043: How we can all smile through light with Mariama Kamara
In this episode, we talk to Mariama Kamara. She is the founder and director of Smiling Through Light that works with a network of women to provide clean, reliable and sustainable energy in Sierra Leone.
During this episode, we take a look at how Smiling Through Light has impacted many lives in Sierra Leone and Mariama’s Beam Talks in the UK that is inspiring many. We also talked about Paloma Faith’s music video, Warrior and how Mariama got selected to be featured as one of the “warriors”.
Episode Highlights
[01:08] How did your sustainable journey start?
[06:40] When you see a problem you are the one that can create a solution. You are the one that can change that.
[07:23] What is Smiling Through Light?
[12:24] You know that when you are working with the woman, they will always go back and invest in their families. They will invest with their kids.
[14:51] If you use kerosene your eyes start watering, it becomes very cloudy, your inhaling obviously CO2 which is just dangerous and really bad for your health.
[15:32] If you have a solar lantern you can learn, you can use a clean eco-friendly a brighter solar lamp to help kids improve their education.
[21:21] What is Beam Talks?
[26:01] You have been featured on the recent Paloma Faith’s music video, Warrior. How did this come to life?
[29:40] What has been one of your most important decisions that you have made around mama earth?
Final Five
1.What is one social media platform that you follow?
2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?
I really want people to respect Mama Earth.
3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?
If you got anything, please focus on it, work on it and keep on going.
4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?
I always tell them a story and I always highlight in Sierra Leone we have a population of almost 7 million people and only 13% of the population have access to electricity and in rural communities, it is less than 1%.
5.Where can people find you?
Key Take Away
“When you see a problem you are the one that can create a solution. You are the one that can change that”
There is a lot of issues we are faced with every single day but we have the power to make a change even if it is a small change. Every step forward is a step in the right direction, no matter how big or small the step it. You just have to start. You are the one that can change that.
About the author, Mariska
Hi, I’m Mariska – podcast host, artist, sustainability advocate and consultant, and storyteller driven by a deep passion for our planet. Sustainability isn’t just a topic I discuss; it’s a way of life I embody through my work, actions, and everyday choices.
My journey began several years ago when I started experimenting with trash as a medium in my artwork. What began as creative curiosity quickly turned into a deep dive into the environmental impact of waste. That curiosity expanded into a broader connection with nature—including a life-changing trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, where I found both clarity and purpose. It was there that I made the decision to leave the corporate world behind and commit fully to environmental work.
In 2018, I took that message public in the UAE by wearing every piece of trash I generated for 30 days. The result—65 kilograms of waste—sparked national conversations around sustainability and waste reduction. That bold experiment also became the catalyst for my podcast, Mama Earth Talk, where I’ve since connected with global thought leaders to explore sustainability and inspire meaningful action.
Over the years, I’ve collaborated with organizations such as Nespresso, Costa, and Dubai International Airport to implement practical and impactful environmental solutions. From optimizing waste management systems to leading awareness campaigns, I specialize in designing strategies that create real, lasting change.
My artwork—blending environmental advocacy with creative expression—has been collected by public figures including comedian Trevor Noah, environmentalist Adrian Grenier, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, radio host Kris Fade, Grammy Award-winning DJ Black Coffee, and NBA player Mason Plumlee. Through public speaking, podcasting, and art, I aim to inspire individuals and organizations to rethink their relationship with the environment.
With over a decade of international experience in design and project management across Australia, South Africa, the UK, India, and the UAE, I bring a unique mix of creativity and strategic insight to sustainability challenges. My global perspective allows me to collaborate across cultures, drive innovation, and empower others to make a meaningful impact.
As a lifelong learner and passionate advocate, I focus on practical, holistic solutions to environmental challenges—guided by systems thinking and a deep commitment to action. I hold a BA in Design, a postgraduate degree in Environmental Science, and a Master’s in Sustainable Design.