After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Public Relations from Karatina University in 2018, Wanjiku Muriithi envisioned a career as a PR expert, navigating the corporate world in stylish attire within a well-furnished office. However, life took a different turn for the 27-year-old, leading her through challenges that ultimately shaped her into the successful businesswoman she is today.
The first obstacle arose post-graduation when Wanjiku faced rejection emails after applying for numerous jobs. Undeterred, she decided to venture into entrepreneurship, establishing a barbershop business upon moving to Nakuru. Unfortunately, the barbershop venture proved challenging and collapsed after seven months. Reflecting on this period, Wanjiku acknowledged a lack of business knowledge and realized that the location was not conducive to 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 had been in the business for many years.”
In 2019, Wanjiku initiated 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 utilized her communication and PR skills, leveraging 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 encountered new challenges in 2021, prompting 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, entering the market of 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 distinguishes Wanjiku 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.
