1
CONTENTS SMALL BUSINESS Page 7: Small Business : Registration
WORTHY CAUSE: Page 25 Dr. Liz Wala
Page 9:
Founder of Multiples to Multiples Society
Small Business: Marketing
EASTER RECIPE
Page 41: Small Business: Basic Ed
Page 43 Easter fish treat
FEATURES BOOKS: RECOMMENDATIONS Page 15
Page 48
Cover Feature
4 Books for the Entrepreneur’s heart & mind
Jane Wanjiku Mbogo CEO of Premier Day Spa & Boutique. Page 32
15
Nelly Tuikong - Park CEO, Pauline Cosmetics Page 42 Wamaitha Mwangi Founder, Angel Center Of Abandon Children
7
We welcome writers in the diverse field of Business. Share your wealth of knowledge with our 1,500 + readers, write to the editor nish@entrepreneuher.co.ke
2
3
LETTERS
Contributors Dr. Liz Wala, Kawira Mirero, Vandana Dhawan, Susan Kimanzi
“..as the readers increase, am certain there will be younger people who might be interested in where to start, people sharing on the small stuff they did before they embarked on their businesses, more on the line of a side hustle. So that for that younger reader while reading about the women they admire and aspire to be, can easily see what they can start doing. Gladys Yegon, via email
Photography Versatile Photographers, Hazina Towers, 9th Floor
I like what you have done with the magazine Nzau Muinde, Via Facebook
Graphics (Cover) Redbrick Consulting Marketing Services Cover Model Jane Mbogo, MD, Premier Day Spa & Boutique Make up
Thank you for accepting my invitation to connect. Congratulations on EntrepreneuHER Magazine! I think it's a concept that is long overdue. Zenab Bagha, Via Linkedin
Great job with the magazine. Watching the space closely! Tesha Mongi, Via Facebook
Nelly Tuikong, MD Pauline Cosmetics
I like the Bold spirit Keep up. Winston Eboy, Via Linkedin
The EntrepreneuHER Magazine assumes all articles published herein are original and are the property of the submitting persons. Opinions expressed in the articles of
Always lovely to read the inspiring lovely business stories, learning new ideas and way women move up from younger age to business tycoons. Lilian Itenya, Via entrepreneuher.co.ke
EntrepreneuHER are those of the author (s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the EntrepreneuHER Magazine
Share your thoughts & suggestions with us. Any complaints? Write to
Fraternity
info@entrepreneuher.co.ke
4
April
marks the beginning of the second
quarter of the year. The year is officially old; before we know it, we’ll be singing carols & wrapping presents... anticipating a new year. Before we get too carried away burying the year, it is still young enough to dust up your resolutions if you have since dumped them or to tighten your resolve if you have slackened. The year is still young enough to make altogether new changes. Go on Sieze the day!! On the cover this April we have the Guru of Youth, Jane Mbogo , the head honcho at Premier Spa & Boutique. Jane sells youth in a pack; see page 15. Nelly Tuikong, on page 32, day dreamt in class about one day owning a cosmetics line. With less than Ksh. 20,000 Pauline Cosmetics became a reality. On Page 42, Wamaitha Mwangi had a longing….back from Australia where she had been for x years, she fulfilled her heart’s desire and started Angel home for abandoned children. Read about Multiples2Multiples Society founded by Dr. Liz Wala. Herself a mother of triplets, she will tell us a thing or two of having one’s hands full...literally. Read about the Society on page 25. Welcome to our Fourth issue….
Nish
5
We must have courage to bet on our ideas, to take the calculated risk, and to act. Everyday living requires courage if life is to be effective & bring happiness. *Maxwell Maltz 6
SMALL BUSINESS: REGISTRATION
REGISTER YOUR SOLE
PROPRIETORSHIP
T
he Law requires that every business be registered. Sole proprietorship is the easiest and pocket friendly type of company to register.
Company Registration in Kenya is done at the Registrar of Companies (Harambee Avenue) and now at any of the HUDUMA Centers recently set up by the new government. As stated earlier, registering a sole proprietorship should not cost an entrepreneur more that 1,500 shillings. Let’s look at the registration process:Business Name: The entrepreneur is required to submit at least THREE names for a process known as “Name Search”. This ascertains that no other existing business goes by the name the entrepreneur desires to name their business. This will usually cost a HUNDRED SHILLINGS per name. This name search process takes a period of THREE working days after which the entrepreneur is expected to proceed with the process.
7
NOTE: Name searches are only valid for 30 days i.e. the names searched are reserved for a month. If one does not continue the process within 30 days, they must re-submit the names (or others) afresh. The assumption is that after the 30 day lapse, any other person may have submitted similar or the very same names for search. Assuming the names are cleared (that is no other business exists by the submitted names), the entrepreneur chooses one name to go by and proceeds to fill Business Registration Form BN/2. To successfully fill this form, the entrepreneur must have the following details available: •
Business Name: Choose one of the freshly searched names.
•
Nature of business one is required to clearly state the kind of business one is intending to engage in. The description must be clear. Phrases like “trading in general goods” is not allowed and application will be rejected. Specific descriptions such as “Mobile Phone & Accessories Shop, “ Bar & Restaurant” etc. suffice.
•
Biodata: Names (official names according to National Identification Documents), Age, Gender, Country of Origin
•
Address of the main place of business : One is required to know the Plot No., Section and Name of Street or Road & Name of Building . It would be useful to keep an electricity bills handy as it contains details of the Plot Number. One may also make reference to their home residential plot number if one does not operate from a business premises. One will also be required to provide a P.O BOX number.
•
Place of residence : This makes reference to where one currently resides
•
Business Occupation – Your occupation is required. If unemployed, the words “businesswoman” or “businessman” should suffice.
If & when the form is duly filled and signed, it is submitted to the registrar of companies for processing. If there are no issues arising, a certificate of registration is issued within 4 weeks. The cost for this process is Ksh. 1,000 or less.
NEW DEVELOPMENT Inc.co.ke is an online portal that makes company registration easy and hassle free. You can now log on to their website and complete this process easily and quickly from the comfort of your home/office.
