Rehana was born and raised in Scarborough, a suburb of Toronto. Her parents are both from Tanzania, yet met in Canada. Her day job is a digital and communications manager at Scotiabank, but her passion is beekeeping.
“Last year I worked under three beekeepers at the Toronto Botanical Gardens and learned the trade of beekeeping. I think the beehive is really dope because it’s a society that’s run by women."
“Being authentic means recognizing that you are free and should act in accordance to your freedom.”
What does ‘audacity’ mean to you?
Not giving a fuck about what others think of you and staying true to your authentic self. Being authentic means recognizing that you are free and should act in accordance to your freedom.
What is an album that you love now?
I know you said one but I'm gonna give you two. One is Lanquidity by Sun Ra and the other is Chopin: Nocturnes played by Arthur Rubinstein. I love these albums mainly because they teach me how to be patient. To be patient with the universe, to trust that the universe will provide love, happiness, enlightenment - when I am ready to receive. They teach me to float and not to force anything. I play them in moments where I feel unsure of where my life is heading. I play them in moments of sadness, in moments of happiness, in moments where I feel too bound to this physical earth. They both help me to let go and just be, they are my stardust.
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Keep expanding, exploring and questioning. You cannot rely on others as the source of your own happiness. You are responsible for the path you take and the beauty and meaning you create in your life. How you handle that path is up to you, you can fully embrace your failures and learn to love them – think Nietzsche’s adaptation of Amor Fati, or let them (failures) consume you. Either way, be kind to yourself and handle yourself with grace.
What are 5 words others would use to describe you?
I asked my closest friends and here’s what they said:
Loyal
Whimsical
Kind Hearted
Interesting
Dynamic - like the ocean
What’s the most badass thing about you?
I do what I want when I want to.
Find Rehana on the internet at: @reh123