INTERVIEW: U.S. Based Kenyan Entrepreneur and Blogger, Moses Mbai talks LGBTQ Rights, Corporate America, Remy Ma, Equality Scholarship, Cancer and More…

What better way to clock in 2018 than with an interview with this intelligently smart young guy, Moses Mbai, who is the founder of The Moses Mbai Equality Scholarship and CEO of Moses The Mogul multimedia co. A Texas native with deep Kenyan roots.

Mbai graduated from Texas Southern University with honors, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Mbai served as The 8th Mr. Texas Southern University, and becoming the first openly gay person to hold the title. While completing his degree he developed The Moses Mbai Equality Scholarship which is designed to support students of LGBTQIA who have experienced courage in the face of adversity and discrimination.

After dealing with the most traumatic experience of his life, losing his mother to an 11-month battle with breast cancer September 16, 2017. He wanted to give up, give up on life, give up on myself but he has found peace knowing that all he as is his dreams left to live for. Moses plans to take over the world! At least the social media aspect of the world. He plans to do things that are inspiring yet challenging.

Check out my exclusive interview with him below:

Hey Moses! Would you like to introduce yourself to our readers?
Remember the name its going to be all over the world sooner than later!

Talk me through an average day in the life of you?
First thing I do when I wake up in the morning is pray. Check out my blog to see if there’s any new developing stories or new content to push. Two sets of push ups, wash my face & brush my teeth, get dressed, grab breakfast then i’m out the door to execute my plans I’ve set the night before.

What institution(s) did you attend and what did you study?
Texas Southern University my major was Business MGMT.

You are a Model, Actor and one that loves everything entertainment/media. How did all that begin?
I would say around 8 or 9 years old I’ve always loved music I would record videos on VHS, record songs on the radio on cassette player. I noticed I loved watching docu-series like behind the music, driven, access granted on BET the business aspect of the industry I’ve always loved. Everything was natural with my love for radio, television and film. In high school I feel in love with this blog called thatgrapejuice.net which is one of my favorite blogs!

How’s the modeling industry in the United States?
Its a really good time! I say that because social media has provided models so many opportunities in the US unlike ever before. I love how the industry is progressing. You don’t have to have the”standard” look to make money or have a legit career. We have brand ambassadors.

You are the CEO of “Moses The Mogul multimedia co”, what is the company about all about and what projects/activities are you guys involved in?
We’re an independent media company that covers urban media/entertainment & celebrity interviews.

The company is about following your dreams no matter what they are. That’s what its all about to me building a platform to inspire, give back and provide entertainment to our followers!

We are currently working with Dallas Southern Pride for an action-packed Juneteenth weekend. Building the website. Waking up grinding to take advantage of every opportunity that’s presented to us!

Tell us more about “MosesTheMogulBlog”, how is it doing?
Its my baby! We’ve just begun something that I know will evolve into something influential! I want the world to see me and my team build this blog from the ground up. Day by day were seeing progression, growing our numbers, working to become notable in 2018!

On September 16, 2017, after an 11-month battle with breast cancer, you lost your mother. How did you deal with the traumatic experience?
Praying really has gotten me through this difficult time. I honestly never knew God was real but I know theirs no way I’ve could deal with this on my own. I dived into blogging, working out, going to church, modeling turning my pain into purpose. I have to do positive things to make her proud also to just keep from crying. Losing my mother, I lost apart of me. She’s my everything my light, strength, best friend the greatest person I could ever know.

You were the first openly Gay Mister Texas Southern University (TSU), what was the first thing that came to your mind when you were named and how did that make you feel?
Its one of my proudest achievements! Making history was not an easy task. I felt as if there was nothing I couldn’t do nor accomplish with hard work and focus. The first thing that came to my mind was call my parents and let them know I did it, we did it when no one else believed my mom and dad did! When I won it was for my family, my little cousins who’ll go to college on day and need someone to look up to. But I realized I not only touched LGBT students at my university but around the world to be authentically themselves in leadership roles.

How is the scholarship fund you set up “Mbai Equality Scholarship” that supports TSU LGBTQIA students working out?
Its working out very well we hit our goal last semester and was able to award two students last year. This year I’m raising funds again I’m praying we can exceed that goal from last semester. If you’d like to donate here is the link.

You recently quoted saying you were “appalled but not surprised” by some of the backlash you received, particularly at the hands of international students from countries that don’t support the LGBTQ community. Why?
Students coming from islands like Jamaica or countries in Africa where being LGBT is unacceptable. So I could understand the fear of wanting to support equality but when its been instilled in you that same loving gender is wrong or unlawful Its understandable to be hesitant.

Given your passion for Equality and LGBTQIA matters, what will you say keeps you motivated/inspired to stay dedicated to what you love?
When I see everything that’s going on in the world in regards to LGBTQIA individuals the injustice system, bullying, suicide, the murder rates of transgender women is steadily increasing all those things contribute to my work and passion. I want to make a difference or help in anyway I can.