8
SMALL BUSINESS: MARKETING
By Vandana Dhawan
HOW TO HELP YOUR BRAND GROW
T
he success of a business is greatly affected by the degree of brand recognition. When people recognize your business brand, you have a good chance to make sales. Therefore, brand promotion is one of the major tasks that need to be done in every business. Brand promotions can be done in two ways. One is offline brand promotion, and the other one is online brand promotion. It is necessary to put a huge effort and need to spend more money for offline brand promotions. It is a difficult task especially for medium and small scale businesses. However, online brand promotions can be done easily without spending lots of money. Therefore, online brand promotion is getting more popular not only among small scale businesses, but also among large firms. You could even look at a small advertising agency for your needs. There are various methods to promote a brand online. Here are some few ways to do it. >>>
9
1. Keep a corporate website to market your business and popularize your business brand. Develop the website in a creative way. Use a suitable but simple domain name that represents your business name or your main keyword. Promote your website by using it on advertisements, letterheads, email signatures and with all marketing materials.
2. You can also promote your brand through email signatures. Make sure to include your company logo, web address, contact information and tagline in your email signature. Use your email signature to every email you send. It is good if you can have few different email signatures for different business purposes.
3. Article marketing is another great way to promote the brand. You can show your experience and the knowledge in the field by publishing articles. People will recognize your brand through your articles. You can use several free article directories to publish your articles and promote your brand.
4. You can also use email marketing to promote your brand. Email newsletters can be sent to existing and potential customers. When they receive your email frequently, the brand recognition will be increased. Maintain same colors and themes when preparing email newsletters to make them familiar to people.
5. Participation in online forums will help you to promote your brand. You can do forum posting related to your business, hobbies or any other interests. When people read your posts, you can place your website, business name or any other business link with your posts. People will definitely follow those links and identify your brand.
6. Online directories like Google and Yahoo can be used to brand your business. Because many people search business details on these directories. However, submit your details only to reputed directories to maintain the reputation.
7. Social media marketing is another good way to market your business. They can be used to bring your business towards the people in a personal way. These social networks provide various facilitate to develop your brand and popularize it among people.
10
SMALL BUSINESS: MARKETING
BY: KAWIRA MIRERO
5
steps to a
90
Day Marketing Plan
Y
our marketing plan will be a few pages long. Jot down notes as you read this article and voila! You have a 90-Day Marketing Plan! That said, marketing plan that does not flow from a broader strategy will fail. Before you start working on your 90-day plan, ensure you have; *Identified your goals *All your key messaging (what is your business about) written down *Identified your target market. Keep it simple and don’t be afraid to tweak it as you go. Now, get a blank piece of paper and let’s get started.
Identify your monthly goals. It could be to launch a new product line, to grow sales by 100%, or increase your social media presence by 50%. Write it down and ensure it is a SpecificMeasureable-Attainable-Realistic and-Timely goal.
1
2
If you do not already have a website, please put in place a website. It does not matter what business you are in, you need a website.
11
Keep it nice and simple, remember you have 3 to 10 seconds to convince your web visitor to dig deeper into your website, and as Einstein put it, if you cannot explain it to a six year old, then you do not understand it yourself. Skip the big words; tell your customer what is in it for them. It is not about you and your company; it is about them and the fantastic value you have to offer them.
Think about how you are going to make your first customers evangelists while making a profit! Of course if you give out free services/products they will keep coming and you will soon close shop. Make your first customers evangelists and you are well on your way to building a sustainable business. Jot down all the ways you are going to make your customers very happy.
3
4 If you are already in business, what marketing tactics have worked well before? Then you need to keep using them.
What has not worked well, drop it. What else do you think will work well? Add it to your list. What are your competitors doing that you would like to do and do better? Add that to your list too. If you are new in business and you have done step 1 to 3, then ask yourself, how do I reach my customers? Where would I typically find them? How much time do they have to listen to me? What would they consider to be of value to them? What is the gap in the market and is my product addressing this gap? Your answers will give you the direction you should take. Ensure that you answers tie in with your overall goals, target market segment and key messaging. For example, if you are a luxury brand, your key messages must complement you efforts to build your luxury brand and so should your marketing tactics! Google, check out your competition, get creative, there are tens of ways to market your business that do not cost an arm and a leg. Leave the newspaper adverts to the telcos.
“Jot down all the ways you are going to make your customers very happy.� 12
Now you know what you want to do, how much will it cost? Note down every single item. If it is a website, will you use stock photography or you will commission a shoot? How much will this cost? If it were time on Social Media, how much would you pay someone to do it for you? How much does Internet bandwidth cost? If you want to create evangelists from your current customers, how do you intend to accomplish this? Rebates? Discounts? Freebies? Building better products? All these cost money! Add them to your budget. Review your budget to establish whether there are more cost effective ways to accomplish some of the tactics you have listed. Identify ways to maximize on returns, for example multiple uses of the photographs you intend to buy.
5
Now you have a 90-day Marketing Plan, at the end of the month remember to review your goals and accomplishments; and if necessary, tweak your marketing plan!
Next Month: 10 Free Ways to Market Your Business Email your Questions: kawira@redbrickconsulting.co.ke
13
14
Jane Mbogo
15
ost people know me as Kenya’s anti-aging guru or the lady to go to for any skin related issues. I’m not really sure how I got here especially because during my college days, one of my lecturers would drone on about how the potential she saw in me should not be distracted by my concern for outward appearance. Even back then I can still remember thinking, “Why can’t I have both?” What was so wrong with a woman being beautiful, successful and intelligent? Why were we to be limited to only one of the three? This, I guess, is how I formed my belief that appearance is a valid an aspect of an individual, as any other aspect. It is ironic how years after I’d finished college, I would end up concentrating on the very thing that my lecturer repeatedly insisted I should disregard. Many of us wish we could have a clear map that charts our lives, but where’s the fun in that? I started out as a “paper-pusher” at a government office, and then later went into Humanitarian world which I grew to love. What I I never thought was that I would be part of the beauty industry...but here I am now -CEO of Premier Day Spa and Boutique, I can’t see myself anywhere else. All this started when serendipity brought with it a little tub of Premier Dead Sea Salt Scrub out of nowhere and into my life. I was hooked to this natural product and had to find a way to get more this new product. It had been a long search full of trial and error before my journey ended when I started using Premier Dead Sea facial products. After hitting 35, I’d began having breakouts, uneven skin tone and losing elasticity in my face. I started testing out many different skin care products. At some point, I had a terrible experience with a product that claimed to be ‘all-natural’.
