Kana Josee Bizimana

My name is Kana Josee Bizimana (AKA Josee). I am a mother, Entrepreneur, Humanitarian, and Author. I am originally from Burundi, born and raised in Rwanda, and I have a Dutch Citizenship. I am the Founder and Chief Executive of a charity called "Girls with Pride and Dignity". I work in fashion as an entrepreneur and own an online fashion store. My business name is called " Style and Match Your Outfit - SMYO". I am also an Author of a published autobiography book called "The Survivor Champion".

As a child born in a foreign country on a refugee status, my parents always reminded me that I had to work twice harder and invest into my education if I wanted to be successful in life, therefore creating the resilient and hardworking attitude that I still have today.

Growing up, I always loved creativity, and looking good was my priority. I somehow knew that one day I would end up in the fashion industry. In 2001, when I moved to the Netherlands, I saw the light of opportunities shinning into my life. I had lived so many years back in Africa moving from one country to another looking for a peaceful place. I lived in 7 African countries as a refugee, and I speak 7 languages. So, when I moved to the Netherlands and gained some stability, I knew that I was going to work on my passion and dreams.

In 2010 I completed college with a diploma in Public administration - in the Netherlands.

I moved to the UK in 2012 with so much excitement of working toward my dreams. Between 2015 and 2019, I was doing different courses, training and workshops in business management. I was committed to become the entrepreneur that I always wanted to be. To this day, Business Growth Hub and Enterprising You contribute into helping me gain more knowledge and skills in the business field.

In 2016, I started the charity " Girls with Pride and Dignity". The aim of the charity is to raise awareness and fight for period poverty, to inspire and empower women. In the UK, we are based in Oldham - Greater Manchester. The charity works in collaboration with other organisations that help the community of Oldham such as public places like libraries, schools, churches, to provide feminine hygiene products to women and girls who can not afford them.

I also organise workshops to inspire and empower women in business, especially from the minority groups. The aim of the workshops is to help women unlock their talents and develop their passion into a business. Internationally, the charity operates in East Africa - Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi. www.gpd-foundation.org

In September 2022, I published my first autobiography book " The Survivor Champion" It is available on a plethora of online bookstores including: Amazon, Book depository, Waterstones, Blackwells, Barnes and Noble and many more online bookstores across the globe.