Ann Wangui: Honesty is the currency of my import trade

In the heart of Nairobi, Ann Wangui is building a global supply network, one shipment at a time. As founder of Reign Imports, her drop-shipping business links Kenyan consumers to goods from Turkey, China and Tanzania. She shares the inspiration behind her growing empire, the hurdles she’s overcome and the lessons along the way.

Let’s start with the basics. What exactly does your drop-shipping business entail?

Drop-shipping involves sourcing goods either locally or internationally and delivering them directly to consumers. I mainly work with suppliers in China, Turkey, and Tanzania. What I do is bring interested buyers together to pool resources and meet the minimum order quantities required by wholesalers. Once the goods arrive in Kenya, we split shipping costs, and customers collect their items from designated outlets.

How did you get started? What sparked the idea?

Honestly? I was simply passionate about being able to afford my own food (laughs). I also had a burning desire to be financially stable and, perhaps, a rich wife! More seriously, I wanted to build something of my own, something that allowed me freedom and control. I realised that if I could get items directly from the source and offer them at better prices, I’d attract a loyal market. The idea took shape in 2020, though back then, drop-shipping was still unfamiliar to many Kenyans. Convincing people to pay for goods they hadn’t seen and then wait several weeks was no easy feat.

How did you build trust with Kenyan buyers?

I began small, just Facebook friends and acquaintances. My first shipping run was around Christmas, so the timing was great. I did a lot of explaining, hand-holding, and offering reassurances. I had a core team of about four supportive friends who helped push the idea, encourage buyers, and back me up. Honesty was key. Once the first batch arrived successfully, things started flowing more smoothly. Trust was earned, not demanded.

How would you describe the journey so far?

It’s been a learning curve, filled with both wins and setbacks, but overall, I’m grateful. Every challenge has taught me something new, and we keep moving forward regardless.

How has the business benefited you personally? And financially?

It’s given me financial independence and personal growth. As a woman, I think it’s important to have something of your own. I earn through commissions from sellers and also get service fees from buyers who hire me to run errands on their behalf.

What kind of goods do you specialise in, and how do you attract clients?

I focus mainly on fashion items and household goods. I love seeing people look good and feel good. I use influencer marketing to reach new audiences they promote my products to their followers. I also market on my social platforms and run active WhatsApp groups for orders and updates.

Where can people find you online?

On Facebook, I’m at Reign Collections Imports. On TikTok, it’s Reign Imports. And as I mentioned, I also run WhatsApp groups for those placing or tracking orders.

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What’s your vision for the future of Reign Imports?

Growth. I’d love to scale the business to create employment opportunities and provide more stable incomes. I think that’s the goal for any serious entrepreneur to build something bigger than themselves.

Any parting advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Money is everywhere; you just have to look in the right places. Be passionate, stay consistent, and trust the process. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s always worth it.