What does your company do, and what kind of service do you offer?

I run two businesses. The first one focuses on making padded seatbelt covers for cars. These covers enhance comfort while driving by preventing the seatbelt from locking or feeling restrictive around the neck. They're especially helpful for kids, as many children dislike wearing seatbelts because they feel too tight or uncomfortable. I use soft, padded fabrics tailored to different heights and preferences, ensuring comfort for everyone. My second business specializes in outdoor design. I work on enhancing exterior spaces such as porches, balconies, verandas, and other outdoor areas. This includes upgrading them with furniture, lighting, flowers, gates, and privacy screens to create a visually appealing and functional outdoor environment.

Do you handle everything on your own, or do you have a team or outsource?

For the seatbelt covers, it's a collaboration. I personally handle the measurements, select and source the fabrics, and purchase materials like zippers. Once that’s done, I work with a tailor who finalizes the production. For the outdoor design business, I also manage the measurements and designs, but I collaborate with professionals like landscapers, carpenters, and furniture makers to bring my ideas to life. I’m heavily involved in the operational side for both businesses, but I rely on partners to execute the final product.

What inspired you to start your business?

For the seatbelt covers, the idea wasn’t entirely my own. It started when I sat in a long car ride from Tanzania that had seatbelt covers. Although they weren’t padded, they offered some comfort during the journey. This inspired me to tweak the idea, adjust the height, and make the covers more comfortable and functional. As for the outdoor design business, it stems from my passion for exteriors. While I also appreciate interior design, my real love has always been creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces. 

What have you learned from your Mentors Hans and Maaike from BBrood?

Hans and Maaike have been an incredible help to me. They are very realistic people, and they’ve continuously taught me the practical aspects of running a business such as how to cut costs, where to spend, how to market effectively, and how to price my products correctly.
They’ve also helped me understand the responsibilities of being a business owner and inspired me to believe in my products as much as they believe in theirs. They’ve guided me through the entire production chain, from the initial concept to getting my products to market.
Additionally, they encouraged me to explore open markets and connect with potential customers, which has been invaluable. The best part of their mentorship is how they helped me see my business through their experiences and successes. I truly wouldn’t have achieved this much without their guidance.

What were the challenges you faced during the setting up process of your business and how did you manage them and were your mentors of any help?

The biggest challenge for me was confidence. At first, I was hesitant to share what I was doing with others because my business ideas were not very common. I was afraid of how people would perceive them and whether they would see value in my products. Hans and Maaike helped me overcome this fear. They reassured me that there’s always a market for good products and that the right people will appreciate my work. They helped me build the confidence to present my products and even accept critiques, which was a huge step forward.
For example, during the mentorship program, I brought my seatbelt covers to others for feedback, including Hans and Maaike. Their encouragement made me more resilient and determined to succeed. They also guided me in identifying and targeting the right market, which has led to me securing high-end clients by implementing some of their ideas.

In what ways is your company making an impact locally?

 My businesses are making a local impact by creating small employment opportunities. For the seatbelt covers, I work closely with seamstresses, and for the outdoor design business, I collaborate with carpenters, landscapers, and even roofing specialists.
Beyond just hiring people, I’ve built strong personal relationships with them, inspired by the positive relationships I saw between Hans & Maaike and their employees. I also help these individuals build their skills and grow their brands by giving them unique projects to work on.
For example, in my outdoor design business, I’ve diversified from just furniture and flowers to working with professionals in other areas like roofing and lighting. This not only helps me but also allows others to develop their craft and grow professionally.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs considering starting a business in Kenya?

First and foremost, having a mentor can make a big difference. Mentors help you see your business from new perspectives and guide your personal growth as well. My mentors helped me refine my business approach, build confidence, and stay realistic.
Second, patience is key. Entrepreneurship is a journey that takes time, and you won’t build a successful business overnight. It’s important to stay focused on your goals, do your research, and be persistent.
Finally, stay realistic. Understand that building a business takes effort and perseverance, but as long as you stay dedicated and keep improving, things will eventually fall into place.

Could you reflect on the mentorship program, how was your experience?

The program was amazing. For anyone who really took in everything it had to offer, I can confidently say they came out as a better entrepreneur than they went in. It was so well-curated and packed with a lot of activities. We learned a lot about various topics, and one of the biggest surprises for me as an entrepreneur was realizing how much personal growth matters. Your personality plays such a big role in entrepreneurship, and the program captured that perfectly.
For example, we took the MBTI personality test it was so insightful. It made me reflect on areas I needed to improve and really got me thinking about myself in ways I hadn’t before. That alone was a great experience
The mentors were also amazing. What I loved most was that we weren’t stuck with just one mentor. The program was designed so we had to interact with other mentors too, which was great because we got to learn from everyone, not just our assigned mentor. It really gave us a broad perspective and so much more to take away from the program.
Since joining, my business has grown. I’ve made more sales, and even right before this interview, I was talking to a client who just approved my proposal. It’s been a blessing not just for me but for all the entrepreneurs in the program I think.