Gloria Kamotho: From campus hustles to building a career in marketing

Gloria Kamotho: From campus hustles to building a career in marketing

Gloria Kamotho is a creative at heart whose curiosity has shaped her journey from campus hustles and pageantry to a career in marketing and communications.

A Communication and Multimedia Journalism graduate of Riara University, where she earned First Class Honours, Gloria is now a marketing generalist at Unifi.

She is also the founder of Marketing Court, a platform bringing together marketers, founders, creatives and students to exchange ideas and explore the evolving marketing industry.

From selling cupcakes, heels and customised hoodies while on campus to winning Miss Riara University 2023, Gloria has embraced opportunities to explore her interests, build connections and discover her strengths.

She opens up about campus life, relationships, entrepreneurship, modelling and what it takes to thrive in Kenya's marketing industry.

How would you describe yourself?

I’m Gloria Kamotho, a creative at heart, an avid learner and a curious soul with a zest for life. I enjoy exploring new ideas, trying new things and following my curiosity wherever it leads. I find joy in creating, discovering and bringing ideas to life.

As a marketing and communications professional, I work at the intersection of creativity, storytelling and strategy. Marketing Court offers another avenue to explore and contribute to an industry I find endlessly fascinating. I’m always evolving, learning and discovering new possibilities.

Where and what did you study in university?

I studied Communication and Multimedia Journalism at Riara University, graduating with First Class Honours.

The course grounded me in storytelling, media production and communication, skills that have naturally transitioned into marketing. Although I trained as a journalist, I discovered an equal interest in how people receive messages, what shapes their decisions and how brands connect with their audiences.

What was your favourite and least favourite unit on campus?

I was drawn to anything that took me beyond the lecture notes. I enjoyed research, exploring media and market trends, and learning about the industry beyond the classroom.

I loved asking questions, digging deeper and connecting theory to real-world experiences. I’ve always enjoyed opportunities to investigate and satisfy my curiosity.

The most challenging units were the practical projects, particularly photography and videography.

Who was your best and least favourite lecturer?

Honestly, I was a bit of a nerd at school and genuinely enjoyed learning, and I still do! So, picking a favourite or least favourite lecturer is difficult.

Each of our lecturers had something that made them stand out, bringing a different energy to the classroom and making the learning experience worthwhile.

How was campus life generally?

Campus life was a season of exploration. I wanted to make the most of Riara beyond earning a degree, unlike my book-filled high school years.

From modelling and trying different hustles to dancing, leadership, building friendships and joining marketing activations, I embraced new experiences.

How did you make money while on campus?

Girl, I sold things! I started with cupcakes, moved on to heels and even tried my hand at selling hoodies that I customised with cute designs.

I also did event gigs before eventually getting into social media management. Looking back, it’s interesting how those little hustles connected to what I do today.

I was experimenting with selling products, understanding what people wanted and helping businesses communicate online before I fully understood how those experiences would shape my career.

How was dating on campus?

Honestly, my campus dating life was really cute! I dated someone who was amazing and I genuinely had a good experience. I can’t complain.

What’s particularly interesting is how the experience continues to shape the way I look at relationships, even beyond campus. It gave me a glimpse of the kind of love I value: sincere, gentle, supportive, playful and full of the little things that make being with someone feel special.

What do you think of campus relationships?

Campus relationships can be a beautiful part of university life and shouldn’t be dismissed as too young to matter.

You’re both growing and figuring out life, but that doesn’t make the feelings any less genuine. There’s something special about growing alongside someone, sharing little moments and enjoying human connection.

What did you do with your free time?

Dancing! I got really into social dancing, particularly salsa, bachata and kompa.

What started as learning the steps grew into attending social dances and becoming part of those communities.

Which classmates will you never forget?

From Judd to Ajega, Caleb and many others, friendships have grown into professional connections, with former classmates now collaborating, sharing ideas and shaping the Marketing Court experience together.

You describe yourself as a Gen Z marketer. What does that mean, and what do you do?

Being a Gen Z marketer means understanding how consumer behaviour, culture and brand relationships evolve.

I’m interested in human behaviour, creativity and business, particularly what influences consumer decisions and how brands build meaningful relationships.

I’m currently a Marketing Generalist at Unifi, working across brand communication, campaigns, content and marketing effectiveness.

I also founded Marketing Court, a platform where marketers, founders, creatives and students share ideas and explore different perspectives on marketing.

You were also into modelling. Tell us about that journey.

My modelling and pageantry journey was about proving something to myself. I saw a crown and sash, liked them and decided to go for them.

I didn’t win the first time, but tried again and became Miss Riara University 2023. I believe in pursuing what I want and giving myself a chance to succeed.

Winning also taught me about the visibility, influence and responsibility that come with the crown. While I may not return to pageantry, high fashion still has my heart, and I’d love to explore runway modelling.

Paint us a picture of the Kenyan marketing space. What should change or improve?

The space is exciting because consumers are digitally connected and quick to respond to relevant content.

However, marketing must look beyond likes and views to measure business impact. Brands should invest in consumer research and align creativity with business growth.

What advice would you give young people interested in pursuing a career in marketing?

Start exploring early. Help a small business, volunteer for campaigns or experiment with content.

Marketing extends beyond social media into brand strategy, research, public relations and customer experience.

What is one thing you would tell your campus self?

I’d tell her to lighten up, loosen up and breathe. Stop overthinking and trying to figure everything out.

Be present, enjoy the people, experiences and opportunities around you and trust that things will work out better than you imagine.