OLIVE GACHARA, 26, always wanted to be a doctor but later changed her mind. Why? She shares her story with SHIRLEY GENGA
What do you do for a living?
I am an image consultant and fashion stylist under the brand, Image with Olive Consultancy Ltd. I am also a model agent and fashion show producer under Kinkey Modelling & Talent Agency Ltd.?
What was your childhood dream?
A doctor — a dermatologist to be exact. Both my parents were doctors and they really inspired me. After high school, I realised that I would have to be in school for at least ten more years if I was to become a doctor.?
Where did you study?
I went to Graffins College to do a diploma course in Sales and Marketing?as I figured out what my calling really was. Around the same time I started Kinkey Models to occupy my free time, and the rest is history. I went on to do an Executive Bachelors in Business Administration with a major in?Entrepreneurship?from the Swiss Management Academy. I also did a professional course from the Academy of Image Mastery, Singapore, and the London Image Institute, Atlanta to work as a certified image consultant.
Is it important to go to school to do what you do?
If you are going to start a business, it is important for you to have basic university education. My University education helped me a lot. However, I encourage people to take professional certifications in their areas of interest to boost not only their CV’s, but also their knowledge in that specific field. ?
What is your job history?
I started Kinkey Modelling & Talent Agency in 2005. It has grown to become one of the most reputable agencies in East Africa, providing models for major fashion shows in Nairobi, as well as leading magazines and advertisements. It has also grown as a reputable fashion show production company, producing most shows in Nairobi such as Tribal Chic, The Samantha’s Bridal Show, Nairobi Fashion Market Shows and The Annual Maternity Beauty Pageant amongst others.
