Faith Kithome has learned to pick herself up when entrepreneurial obstacles knock her down, from hustling at the university to running a footwear stall solely based on web advertising.
Humble Beginning
She began hustling while still a student at Kenyatta University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Human Sciences; Fashion Design and Marketing.
She worked as a marketing girl for several consumer stores while on campus, and it was on the daily pay that she survived so that she didn’t have to worry her parents with maintenance money.
“I’ve always been a hustler; I did grow up despising hardship and dreamed of owning a business.” “I took a few internships after graduation and raised KES 120, 000 in initial money, the majority of which was spent to secure space and permits,” she explained.
Upeo Nine World was founded in Kahawa Wendani, where she lived as a student and afterwards as a recent graduate.
“I only purchased some pairs of shoes because the majority of my money was spent on renting the stall.” “I had an empty shop but had trust in myself and believed that with time, I would build the business,” she explained.
“At first, I was the one manning the shop when a client withdrew KES 36,500, but then the crooks grabbed hold of the phone, reversed the transaction, and blocked my connection.” I also lost KES 40,000 on another occasion. Then there was the occasion when my assistant’s phone and KES20,000 were stolen. “I used to cry in each of these situations, then pick myself up and continue doing business with the support of mentors,” she explained.
Self-Inspiration
Ms Kithome used to have everything in one shop, shoes, clothing, M-Pesa, and a tac shop, but she has recently honed her focus on shoes and cosmetics.
“I largely sell online, so I don’t get many walk-ins.” I appreciate one-on-one contact with customers, which she now enjoys because of her physical location in town.
She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to make use of internet channels. “You should constantly be developing something while stabilizing the other, which is why, after being in the KU choir, I’m branching out into branding and music.”
“I’m always competing with myself, so if you’re a young person trying to start a business, you have to believe in yourself.” Start small, even if it’s just creating a page and showcasing your items; make sure you update often and don’t give up no matter what,” Ms Kithome recommended.
Conclusion
In Kenya, youth unemployment has reached worrisome proportions. In reality, eight out of ten jobless people are under the age of forty. Approximately 85% of the jobless are under the age of 35. With a rate of 19.2 per cent, the age group 20–24 years has the highest jobless rate.
Kenya is home to a slew of brilliant young inventors. University students developed ventilators, smart gloves with flex sensors, solar-powered roofing tiles, gas-tracking devices, a solar-powered light system to protect livestock from wildlife in rural areas, and innovative hand-washing machines that use foot pedals to reduce the spread of the coronavirus are just a few examples of recent home-grown innovations.
Read more: https://nairobinews.nation.africa/nairobi-hustle-i-grew-up-hating-poverty-so-i-hustle-hard/
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