After dedicating nearly a decade to education, Catherine Wambui decided to take a leap of faith, leaving the classroom behind to pursue entrepreneurship. This daring shift marked the beginning of a profound journey of self-discovery, reinvention, and resilience.
In an exclusive interview with TUKO TV’s Inspire Kenya, Catherine opened up about her transformative journey, detailing how she turned life’s adversities into stepping stones for success.
Although deeply passionate about teaching, Catherine faced significant financial hurdles, especially as a young single parent just after graduating. Her first teaching job in Kerugoya paid her KSh 12,000, a modest income that proved insufficient to meet her growing responsibilities and expenses.
A move to a public school brought some relief. Her passion for teaching blossomed, and her earnings increased through extra remedial classes. However, her stability was short-lived when the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) enforced a new rule requiring all teachers to have a TSC number. This left Catherine at a crossroads.
Rather than succumb to despair, Catherine made the bold choice to start afresh. She sold nearly all her possessions, keeping only essential items and her son’s bicycle, and took on various odd jobs. From selling street food like chips and chapati to venturing into hairdressing, Catherine worked tirelessly to create a better future for herself and her son.
As a single mother, Catherine’s journey was fraught with challenges. Rejections and disappointments defined much of her job search, yet she remained unwavering in her determination to achieve financial stability.
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 dealt another blow to her finances. Forced to sell her old teaching attire and rely on mobile loans for survival, Catherine found herself deep in debt. Even so, she refused to give up. Drawing on her resourcefulness, she began building her own salon, one step at a time.
A disagreement with an investor, however, led to another major setback—she lost everything and sank further into debt. But Catherine’s resilience proved unshakable. Determined to rise again, she turned to YouTube, where she began sharing her skills and expertise. This platform became a lifeline, helping her connect with clients both locally and internationally.
Today, Catherine Wambui is the proud owner of Kate Vlogs, a thriving business that stands as a beacon of hope and perseverance. Her story is a powerful reminder that with determination and grit, setbacks can be transformed into stepping stones toward success. Catherine’s journey inspires countless others to push past obstacles and pursue their dreams, no matter how daunting the path may seem.
