Zoe Achieng, a 25-year-old Nairobi-based content creator, suddenly finds herself homeless after a gas explosion leaves her apartment in ruins (along with her dreams of being a Pinterest queen). With nowhere else to go, she moves in with her estranged, drama-loving aunt Pauline, a retired actress who still thinks she’s starring in her own soap opera.

Zoe quickly realizes the real challenge isn't just rebuilding her life—it’s surviving her aunt's outrageous routines, her neighbor's pet goat (who thinks he's a dog), and dodging the well-meaning setups from her aunt who is determined to get her married off to "any man with a job and a neck."

Meanwhile, Zoe is hiding a secret: she was on the verge of launching a major brand collaboration—until the explosion literally blew it up. As she tries to fake perfection online, the chaos in her real life becomes harder to hide.

Through the madness, unexpected friendships, and hilarious confrontations with Pauline’s chaotic church group, Zoe learns that perfection is overrated, and sometimes being knocked off your high horse is the best thing that can happen to you.

"Influencer Bootcamp (Run by Aunt Pauline, Of Course)"


Zoe woke up to the sound of a megaphone.


Not even Sir Squawksalot's usual "Justice for Parrots!" morning rant.


"RISE AND GRIND, DIGITAL DARLINGS! CONTENT NEVER SLEEPS!"


Zoe stumbled out of bed, hair in a pineapple bun, wearing one sock and a t-shirt that said "Emotionally Out of Office."


Pauline stood in full army-green workout gear, holding a clipboard and yelling into a bright pink megaphone like a general at a Glossier bootcamp.


"What in the chaotic Kardashian reboot is going on here?"


"It's time," Pauline said, "for Influencer Bootcamp. Hashtag: #HustleHardWithPauline."


Zoe blinked. "I'm already an influencer."


Pauline shook her head. "You're a content cutie. I'm building a brand beast. Now drop and give me ten TikTok ideas!"


Sir Squawksalot fluttered in wearing tiny camo wings. "I demand seed brand sponsorship or I go on strike."


The living room was now a "Reel Creation Zone."


The kitchen? "Unfiltered Food Content Command Center."


The balcony? "Zen Vibe Checkpoint & Hashtag Yoga Studio."


She had printed a giant poster that read:


8:00 AM: Lip-sync practice (NO EXCUSES)


Zoe raised a brow. "Why does your monologue get an hour?"


"Because it's the only part the people actually watch," Pauline smirked.


Zoe tried a classic snap-change outfit flip.


Pauline tried to teleport using a kitchen towel and nearly knocked over a ring light.


Sir Squawksalot did a wing-flap and was somehow the most graceful of them all.


Then came "Product Endorsement Practice."


Zoe held up a serum and said, "This changed my skin."


Pauline held up a banana and declared, "This changed my soul."


Sir Squawksalot endorsed crackers by stealing them.


By noon, Zoe collapsed on the couch. "I'm tired. My ring light's tired. Even my algorithm's tired."


Pauline dropped next to her. "Good. That means you're growing."


Zoe side-eyed her. "I didn't ask to be mentored by a glamorized drill sergeant."


Pauline tossed her a juice box. "Greatness isn't optional. It's scheduled."


Just then, a notification buzzed on Zoe's phone.


Their "Bootcamp Day One" video had gone live (Pauline uploaded it while Zoe was mid-meltdown). It was trending.


"Pauline is a menace to peace, but I love her."


"Zoe looks like she's being held hostage by content."


"Where can I buy the juice box she drank at minute 4:53?"


Pauline raised her juice box. "To sweat, sass, and going viral under pressure."


Sir Squawksalot added, "To brand domination… and peanut butter."


Chapter 31 - Influencer Bootcamp (Run by Aunt Pauline, Of Course)”