Don’t sit back and wait...do something!

‘There are no jobs’ is a common phrase, especially among today’s youth. But not for Tabitha Wairimu, 24, who is creating opportunities herself. Shirley Genga caught up with this young entrepreneur and found out what makes her tick

What do you do for a living?

I am an IT officer at the University of Nairobi. I also run my own business that sells women’s attire and accessories on the side.

When did you start your business?

I started my business last year. I have always enjoyed everything ‘fashion’ but it was not until I did a post-graduate diploma in Human Resource Management last year that I decided to put a business plan together and to turn my passion into a business. We were asked to prepare a business plan and in the process everything just fell into place. That’s how my business ‘UK Kiosk’ was born — all from the comfort of my bedroom!

What was it like starting a new business and plunging into new territory?

Challenging. To begin with, I did not have finances to start up my business so I borrowed Sh160,000 from my Sacco.

My next goal was to ensure that the products I got were unique. I did not want clothes from China and Turkey because you can find those literally everywhere. So I talked to a friend who was in United Kingdom and he agreed to send me women’s clothes and accessories. With this link set-up, I then aggressively made use of social media, especially Facebook, to market my products, with splendid results.

How is the business doing now?

We are doing well. There is a good flow of fans on our social media outlets, not forgetting customers that have ensured I move shop from my bedroom to a stall at Market Stall Centre in town.

What are some of the challenges you have faced?

Capital was a major hurdle because as expected, starting a business with little capital can be a challenge. Shipping delays is another major hiccup that you cannot control. Operating from home was also a challenge and having a day job did not help matters.  My mum and sister would help me make deliveries and other day-to-day activities of running a home business. But I still had to carry things around and it was very limiting so in January, we opened up a shop at Market Stall Centre in town.

How do you balance being employed and running a business at the same time?

My business is now a family business. My mum and sister run the shop for me while I am at work. I usually visit the shop in the evenings and during weekends depending on my work schedule and customer needs.

What do you love about running your own business?

I love the independence it gives me and the extra income it provides is also a huge plus.  Further running one’s own business is very different; it breaks the monotony of my routine job.

What did you study in campus?

I did a degree in Communication and Sociology, graduating in 2010.

What are your future plans?

I hope to have a bigger store that provides unique and fashionable clothes and cater for clients who are often forgotten — the curvy girls and girls who have big feet.

Is this it or do you want to branch into other forms of businesses?

No. I do not want to limit myself to women’s clothes and accessories. I want to expand my horizons and to branch into different areas of business. I hope to go back to school and do a Masters in Entrepreneurship so I can have the tools that I need to expand and grow as a businesswoman.

What do you do for fun?

I am an introvert and so I enjoy hanging out at home. I am a movie junkie. I also love reading and cooking, especially trying out new recipes.