Rebecca Owino’s remarkable journey from a challenging upbringing to achieving success as both an entrepreneur and a respected cabin crew member with Etihad Airways serves as a powerful testament to her unwavering determination, resilience, and the transformative impact of seizing opportunities.
Rebecca’s narrative commences amidst adversity, having been raised in a dysfunctional family where she took on the responsibilities of a caregiver at a young age, grappling with the challenges of supporting several siblings in a single-parent household. However, her life took a significant turn when she relocated to Nairobi as a teenager, seeking refuge with her sister and her sister’s husband, who worked in domestic and construction roles, respectively.
Facing financial constraints, Rebecca made a pivotal decision to forge her own path independently, initiating a challenging journey that ultimately led to a distinguished career and entrepreneurial success. Her first foray into the job market involved working as a nanny in Komarock, an experience that unexpectedly became a stepping stone toward a brighter future.
Despite enduring hardships, including an unsettling encounter with inappropriate advances from an employer in Buruburu, Rebecca’s determination remained steadfast. A turning point in her life occurred when she found solace in the JCC church, where she received support and guidance under the leadership of Bishop Allan Kiuna and Reverend Cathy Kiuna. The church not only provided emotional comfort but also became a haven for her studies.
Rebecca seized educational opportunities provided by the church, enrolling in Gumbaru schools where she completed her secondary education, including the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Exams (KCSE). Concurrently, she discovered her passion for modeling and received encouragement from supportive individuals, including Reverend Cathy Kiuna, who played a pivotal role in offering unwavering support and covering Rebecca’s rent as she navigated city life.
While attending Gumbaru classes and pursuing her modeling passion, Rebecca secured various job opportunities in Nairobi, including working as an usher at the Tusker Project Fame competitions. Throughout this period, she remained committed to education.
A crucial juncture in Rebecca’s journey occurred when she learned about a sales job opportunity in Dubai. With courage and determination, she applied and secured the position, marking the beginning of a remarkable transformation. Immersed in the vibrant city, she took steps toward realizing her lifelong dream of becoming a flight attendant, ultimately securing a position as a cabin crew member with global travel opportunities.
Leveraging her position, Rebecca made strategic financial decisions, including investing in the construction of two-bedroom flats. Through her entrepreneurial endeavors and unwavering determination, she eventually became the proud owner of a five-bedroom mansion. Today, Rebecca Owino stands as an inspiration, encouraging fellow expatriates to invest a portion of their salaries and prepare for unexpected circumstances.
