Hermon and Heroda Berhane are a true definition of resilience and tenacity to achieve against the odds, as fashion travel bloggers and advocates of the D/deaf community they’re breaking down tired narratives. Mmamello Matake gets up close and personal.

words: Mmamello Matake

Even when we don’t have the right words to justify the path that we are on and why certain things happen to us, we know for certain that there’s a bigger plan. Not the plan that you worked up for yourself, but the one that has been written in the book of life.

Hermon and Heroda Berhane are a true definition of resilience and tenacity to achieve against the odds. The fashion-travel bloggers of Being Her are known to be leading advocates of the D/deaf community.

Both stunning women from Eritrea, it’s hard to take your eyes off them when you’re in their orbit – their mischievous laughter, warm looks and the insane must-see fashion styling they showcase.

The sisters don’t think of themselves as disabled. They’re at an advantage. You see, when their hearing declined most of their other senses heightened. They learnt how to appreciate the simple features about themselves and intensified precious moments of everyday life.

Most articles have already written about how the twins moved to the UK and how they mysteriously fell deaf when they turned seven years old. I’ve been wanting to go beyond this narrative, to discover more about them and share the intimate sisterhood bond that they have.

Q: Has anything caught your attention since the year began?

A: We felt our spirit and hopes lifted with the new year, which was unusual; we had never felt this way before. We’re excited for what’s to come, but we have no idea what it is…

Q: Do you have any new year goals? What is one thing you’re bringing with you from last year – a quote, life lesson, a fashion statement.

A: New Year’s resolutions are a great idea, but we’ve always thought they were a trend or a trick. We no longer believe in them! You always end up back at square one and feel horrible because you failed. You shouldn’t have to wait 365 days for the new year to set a big goal. You can make a change anytime, why wait until tomorrow for something you can do today?