Meet Navshika Beeharry, an African Freelancer

Hello African Freelancers!

Navshika Beeharry- but fondly known as Shika – a Blogger, TEDx Speaker and the Founder of BecomingAfricquainted.

We had a chat with her and here is what she had to share with us!

What services/products do you offer?

In no preferential order:

(1) Providing bespoke sustainability strategies to African NGOs that are seeking to better engage with their international audiences – e.g. developing fundraising plans, seeking corporate partnerships, building online brands, volunteer management & more;

(2) Documenting the work of African NGOs to challenge the Western perception of foreign aid and encouraging the diaspora to take a lead in improving it; and

(3) Teaching volunteers, tourists and expats to become responsible global citizens by advocating for intercultural awareness to be at the centre of all foreign assistance in the Motherland.

When did you realise that you wanted to become a freelancer? 

After prolonged job dissatisfaction, periods of unemployment and a lack of recognition for my contribution at work which pushed me in search of my own self-realisation. I concluded that I could be in harmony with my talent and passion by being outside of a traditional ‘9-5’ work environment.

I began to put trust into my own hands without having to first climb the corporate ladder, navigate office politics or have the approval of bosses.

What factors determined your choice?

Many serendipitous events, honest conversations and chance encounter that were pointing me in the direction of freelancing. Plus, I gained a greater awareness that I was experienced in my job role so I could reduce my hours or leave to try freelancing and then later return if I desperately needed to, because the reality is that there are infinite jobs out there waiting to replace people – but nothing can replace missed opportunities in your life!

How did you initially feel when you started getting gigs?

Honoured to know that I was being recognised and trusted by my clients and also reaching them far quicker than I ever was when working for someone else. This meant that I could be of better service to people that needed what I could offer – something that was deeply important to me.

Was it difficult to pitch to potential clients and how did you source for them?

It wasn’t difficult but it took an initial idea, social media strategy, consistent effort and time to build an online presence for people to truly see who I am, what I do and why I do it. My clients have all been sourced through networking offline and on social media by establishing friends and allies in the international development sector. This has helped to keep up with current developments, meet new people, give me exposure, build trustworthy partnerships and naturally grow a portfolio of clients at my own pace while I continue to develop.

What are the major highlights of your career as a freelancer? 

To have had seen my ‘desk day-dreams’ come true – e.g. being invited to deliver a TEDx talk & being featured in online publications (like this!) to demonstrate what I do and how I got here! It’s mind-blowing to know that anything can happen with a bit of faith and divine timing.

Navshika Beeharry speaking at TEDx

What are the down-times in your career?

The uncertainty of not always knowing when/how I will get paid and the difficulties in planning for the future without a consistent income. But part-time work and savings can really help. Having contingency plans in place is also essential to eliminate the stress of how to cope when funds are running low because you know there are last-minute solutions ready if you need them.

What do you love most about your work? 

The variety of my workload and the fact that I am constantly learning and becoming a better – and happier – person! I also mindfully live in the present more of the time because I have to fully utilise and appreciate what I have now in order to be given more.

Share a piece of advice with young freelancers

You have a sphere of influence right now so start where you are with what you want to do and with what you have. Commit to taking one small step every day even if you can’t see the path that lies ahead. Trust yourself and keep going – everything will be revealed to you in divine timing and in a way that only you will understand. When that day comes, you know you’re ready to run towards your destiny!

Any other additional information that you would like to share with young freelancers?

Start following platforms like this one so that you build an online network of like-minded individuals. Participate in events and support fellow freelancers (even if you’re not there yet) to show your willingness to learn all that they can offer you.

For example, if anything I’ve written resonates with you then don’t hesitate to get in touch – I was once sat where you are wishing I could reach out to someone but not knowing who! Good luck!

Connect with Navshika Beeharry:

Instagram: @Shika_Bee and @BecomingAfricquainted

Email: WhatShikaSaid@gmail.com