After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Communication and Public Relations from Karatina University in 2018, Wanjiku Muriithi had a clear vision for her future – she aspired to be a PR expert, navigating the corporate world in chic attire within a well-furnished office.
However, life unfolded differently for the 27-year-old, presenting challenges that ultimately shaped her into the successful businesswoman she is today.
The first hurdle came after graduation when Wanjiku applied for numerous jobs, only to face rejection emails. Undeterred, she decided to try her hand at entrepreneurship and ventured into a barbershop business upon moving to Nakuru.
Unfortunately, the barbershop venture proved challenging and collapsed after seven months. Reflecting on this period, Wanjiku admitted to a lack of knowledge in running the business and acknowledged that the location was not conducive to its success.
“Together with my partner, we sold the barbershop at Sh 80,000, and each one of us went with half the money. It’s this money that helped me purchase my first stock of rice from my mother who was already in the business for many years.”
In 2019, Wanjiku commenced her rice-selling business in Heshima area. However, life took an unexpected turn as she discovered her pregnancy. Determined to turn challenges into opportunities, she tapped into her communication and PR skills, utilizing social media to market her goods.
Within two weeks after giving birth in 2020, Wanjiku sold an impressive 1000 kilograms of rice.
As the business gained traction, Wanjiku faced a new set of challenges in 2021, leading her to temporarily close operations for three to four months due to exhaustion.
Despite the break, her clients persisted, continually demanding goods. Encouraged by a supportive client who offered storage space, Wanjiku decided to resume operations.
Expanding beyond rice, Wanjiku diversified her product range, venturing into selling assorted cereals. The initial journey into cereal sales presented challenges as she lacked market survey insights, resulting in the purchase of low-quality goods at higher prices.
Undeterred, Wanjiku used the lessons learned to refine her approach. With her second stock, she strategically sourced quality products, identifying items with higher demand in the market.
What sets Wanjiku apart in Nakuru’s competitive Top Market is her commitment to customer service.
Unlike many vendors, she goes the extra mile by sorting cereals for her customers, enhancing their shopping experience and setting a new standard in customer satisfaction.
