The world often demands resilience, creativity, and determination and entrepreneurship stands as a testament to the human spirit's boundless potential. EBM Suite, recognizing the incredible stories ran a challenge inviting entrepreneurs to share their journeys of adversity, innovation, and success. Each story is a testament to the power of resilience and innovation. So, let us delve into these inspiring sagas of determination and triumph, showcasing the spirit of entrepreneurship.
Susan Kimani - From Toilet Cleaner to Mandazi Entrepreneur
I nominate myself for this opportunity, not because I believe I deserve it more, but because my journey during the pandemic has been transformative. I lost my job as a toilet cleaner when the pandemic began, and as a woman renting a place with bills to pay, it was daunting. After days of uncertainty, I asked myself, 'What do you truly love?' Cooking was my answer.
With just 1500 shillings, I purchased basic ingredients like flour, oil, and milk. A neighbor helped with equipment for making mandazi. Starting at 4:30 AM the next day, I began selling mandazi, but initially, success was elusive. I almost gave up, but a midnight epiphany urged me to keep trying.
So, at 4:00 AM the following day, I persevered. By offering discounts and being more proactive, I attracted customers. Business improved, and a nearby shop started ordering mandazi. Word spread, and my prospects brightened.
The pandemic taught me resilience. Now, I'm saving to enhance my business, aiming to become a successful baker and create jobs. I share my story not to boast but to inspire. Don't give up, even when life is tough. I may not win this opportunity, but I'm ready to work hard for my dreams. The pandemic showed me I can be my own boss and make a living.
Brian Wekesa - Breaking Stereotypes in Campus
In 2017, I entered university facing financial challenges as an orphan. With limited support from my sister, I needed a way to make ends meet. Observing a large student population on campus, I had an idea to sell sweets to my fellow students. Despite discouragement from friends who felt it was unsuitable, I started with just 500 Kenyan shillings and soon turned a profit.
By the end of 2017, I had saved 75% of my earnings. I continued the business in 2018 and replicated this savings rate. In 2020, I ventured into a small successful hotel near the school. The following year, I expanded further, establishing a retail business near my home, providing jobs for three individuals.
In 2022, I started an MPESA business alongside my retail venture, and both are flourishing. Now, in 2023, I'm planning to open a beauty shop. Reflecting on my journey, I often wonder what would have happened if I had listened to my friends. The lesson I've learned is that anything is possible if you trust in God, believe in yourself, and listen to your inner voice.
Naomi Kariuki - Overcoming Challenges in the Beauty Salon Business
Starting my beauty salon was no easy task, with challenges at every turn. Securing sufficient capital proved daunting. I initially believed my savings were enough, but I soon realized I needed additional funds for essential tools. This led me to seek loans to fulfill my dream.
Finding the right employees was another significant challenge. To boost my salon's reputation, I hired experienced stylists with their own clientele, jumpstarting my business.
Staying updated with ever-evolving beauty trends was a constant struggle. Catering to different client preferences required a strategy to offer the latest trends.
Customer retention was equally demanding. While acquiring new clients was crucial, I introduced new services and special treats to keep existing clients engaged.
Overcoming these challenges involved seeking guidance from those who faced similar issues. Remaining open-minded, investing in education, and maintaining determination were key to my success. Lastly, financial planning secured my future.
In the end, these strategies allowed me to overcome obstacles and build a thriving beauty salon business.
Ian Wafula - The Journey of Hussle Choma
I run a small retail food production business called "Hussle Choma." Our primary focus is preparing and packing food when customers place orders, whether through phone calls or by visiting us in person. We take pride in offering affordable food options that cater to the average citizen's budget, all while maintaining a commitment to using the finest quality ingredients available in the market. Our goal is to consistently meet and exceed our customers' culinary expectations.
At Hussle Choma, we have a diverse menu that includes a wide range of delectable dishes. From classic favorites like fries, chapati, stew, pilau, and ugali to various other specialties, our menu is designed to satisfy a variety of tastes. We also welcome special orders, allowing customers to request specific dishes tailored to their preferences.
Currently, our team consists of just two individuals. I, as the owner, oversee the operations of the business, while I have a dedicated assistant who plays a crucial role in food preparation. Despite our small size, we are committed to delivering exceptional food and service to our valued customers.
