Ruvi Mugara is a Zimbabwean-born storyteller, speaker, project director, fitness instructor, foodie, and content creator based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Through her platform, @ruviraisesradikals, she shares honest reflections on motherhood, grief, neurodiversity, culture, food, and the everyday realities of raising two extraordinary children.
After immigrating to Canada at 19, Mugara built a career focused on community engagement and creating programs that help people feel seen, included, and empowered. Those same values shape her online presence, where she combines humour, vulnerability, and storytelling to spark meaningful conversations.
Her content explores everything from parenting autistic and neurodivergent children to navigating the loss of her mother, celebrating African culture, discovering local restaurants, sharing family-friendly recipes, travelling with children, and finding joy amidst life’s challenges. Whether she’s sharing a heartfelt reflection, a simple meal, or a lighthearted family moment, Mugara’s goal is simple: to remind people that they are not alone and that there is beauty to be found in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life. We spoke with Mugara to learn more.
What is your channel called and what is it about?
My channel is called @ruviraisesradikals. It’s a space where I share the realities of motherhood, grief, neurodiversity, family life, food, travel, and culture. I document life as a mother raising two neurodivergent children while balancing a demanding career, community work, and the ongoing journey of losing my mom.
Food is a big part of my storytelling. Whether I’m sharing a simple weeknight recipe, trying a local restaurant, or highlighting dishes that remind me of home, I love exploring how food brings people together. At its core, the channel is about connection, community, and finding joy in life’s beautifully messy moments.
When did you start it? What motivated you at the beginning?
I started sharing more intentionally several years ago, after having my son, initially as a way to document my family’s journey and connect with other parents. Over time, it evolved into something much bigger. I realized there weren’t enough honest conversations happening about grief, autism, parenting challenges, and the realities of being an immigrant building a life in Canada. I wanted to create the kind of space I wish I had found when I was going through some of those experiences myself.
Who were you inspired by? Any influences?
I’m inspired by creators who lead with authenticity rather than perfection. Some of my biggest influences have been everyday parents, foodies, and storytellers who are willing to show the full picture: the wins, the struggles, and everything in between. My biggest influence, though, was my mom. She had a gift for making people feel seen, and I try to bring that same spirit into everything I create.
How would you describe your audience?
My audience is made up largely of parents, caregivers, women, food lovers, and people navigating major life transitions. Many are raising neurodivergent children, grieving someone they love, building community far from home, or looking for recommendations on family-friendly experiences, restaurants, and recipes.
What connects them is a desire for authenticity. They’re thoughtful, compassionate people who value real stories, good food, meaningful conversations, and content that feels relatable rather than curated to perfection.
What is your creative process? Do you have people who work with you?
Most of my content starts with a real-life moment. It could be something one of my children says or does, a memory of my mom, a challenge I’m working through, or an experience that sparks reflection. I usually jot ideas down in my notes app and then build content around the stories that feel universal. I currently create everything myself- from filming and writing captions to editing and community engagement- although my family occasionally makes guest appearances whether they planned to or not!
How do you monetize your content? Do you also have another job?
Content creation is a passion project that has led to partnerships with organizations and brands that align with my values. I’ve worked with tourism organizations, local businesses, and family-focused brands. My primary career, however, is as a Director of Projects, where I lead community engagement and energy transition programs across Atlantic Canada. Storytelling is actually a skill that connects both worlds. I do find that Halifax is a difficult market to crack for an immigrant content creator, and that has been a challenge for me.
What is your favourite piece of content you have created?
My favourite content is my ongoing “Dear Mom” series. It was created after my mother’s passing and became a way for me to process grief publicly while connecting with others who were experiencing loss. The messages I receive from people who feel less alone because of those posts remind me why storytelling matters.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is the community. Nothing compares to receiving a message from someone who says, “I thought I was the only one.” Knowing that a story helped someone feel seen is incredibly rewarding.
The hardest part is vulnerability. Sharing personal experiences means opening yourself up to judgment and criticism. There are moments when it feels uncomfortable, but I’ve learned that meaningful connection usually lives on the other side of that discomfort.
What are your future plans for your channel?
I want to continue telling deeper stories around motherhood, neurodiversity, grief, culture, and belonging. I’d love to expand into more speaking opportunities, collaborations, and long-form storytelling while continuing to build a community where people feel safe showing up as they are.
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another Canadian content creator that you love?
One Canadian content creator I admire is Just Otni. As a fellow mother, I appreciate how openly she shares the realities of balancing family life while building a business and pursuing her professional goals. As a twin mom, entrepreneur, and communications expert, she shows that women don’t have to choose between motherhood and their ambitions.
What I love most about her content is that it feels achievable and honest. She celebrates the joys and challenges of raising a family while also demonstrating that it’s possible to continue growing, dreaming, and creating. Her content is a reminder that mothers can be many things at once, and I think that’s a message more women need to hear.