You were recently accepted into Geico Insurance Management Development Programme. Have you started and if so, how as the experience been?
Yes I just started this past summer! Its been quite the adjustment in corporate America however It’s a challenge that I love. Everyday I find something about myself that I want to grow and work on in my professional life. I take those things & implement the changes I want to see when I go to work.

You are a young entrepreneurial minded guy. How do you balance your personal and professional life?
1. Prayer first and foremost lol
2. Daily planner to organize my next moves and goals I plan to accomplish
3. Reminder alerts on my phone (To assure I don’t forget anything)
4. That has been the most challenging part trying to juggle working full time, finding new opportunities, building my blog, developing my website. However I love the challenge of working pushing myself to the limits. Nothing you want comes easy once I build my multimedia company I know this will all be worth it.

Looking at your photos from 2012 to now in 2017 there has been massive changes and improvements when it comes to fitness, why do you feel need for this?
Fitness keeps me sane It’s the most relaxing yet fulfilling thing I do day to day. I had the motivation to get bigger so that’s what I did. I knew there was potential to grow in that aspect and that’s what I want to continue to do.

How often do you go to the gym and how many hours do you spend while you there?
3-5 times a week maybe 2 hours max.

What’s your 5 Dos and Don’t when it comes to being an entrepreneur?
DOs:
1. Believe in yourself
2. Trust the process It wont come easy
3. Surround yourself around people who are doing better than you
4. Have faith always remember your life can change in a matter of mins.
5. Always be prepared (you never know when your moment will come)

DON’Ts:
1. Don’t be late
2. Never comprise who you are for attention or money
3. Let the competition outwork you.
4. Expect anyone to want to want your dreams to come true more than you.
5. Listen to small minded individuals.

What aspect surprised you the most once you started as a Social Media Correspondent and Host?
How natural it came for me was very surprising! Hosting my first club was recent and the turn out was crazy! I was truly surprised scared and fearful no one would show up, but the night was super successful I never thought!

What has been one of the most memorable jobs to work on?
Working with Dallas Southern Pride, Remy Ma was performing, and she stopped and kissed me on the forehead a moment to remember.

Who do you want to work with that you haven’t yet?
I’d love to work with E-News, BET, Nike, GLAAD many others!

Tell us two things people don’t know about you?
I post thirst traps on Instagram when I’m feeling insecure. Christina Aguilera was the first CD my mother purchased me.

What do you consider your biggest professional success so far?
Kissing my mom after accepting my degree during graduation.

Who do you want to work with that you haven’t yet?
BET, E-News, Access Hollywood, Men Fitness Magazine, GQ, Vogue etc… Each and everyone of these companies I will work with, I’m putting it in the universe.

What has been your biggest challenge?
Moving on without my mother has been the biggest challenge. The simple things I miss calling her whenever something good or bad happens in my life. Taking her advice on what moves I should make. Honestly, I never had to worry about anything because my mother always made everything right that could go wrong in my life. It’s a huge adjustment living without that support.

You are very active on social media. Do you think it’s important to be online and if so why?
Absolutely your just one post away from your life being changed. Always put yourself out there in the best light whether you’re a model, designer, singer, comedian you never know who’s online watching you!

You are are from originally from Kenya, but now live mostly live in the United States. How is that working out for you?
My father and some family still lives in Kenya I have never lived there but I do plan on visiting for an extended period time. I’m excited I look forward to it.

What are your must visit travel destinations?
1. Kenya
2. Dubai
3. Paris
4. New York
5. Chicago

Name 5 things we should take seriously about our style choices?
1. Confidence no matter what you have on rock with 100 CONFIDENCE!
2. Channel your inspiration when it comes to fashion.
3. Know what works for you not every style is for everybody
4. Showcase your fashion in the best light take your photos serious!
5. Take Risk, Try different things, fashion should never be taken too seriously.

How would you describe your style?
Mine ?

What style genre appeals to you the most?
Street Style!

Name your five must have accessories/essentials?
1. A timeless watch
2. Overcoat
3. Chelsea Boots
4. Black ripped jeans
5. Sunglasses are a must!

What are your favorite fashion trends?
Anything Mesh I absolutely love.

What is your favorite dish?
Shrimp/Chicken Alfredo!

What songs are currently on your playlist?
1. Motivational speeches by Les Brown & Eric Thomas which I’m listening to more and more.
2. No limit
3. Motorsport
4. Something New…

Apart from business, modelling, acting, Blogging, what other projects are you currently working on?
Those projects keep me busy enough! Lol I’m just trying to make it to bible study in between.

Seeing you’re doing your dreams, what advice can you give others to pursue their dreams?
Never give up.

Any specific plans for the future?
Yeah, I plan to hit my first major red carpets in 2018, launch my web site, continue The Moses Mbai equality Scholarship.

Any final words
If you still have your mother, go home and give her a big hug and a kiss. Its millions of people like me wishing I could get that moment again.

Where can we follow you online and on social media?
Instagram: MosesTheMogul_
Blog: MosesTheMogulblog
Facebook: Moses Mbai