Beauty consultant finds ready market for imported clothes

By Lillian Kiarie

Nairobi, Kenya: Georginah Muthondu, who is a trained air hostess, juggles working as a beauty consultant for Oriflame with selling imported shoes and clothes from Nairobi’s Donholm estate.

Who is Georginah Muthondu?

I am a lady in my early 20s who is passionate about bettering my life and finding my purpose.

How do you start your day?

I get up at 6.30am, take a shower and have breakfast before leaving for work at 8am. My first meeting is usually at 9am in town.

What is your work schedule like?

I work at Oriflame, and since our offices are based in the city centre, it is easier for my clients to reach me for consultation on what beauty products will work for them. I also make deliveries to their homes. 

When do you focus on your side business?

I leave work at 4.30pm and head to my shop in Donholm, which is also where I live. I have employed one lady to oversee my business while I am at work.

Where do you get items for your store from?

I travel to Nigeria to purchase clothes, handbags and shoes.

How did you get started?

After I completed my studies, I started looking for a job, but did not get anything in air hostessing, which is what I had studied. After some time, a very good friend, who then held a top position in Oriflame, told me about the consultancy business as he believed that I was a sociable person with an understanding of public relations. I started by purchasing the products for my use and after seeing they were effective, I began advocating them for other individuals.

As for my side business, I started it after my friends asked me for some clothes, shoes and handbags I had bought while on a trip to Nigeria. I saw a business opportunity there and started importing these items.

How are you able to juggle your responsibilities? I plan my day. After work, I make phone calls to various clients to inform them about new stock from Oriflame or my shop. As I take them beauty products, I also take them the items I sell, and vice versa.

What is your biggest challenge?

In both jobs, I have to work very hard to convince a client to make a purchase.

What is your biggest dream?

To become a successful business woman and an example to the youth.

Who inspires you most?

God and my mum. I was raised by a single mother and she pushes me to excel in business.

Parting shot? The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.

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