From campus closet to a million shillings

You have probably had one of those wishful dreams about starting a business, making millions and living happily ever after. In most cases, these dreams are just that, dreams. But not so for everyone.

Serah Effie Njoki runs Closet49, an online mitumba store. Her business was featured on CNN’s African Start-Up programme, where she called it a million-shilling dream.
Njoki started her business while still at campus at the University of Nairobi’s Kabete Campus, where she was pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce. She has always been a sharp dresser and this was not lost on those with whom she crossed paths in campus.

“People liked how I dressed and would ask where I got my clothes,” Njoki told City Biz. She would go out and buy clothes for people. “With time, I realised I could make good money from this hustle. I bought clothes in bulk and sold them for a profit,” she revealed.
Her campus closet soon became a busy ‘clothes department’ with attractive returns.

“It never affected my classwork. I would do the business after class,” adds Njoki. A friend joined her from the USA after school, and together they had more than enough clothes to sell. They started a Facebook page through which they uploaded photos of what they on offer.

They later got a much-needed boost from 88MPH, a company that invests in start-ups. She told City Biz that with help from 88MPH, they launched the Closet49 website, which has pushed their sales significantly.

Their website feature a range of affordable clothes going for as low as Sh200. Orders can be placed online or via WhatsApp using a number listed on the page.

“We  have already broken even and things are looking. We had set ourselves a target Sh1 million in gross sales a year ago, and that is already happening. Right now, we are servicing orders of between Sh150,000 and sh200,000 monthly,” reveals Njoki.

Closet49 got creative and now offers other people an opportunity to sell on their platform. If you gain or lose weight and your clothes don’t fit you for instance, or you are de-cluttering your closet, all you have to do is to deliver the clothes to Closet49 to sell on your behalf at an agreed commission.

“We also want to create employment. We don’t charge anyone for the stuff they provide for sale. We just take photos and market your clothes for you,” she says.

Closet49 also have a store run by five employees on Riara Road in Maasai Court, house number 23. Njoki says discloses that they are in the process of developing a customised mobile app to facilitate sales through the mobile digital platform.

“When you get an idea, work it out and start early. Do not procrastinate,” advises Njoki.