We all have stories about finding ourselves, figuring out who we are, where we come from, and how we want to show up in the world. For Maurelle Orlande, a Cameroonian content creator and aspiring entrepreneur, that journey started with a simple choice: the name she picked for her social media handle.
When Orlande chose her Instagram handle, it wasn't about branding or followers. It was about knowing exactly who she is and making sure the world knew it too, “I wanted anyone checking out my profile to know right away where I come from,” she says.
After moving to Canada, a place full of people from everywhere, staying true to her roots became really important. That name is a little piece of home she carries with her everywhere.
This is her story.
Tell us about yourself and what inspired your handle “yourfavcamerooonian”, you could have gone for any other name. Why that specifically?
I decided to name my account yourfavoritecameroonian because I wanted anyone discovering my profile to immediately know where I come from and understand my roots. After immigrating to Canada, such a multicultural country, I met so many people from different parts of the world. At first, it felt overwhelming, but once you adapt, it becomes important to stay true to your identity. For me, this name holds deep meaning.
Did moving to Canada change how you express yourself?
Yes, definitely. Once I moved to Canada, so many things changed around me. Back in Cameroon, I was not someone who expressed herself much. I was very quiet. Here, I started working out, not a team sport but something more individual. Going to the gym helped me discover myself and build the confidence to fully be who I am and to show the world who Orlande truly is.
Have you ever felt like you had to tone yourself down in ascertain spaces? How did you respond?
Yes, I worked in accounting, which was definitely an experience that taught me a lot. However, in that environment, I felt like I was embodying a version of myself that did not align with who I want to be or how I want to express myself.
I understand that it was a professional setting, but after many honest conversations with myself, I realized that if I was not comfortable, it was okay to make a change. I truly consider myself blessed to have had the opportunity to let go. Constantly being in an environment where I felt like I was playing a role was suffocating me internally, and it started to affect other areas of my life.
So I decided to leave, and today I am working toward turning my personal brand and my personality into my business through content creation and potentially another venture in the fitness industry.
How has Cameroon shaped your confidence, worldview, and sense of self?
Cameroon has been a true foundation for me. It gave me most of the essential values and foundations that allow me to be who I am today. Within my family, I learned how to cook, and cooking has become one of my favorite activities. When I step into a kitchen, I feel confident and creative. Just by looking at a picture, I can recreate a dish in my own way, of course using our spices, since those are the ones I keep in my pantry.
Our culture, music, and art are also a powerful source of inspiration for me. All African countries inspire me deeply. Our hairstyles and traditional outfits are beautiful, and I would love to share more of that with the world. I want Black women here in the canada to understand that our roots do not disappear when we leave Africa. We have the ability to flourish anywhere.
Our hair is not complicated. We simply need to learn how to care for it properly.
My family always reminds me that no matter where life takes me, my place will always be in Cameroon. And it warms my heart to know that I will always have a home there.
As someone navigating both African and diaspora spaces, when do you feel most at home?
It’s been several years since I last went back to Cameroon, but if there’s one place where I always feel at home here in Canada, it’s at my parents’ house, when I’m surrounded by my whole family. 🤍
There’s a strong sense of self in your brand. Was that confidence always there, or did you grow into it?
No, I haven't always been a confident person. As I explained earlier, I’ve always been a very reserved person who didn’t talk much, especially with people outside my close circle. With my family, it was the complete opposite. I could be fully myself with no filter. Today, thanks to fitness, I’ve learned to share a bit more of that energy with everyone, and it feels good to be able to express myself more freely.
What narrative about African women are you intentionally rewriting through your content (we see you love staying fit, eating well and of course, looking GOOD)?
The idea that our hair isn’t professional, that it is complicated and not beautiful. There was a time when I also wore a lot of wigs, but at some point I found it draining and, honestly, it gave me headaches. Wearing my natural hair out brings me a feeling of freedom and a sense of pride.
There is also the idea that African women always have to be very curvy, or that women shouldn’t be muscular. Fitness has had a huge impact on my life, especially because I have already received comments saying I looked better when I weighed 85 kg. Today I weigh 72. At that time, I did have deeper curves, but inside I felt like I was suffocating.
It is important to remember that the outside world should not define how we present ourselves. Everything starts with us. The most important question to ask ourselves is always: how do i feel?
Was there a version of you that struggled with visibility before this one? What changed?
Yes, it was Orlande who was still struggling a lot with acne. I had a hard time showing myself in front of people; I felt like all they could see were my pimples, and I truly felt hideous. It really had a big impact on my love life too, because I kept thinking that any man who approached me just wanted to use me since I wasn’t attractive with all those pimples and dark spots.
But over time, I realized that everything starts with how I see myself. I stopped trying to get rid of them and redirected my focus to things that made me feel good, like exercising, eating healthier, and following a simple skincare routine. From there, everything changed, I started feeling truly fulfilled.
Share your daily habits or routines that keep you grounded?
I always start my day with a prayer. I feel truly grateful for everything I have, a roof over my head, access to food and water, a bed, and so much more. Feeling grateful for what we already have brings a lot of joy and prepares us better to receive more.
I also exercise. It helps me clear my mind while taking care of my health. I have experienced a lot of stress with school and work, and from my experience, it is one of the best ways to release it.
Drinking water is another important habit. As someone who struggled with acne for more than five years, this habit helps keep my body hydrated and has a big impact on my skin. In general, I pay attention to the foods I consume, which is why I often recommend preparing your own meals.
I also enjoy listening to audiobooks and music, and I really love dancing which is also a form of exercise.
How do you define abundance?
Being surrounded by people who love you, believe in you, and encourage you.
What does success mean to you now versus five years ago?
Being able to live my life according to my own terms. Since 2020, when I started college, I knew that I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I didn’t know what type of company I wanted to build, but I knew that I wanted to be my own boss. I might not be there yet, but growth takes time, and I’m already happy because I can do everything I’m doing right now.
Funny story: I used to have an activewear clothing brand, but I had to stop it when I started university… turns out juggling lectures, assignments, and running a brand at the same time was a full-time workout in itself! 😅
If your platform disappeared tomorrow, what would you still want your impact to be?
I hope people remember that the little choices they make every day can have a big impact on their entire life in the long run. For example: waking up and choosing themselves, getting some movement in, opting for water instead of soda, or adding color to their plates with vegetables. I want them to always remember these little things and their impact.
I often ask people to visualize the process like a glass of water being filled drop by drop. It takes time, but in the long run, one thing is certain: the glass will eventually be full.
What advice would you give a young Black girl who feels behind?
Give grace to yourself; growth takes time. Don’t talk down to yourself. Always remember that you are a work in progress. Nobody is perfect!
What would you say to a young Black girl who feels behind?
"Give grace to yourself; growth takes time. Don't talk down to yourself. Always remember that you are a work in progress. Nobody is perfect."
Complete this sentence: Black women deserve
"to be loved and respected.”
Her story is a reminder that finding yourself doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey of small choices, honest conversations with yourself, and the courage to live life in a way that truly feels right. From Cameroon to Canada, Orlande continues to grow, embrace her roots, and show up as her authentic self. And through it all, she hopes to remind others, especially young Black women, that they are allowed to take their time, choose themselves, and become the person they are meant to be.
For more stories from Black, Bold and Brave African Women and to be featured on our socials follow @womenofgf @grass-fields.
