A Journey of Identity and Self-Discovery
Zeinab Elguzouli’s early life was marked by moments of personal choice that reflected her complex identity. As a child, she made a decision that puzzled her friends—refusing to have her ears pierced. While many of her peers were denied the opportunity, Zeinab’s Sudanese father wanted her to embrace this tradition as a way of honoring her heritage. However, she chose not to comply, which was an unexpected act of defiance for her young self.
Her mother, who is Irish, supported Zeinab’s decision, allowing her to explore her identity on her own terms. This early experience of resistance was a subtle form of rebellion against cultural expectations. Looking back, Zeinab recognizes it as her first step toward understanding herself beyond the surface level.
As she entered her teenage years, Zeinab found another way to express her evolving sense of self. She began straightening her naturally curly hair, driven by a desire to fit in and feel more attractive. At the time, she believed that long, straight hair was more appealing, and this change was more about aesthetics than any deeper act of resistance.
Today, Zeinab has embraced her natural curls and wears them proudly. Her appearance on promotional bus-side campaigns for The Strawberry Alarm Clock has helped normalize her look, showing others that curly hair can be beautiful and empowering. She sees this as an important form of representation, especially for young girls who may feel pressured to conform to certain beauty standards.
Zeinab is now 33 and confident in who she is. She takes pride in being a Black, Irish woman from Ballymun, and she believes that representation plays a vital role in shaping one’s self-image. She acknowledges that her curly hair still presents challenges, but she chooses to embrace it as a symbol of her identity rather than a flaw.
Her journey of self-acceptance has been deeply influenced by her relationship with her mother, who introduced her to radio. After returning to Ireland from London, where she studied musical theatre, her mother signed her up for a two-week radio course at Christmas FM. This led to opportunities in music reviews and eventually to co-hosting The Strawberry Alarm Clock, a show she had grown up listening to.
Despite her success, Zeinab initially struggled with imposter syndrome, feeling unsure if she truly belonged in the role. Over time, she has come to accept her place and take pride in being a voice on the airwaves. She no longer feels the need to rebel against her identity, instead embracing all aspects of who she is.
Zeinab also finds strength in her cultural roots, particularly through her connection with her therapist, Kevin. Their work together helped her understand her identity more deeply, especially after the murder of George Floyd and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. These events prompted her to explore her Sudanese heritage more fully, leading to a stronger sense of pride in her background.
In addition to her work in media, Zeinab is an ambassador for the Very Pink Run, a charity event supporting breast cancer awareness and research. She became involved after several people in her circle were diagnosed with the disease, and she felt compelled to support the cause. The event includes live music, food, and activities, making it a fun and engaging way to raise funds for critical research.
Registration for the Very Pink Run is available online, and all proceeds go toward advancing breast cancer research and awareness programs across Ireland. Zeinab hopes to participate in the event this year, continuing her commitment to making a difference.
Through her journey of self-discovery, Zeinab has become a powerful example of what it means to embrace one’s identity, celebrate diversity, and use one’s platform for positive change. She continues to inspire others, showing that confidence comes from within and that being true to oneself is the most empowering choice of all.