In the bustling Nakuru town, located along Kenyatta Avenue, stands JM Nail Spa, a beauty haven that has swiftly become a beloved sanctuary for women of all ages.
Behind this flourishing establishment is the visionary entrepreneur, John Mbugua, a 34-year-old dynamo who turned a meager sum of Sh100 into a thriving beauty empire.
Mbugua’s journey commenced with humble beginnings.
”I started with Ksh100. I used the money to buy three bottles of nail polish, each costing Ksh20 and cotton wool. ” he said.
To his astonishment, on the very first day, he pocketed a profit of Sh500.
This unexpected success fueled his determination to venture further into the beauty industry.
Undeterred by challenges, Mbugua embarked on a relentless journey of hawking beauty products from one salon to another.
Over time, his client base grew exponentially, and demand for his services soared.
Encouraged by this burgeoning success, he made a pivotal decision – to establish his own beauty haven in 2019.
Using his savings and the profits from his thriving business, Mbugua took a bold step and opened JM Nail Spa.
With a bouquet of services that includes manicures, pedicures, and facial makeup, his parlour quickly gained popularity among locals.
“Two years into the enterprise, the business started picking up and I took a Ksh15,000 bank loan to expand and employ two assistants,” he said. Three months later, he went back for Ksh20,000 to invest in the venture.
Reflecting on the evolution of his business, Mbugua emphasized the crucial role played by social media platforms.
Leveraging Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, he showcased his exceptional services, drawing clients from the vast digital landscape. Yet, he recognized that the foundation of his success rested on the referrals from satisfied customers.
“JM Nail Spa and Beauty Parlour thrives best on referrals. When we offer exceptional services to clients, they refer new customers to us,” he remarked, underscoring the significance of providing outstanding customer experiences.
In an industry that constantly evolves, Mbugua stressed the importance of staying ahead of the curve.
He dedicated significant time to scouring the internet, absorbing the latest trends in facial, nail, and hair styling.
According to him, being innovative, trendy, and knowledgeable about market dynamics was non-negotiable. He also emphasized the pivotal role branding played in setting his business apart.
“Of utmost importance in this industry is branding, which is a game changer. Equally important is value addition since customers come to you expecting more than just service, and you have to ask yourself what value you are adding,” explained Mbugua, offering invaluable insights to aspiring entrepreneurs.
One significant challenge that Mbugua faces in his industry is counterfeit cosmetic products.
.“Fake cosmetics are finding their way into some beauty product outlets, placing consumers at risk of purchasing inferior and possibly hazardous products and leaving high-end retailers scrambling to differentiate their products from potentially dangerous imitations,” Mbugua pointed out.
With a monthly turnover of about Kshh200,000, the businessman is upbeat.
“I plan to expand my business to all 11 sub-counties and employ more than 100 youth,” said Mbugua.
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