We take great pride in what we do, and our passion for providing delicious, affordable meals drives us to continuously improve and expand our offerings. At Hussle Choma, we believe that good food brings people together, and we are dedicated to being a part of those memorable moments in our customers' lives.
Lucas Osano - From Hawker to Fruit Entrepreneur
My journey in the world of business began in 2018 when I started as a fruit and juice vendor right here in Mombasa, specifically in the Jomvu area. I embarked on this venture as a humble hawker, pushing a wheelbarrow filled with fresh fruits through the streets. Over time, I realized that to minimize losses, I needed to do more than just sell whole fruits. I started blending fruits to create delicious juices, especially for those fruits that had a shorter shelf life.
One of the significant challenges I faced was during school holidays when my customer base dwindled. Since most of my customers were students and teachers, this posed a real challenge to my business. However, I didn't let this setback deter me. Instead, I adapted to the situation.
As my business began to grow, I took the initiative to set up a small kiosk near a local school. I also invested in a bicycle, which allowed me to efficiently fulfill orders from various shops and businesses for my juices. This expansion proved successful, as I started to attract more customers than ever before. By focusing on catering not only to students but also to shops and hotels, I managed to stabilize my income even during school holidays.
A vital lesson I learned during this journey was the importance of taking calculated risks. I sought advice from different friends and mentors, and I wasn't afraid to invest in more fruit and equipment to expand my business. The key to my success was my unwavering determination and resilience. Even on days when sales were slow, I knew that tomorrow held new opportunities.
Today, I am proud to say that my business has flourished. I now generate profits exceeding 15,000 Kenyan Shillings per month, even after deducting all expenses. My journey from a humble fruit hawker to a successful juice vendor is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and unwavering belief in pursuing what I love.
Faith Mutuku - Starting a Hawker Business with Ksh 1,420
My entrepreneurial journey began with limited capital and a burning desire to meet my financial needs. Starting in the innerwear business, I sourced products from a wholesale dealer and sold them in various locations, even without a proper shop.
This path was fraught with challenges. I ventured into unfamiliar places, often facing rejection during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite the setbacks, I pressed on, engaging in door-to-door sales daily, even with slim profit margins.
My unyielding determination and passion for the business kept me going. I stayed focused on achieving results and met daily targets, persevering through every obstacle.
Every morning, I followed carefully planned routes, hawking my products. My commitment and passion turned this into a daily routine. Over time, I built a loyal customer base who could easily place orders through a dedicated WhatsApp group.
Through relentless determination, my business expanded, allowing me to rent a physical selling space. I started with just 1,420 Kenyan Shillings, and from that humble beginning, my business blossomed.
My message to fellow entrepreneurs is simple: Don't fear starting from the bottom. You don't need millions to pursue your dream business. With determination, even a small beginning can lead to remarkable success. So, take that first step, and you'll be amazed at where it can take you.
Gina Wangari – A Passionate Baker's Journey
Hello there, I want to share my baking journey with you. I started as a self-taught baker with nothing more than a jiko (a charcoal stove) and an immense passion for baking. While I can whip up some delicious cakes with my humble setup, I've always dreamed of making things easier, especially when handling larger orders. To turn this dream into reality, I've started saving money with a single goal in mind – to purchase a real cake oven that will allow me to handle bulk orders effortlessly.
I've had my eye on the cake challenge, but there's a small hurdle – I don't have a social media page yet. It's something I've been planning to set up for a while, and this challenge has given me the inspiration to finally build my portfolio and share my baking journey with everyone. You might find it hard to believe, but I can create some killer queen cakes. At one point, I even had a deal to sell them at a neighboring shop near my home. However, I couldn't keep up with the orders, and they had to let me go.
Currently, I decorate fondant cakes using simple tools. I draw shapes on paper and then cut them into the fondant with a knife. It might seem clever and innovative, but I can't help but wonder what I could create with the right tools at my disposal. Once my social media page is up and running, I'll be sure to tag you so you can witness how I work my magic, even without all the fancy gadgets.
I dabble in various types of cakes, and I've learned everything I know from an amazing YouTube channel called "Let's Cake It." I'm envious of the setup they have in their kitchen, but I'm determined to get there someday. I understand that this award won't provide everything I need, but it's a significant step towards earning faster and getting closer to my dreams.
