Imari James’ Journey: A Tale of Resilience

Fireblade Aviation, dedicated to turning dreams into reality, identified the remarkable potential in the 7-year-old, aspiring chef, Imari James! Fireblade Aviation’s invitation for Imari to join their chefs for a day at their office in Gauteng is a collaboration set to ignite dreams and inspire others to aim for the skies! Get ready for a journey beyond the kitchen as Imari takes flight with Fireblade Aviation.

Through TikTok, the country is slowly catching wind of a remarkable story—the story of Imari. Born with meningitis and hydrocephalus, she faced a challenging start to life with doctors predicting that she would not live for very long. Her first year saw her undergo six surgeries to drain fluid from her brain, and doctors weren’t optimistic about her survival. However, against all odds, Imari defied medical expectations, emerging as a vibrant and determined seven-year-old who today attends a regular school and dreams of becoming a chef.

Imari’s journey unfolds against the backdrop of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, a city where her dreams are set to take flight. Hailing from Wentworth, Durban, Imari and her family navigated the trials of her medical condition with resilience and hope. Beyond the surgeries and challenges, her mother, Iman James hoped to find a way to share Imari’s story of ‘hope’ with the world. Imari’s online presence has also birthed her brand, “One Thing About Two Things,” a playful nod to the slang in their community—a testament to her roots and the vibrant spirit of Durban.