Africa-Press – Botswana. A former beauty queen, the Director of Miss Independence Kgatleng and Area Manager for Clicks Botswana, Lebopo Bulayani recently released her debut book, Orphaned.
The 35-year-old mother of two said life was marked by significant personal achievements, yet she now turns to a different kind of legacy, one of storytelling, vulnerability, and inspiration.
Speaking in an interview with BOPA, she said in the book she shares her journey through loss, pain, and the determination to rise above adversity.
“I was inspired by the fact that I was able to move on in life and go after my dreams despite the challenges I faced as an orphan,” she said.
She remarked that the book is a deeply personal reflection, offering insight into the life-altering moments that shaped her and her desire to inspire others to persevere in the face of difficulties. She stated that the themes of the book were drawn directly from her own experiences.
The author describes how her childhood was filled with joy before she lost her mother, after which her world shifted dramatically.
“The darker days are where everything beautiful I had vanished. I was left with questions about my being, my life, and how I would navigate it without the one person who gave me hope,” she said.
Through this narrative, she added that she hopes to help others understand that it is possible to emerge stronger despite the hardships one faces. She noted that writing Orphaned was no easy task for her. She recounted how painful it was to relive the memories she was putting to paper.
“I had to focus on the main reason why I started, for the hands this book will fall into, for someone who needs inspiration and has lost hope despite the emotional toll,” she said, noting that she persevered, driven by her belief that her story could help others find their own strength.
She said readers should know that her book resonates with those who have faced loss, but it extends beyond the experiences of orphans. She also explained how the book relates to anyone struggling with pain.
“This first edition is about pain, how I fought as a young girl with no one to cry to. It talks about my school life, bullying, and feeling alone,” she said, explaining that by openly discussing her past, she encourages readers to confront their own traumas, to talk, cry, and heal.
Reflecting on the creative process, Lebopo shared that writing the book was both therapeutic and challenging.
While it was easy to tell her story, as it is her lived experience, the pain of revisiting those memories she mentioned was ever-present.
“The pain of it and how I felt cursed as I lost everyone I got close to in my life…how school was my happy place and yet where bullies found comfort in my tears,” she said.
Since publishing Orphaned, the response has been overwhelming. Bulayani who had never considered herself a writer, now sees the impact her words have had.
“It’s on 17 sites online, and it’s exciting how I never knew how impactful it could be,” she added.
The feedback she’s received from readers has confirmed that her story resonates, often sparking conversations about grief, loss, and resilience.
She added that writing Orphaned has transformed her outlook on life. While the emotional journey continues, she now speaks openly about her past rather than bottling it up. The positive response to her book has motivated her to continue writing and creating a platform for those who need a safe space to share their experiences.
Bulayani’s advice to aspiring writers, especially those tackling personal or emotional subjects, is simple yet powerful: “If not now, when? Your experiences may be a lesson to someone out there. So, go for it.”
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