Dorcas Lagashi – The Birth of Lulu Soap
Lulu Soap is more than just a business; it's a heartfelt idea that came to life in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. I can vividly recall the moment I put pen to paper to outline my business plan, and from there, I embarked on a journey to source the necessary materials. It wasn't without its challenges, with plenty of trial and error, but after a month of dedicated effort, I finally had a consistent product that filled me with pride.
With samples in hand and the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities, I eagerly went out to promote my product. However, to my dismay, not a single product was sold even after an intense fortnight of advertising. It was a tough period, but I didn't give up. I turned to my family and friends, and they became my initial support system. They recognized the quality of Lulu Soap and spread the word to their own circles of friends.
As time went on, I began to gain loyal customers. This steady stream of support allowed us to reinvest in better materials and more advanced machines, resulting in an even better product. The journey of Lulu Soap has only just begun, and I firmly believe that the future holds great promise. The sky truly is the limit for this business.
Espilla Dennis – The Waziri Wines and Spirits Journey
I'm truly grateful to EBM SUITE for providing this platform. Here's my journey with Waziri Wines and Spirits.
In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I ventured into the wines and spirits business, driven by the need for financial stability, especially with my wife expecting. Capital was a challenge, and I had previous business loans to repay. With the support of family and friends, I secured 90% of the capital needed, enabling me to acquire stock and cover part of the licensing fees.
Dealing with various licenses was daunting, and early on, I faced harassment from officials demanding bribes. Within a month of starting, a nationwide lockdown closed all refreshment places.
To adapt, I initiated a liquor delivery service, but it had its challenges, including transport costs and order mix-ups. Some delivery personnel sold liquor from other sources, causing losses.
I'm determined to succeed and provide top-notch customer service. I even assessed competitors to improve my own operations. Despite the hurdles, my commitment remains unwavering.
Collins Kiprop - Overcoming Challenges in the Smokie Jiko Business
Hello EBM SUITE, I am COLLINS KIPROP, an entrepreneur in the smokie jikos business. My story revolves around the challenges I face while operating my business. I own a total of five smokie jikos, and I rent them out to local youths in my area on a daily basis at a rate of 350 Kenyan shillings per day.
One of the significant challenges I encounter from time to time is that not everyone I lend my machines to returns them or pays the rental fee. There have been instances where individuals fail to honor their commitments. However, one day, a more serious issue arose when one of my employees decided to sell one of my machines without my consent.
Thankfully, I sought the assistance of the police officers, who played a crucial role in helping me track down and recover my stolen machine. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that can arise in the world of business, but it also reinforces the importance of vigilance and quick action when facing such issues.
Sharon Kamande - My Journey as a Mobile Hairstylist
I'm Sharon, and I'm a mobile hairstylist. I ventured into this business during my second year of university as a way to balance my studies with a side hustle. The idea struck me in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when times were tough, and many parents were facing employment challenges.
Since then, I've been running my mobile hairstyling business for nearly three years. I'm eager to seize the opportunity to win this contest because it would enable me to expand my business further. With the additional equipment, I can take my business to the next level, perhaps even opening a full-fledged parlor. This would not only help me grow professionally but also serve my clients even better. Thank you for considering my story.
Nelly Awuor - Turning Student Dreams into Mpesa Business Reality
I began my Mpesa business in March 2019 with 50,000 Kenyan Shillings, supported by my parents and Helb funds during my second year of study. To address a market gap, I registered and obtained a license for 10,000 Shillings and rented a room for 4,000 Shillings per month.
Initially, I faced challenges: a small client base due to limited float, the risk of scams, and building trust. However, I persevered by staying committed to my vision, with support from family and friends. Continuous learning, financial management, and excellent customer service became my focus.
For aspiring Mpesa entrepreneurs: trust your vision, seek support, and embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and learn. Every successful business starts small with a big dream.
Naomi Njeri - Challenges and Triumphs in My Beauty Salon Journey
Starting my beauty salon presented numerous challenges. The primary hurdle was securing enough capital; my initial funds fell short, necessitating loans to purchase essential equipment. Hiring skilled employees was another struggle, but I boosted my salon's profile by bringing in a renowned stylist along with their clientele.
Adapting to ever-changing beauty trends posed its own challenge. Staying ahead in this dynamic field requires constant awareness and a strategy to offer clients the latest styles and treatments. Customer retention was equally vital, achieved through innovative services and special treats.
