What's in a name? Chibuntu®

Chibuntu, the fusion of two words: Chi & Ubuntu.

Chi, the vital energy your body needs to perform at its best. Buntu, coming from Ubuntu which means Humanity. Ubuntu, to us, represents the fact that we are all the same, that we are all connected. 

Together they form the word & brand Chibuntu. 

Where it’s all about finding your style, chasing your dreams and building the connections that matter to you the most. A life that is epic and fulfilling. A life where everything is possible. Where confidence & awareness go hand in hand and where we all empower each other to reach new heights.

Continue reading to get the details behind these words and what Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama have to do with it. 

Chi, the first part of our brand name means life-force, the most important energy a person has. It makes you, you. It makes you unique. It comes from traditional eastern philosophies.

Chi is the vital energy needed for your body to be healthy and perform at its peak.

To us, this is crucial, as we believe you should be you and not live somebody else’s dogma. You should chase your dreams. Create the life you want. Learn the things that excite you, and love the people you care about.

If you go with the masses, you get lost in mediocrity. And let’s be honest, you are not mediocre. You never have been. Even when you sometimes drift off into automatic mode, you tend to wake up quickly and get back to it, no matter what age or life circumstance you’re in.

If you choose to live a life according to Chibuntu, you live your life on your own terms & conditions. You keep creating the epic life you once envisioned when you were a kid. No matter your age, no matter your circumstances, you give it your all to chase your dreams. We believe it is your personal responsibility to do so!

Ubuntu, humanity

The second part, -buntu, comes from Ubuntu, which is explained in many different, but all roughly similar ways. It is a South African Nguni Bantu term meaning ‘humanity’. It is often translated as ‘I am because we are’.

To me, it’s a philosophical term which means that we are all connected and should take care of each other. It also tells us that there is more to life than meets the eye. I believe we are connected in ways we can’t yet imagine. All our energies, all our Chi’s, are interdependent and together we make up humanity.

During Nelson Mandela’s memorial Barack Obama spoke about Ubuntu, saying:

“There is a word in South Africa – Ubuntu – a word that captures Mandela’s greatest gift: his recognition that we are all bound together in ways that are invisible to the eye; that there is a oneness to humanity; that we achieve ourselves by sharing ourselves with others, and caring for those around us.”

To me, the philosophy behind the word Ubuntu had a big impact on my life. I personally got introduced to the word and the meaning behind it by a friend & mentor, Bert. From that day I started embracing spirituality and found that it unleashed my potential more than ever before. I learned that spiritual growth and business success build upon each other.

I became more conscious about myself and therefore living a more fulfilled and purpose driven life. I started to be more conscious about others, more friendly and compassionate. I began meditating and connected to my inner-world, finding a power that has no boundaries, no limitations. 

It taught me that our true power comes from love, creativity and being connected.

Last, but definitely not least, it inspired us to do good. Motivating us to start growing our positive impact in the world while chasing those entrepreneurial dreams. 

So far Chibuntu has set up a socially responsible value chain and even donated to several charities. We’re not yet where we want to be, not even close. We are on our way, though, and trust ourselves, the world and our intentions to carry us all the way.

If you are open to both an ambitious life and a spiritual one, your life will exponentially grow into something amazing beyond your wildest dreams.

Life is a masterpiece, you’re the artist!

Build the life of your dreams, live your style and do good at the same time. 

We hope the Chibuntu philosophy resonates with you and hope you join the club. Let our minimal bracelets be a daily reminder to live a life true to yourself. Where you live your style, chase your dreams and build the connections that matter to you the most.