16
I innocently applied the said product one morning and as fate would have it, I had a presentation on the very day at the NGO where I worked at the time. All brimming with confidence, I started off normally but everything soured when my face started to itch horribly forcing me to end the presentation. I was mortified and henceforth became very weary of skin care products. However, I was very impressed with the Premier range for the fact that they were affordable and true to their mantra, were effective and natural. Seeing as that scrub was a godsend for me, I had to get the word out to other women. I approached the Premier Dead Sea laboratories in Israel and after some rigorous cosmetology training; I became their distributor in Kenya. Coco Chanel said that success is often achieved by those who don’t know that failure is inevitable. With nothing but passion for the product, I started out in a shared office with a desk and a shelf of products. Later, I refocused my vision. I wanted to come up with a unique concept that would provide women with a place, separate from the usual noisy salon environment, to get pampered and have privacy to discuss any concerns they had about their skin. I took a leap of faith, kept pushing and now I am blessed to have two outlets at The Mall Westlands and at Karen Crossroad. We supply our products to hotels like Jacaranda, Serena, Boma and to Salons like Butterfly Lounge, Leo Spa, Anubiz Lavington and Xtreme Salons in Karen etc‌ Premier is an exclusive product and does not rely on heavy advertising and mass distribution but rather on customer loyalty and repeat purchases so we have to choose our outlets carefully to avoid fake reproductions. It is not all rosy. There are moments when I feel extremely frustrated in my ventures. For example, when the search for committed staff feels like a long, tiresome trek. Business owners can relate to me when I say that it is extremely disheartening when you find out that an employee is not as enthusiastic as you are about making and keeping your business a success. 17
All you can do at this point is re-evaluate the situation and start afresh. Running two stores in the different location of Karen and Westlands has its own pressures but I’m not complaining. There’s also the occasional hurdle of convincing walk-in clients to try out a new treatment, say our non-invasive, non-surgical anti-ageing products. I understand that ageing is inevitable, but why not have a buffer to help us embrace our age without the fear of having the years lined into our faces? And even though it’s an everyday challenge when dealing with potential clients it’s a huge relief that the product doesn’t make it a hard sell because it’s a reputable, effective brand. There at times when people try to belittle what I do especially since anti-aging is still a very controversial topic, but that doesn’t bother me at all these days, I guess the fear of pleasing people disappears with the worries of youth.
18
19
Now when I enter a room I don’t worry whether people will like me, I worry whether I will like them. That inner peace only comes with Age. I am the first to admit and instill to my daughters that appearance is not everything, but I find that IT IS something. I once heard that it is considered inappropriate for a practicing doctor to have dreadlocks. It seems shallow because clearly their prowess in the medical field is not entangled in their hair. It just shows that whether we like to admit it or not, we judge and are judged by how we look. This brings me to how some people undervalue the level of job satisfaction I get because my business is part of the beauty industry. Society has set up their standards of what a woman should look like from a certain age; and if she is in a position of power she should look matronly so as to get respect. If a woman is too young looking, too beautiful, too smartly dressed, many believe you cannot command respect so women will start their descent into old age from as young as 41years and they will et the wrinkles and saggy skin take over.
20
Old age is a gift which must be embraced but looking old is something one have control over. Imagine a 30 year old face on a 50 year brain…you can conquer the world. A flawless, firm, healthy skin gives one confidence, and improves one’s self-esteem. When you look beautiful, you feel and act confident, so why not go that extra mile and remove those unsightly wrinkles? Let’s face it skin is the largest organ so preserving it is essential. To change how your body ages and how your mind ages, first you have to change what you currently believe to be true – that aging is playing the hand that you are dealt. Nothing could be further from the truth. Genetics only play about a 20% role in how we age. Nurture, not nature, is what matters. Lifestyle choices are 80% of the aging process and we can (to a large extent) control that. Understanding that, and knowing what you can do, will change what you believe, and in turn, change you from within. You must participate in how your body and mind ages. Doing so can give you a healthy, vibrant and much longer life than you ever imagined. The days of hitting middle age and nose-diving into old age are over. Really! We don’t have to age like our parents and grandparents. There is proof in the science of antiaging natural products that making a few smart changes now can make a real difference in the rest of your life. For me it’s always been about empowerment drawing from my years in the humanitarian field as a Peace Activist and Women Empowerment Trainer. Through my spas, I am involved in empowerment of a different sort. Premier Day Spa and Boutique although has found their niche in Anti-Aging offers all kinds of treatments: facials, massages, customized treatments and nail care. Since skin does not discriminate between gender and age, I get to interact with a diverse group of people from powerful women, men in high places as well as endearing teenagers. It is so rewarding to see an adolescent walk with their head held a little higher when they see that the treatments for acne prone skin are working.
