Michelle Ntalami, a prominent Kenyan entrepreneur and the founder of Marini Naturals, has shared the deeply personal story of how her father’s death in 2014 transformed her life.

Speaking on the Women Without Limits podcast hosted by Lady Bishop Kathy Kiuna, Ntalami described the profound shifts in her career, faith, and personal identity.

The Loss That Changed Everything

The family’s world changed when her father was diagnosed with cancer in 2012. He battled the illness for two years. At the time of his passing in 2014, Michelle was in Italy pursuing her Master’s degree.

She recalled the devastating moment she received the news from her brother.

“I remember the day I got the call from my big brother, and I was just like God, really, you know, I had to pack up all the stuff I had to it was so bad."

The flight home was the longest of her life. She described feeling "numb" and as though she were the one who had died.

“I took a flight, thelongest 7-hour flight of my life. I would not wish it on anyone. I felt numb coming home from that flight from Italy. I actually felt I was the one who was dead, I felt dead,” she added.

Business as an Escape

Following her father's death, Ntalami turned to her work as a form of "escapism." She admitted to using business to avoid confronting the intense guilt she felt for being away when he passed.

Interestingly, her famous brand, Marini Naturals, was born out of her father's struggle. As he lost his hair during his illness, Michelle and her mother shaved theirs in solidarity.

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This journey led her to create natural hair care products. Her father even blessed the business name, "Marini," before he died.

"I literally vowed to myself... this is going to have to count for something because I know that’s what papa would want."

Personal Struggles and a New Path

The loss created a "vacuum" in her life. Ntalami explained that she disconnected from God because she felt her prayers for her father’s life went unanswered. This period of grief and vulnerability led her into same-gender relationships.

She noted that she was looking for the qualities of her father in others. She also faced significant online bullying during this time, which she described as "heartless."

"I was very angry with God cuz I just told him, ‘Lord, I don't care if I don't do well in school, I just want to come back and find my dad alive, just grant me that.' It was my one wish to God, I took an issue with him for a long time," she explained.

The Spiritual Turnaround

Ntalami eventually experienced a spiritual awakening. She described a powerful encounter where she felt the presence of God. This experience led her to embrace "the kingdom" and find a new sense of peace.

Today, she uses her platform to encourage other women who may feel lost or broken.

A Foundation of Excellence

Ntalami grew up in a close-knit family of six. Her father, Edward Ntalami, was a highly respected figure who served as the CEO of the Capital Markets Authority. He was a "giant" in her eyes, both intellectually and professionally.

From a young age, Michelle was driven by a desire to make her parents proud. She excelled academically, earning first-class honours in her undergraduate degree and a distinction in her Master’s.

She was even ranked as the top student in the world at the Chartered Institute of Marketing in the UK.

"The fastest way to disappoint my father was not to do well in school,” she noted.