I sought guidance from experienced peers, kept an open mind to evolving practices, and invested in education for effective salon management. Perseverance was key, as was prudent financial planning for the salon's stability and growth.
Patrick King'oo - From Pandemic Loss to Agripreneur Success
In June 2020, I embarked on my farming journey, driven by the unfortunate loss of my supportive parents due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They say that success doesn't come easily, and I had to work tirelessly to ensure my three younger brothers in high school and two sisters in technical universities in Nairobi could continue their education. As the eldest of six siblings, I decided to start a vegetable farming business on one of our 5-acre plots of land.
I cultivated various vegetables such as cabbages, sukumawiki, tomatoes, and spinach. Through this endeavor, I managed to generate income to cover a portion of my siblings' school fees. Fortunately, the school administrators understood my situation and allowed me time to sell my produce to settle their fees, regardless of how long it took.
Sometimes, I even traveled as far as Mombasa, approximately 450 kilometers from my farm, to sell my vegetables. This was because prices surged there, thanks to competition from other successful farmers. I am reaching out with a humble request: if I could receive a boost of 10,000 Kenyan Shillings, I would invest in fertilizers, seeds, and irrigation pipes to expand my farming business. I am confident that with this support, my siblings will successfully complete their education.
I want to express my heartfelt thanks and may God bless you abundantly for considering my request.
Naomi Cherotich - From Humble Beginnings to Business Success
In 2018, my husband started a business for me with two computers and a photocopying printer. Despite being computer illiterate, I ventured into running the business. Initially, it was challenging; I even had to seek help from a neighbor to scan a passport. I started with basic photocopying, making around 300 copies a day.
In 2018, I got into Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), so I had to hire someone to manage the business while I was in school. The income helped with my education and family expenses. I graduated in 2022.
Now, I face challenges like high rent and printer repair costs, but I manage to provide for my family. I have plans to expand the business if I find a better location. Despite the competition and hardships, I'm grateful for how far I've come.
Dalmas Popcaaz - The Barbershop That Beat the Odds
In 2019, we launched a barbershop partnership in Kaptembwa, Nakuru, facing initial challenges in a price-sensitive area. We offered adult shaves at 20 Kenyan Shillings and 10 Kenyan Shillings for kids to attract customers. Building trust was hard at first, and we faced payment disputes due to quality issues.
However, our perseverance paid off as loyal customers emerged, attracting more business. We raised prices to 30 Kenyan Shillings for adults. Then, in March 2020, COVID-19 hit, severely affecting businesses with curfews and reduced hours.
Despite these obstacles, we endured, and now, as the economy recovers post-COVID, we're grateful for our journey. We've learned that endurance and perseverance are key to success, as no situation is permanent.
Brian Wekesa - Campus Sweet Seller to Entrepreneur Extraordinaire
In 2017, when I entered university as an orphan, financial support was scarce. My sister, my sole family, couldn't fully provide for me. I noticed a large student population on campus and began contemplating what I could sell to make ends meet.
I shared my idea of selling sweets with a friend, but their response was disheartening. They thought selling sweets, especially for a guy, would make me seem needy and poor. Some even said it wasn't suitable to sell sweets to female students. However, these discouragements didn't deter me.
Starting with just 500 Kenyan Shillings, I invested in sweets and quickly turned a profit. Encouraged, I expanded with 1,000 Kenyan Shillings, selling in school hostels. It was challenging, as no other man was doing it.
Over the years, I saved 75% of my earnings. In 2020, I diversified by opening a restaurant near the school. In 2021, I expanded further with a retail business nearby, now employing three individuals. In 2022, I started an M-PESA business, which, along with my retail venture, is thriving.
Despite inflation challenges, I plan to open a beauty shop in 2023. My message is simple: Anything is possible if you trust in God, believe in yourself, and listen to your inner voice.
In conclusion, these incredible stories of Kenyan entrepreneurs show us that with determination and creativity, challenges can be turned into opportunities. Their journeys are a source of inspiration for entrepreneurs everywhere. Remember, success in business requires persistence and adaptability. These Kenyan entrepreneurs prove that with the right mindset and support, anyone can overcome difficulties and find success. Stay tuned to EBM Suite for more inspiring stories and insights on your path to success.
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