21
They are at such a crucial age: morphing into the people they are going to be, while When I remember how I started from a single desk, and now Premier Day Spa and Boutique is six years strong, I am extremely thankful. For me, Premier Dead Sea products ARE the Next Generation of skin care. With God on my side, in the next 5 years Premier will become a household name and provide skin care solutions and help maintain that beauty contained in everyone. It’s been quite an experience thus far. It is easy to talk on and on about living a life without regrets. But that’s not how I see it. I have regrets, but those regrets walk together with my greatest accomplishments. I have a family of two beautiful grown up daughters, Wambui and Lisa and a grandson Liam and of course my loving partner Jan who stands by me through everything. It’s a beautiful life and our experiences make us who we are. I am thankful for what I’ve gone through in my life, as I now have reference points from which I draw strength. To all those who considering business opportunities, would like to tell them that opportunity comes from anywhere. Mine came as a scrub in a gift box. Be open and listen to your inner voice. Stay true to yourself and do what you feel most passionate about. Look at Coco Chanel. She was a phenomenal woman who cared little of what others thought of her, feared nothing and stood by who she was as a person. This was at a time when men dominated both the world and the fashion industry yet she stood her ground and built an empire. It’s no small feat that she was the only fashion designer to be included in the list of top 100 influential people of the 20th century. Estee Lauder comes in with her own similar story, hard work and determination. “Success follows Passion”, it’s a cliché but most of the time things become clichés because they hold some truth. Even if you don’t have that elusive eureka moment, take at least one step towards a goal you’ve set out. Then, work on having a clear, strong vision of where you want to take your business so you can achieve your full potential. And of course never, ever give up, like Edison with that light bulb .
22
Q
Q: What books have been instrumental to your growth and success up to this point in your life and career?
How to Win Friends & Influence people by: Dale Carnegie
&
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson Becoming a Better you by Joel Osteen
A
Q: What is the secret to your success?
I have learned the language of women, how to communicate with them and get their trust. I can connect easily with my customers and the unvarnished truth is that almost all the people you meet feel themselves superior to you in some way, and a sure way to their hearts is to let them realize in some subtle way that you recognize their importance, and recognize it sincerely. Q: What do you do to relax?
Spend time with my family and especially play with My Grandson Liam and am also a movie addict…Crime & Psychological thrillers are my favourite… Q: What’s your favorite food?
Anything with Pilipili. Love my Githeri mixed with Nyama and Potatoes and when I go out its mostly Chicken Tikka & Nan (served HOT) Q: If you were a police officer, who would be first on your arrest list and why?
Women who neglect themselves just because they couldn’t be bothered. Why? Because a Woman represents the Essence that is Beauty; A woman should always look beautiful, clean and fresh – she is a flower after all.
www.premier-deadsea.co.ke Cell: 0721 130138 FB: Premier Day Spa Kenya Location: Premier Spa & Boutique, The Mall 1st flr. Westlands & Karen Crossroads, 1st Flr. Karen
23
24
Children are a gift from God. Having multiples is an even bigger blessing. DR. LIZ WALA started a Facebook group for mothers with more than one child ( multiples)...READ ON.
L
iz, a mother of four and a medical doctor, gave birth to triplets three years ago. She received overwhelming support from family, friends, colleagues, and those who knew her.
“It got to a point when I sat down and thought deeply about that mother with multiples and of humble means, who receives no support and has to go through the parenting experience by herself,� Liz shares.
25
She didn’t stop there. “I asked myself, how could I give back to society? I teamed up with a friend who also has multiples and we founded the group through Facebook,” she says. Liz Wala-Ng’enoh, a mother to 4 (triplet daughters, Zahra, Zarina and Zuena are 4 years old, while her first-born son, Jabali, is 6) started the FB group, Multiple Blessings, in April 2012, as a way of offering support and a platform of sharing with other families who have or are expecting multiples. It has since grown to more than 250 members as of April 2014! As they discussed and shared along the way, they realized there was a high need for psychosocial and material support for families of multiples from both within and without. They have reached out individually and as a group. So far 2 families have been assisted. However, some of these needs have been very high requiring that they reach out to friends, family and institutions to help out.
This then necessitated the formation of a society, Multiples To Multiples (M2M), in June 2013. She explains that carrying a multiple pregnancy requires a lot of clinical and nutritional care, since it is a high-risk pregnancy. She advises mothers who are expecting twins or more to honor antenatal visits, as this helps to better the outcome. However, she emphasizes more on the care of the baby after the delivery. “It is not easy to care for multiple infants. It can be financially and emotionally straining; which can take a physical toll on a mother. A single helping hand is not enough. Mothers with multiples need a lot of support from close relatives, friends and wider society,” she explains. The M2M is in the process of reaching out to service providers, including insurance companies, diaper manufacturers, hospitals, human resource departments in organizations, and baby food makers, in order to articulate the needs of multiples and mothers with multiples.
26
“We want to negotiate with medical insurance companies so that they can cover multiple deliveries that in most cases occur pre-term by Caesarean section,” Liz explains. When it comes to education, most schools do not offer any discount for multiples. That is why we are calling for a lot of awareness because there are very many parents out there with multiples, but who sacrifice a lot to see them through school. We need schools to be sensitive to such parents. Parents of multiples also rarely go out with their children especially when they are young due to the logistics involved especially if one doesn’t have a personal car. Most opt to have them just play at home. Bringing up multiples requires a financial support — “a steady income” to take care of medical and other like food items. “This is especially true when the babies are still very young and one doesn’t have enough breast milk. Money is needed to buy formula milk which expensive. As a result, many mothers with multiples opt to wean their babies earlier than the clinically recommended six months. The group is trying to overcome this by giving initial assistance to mothers with multiples. “This includes donating formula milk supplies, clothes and baby food items,” Liz says. “We are also reaching out to the government (Beyond Zero Campaign by the First Lady) to see how they can be of assistance, especially after the mother with multiples leaves a maternity,” she adds. Liz says that it is after discharge from hospital that a mother faces the biggest hurdles. “They need that support in order to cope with having to take care of two or more infants,” she says. She calls on the society to give assistance. “If you are able to give a helping hand to a family that has multiples, you should,” she adds. One too needs to have patience with the babies’ developmental milestones as one might be faster than the other. But on another note, it is easy for multiples to acquire life skills as they can learn from the other. The group has so far been of assistance to needy families with multiples. However, two cases stand out as they have in the past been highlighted in the media.
Continued on page 29>>> 27
M2M Society’s Vision To be the leading non-profit provider of support, education and research on multiple births in Kenya and the region.
