Unafraid of new things

LINA MARIE DYUR, 28, was among the contestants in Magnate Competition, the first ever Kenyan apprentice. She shares her life experience with SHIRLEY GENGA

What do you do?

I own a company called Firestorm. It specialises in communication strategy. With my background in computing and marketing together with my work experience, it all makes my company work.

What does your company do?

I work as a consultant to help small and medium entrepreneurs brand and communicate better with their clients. We design logos, communication material, websites, posters and organise events.

What did you study in school?

Immediately after finishing high school I joined Strathmore. I did a diploma in IT and topped it off with a degree at the University of Sunderland. Afterwards, I was called to University of Nairobi to study Bachelor of Commerce but a year into the programme; I decided to do a Masters in Marketing at USIU.

What is your work experience?

Immediately after clearing high school, I worked in East FM in the sales department. In 2005, I joined KTN and later worked in Standard online and newspaper before branching into branding in 2010. I worked for the branding agency called Atom. Then I got the chance to work in Afdem (The African Civilian Response Capacity for Peace Support Operations) in Zimbabwe as the IT and communication Liaison. I got to travel all over Africa.

Was it hard to branch out on your own?

My contract at Afdem depended on donor funding and when funding ended, we had to close down, so in 2011 I found myself home with no job. I had registered my business back in 2009 when I was still in employment. I then decided to go it alone.

Is it important to go to school to do what you do?

Yes it is very important. My education and work experience have merged very well and given me an advantage in this field.

You also participated in the first Kenyan Apprentice last year. Tell us about that?

I got the chance to participate in the Magnate Competition, the first ever Kenyan Apprentice. I had experience and an MBA but still felt that I needed mentorship. When I heard about the competition, I applied and was among the 14 who made it to the house. I managed to stay in the house and in the end; I was a second runner-up. It was a great learning experience for me. The experience helped me?to get clarity on what I wanted my business to be about.

What do you love about running your own business?

I love being in control of my time. I used to think that if I was my own boss, I would not have to wake up early but now I realise there is more pressure than before. I am even more demanding of myself (laughs).

What are the challenges?

I wake up sometimes in the middle of the night thinking about new ideas, sometimes in excitement and other times in trepidation. When running your own business, the line between personal and work is blurred so I am learning to separate them.

What else are you up to?

I recently branched into events; I launched my first ever Maya expo last month at The Junction. I got Dr Stanley Khaiga a top plastic surgeon, Dr Lorna Sangale and Alice Ndong’ a top nutritionist. I wanted a wholesome event where women could not only learn about outside appearance, but also how to be healthy. I am planning to organise the second one in October with emphasise on breast cancer.

Any advice for young girls out there?

Do not be afraid to try out new things or embarrassed by failure. Look at every failure as a learning experience. Every time you take a step towards your dream or dare to follow your heart, doors will open so you need to be alert.

What do you do for fun?

I love to travel, paint, swimming, shopping and eating out at restaurants.

What are your future plans?

In the next ten years, I want my company to have grown and had a significant impact in the world.