Real Name: Catherine Jepkemboi
Catherine Jepkemboi, also known by her moniker ‘Minicheps,’ derived from the Swahili phrase ‘mimi ni cheps,’ is a talented individual whose remarkable journey deserves recognition.
Age:
At present, Minicheps is a young woman of 26 years.
Family:
Born and raised in Kapsabet, Nandi county, Catherine Jepkemboi shares her life with her husband, Meshack Korir, who happens to be an animator. Together, they reside in Racecourse, on the outskirts of Eldoret town. Meshack actively supports Minicheps in capturing and editing the captivating photos that have gained widespread acclaim.
The couple cherishes their two sons, with one currently at the age of two and a half, and the younger one at just one year old. Minicheps, concerned about the potential online bullying they may face, consciously avoids featuring her children in her photography works. She believes that it is best for her kids to make their own decisions regarding their online presence when they reach adulthood.
Education:
Catherine Jepkemboi’s educational journey was unfortunately cut short due to financial constraints. Her parents were unable to afford the fees required for her to pursue secondary school education. Consequently, she sought employment as a househelp in various towns, including Embu, Ruiru, and Nairobi.
Miniature Photography Career:
In 2019, Minicheps embarked on her photography career by proposing the idea to her husband. Together, they decided to take and share photos online. It was Meshack who came up with the concept of creatively capturing miniature photos. Initially, their efforts did not gain much traction on social media platforms, with administrators of several Facebook groups declining to approve their posts.
However, Minicheps persevered, driven by her unwavering determination and the support of her loyal fans and friends. Then, on Valentine’s Day in 2021, her career took an unexpected meteoric rise when her photos went viral, earning her a devoted following of thousands.
Reflecting on that significant turning point, Minicheps shared her experience during interviews. She remains secretive about the editing software she employs, considering it her trade secret. Today, she enjoys numerous lucrative advertisement opportunities from reputable companies, including Multichoice, an entertainment firm operating under DSTV and GoTV.