M2M Society’s Objectives
To provide a support system for expectant, new and experienced parents and legal guardians of twins, triplets, quadruplets and higher order multiples (hereinafter referred to as “multiples”) through resource, networking, education and fellowship;
•
M2M Society’s Mission To advocate for quality prenatal care, promote healthy deliveries, and supply information to all multiple birth families in order to support successful parenting through every phase of their children's development.
M2M Society’s Membership
Any person who is a parent or legal guardian of multiples and is over the age of eighteen years shall be eligible for membership of the Society and shall, subject to the approval of the committee, become a member upon payment relevant fees. The committee at its discretion and subject to the prior approval or subsequent ratification of the Annual General Meeting may co-opt any other member as it deems necessary. Associate membership is also allowed for those who are interested in one way or another to support the various objectives of the society. Associate members are not eligible to vote, neither can they hold elective posts.
To provide avenues for the exchange of valuable information between parents, professionals and other caregivers about the wide range of issues related to pregnancy, birth and the raising of multiples;
•
To provide support and outreach through monetary and/or in-kind donations to parents and legal guardians of multiples who are in need;
•
To discuss and co-operate with other societies, clubs, associations and organizations having similar objects for the better attainment of such objects.
•
•
To do all such things which are or are deemed to be incidental or conducive to the attainment of the objects of the Society
28
One of them is a family in Lang’ata and another in Murang’a. The Murang’a case is the recent one in which a mother died immediately after giving birth to triplets. She left behind five other children. We have been sending financial assistance to the husband,” Liz explains. The group has also visited the family in Murang’a to ascertain the children’s living conditions. They also took with them food and clothing. Plans are underway to build permanent housing for the family. “We are in the process of fund-raising. We are targeting over Sh900,000 and we hope to build for them a simple home.” Liz adds. The man and all his children are currently staying in their single roomed house, which Liz says functions also as kitchen, and is not well-ventilated. They are also reaching out to diaper and baby food companies to offer products at a subsidized cost to mothers who are registered with them. The group is also talking to human resource managers in both private and public sectors to offer flexible working schedules to mothers with multiples.
M2M Society’s contacts website www.Multiples2Multiples.org Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ Multiples2Multiples Email us at info@multiples2mutiples.org cc lizwala@yahoo.com Twitter @M2Multiples
29
Reasons to donate to M2M Society Information: Your donations allow M2M to continue providing highquality information to families of multiples like the M2M website, parenting resources, 101 FAQs on multiples & blogs. Networking: Your donations will ensure M2M can secure, moderate, and maintain the Family Support Forums and Resource Volunteer Database to provide much needed support to families facing unique challenges. Research: Your donations will support critical research projects and the compilation of statistics used by researchers and medical professionals to help families of multiples have healthy outcomes. Advocacy: Donations will fund M2M’s advocacy efforts and creation of policy statements that M2M will do on behalf of all multiples and their families. Outreach: Without the generous support of donors, outreach programs that help multiple birth families in need such as the annual M2M Adopt A Family and bereavement programs, would simply not be possible. Training: Donations will help fund programs that train volunteers and mentor local multiple support groups so families expecting and parenting multiples receive quality support at the local level as well.
30
31
32
& Nelly Tuikong-Park , Owner & CEO of Pauline Cosmetics; a local make-up line is a go-getter. She stops at nothing. Not even lack of in-depth knowledge of the cosmetics industry could dampen her desire to provide make-up solutions for the African Woman...READ how she turned $200 into a thriving business.
33
Q: Please tell us a little yourself
I am 29yrs old born, raised Nandi District; a middle child and only girl in a family of Growing up my mother was very tough on me and I hated it, I wanted to be treated like “the only girl” but she heard none of that. She was hard on me and at one point I used to tell my friends that she was my step mother, but looking back I now understand, and I really appreciated because she was preparing me for the real world. I am a day dreamer. One time in primary school I was playing around with the Atlas and I remember putting stars on the countries I wanted to visit one day. Q: Tell us about your business.
Pauline Cosmetics is a Kenyan owned Makeup company that started its full operations in mid 2013. Our overall goal is to be able to provide a very wide range of makeup products suitable for the Kenyan and African Market. We currently have four (4) makeup products namely; Eye Shadow, Mascara, Lipgloss and Lipstick. All our products are infused with Shea Butte and Vitamin A&E. Our lip products have received raving reviews from top makeup artists and fashion bloggers and are our most popular products. We currently distribute within various stores in CBD and are expanding into other areas like Hurlingham, Langata, Westlands and Thika Road Mall. We will also be expanding into the rest of the country within the next month. Our philosophy is, “think big and start small”, we are currently working on formulations for Foundations, eye-liners and so forth Q: What motivated you to start your business?
The idea for Pauline Cosmetics was born in early 2010. The motivation came from seeing a business opportunity and being part of those bridging the gap, so to speak, in the Makeup Industry. I analysed where the makeup industry in Kenya was at the time and compared it to the USA, and thought it would be impossible for Kenya not have a booming makeup industry. When I came to Kenya in mid 2010 to do a market analysis, I found that the Makeup Industry had actually grown quite a bit. While doing this research, I fell in love with Nairobi. It is literally the fashion hub of Kenya and women are willing to take risks and try new thing. I also really loved its energy. Even though there was makeup available in the market, I felt there was a need to provide more information and resources to get women to understand makeup and know what to do with it, because it can be quite confusing especially with so many options available. Despite the fact that there were makeup brands in there market I still believed that there was a gap that needed to be filled and having a my own makeup line versus being a distributor for an international brand would give me leverage to work with a business model that would address the need of the Kenyan market. 34
Q: What keeps you motivated?
The dream keeps me motivated. There are a few times when I have felt that its so difficult to break into the market especially now that the international market has seen great opportunity in Kenya. I am constantly holding on to my dream. My clients keep me motivated when I get calls or see our sales records or when we get so many repeat customers as well as people writing us on our FB or Twitter or emails about how much they like a particular product. Also my staff keeps me motivated. It is hard to find people who believe in you when you’re starting out. Building a brand from scratch is not easy. My husband also offers some much needed support; he is brilliant and challenges me to question business decisions that I make. He is more analytical than I am, so he helps provide a different perspective and available to bounce ideas back and forth. I have come to learn that one cannot do it on one’s own! Q: How much, in terms of capital did you start with?
