Dorothy Tororei's creative journey began with her first drawing of animation characters Elsa and Anna in high school, which she did to prove to her classmates that she could draw. The drawing was a success and even got published in the school magazine.

Dorothy's interest in making jewellery and experimenting with resin geode art has followed. Her first resin art piece, an eye-catching cascade of vibrant hues and pearl embellishment, was bought by Dorothy's grandmother who loved its beauty and uniqueness. "I didn't do it for the money. I just wanted to pour out my ideas," says Dorothy. 

Beyond her artistic creativity, Dorothy has the mind of a social innovator. In 2022 she entered her idea into the MASK Awards, a creativity competition for young people and schools in Africa, in the ‘School of the Future' challenge. Her ideas for educating Maa children revealed not only her revolutionary thinking but her ability to dissect and address real-world challenges. "My mother shared with me a link about the MASK Awards opportunity and I entered with an idea on giving the Maa kids the better access to education."

She remembers her experience of the MASK Awards ceremony last October: "Being in a room full of artists and creatives from all over the region amazed me and encouraged me to participate this year as well."

When asked who her inspiration was, Dorothy answered with clarity: "I am my own inspiration." Her advice for any young creatives in the world is: "Whatever crazy thought you have, think about it, put it down on paper, and just do it."

Dorothy's resolve for her future creative endeavours is quite simple: "I'll keep pushing myself to do better and see wherever it will take me."