The year 2020 brought unprecedented challenges to the world, with the aviation industry being among the hardest hit. The pandemic led to widespread job insecurity and income loss for pilots and airline personnel.
However, Geraldine Waruguru Gitau, a Kenya Airways pilot, had a backup plan that not only sustained her through these turbulent times but also turned into a remarkable success story. Her side hustle of selling perfumes evolved into a thriving multi-million-dollar enterprise, cementing her position as one of Kenya’s most successful female entrepreneurs.
Geraldine’s passion for flying was ignited at a young age, inspired by her late father, a ship captain, who introduced her to one of his pilot friends at Moi International Airport in Mombasa. From that moment, she knew she wanted to pursue a career in aviation. Reflecting on her journey, she once remarked, “Flying is one of the most exhilarating careers out there. I’m ever on the move, assessing and evaluating different situations, and making quick, timely decisions. I love it. It keeps me on my toes.”
While pursuing her career as a pilot, Geraldine launched Scents by Geraldine, a perfume business, in mid-2016. Her travels around the world exposed her to diverse cultures, people, and fragrances, fueling her love for perfumes. When she decided to venture into entrepreneurship, it felt natural to dive into a field she was passionate about.
The Kenyan perfume market is largely dominated by foreign brands and imitation products, with many consumers prioritizing price over quality. Changing this mindset was one of Geraldine’s biggest challenges when she started her business. Creating brand awareness and convincing people that a quality fragrance could be produced by a Kenyan entrepreneur was no easy feat. However, her resilience and determination paid off, and she successfully carved out a niche for herself in the competitive perfume industry.
Scents by Geraldine began with a single signature scent developed in collaboration with a German company in Berlin. A year later, this unique fragrance debuted in Kenya, marking the beginning of her journey to redefine the local perfume market. Over time, her product line expanded to include a range of original, affordable perfumes that have been widely embraced by Kenyan consumers. Her loyal customers attest to the quality and uniqueness of her creations.
Building a business from the ground up was not without its hurdles. Geraldine faced the daunting task of establishing her brand and shifting public perceptions about locally-made perfumes. Despite these obstacles, her unwavering passion and commitment to her craft enabled her to overcome the challenges and build a sensation in the Kenyan perfume industry.
Looking ahead, Geraldine envisions a future where Scents by Geraldine becomes a household name in Kenya. She aspires for most Kenyans to experience her range of scents, confident that once people try her perfumes, they will become loyal customers, much like those who already swear by her brand.
Geraldine Waruguru Gitau’s journey from pilot to successful entrepreneur is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and adaptability. Her story serves as an inspiration to many, proving that challenges can be turned into opportunities with the right mindset and determination.
