Selling arrowroots, yams, cassava, etc., in Nairobi

Entrepreneur

About Me

Academically, I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and Sociology from the University of Nairobi, pursuing a diploma in Project Management from Kenya Institute of Management. A masters specialising in Digital Communication is in the pipeline.

I consider myself to be an ambitious, driven and focused person who is striving to attain financial security through all legal means available. I believe that there is nothing impossible when you put your focus and energy to it. I am a firm believer in the science of financial intelligence and the importance of acquiring the same to one's quest to attain financial freedom.

My story thus far has been about learning to take the road less traveled, daring to take risks in organizations that have great yet to be attained potential and striving to help them realize the same. If I can describe myself in one word, it would be 'dream chaser'.

While it hasn't always worked out as imagined, the learning curve is a worthy payoff and like Steve Jobs famously stated, "The dots of life connect backwards". I journey on picking the lessons, fine turning my processes and adding to my skill and knowledge base. I am focused on chasing my dream.

The future holds unlimited potential and a great desire and drive to be financially independent at 40, have time to raise my children, enjoy more of life's little pleasures and the freedom to give back to the community and make a difference. To effectively answer the question, what would I be doing every day if money was not a driving force, why would I wake up each morning?

My Business

Kamwe Farm Fresh

After moonlighting in the employment world for a few years, I finally took the plunge and went into business full time. Its been two years of hair pulling sometimes but great excitement as I have learnt the ropes. The journey thus far has been challenging but exciting. As with all entrepreneurs, the biggest challenge I face is raising capital to finance my business ideas. Hence where I am here.

After trying out different business with mixed results, I ventured into the fresh produce and grocery delivery business in 2018. My anchor products are Arrow roots, sweet potatoes, Cassava, Yams and Butternut. I also sell fruits in season mainly mangoes, oranges, lemons and bananas. I choose these particular products because I can easily source them from my home area and many Kenyans are adapting a healthier lifestyle eating more wholesome foods.

The biggest cost my business incurs is the cost of the produce, I also have labor costs as I have one full time employee and also rental costs for my small stall. Marketing and logistics are other costs I have to cater for.For now, I am mainly using my profits to finance my daily needs and also pay for my capacity building as a mentor and coach. I also need to buy a laptop and house hold electronics.

Lack of an operating base was my biggest challenge and managing the delivery logistics. I now have a Kibanda (small stall) in Githurai market from where I sell my produce. I have also recently partnered with a small logistics company that will be handling my deliveries as they rise.

I am.looking to grow into doing weekly shopping for my customers and delivering to their offices or homes at their convenience. Eventually I look to scale and supply institutions of higher learning, caterers and hoteIs. I am also working towards securing a steady supply chain by contracting farmers and ensuring we are buffered from low supply and price fluctuations.

I plan to use the funding to increase stock as well as pay for a drop off and pick up center in Nairobi's CBD to ensure my customers get what they need, when they need it. Eventually I hope to purchase a van with which to undertake deliveries with.

The end game is to develop expertise and grow to become a business coach and mentor for youths interested into going into the fresh produce business.

Ultimately, I want to consult in the area of business growth, communication and marketing with a bias for digital marketing and management targeting Macro, small and medium business and Non profit actors.

Loan Proposal

I will use the money to increase my stock of produce, pay for marketing costs including social Media presence. Once I increase my volumes, by getting wholesale orders, I will absorb more from the farmers increasing their earning as well as support other small grocers by getting the the produce a a lower price.

I expect my profits to grow by 50%

Income Source

My business is in an essential service hence it has not been adversely affected by Covid-19.A sense of normalcy is resuming in the country and business is starting to pick.

Feedback

Loan Info

Lenders