I actually started with $200 which is equivalent of 17,000ksh –this was enough to get me a manufacturer to make the first few samples. I literally didn’t have a plan for how I was going to raise the capital to start the business. Q: When did you realise that you had an interest in beauty and makemake-up?
I don’t think it was so much a dying passion for beauty and or makeup; it was more an eye for the business opportunity. Before I went off to college I ran a cosmetics shop in my home town.
I had discovered that women and salon owners would send matatu drivers to the city to for hair extensions and salon supplies. So I figured why not bring those items to them? I had the only cosmetics shop for a while. That said, I love makeup. I was always learning makeup application and loved going to the makeup stores. I was like a kid in a candy store. I’d spend so much time testing out different colors and products even if I was not buying. I was the ultimate sales person’s frustration because I would ask questions about so many items, they would take me through how to apply and then I would not even buy (LOL). I just didn’t realize I would own a makeup company! Q: What motivated your move from nursing to the art of make up production?
I loved nursing, I went to one of the top nursing programs in the US and worked is some of the state the art hospitals. I worked briefly at the Simon Cancer Center where Lance Amstrong got his cancer treatment. I loved the multidisciplinary model of care, where we all worked together for the sole purpose of moving our patients to a “step down” unit. I was in critical care. But the entrepreneur bug had bit and this was merely a transitional process. I can’t explain exactly the shift that took place internally but I was very excited about developing products. I think I would have gone into Hospital management if I’d stayed on longer.
35
So even while I was starting the makeup line I really loved the development process, the research work, the designing of the business model and creative process in general. I found it very thrilling and tickled my brain in the right places. Q: What challenges have you encountered so far in your line of business?
Not being able to get resources about how to start a makeup line. I remember researching “how to start a makeup company� and I found nothing! This was about 5yrs ago. When I could not find anything I decided to stalk local celebrity makeup artists in my town in the US who had her own line of cosmetics. She had a different business model than what I had envisioned for Kenya and going to go her route would have been remarkably expensive. She gave me a few pointers and even encouraged me to start small; I remember had to sit in the car just to get an audience with her as her office would not give me her schedule or her personal number. She urged me to even start with a Lipstick and Lip-gloss. But it was extremely hard to know where to start and to find someone to talk to. I spent more that 1000hrs online at the beginning. Raising capital was hard. At one point my goods were all manufactured packed and ready to go and I needed to pay the remaining 70% so they could ship and I didn’t have a dime. Such is life.
36
37
Q: How do you handle these challenges?
I really didn’t know how to handle them since it was the first time I was diving into an investment of that magnitude. But I worked out a lot at the time and spent hours in the gym or jogged. It helped blow steam. I am the kind of person who deals with things internally; I internalize so much so when I couldn’t hold in any more I exploded. I broke down sometimes and did a lot of soul searching. These are times that would really test my patience and confidence but it made me re-visit my decision to go into business. I would ask myself why I was struggling while I could go back to the US and live my “American Dream”. I stayed and persisted. Q: Fear, self doubt and lack of confidence are some of the greatest personal challenges an entrepreneur encounters. Have you experienced these and how have you dealt with them?
Oh yeah! I still struggle with these to date. I ask myself what in the world am I doing!! But these are also some of the things that have pushed me, the self doubt makes me want to prove myself (and those who have doubted me) wrong. I have learned from a business friend, that sometimes you got to fake it till you make it. I have had to fake the confidence. Whenever I go to an events or to pitch to a potential store distributor, I have to wear the “I know what I am doing” face even though my stomach is tied up in knots. I also journal and when I read my old entries I realize how far I’ve come & cut myself some slack. I also read on people I admire and find that they went through the exact same emotions; it reminds that it is perfectly normal to get scared.
38
Q: What do you appreciate most about owning and running a makemake-up line?
I used to say that owning a business would give me a more flexible schedule, wrong! If anything you never have your own schedule and you operate on everyone else’s schedule. But I enjoy the challenge that comes with building a brand from scratch. It’s pretty scary. But for the most part I get to identify what works and custom fit the products unlike just distributing existing international brands and being limited to the business model and products that already exist that might not necessarily work for this market. Also the joy and satisfaction that comes with being able to walk into a store and say “I own that !” Bliss. Q: What books have been instrumental to your growth and success up to this point in your life and career?
Anthony Robbins series of publications and audio tapes were very instrumental. I also stumbled upon the famous “Secret”. More than anything, what I learned from the secret Is “just try it and someone or something will meet you half way”. It might not be the case all the time, but it taught me to trust in God, which is that force of nature we don’t quite understand. I loved The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey and books by Dr. Wayne Dyer. I listen to audios by Jay Abraham a renowned Marketing guru, Paul Zane Pilzwe an Economist, business man, teacher and motivational speaker. I’ve read a few of Suze Orman’s books on personal finance. I read a lot of random stuff.
“I enjoy the challenge that comes with building a brand from scratch.”
Q: If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
I would probably have taken more time to research and understand the market better in order to understand a business model to work with. I’d take time to build my networks because I was relocating to a place I knew very few people and none in this industry. But in hindsight, if I had waited to do all these things right, I would have lost precious time. So maybe it was the best way to go about it. I would have taken time to also look for capital and maybe worked a few more years to save money? Then again I had this burning desire to just do it and maybe if I would have waited I would never have started.
39
Q: What has been your most definitive moment in the course of running the business?
The most definitive moment in running the business has been seeing people actually love my products and getting so many repeat customers. There was a client who called and urged me I need to add more colors to the lipstick range because she had bought all 4 of them. It brought a tear to my eyes. The other definitive part has been the trust and belief that my staff has in me. I started with very little. I didn’t have crazy money to give incredible salaries but they believed in the “Pauline Dream” and they have stuck it out for and with me. My staff and clients who believe in me and continue to support me are the people who motivate me to get up in the morning to continue the struggle. Q: Where would you like to see the business in the next 5 years?
