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This weeks feature is Palesa Koitsioe. Palesa is a Mindset and Emotional Intelligence Coach. Her pronouns are ‘She/Her/Hers’. Through Imbali Bloom Consulting, she is able to offer (i) a one-on-one mindset coaching program and, (ii) personal and group identity workshops (for corporate and grassroots organizations). Palesa was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and comes from a strong-knit family. It was in her childhood that she learnt how to create meaningful and successful relationships; this set her up to thrive in social settings.
She also has a background in Psychology and Neuroscience; and graduated with Honours from the University of the Witwatersrand. Palesa is multi-passionate and is a multi-potentialite. Her creative endeavours include writing and performing poetry, singing and songwriting, and writing short stories. During her adulthood the journey to mastering her creative outlets allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of the creative process. Which in turn, affords her the ability and capacity to build and create curriculum, brand designs, graphics, and manage social media pages for different organizations. She is currently volunteering with several grassroots non-profit organizations as a Project Lead/Coordinator. Her mission in life is to empower and guide folks on the journey to self-actualization - becoming what they deem ‘the best version of themselves'.
Here's our chat with her:
1. Where’d you grow up and where do you live now?
Grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. I am an uninvited settler on the unceded, ancestral and traditional lands of the Musqueam, Skwxwú7mesh, and Tsleil-Waututh people.
2. What is your definition of strength?
Strength is vulnerability and compassion. It is an active thing - I can demonstrate strength, reclaim it, suppress it, and increase it. It is fluid - but just like the air we breathe, it’s always there in its subtleties.
3. What is something that’s important to you now that never used to be?
Strong and intimate relationships with friends and family. I didn’t know that I would crave the type of honest attention and consideration that I have in my relationships now. More so with friends than my family, and I hope to move my familial relationships closer to an intimacy that means all parties can be free and safe in our presence.
4. How would you describe your style?
Outside of being completely naked, which I prefer the most I would say my style is “ sexy, comfy and cropped"! I will do anything for a crop t-shirt, sweater, etc. I will even do the old school rubber band reinforcement method to tie off a t-shirt that’s too long. I love earring foxy pants or no pants at al in my apartment. I love a no fuss dress with a slit in it - and nothing that supports my cleavage.
5. Favourite food to cook at home?
BBQ chicken and roasted vegetables. With a side of fresh salad or a bowl of fresh fruit.
6. What’re 3 books on your bookshelf?
Black and Buddhist, Pamela Ayo Yetunde & Cheryl A. Giles.
Soft Magic, Upile Chisala
Do Better, Rachel Ricketts
7. What’s something you want to accomplish in the next year?
Registering and maintaining my Life Coaching practice with 3 employees. Giving accessible Coaching services to Black Women in the community at a reduced or free basis. To reach 100 episodes of my podcast @thee_bees_wax.
8. Tell us something people would find surprising about you:
I’m a poet and I have a background in Neuroscience.
9. Favourite movie?
Set if Off, 1996.
10. How do you want people to remember you?
As someone who reminded them of their inner truth, “They are light, and they're the fire that burns within.” I hope people remember me when they’re winning and thriving in life as someone who nudged them to be authentically themselves.