MAUREEN OTIENO, 26, has been through the murky terrain of business but is not just about to give up. She spoke to SHIRLEY GENGA

What do you for a living?

I inspire people to achieve their dreams. I run Laurel International, a financial and business consultancy, and wealth creation trainers. Our vision is to be the leading wholesome wealth and business solutions provider globally. It consists: Laurel business, Laurel Wealth, Laurel Finance and the Young Inve$tar Programme.

Explain the four segments of your business?

In Laurel Wealth trainings, we demystify why some people are destined to be rich and others a life of struggle. Laurel Finance deals in finding viability of projects/products companies want to venture into. Laurel Business assists those with business ideas but do not know how to turn them into viable ventures. Young Inve$tar programme challenges why Africans can’t become millionaires while still in their teens. We have created an investment programme unique to the youth. We have teens earning up to Sh600,000 profit per weekend in their business ventures here in Kenya.

When did you get into business?

I first got into business at age 16. I realised that youth could not get affordable suits for interviews, so I started selling second hand designer suits. I shared with my dad that I had discovered a means to riches! I asked for Sh40,000. He gave me Sh10,000 and said he would give me the rest if I doubled this. I did and he gave me an additional Sh15,000. Unfortunately, I made some wrong choices and eventually shut down.

Did you start another business?

Not immediately. I went to study Actuarial Science, which taught me risk analysis, future outcome predictions and projections. I started trading in stocks at age of 19. I used my pocket money. At 21, I started to work for a real estate company while still in school and the boss really helped me grow.

What happened next?

At 23, I met a group of friends and we decided to leave our individual business ventures and form one company. We were a powerhouse. We made our first multi-million shilling deal within three months of operation. We expanded to Gabon and Rwanda. Unfortunately, because of challenges that come with partnerships, I got nothing from this business, besides lessons I lost it all and decided to start over.

Was it hard to start all over again?

It was the hardest thing I have ever had to go through. I lost everything and for the next one and a half years, I had no income. I sold my investments over time to be liquid. My mum was always there for me. Once I was walking outside Hilton Hotel where I used to park my car. This time, however, I was standing outside. I had only Sh30 in my pocket. I was thirsty and had to decide whether to buy a drink or pay for my fare home. It was the lowest point in my life. I saw people walking to work. They looked miserable. They were doing what they had to do, not what they wanted to do. This is when I connected with my life’s mission. I dedicated myself to teaching people about wealth. Empowering them to know they have a choice and power over their future. In my head, I was still building my multi-million shilling company. People do not realise that wealth is not about how much money you have, but what you have in your mind and heart. That is when Laurel International was born.

When did you get back on your feet?

It did not happen immediately. I had to build Laurel from scratch. So the challenges continued. I recovered slowly and I still am. My company is growing and different people have offered to invest in Laurel but not now. We are currently present in Botswana. I am focusing on Young Inve$tar. I believe integrity and wealth can be birthed in a generation if you challenge them to think differently, uphold different rules and stand for something. We help them have purpose, passion and vision.

Tell us about the programme?

It is a five-course business and investment training. Each course costs Sh5,000 per month. They have practical projects, camps, investment, and international trips. They get a chance to earn income to pay for the course. Youth have a mind for business and investment. I’m looking forward to the next Mark Zuckerberg coming from right here in Africa.

What do you love about your job?

The change and impact I see in people’s lives is amazing. I love what I do and I thank God for all.

What do you do for fun?

Salsa.