A prominent figure in mental health and wellness, Lydia KM recently offered a rare and personal glimpse into her early years and career journey. Known for her impact as a wellness advocate and Instagram influencer, she shared details about her first job, life in the UK, and some fun facts that paint a fuller picture of the woman behind the spotlight.
Her professional journey began shortly after completing high school in 2009. Her first job was as a salesperson for 118 247, a company she described as “the phonebook before Google.” In that role, she earned around £160 per week—equivalent to roughly Ksh28,000 at the time. Although she wasn’t certain what that amount would be in today’s economy, she expressed appreciation for the early work experience.
Before diving into the workforce, she had completed her General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSEs), having grown up and studied in Bristol, UK. She did not sit for the Kenyan Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE), as she had been living abroad. During her school years, she had a strong preference for History, which she named as her favourite subject, while Maths was the subject she disliked the most.
Her academic path didn’t end with secondary education. She went on to pursue an undergraduate degree in law, followed by a master’s degree in international commercial law—highlighting her deep commitment to academic and professional growth. These achievements laid a strong foundation for her current success in the wellness and mental health space.
Beyond her professional milestones, Lydia shared intimate and light-hearted details about herself. Despite being in the public eye, she remains grounded, revealing that her nickname since childhood is “Lidya”—a name that has stuck with her throughout her life. She also mentioned that she stands at 5 feet 3 inches tall.
Her culinary preferences are just as relatable. Her favourite meal is pasta or lasagna, which she also considers her best dish to cook. On the other hand, she admitted that cabbage is her least favourite food, humorously noting how she avoids it whenever possible.
A die-hard football fan, Lydia declared her unwavering support for Arsenal, proudly stating, “Arsenal till I die.” Her loyalty to the North London club is matched by her strong dislike for their rivals. She listed Manchester United and Chelsea as her least favourite teams and also found fans of Manchester United and Liverpool to be particularly annoying, putting them in the same category when it comes to overzealous supporters.
Through her candid responses, Lydia painted a vivid portrait of a woman who is ambitious, grounded, and unafraid to share her roots. Her story is not just about a career in wellness but also about humble beginnings, strong personal values, and a bold, honest personality that resonates with many.
