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.
I started styling, as a self-professed fashion stylist, in 2007. I then moved to set up African Woman Magazine in Kenya, where I was?contracted?as the fashion editor until last year. I also worked on TV productions such as Tusker Project Fame 3, Slimpossible Season 2 and Dramas of Life.?I then set-up Image with Olive Consultancy Ltd in June last year before leaving to focus on my consultancy firm.
How has Olive Consultancy Ltd grown?
It is growing strong, with a small close-knit staff base, and a wide array of?corporate?clients such as Barclays?Premier, Farmer’s Choice and Jubilee Insurance. We also have a good number of individual clients. I am also a fashion writer and professional?consultant writing on all matters fashion and image.
What do you love about your job?
I love the flexibility, creativity and levels of?interaction?with different people. My slogan, at Image with Olive, is: Beautiful People, Beautiful Minds. I am in the business of making people feel good about themselves and increasing their confidence levels. My job gives me the platform to inform the masses on trends and places to shop. It also enables me to provide job opportunities.
What are the challenges of your work?
Staying focused is one of my biggest challenges. There is always so much going on and it is easy to lose track of important things. Being taken seriously as a young person has also been a challenge, but that is slowly changing, maybe because I am getting older.
What advice would you give someone who wants to do what you do?
You must have passion for it. If you get into fashion in Kenya simply to make money, you will get really frustrated. It is a simple industry to penetrate, but difficult to reap financial benefits from. It is also important to start young, because then, you can follow your dream, take greater risks and become financially stable before family responsibilities are bestowed upon you.
What do you do for fun?
I work a lot — but my work is fun and very interactive. When I am not working, I sleep. I also spend quality time with my mum and close friends. I am also trying to get into the habit of reading, but I always seem to fall asleep (laughs).??
What are your?future plans?
I am working on a couple of fashion projects, so watch this space. I believe in growth both in knowledge and career, so I am constantly taking on new challenges. Like I said, watch this space.?
