When PETER MUTUA started making paints in 2019, he was reluctant. But positive feedback from his customers encouraged him, as narrated to SILAS NYAMWEYA
Briefly introduce yourself and your business.
My name is Peter Mutua aka Piero Le Rock. I am a technician in the production and tinting of paints. I also do small-scale production of household soaps. My business is dubbed Reqon Paints and Soaps.
When did you start your business and what was the motivation?
I started in 2019. At first, I was just mixing chemicals, but when I saw the end result, the idea to make a production line crossed my mind.
What type and variety of paints do you produce and where do you sell them?
I produce various different products after getting specific orders. The products include paints, emulsions, enamel, nitrocellulose series, wood varnishes, thinners, and wood glues. The range of soaps I manufacture includes toilet cleaners, sanitizers, shampoos, hand wash, detergents, and conditioners.
How is the market response so far?
I am glad for the positive feedback I have received from my customers. If it were not for inadequate capital, I am sure I would get more customers. I do my sales and marketing online as well as physical meetings.
What is your greatest challenge so far?
I am thankful for the orders I receive; however I encounter several challenges like a shortage of money when it comes to buying chemicals. My workshop is also not very spacious, and I don't have proper production and tinting machines yet.
Where did you gain the skills for making paints?
I gained my skills from different light companies where I used to work before. I added my own research and am still learning.
What equipment do you use and where do you source them from?
Paint and soap-making equipment can be sourced from abroad, but many light industries use local ones hence they are cheaper. I normally lease from these industries during my production process.
What is your business parting shot?
Success is not final and failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts, so let us all remember the quote that says: "You don't build a business, you build people, then people build the business."
