Startup Story
Occupational therapy is a real calling, with professionals who have a passion for making a difference to people’s lives. Diane Kayakez Mukaz Domingos, founder of REABILITARY DI-VERSIDADE is building a clinic in Angola where her specialist knowledge in areas such as nutrition, physiotherapy, psychology and occupational therapy, are helping so people who are in need of rehabilitation.
LoA chatted to the inspirational Diane Kayakez Mukaz Domingos this month to find out more about this high impact business.
What does your company do?
At Reabilitary Di-Versidade, we work with adults and special needs children. We have some specialists working with us in the fields of: Nutrition; Physiotherapy; Orthopaedic; Psychology; Internal Medicine; and Occupational therapy. We also sell toys and ergonomic products.
“I am an occupational therapist and I love my profession and also children. Helping people, especially families with challenges, inspired me to overcome barriers.”
What inspired you to start your company?
I am an occupational therapist and I love my profession and also children. Helping people, especially families with challenges, inspired me to overcome barriers.
Tell us a little about your team
My team is small and very young. We are very optimistic and work closely with society.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I started thinking of the project when I was at university, back in Brazil from 2005 to 2019). When I got back home I started working in Clinica Girassol, but I was unhappy, the team didn't know my competency levels. I started working on opening my clinic back in 2012, and my family helped me build the clinic. In 2013, I opened the company and did administrative work to pay all the bills. I started selling things I made like African bags, decorative objects, and finally opened the clinic this year in 2019. I am still working in Clinica Girassol (part time) but I am looking for the courage to leave. I am the first Angolan Occupational Therapist and feel that I have so much to do to help others, clinics, family, schools, but if I continue in Girassol it will be impossible.
“I am the first Angolan Occupational Therapist and feel that I have so much to do to help others, clinics, family, and schools.”
“My aspirations are to be the best center of rehabilitation in Angola; to be an international reference center for neurologic rehabilitation; and to create products to help families with special needs children.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
To be the best center of rehabilitation in Angola. To be an international reference center for neurologic rehabilitation. And, to create products to help families with special needs children.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
Helping children.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Have faith and follow your dream.
Contact or follow Reabilitary Di-Versidade
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL kayakez@hotmail.com
Why LoA loves it….
It is always so inspiring to meet and hear from incredibly talented, passionate women impact makers from the African continent, and in Angola, Diane Kayakez Mukaz Domingos certainly meets that description. She is driven by a need to help people to change their lives for the better through specialist occupational therapy, and there is no doubt that her efforts are making a big difference to people’s lives. Her work with special needs children in particular is to be commended, as she helps these young people to fulfill their potential in society. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa