Terry Mungai: My family, my pillar

From a successful banker to a cosmetologist, Terry Mungai, the director of Ashleys Hair and Beauty Academy who also holds the license for the Miss World Franchise-Kenya says it has not been a smooth ride juggling between professional life and family. She spoke to HAROLD AYODO

have never let my professional life trespass into the family values that have made me succeed in business.

Terry Mungai attending to a client at the salon. Photo: Boniface Okendo/Standard

My strong belief in God is what makes me go to church on Saturdays (SDA) and with the family on Sunday at the Nairobi Chapel.

Other women can also balance between family and their professional life but with care and caution. If your dream is to become a businesswoman, let your husband know early in marriage.

My spouse knew about my business endeavours early. I also brought the children on board by occasionally going with them to my premises to see what I do.

This helped them understand why I would get home late at times. For instance, President Kibaki was my client as the official leader of the opposition and currently Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

I am attached to Ashleys not only as my brainchild that opened in 1994, but because I named it after a daughter I desired to have.

Interestingly, I miraculously gave birth to my last-born – a daughter – 13 years ago and named her Ashley. She is the only baby in the house that makes me wake up early to ensure she has taken breakfast and see her off to school.

I make sure I spend time with her after school – between 6.30pm and 9.30pm when she retires to bed.

I also have to keep up with topical issues and therefore watch news and read a lot before retiring to bed by 11pm on weekdays.

However, life is not a bed of roses – I face challenges just like any other women who juggle between family and work.