The founder's notebook

Stories from the people behind the story

Before CalmFriction was an organisation, it was a person who decided the friction was worth walking into. This is where we introduce the people carrying that work — starting with the one who started it.

Entry one · Meet the founder

Emma Karuri

Emma Karuri, founder of CalmFriction, sitting on a vintage car
Emma Karuri, Founder

I was born on June 27, to Wilson and Margaret Karuri, and from that moment on, the world has basically been trying to keep up. I was the first of four children, though “first” is an understatement.

My life has been lived at two speeds: “Fast” and “Where is the library?” I treated my education like a scavenger hunt, collecting a degree from the University of Nairobi in 2008, a Law Bar admission in 2011, and enough certificates to wallpaper a small mansion. If there were a PhD in “Reading Under Pressure,” I'd have two.

Professionally, I couldn't pick a lane because I liked all of them. I've been a protector of children, a researcher, and most recently, a teacher and administrator — a role that finally allowed me to get paid for telling people what to do. It was a match made in heaven.

Speaking of heaven, I found my way there (spiritually speaking) in 2008. I've been “stumbling to glory” at Trinity Baptist Church ever since. While I never married (at least not yet) or had children of my own — mostly because I didn't want to share my books — I channeled all that “Auntie Energy” into the classroom, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. I spent years teaching kids about Jesus, though I suspect some of them just showed up to see if I'd share my snacks.

About those snacks: if you see me, I am likely thinking about Nyama Choma. I approach a platter of ribs with the same legal ferocity I'd bring to a courtroom. In my world, “well-done” refers to a job performance, but “medium-rare” refers to a lifestyle.

“I'm a feisty, book-devouring, meat-loving Counsel who loves the Lord and other people's children. I'm just a work in progress, heading toward the finish line at full throttle. Try to keep up!”
More to come

The next entry is being written

New notes from the CalmFriction team will land here as they're written. Check back, or follow along from the story itself.