Entrepreneur at heart

Even though Mercy Waruguru, 27, studied Chemistry at the university, her dream was always to be an entrepreneur, writes SHIRLEY GENGA

What do you do for a living?

I own accompany called Renascence Logistics and we help to settle expatriates in Kenya. We help our clients organise their immigration documents, work permits and other important documents.

We also take care of their accommodation and help them settle down in Kenya. We package our services according to our customer’s individual needs.

 If it is an expatriate who is here for a short luxury stay, we book them in a five-star hotel. If the client is here for long time, we find furnished apartments for them. If they are on a low-budget trip, we get accommodation at a home stay. We do everything from accommodation to car hire and even organise safaris.

Why the name Renascence?

We want to redefine how people see logistics. When people think logistics, they think trailers and clearance. We wanted to change that image because our company deals with logistics in a broader sense.

What did you study at the university?

I did a degree in Chemistry at the University of Nairobi. I joined in 2003 and graduated in 2007.

Why Chemistry? Was it in line with your dream career at the time? 

It was not my dream. I never imagined myself pursuing Chemistry, but when I was admitted to do it, I joined and did my best despite my feelings. 

What was your dream career before university?

Ever since I was a child, my dream was to be a businesswoman. My parents were both into business — my father was a farmer then (he is now a lecturer) and my mother was a businesswoman. So from a young age, the spirit of entrepreneurship was instilled in me.

My mother bought a lot of mangoes for us when I was in Class Four. The mangoes were so many that there was no way we were going to eat all of them.

 That is when my entrepreneurship spirit kicked in. I took some to school and sold to my classmates.

After graduating in 2007, where did you work?

I did research in GTZ now GIZ, IDRC (International Development Research Centre) and Volvo. All the research I did was geared towards environmental Chemistry — dealing specifically with renewable energy and climate change. I enjoyed the experience, but at the back of my mind, my dream to run my own business kept nudging. Three years later, I decided to leave employment and start my own business.

How did you get the business idea?

While working at the above international organisations, I got the opportunity to interact with expatriates and I quickly realised the market did not cater for some of their needs.

How do you think your university degree helped you?

Although I am currently doing something very different from Chemistry, that degree has helped me become the person I am today. In today’s world, many people end up in fields different from what they studied in campus, but going to university and college is still very important. It gives you the confidence and platform to discover what you are good at. It also gives one good exposure because you interact with all kinds of people, which in turn helps you discover yourself.

What challenges do you in running your business?

It is difficult to win a client’s trust because the market is crowded with conmen. You, therefore, have to be patient, understanding and really work hard to gain the client’s trust.

What do you love about your job?

I love the fact that I get to welcome and help people settle in Kenya. I value my time and running my business enables me to manage my own time. Lastly, I love interacting with people from all over the world and my job gives me a platform to do so.

What advice would you give someone who wants to start his or her own business?

Follow you heart and work very hard. If your heart is in business and you have the drive and passion, then there is no reason for you to fail.

What are your future plans?

I have a vision to expand my business to cover the entire East Africa.

What do you do for fun?

 I love adventure, travelling and exploring new places. I am also a fan of eating out. My favourite eat-out places are: China Plate, Spring Garden, Furusato and Onami.