Linly Nkhalamba: Founder of Blossom Effect

Growing up, Linly Nkhalamba always felt that God wanted her to be a woman who sought Him to lead a life of purpose and impactful beyond her education and career.

However, that vision did not align with her reality at the time.

Despite this, Linly did not allow her burning desire to fade and has now launched a significant platform for women called Blossom Effect.

At 28 years, she is among few women striving to change their environment by providing mentorship and support to fellow women, helping them make a difference.

“Blossom Effect is a Christian, faith-based platform created to inspire and equip young women to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, building self-esteem and self-confidence to live a purpose-filled life.

“It’s something God placed on my heart eight years ago, but I only brought it to fruition in 2024. I believe God’s timing is always the best and there was some pruning that had to be done on myself before bringing this to the world,” she said.

Her motivation for establishing this platform stemmed from her personal struggle with self-esteem and loss of identity and direction during her undergraduate years.

Linly was unhappy with sailing through life without meaning until she decided to change and surrender to God’s calling.

“That was the beginning of a life of intention and purpose. And that is exactly what I want The Blossom Effect to achieve,” shesaid.

Linly added that God created each one of us for a specific purpose, to allow us to bring positive change in the world.

She noted that many people go through life without knowing or living that mission.

She said through this platform, she hopes to help young women realise that God loves them and has equipped them for a purpose only they can fulfill.

“Through this platform, women are equipped with tools to catapult them onto a journey of exploration, pursuing their passions and purpose.

“We officially launched this year in Lilongwe, to create an environment where young women can network and learn from women who are currently excelling in various fields.”

Linly also shared that there is the Blossom Effect Purpose Workbook which will catapult one onto a journey of positive mindset change, self-discovery, and purpose fulfillment, and coaching sessions for its members.

She disclosed that helping and mentoring young women is a choice she made because guidance and knowledge are some things she would have appreciated in her younger years.

“I am passionate about working with women, not necessarily because I don’t think young men need such service offerings, because they absolutely do and that gap desperately needs to be filled, especially in Malawi.

“I have a son, so that is something I’d love to see as well, but I’m simply drawn to young women because I am her and I have experiences specific to women that I’d love to share just as though you were talking to any one of your girls,” she said.

Another reason Linly is focused on girls and women is because she feels Malawians are too focused on enforcing the traditional educational system to the point where they end up subjecting the dreams and aspirations of the young ones to premature deaths.

Although it’s good to witness the growth over the years with the evolving creative industry and such, she thinks there’s still a long way to go.

Linly observed that purpose goes beyond things you can learn in an ordinary classroom.

She said helping someone brings her joy because God uses her to help unearth the strength and beauty within them.

“And possibly protect them from making some of the mistakes I made as well. It also helps heal the younger Linly,” she said.

Linly believes that looking ahead in five years, the Blossom Effect will be a women’s faith-based personal development centre – a clinic for women who feel lost and empty.

“We’ll offer faith-based counseling, purpose coaching programmes, workshops integrated with biblical principles, life skills training, networking events, youth programs aimed at high school/university students, and a digital community that feels like you’re your sister’s keeper. That is the goal,” she said.

The young leader recalls that 10 years ago, she was 18 years old and in her sophomore year of university.

“Knowing myself then, I wasn’t thinking much about the specific change I wanted to make in the community or world at large. I mean, I always knew I wanted to be great and do great things and I did not doubt the ability God placed in me. However, there was no clear vision.

“This vision became clearer when I truly accepted Christ in my life eight years ago and it gets clearer each day. I am happy to be part of making the world a better place,” she added.

When asked how they select young women to mentor or reach out to, Linly said they use social media.

She is happy that since the launch of her Blossom Effect platform, many good testimonies have been shared which keep the group going and growing.

“One of the attendees, a stay-at-home mom, found the event particularly transformative. Despite her dedication to her family, she felt unfulfilled and unsure of how to pursue her passions outside of her home responsibilities.

“At the launch event, she received the Blossom Effect purpose workbook which played a pivotal role in her journey of self-discovery. Engaging with the exercises and reflections in the workbook, she identified her deep-seated passion for helping children in her community,” she said.

Linly said the woman started working on an action plan to re-enter the workforce and possibly start a community project.

She added that the transformation underscores their mission to inspire and equip women to embark on their purpose-driven journeys,” she said.

She disclosed that their coaching programme is being rolled out this month and she is looking forward to positive stories soon.

Linly says her platform encourages women to develop a mindset change where they know and believe they can be and do anything they set their minds on.

She believes that through their programme, many young women will be equipped with the necessary tools to become the woman God intends them to be.

Linly also noted that some of the challenges that women are facing and those that Blossom Effect was specifically founded to address are the misconception that women can’t have or be it all and, therefore, often get the short end of the stick and aren’t given as many opportunities as men.

Furthermore, low self-esteem and self-confidence due to societal pressures, negative body image and internalised self-doubt are usually brought about through comparison.

“I truly believe that confidence is one of the greatest assets one could ever have, and knowing that God has afforded you or is willing to give you access to what you need to succeed, whatever shape or form that success may hold.

“This will be achieved through our events, the use of our workbook, and our coaching program. And during community engagements in the future, we are planning to collaborate with different non-governmental organisations during their community engagement initiatives through training girls and women,” she said.

They also plan to collaborate with high schools and universities to reach young women and collaborate with other organisations by offering retreats.

Linly holds a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in accounting, with a career spanning roles in corporate finance, auditing and compliance management.

She comes from a family of four children and she is the third born.

“Without a doubt, my parents have had a great influence on the person I am today,” she said.

Linly has been married to Lovemore Nkhalamba for about three years and they have two children.

She is a Seventh-Day Adventist and her faith is important to her.

During her free time, Linly is big on family and spending quality time with her husband and children.

“I also try to prioritise alone time, so I’d likely be eating good food, cooking or baking or watching cooking shows is also part of my life,” she shared.