I want to have not only finished this existing line but to have designed other complimentary products like makeup removers and face moisturizers (although I do not want to go too deep into skin care products). I would like to be able to distribute my products to all of East Africa and beyond. Q: What would you say to someone who wants to start a business but is unsure where to start?
I would say start exactly where you are with the little you have and the idea you have. Along the way you will learn things and meet people who will give you advice. If you are really passionate about your idea you can try it out in an inexpensive way. You don’t have to have millions, it would be nice, but start with what you have and where you are. You will surprise yourself and those around you in due time. Q: What is the secret to your success? I don’t have a secret; I am also still looking for one. But what keeps me going is the passion for what I do. Passion, as much as it cannot get you a bank loan can work bigger miracles. When I feel so down and think of the things I want to do with Pauline Cosmetics, I get so excited and I jump right into it again.
40
Website: paulinecosmetics.com Tel: 0706 503 132 OR 0705 946 164 https://www.facebook.com/paulinecosmetics
What do you do to relax I am an introvert so I relax best just being by myself with my thoughts and maybe watch a movie or take a walk. What’s your favourite make-up item? I used to really love eyeshadow. I still do, but I think there is this Lipstick craze that has hit Nairobi and the bug has bit me too, so now I can’t be caught without Pauline Cosmetics Red Wine lipstick. If you woke up to find that your electricity has been cut off, there is no water running and just when you think to dash to the gym to grab a quick shower you find you have a flat tyre...you are just about to lose it, what will be your next course of action? If I didn’t have anything urgent to do, I’d go back to the house and watch a movie on my computer until it ran out of power or until power came on again. If it was not a matter of life and death, I wouldn’t sweat it; I would just go with the flow.
41
SMALL BUSINESS: BASIC ED
TRAITS OF A SUCCESSFUL
ENTREPRENEUR 8: STRONG WORK ETHIC Dedication to work, respect of time & resources, commitment to their dream and purpose. One must be ready to put in the work
7: SELF –STARTER Ability to motivate self and keep going. A show of initiative in developing the business to scale greater heights.
6.Self-belief One must believe in their ability to succeed in their chosen endeavor as well as believe in one’s ideas, product/service & business decisions
5: PASSION Passion makes working easy and enjoyable. If you are passionate about it, you will most likely see the project/business through the toughest of times. Passion makes work a labor of love.
4:Tenacity Ability to hold on to the business/idea when tough times come around. With a healthy dose of self belief, tenacity might be one of the most important traits of a successful entrepreneur
3: creativity Creativity, in this dynamic world will keep the entrepreneur afloat. It is about innovation and daring to shutter long-held beliefs so as to find solutions to problems. 2: resilience This is the ability to spring back into action should one experience failure or a set back. One step forward...always. 1: risk– taker
No pain. No gain
42
Yummy
Tilapia Meunière
BY: SUSAN KIMANZI
Good Friday is often described as the day of greatest grief for all Christians. Traditionally, red meat is not allowed to be consumed on Good Friday, so try this take on fish ala Meunière for your Tilapia fillets this Good Friday. Meunière refers to fish that are drenched in flour and sautéed in oil and butter. Most any fish can be prepared this way. Ingredients 1 kg Tilapia Fish Fillets Salt and freshly ground black pepper 40grams or 1/3 cup Exe All-purpose flour, for dredging/ Coating 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 tablespoons Elianto corn oil 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 43
Preparation Method Ensure that the fillets are clean, trim the fillets and remove any bones. Sprinkle the pieces of Tilapia with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon Black pepper and dredge with the flour, shaking off any excess. Heat the butter and oil in a large heavy skillet until hot. Temperature is critical here. The temperature needs to be high enough to brown the fish but low enough not to brown the butter. Add the Tilapia , and cook over medium-high heat for 5 minutes on the first side. Turn and cook for 5 minutes longer on the other side, or just until the Tilapia is cooked through; the meat should separate from the bone when pulled but still be slightly moist and pink in the center. Arrange the Tilapia on a serving platter. Heat the butter in a small skillet until it is foamy and brown. Sprinkle the lemon juice on the Tilapia, pour the hot butter on top, garnish with the parsley, and serve. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes and steamed French beans.
WISHING OUR READERS & SUBSCRIBERS A
44
Picture courtesy of mkenyaujerumani.de
East or West…..a home is best Setting up a safe and warm home for abandoned children was foremost on WAMAITHA MWANGI’s mind and heart when she relocated from abroad. The birth of ANGEL CENTER FOR ABANDONED CHILDREN came from a deepseated desire to make positive change in the lives of disadvantaged children.
45
Q: Please tell us a little yourself
Our ultimate goal is to find them a loving,
A:
permanent home through adoption or in some
I am the third born in my family, two older
sisters and a younger brother. I have amazing parents as well as a very supportive extended family;
cases re-uniting them with their families, and that they feel loved and accepted.
I am very confident because of this. I consider
We are working with an adoption agency called
myself funny because like to make people laugh,
Kenyans for Kenya Peace Initiative (KKPI) that is
and they laugh. I can be a bit of a party pooper
situated in Nairobi-West. We currently have 18
sometimes because I am old school in terms of
children.
my beliefs and I sometimes tend to take things seriously. What an oxymoron!! But in general I
Q: What motivated you to start your business?
believe I’m pleasant company.
