look at people who epitomize success.
The book starts with Radhika’s childhood and education, her journey to Kenya from her home town of Kochi in India to Nairobi, where she worked as a teacher for several years before founding Nairobi International School.
She speaks candidly about her marriage, her life in Nairobi in the early 80’s and raising her son Ashwin. This part of the book gives the reader insight into the often untold stories of Asians in Kenya, and the important role the sense of community plays in their lives. Her marriage was not an easy one, but in spite of it she still had the abundance to be a surrogate mother to many of Ashwin’s friends.
As an entrepreneur, mother and wife, Radhika’s story showed me how strong a woman can be as well as what it means to be passionate about what you believe in. Radhika’s spirit was broken many times, but her ability to rise up and face lifes challenges with her head held high is a lesson to all of us.
Patricia is a Kenyan entrepreneur turned author keen on linking women in business to opportunities and authentic experiences that help them grow.
