After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Public Relations from Karatina University in 2018, Wanjiku Muriithi envisioned a successful career as a PR professional, working in a stylish office and navigating the corporate world with confidence. However, her journey took an unexpected path, filled with challenges that would ultimately shape her into the successful entrepreneur she is today.
Her first major setback came after graduation when Wanjiku faced a series of rejection emails despite applying for numerous jobs. Refusing to be discouraged, she turned to entrepreneurship and opened a barbershop business upon relocating to Nakuru. Unfortunately, the venture faced difficulties and closed after only seven months. Reflecting on this experience, Wanjiku admitted that her lack of business knowledge and the poor choice of location contributed to the failure.
“My partner and I sold the barbershop for Sh 80,000, splitting the proceeds equally. This money became the foundation for my next venture—buying rice from my mother, who had been in the rice business for years.”
In 2019, Wanjiku launched her rice-selling business in the Heshima area. However, just as she was getting started, she discovered she was pregnant. Rather than being deterred, she turned this challenge into an opportunity, leveraging her PR and communication skills to market her products via social media.
By the time she gave birth in 2020, Wanjiku had already sold 1000 kilograms of rice, an impressive feat for such a short period.
As her business grew, Wanjiku faced further obstacles in 2021 that forced her to temporarily pause operations for three to four months due to burnout. Despite this break, her clients continued to request her products. With encouragement from a loyal customer who offered storage space, she was able to resume her business.
Expanding her product line, Wanjiku ventured into the sale of assorted cereals. Her initial foray into this market proved difficult as she lacked in-depth knowledge of market trends, leading her to purchase low-quality goods at higher prices. However, she didn’t let this setback deter her. Learning from her mistakes, Wanjiku refined her approach and, with her second stock, ensured that she sourced high-quality products that met market demand.
What sets Wanjiku apart in Nakuru’s competitive Top Market is her unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service. Unlike many of her competitors, she personally sorts the cereals for her customers, enhancing their shopping experience and setting a new standard for customer satisfaction in the market.