A: I’ve always had a passion for children and
Q: Tell us about your cause
knew from a young age that I would not work in
A: Angel centre for abandoned children is a non-
an office but one on one either with children with
goverment organization, based in Limuru, whose aim is to take in abandoned and orphaned babies, 2yrs of age and under. I founded it in October 2009, but got our first child in July 2010. We registered with the NGO board of kenya as well as the Ministry of labour, Social security and Services. Here, the children will recieve their basic human
special needs or infants. In high school I was in the pathfinders group as well as the rangers and we arranged many trips to different children’s homes. I loved being around them and letting them know that there are people who care. This overwhelming passion is what made me start Angel centre. Q: What keeps you motivated?
rights, love, affection, medical care,
A: First and foremost, the children. Just watching
complementary therapies, good nutrition, clothes
them grow as well as get integrated into different
and most imporrtant, a place to call home until
homes gives me so much joy. Watching them
they find their long term families.
smile, take their first steps, say their first words, its
We get the children from hospitals, those abandoned anywhere else through the children officers of different areas as well as the police. We have also in the past taken in children who are in the middle of custody battles, but only temporarily.
amazing. It never gets old. Our supporters motivate me so much by their encouraging words, and their love for the children. They let me know I’m not alone in raising these children which can sometimes be very overwhelming.
>>> 46
“Just watching them grow as well as get integrated into different homes gives me so much joy” We have also in the past taken in children who are in
Q: How do you handle these challenges?
the middle of custody battles, but only temporarily.
A:
Q: How much, in terms of capital did you start with?
A:
I cannot panic because I have staff that
look up to me. I draw strength through prayer. I pray a lot and have seen God work miracles
Not much at all. I had just moved back from
through this home...from people anonymously
abroad and didn’t have much savings. It took me
buying food and making cash donations. I also
about Ksh. 100,000 to get everything in terms of a
talk to my family and close friends and ask for
baby friendly environment from registration to baby
their advice, but mostly I’ll walk through it
cots to clothes etc.
with my head up.
Q: When did you realise that you had a passion for kids and wanted to run a home?
A: I had the passion since I can remember but knew that I wanted to run a home at about 21 (years old). I however thought it would be after marriage (with grown children) as is the ‘norm’ according to our society.
Fear, self doubt and lack of confidence are some of the greatest personal challenges an entrepreneur encounters. Have you experienced these and how have you dealt with these?
A:
I have dealt with these feelings ALOT! It
is very real and scary and if I give it more thought than it deserves, I crash. I don’t work
Q: What challenges have you encountered so far in your line of business?
A: Countless challenges. We have lost two children
very well under pressure because I have the tendency to get overwhelmed, therefore also avoid procrastination.
to illnesses they were born with or came with, we have been dead broke with not even a shilling to buy
I read my Bible (and pray a lot,) read motiva-
vegetables, I had to turn to family and friends for
tional books, and spend time with close friends
assistance. Also, when a child gets very sick and
and family when I get these feelings. I talk to
gets admitted. We have faced so many challenges.
my sisters as they are my support system.
>>> 47
Up & About the Center...
48
Q: What do you appreciate most about owning running the home?
A:
It has taught me about self discipline. My
staff, volunteers look up to me and watch me very closely I therefore have to lead by example.
Q: What would you say to someone who wants to start a business but is unsure where to start?
A:
First, do your research on what you want to
do. Ignore the fear and take the leap of faith. If you fail, you can close that avenue knowing you
Q: What books have been instrumental to your
tried and gave it your best.
growth and success up to this point in your life
Q: What is the secret to your success?
and career?
A: Patience, patience, patience You have to have
A:The Bible, Joel Osteen books (I prefer motiva-
a lot of patience in this line of work.
tional books), and books on child care. Q: If you could start all over again, what would you do differently?
Q: What do you do to relax?
A:
I like going to the movies by myself, odd I
know. But I enjoy it. I also spend time with my
A: I would have more faith in myself.
friends and family.
Q: What has been your most definitive moment in
Q:What’s your favourite colour?
the course of running the home?
A: Green.
A: Burying two children. I wouldn’t wish that on
Q: If you were stuck in an island with nothing
my worst enemy. Q: Where would you like to see the home in the
but a tub of ice-cream, a shovel and clothes pegs, how would you make the best of your situation?
next 5 years? We will have our very own centre, not renting. We
A: I’d use the shovel to dig a deep hole and bury
will also be self reliant; we will be farming to sus-
the ice-cream so it wouldn’t melt. Id eat it twice a
tain ourselves. Hopefully start another branch in
week as a treat. Then I’d spell out HELP!! With
another county.
the clothes pegs on the beach in case a plane fly’s over me.
If you would like to donate to ANGEL CENTER FOR ABANDONED CHILDREN, Lipa na MPESA Till Number: 917425 Acc Name: Angel Centre for Abandoned Children Bank: KCB Sarit centre; Acc No.: 1124041486 Thank You: Your contribution is much appreciated!! 49
BOOKS OF THE MONTH: RECOMMENDATION An entrepreneur’s best bet for success is self belief and putting oneself out there to experience the world. It is only when one leaves their comfort zone can they truly begin to appreciate the world and all its gifts– lessons, experiences, friendships etc.
Quiet is a book for introverts written by an introvert. It explains, in detail, why introverts act they way they do and how they can embrace those qualities for good instead of hiding or withdrawing from the world.
Awaken the Giant Within is an old book. As the saying goes, Old is Gold. If you have not already read this “ LIFE MANUAL”, grab a copy as soon as possible and not just read, but internalize Tony Robbins teachings. The book, about 1,000 pages, is packed with life’s finest teachings. It is an easy read but quite poignant in its delivery.
As is characteristic with Joel Osteen’s books, Break Out is founded on sound Christian teachings that anyone can follow. He inspires and encourages with the message that our first break outs must occur within our own minds: He offers 5 keys to breaking out into the future that God purposed for you.
Dale Carnegie’s books are life’s little treasures. They provide simple yet powerful tools to tackle some of life’s most nagging problems. An entrepreneur is never too far from situations calling for worry, yet this book will show you why worry should NEVER worry you.
Nish
50
When you break though in your mind, believing you can rise higher and overcome obstacles, then God will unleash the power within that will enable you to go beyond the ordinary into the extraordinary life you were designed to live." *Joel Osteen
51
Let us tell your story. Our aim is to tell success stories that inspire & empower. We love to hear from you; email us: info@entrepreneuher.co.ke nish@entrepreneuher.co.ke
Stay connected on our face book page www.facebook.com/TheEntrepreneuherkenya
Check out our website: www.entrepreneuher.co.ke
52