Temporary tattoo machine for henna body paint beauty shop

Entrepreneur

About Me

I am a 25-year-old Kenyan living in Ngong' Township, Nairobi. I studied my primary Education in Ngong' Township and then Went to Kikuyu Day secondary School where I completed my Secondary education. I then Went for Motor Vehicle Electric and Electronic Wiring training. Currently, I work part-time for a local mechanical firm as a wiring technician for Land Rover, Range Rovers and Porsche Models in Lang’ata, Nairobi. I have a heavy interest in Body Art, especially East African Henna body painting. I did some research and self-education on body art. I then started a body art shop where whenever am not at the garage, I go help my help, Sally with work. I find my Body Art shop a therapeutic place any time am working there. It gives me change and a fresh breath from the electrical and mechanical aura, which is still interesting but physically consuming. I am an outgoing person and try to make as many friends as possible. I find this good for my small business and personal development. I have two sisters in High School and a brother who is into printing business. My dad is a photographer. We have a thing for colors and ink business (Pun Intended). I love my business as much as I love my job and I would like to see it grow.

My Business

I run a small Body art shop which I dabble in East African Henna Painting, Nail painting and temporary tattoos. In some communities in Kenya and the larger East Africa, Henna Painting is used by women during events such as weddings, Kitchen parties and for general beautification. My services entail the use of temporary ink to beautify the face, toe and finger nails, arms and legs with beautiful designs inspired by East African, Swahili, Somali, Arabic and Persian cultures. My services are not only restricted to clients from these cultures. Ladies from all walks of life purchase my services. i love this business since it helps me make people feel good about themselves, and from commercial perspective, beauty sells. I typically spend 4000 Shillings (USD 40) on all the arrays of ink I need (Gold, Black, cyan), Ksh.2000 (USD 20) on hygiene equipment and Ksh.1500 (USD 1.5) on brushes that last a month. This plus Ksh.6,500 (USD 65) totals to Ksh.14,000 (140 USD) a month on expenditure. I charge within a range of Ksh.800 (USD 8) to Ksh.3000 (USD 30), depending on the extent to which the service goes. In a typical month, I make Ksh.30,000. I pay my help a total of Ksh.10,000 (USD 100) a month and am left with Ksh.6000 after deducting rent and material. With this, I save help with my sisters' personal effects in Boarding school and I manage to save at least Ksh.3000 (USD 30) a month.

Loan Proposal

I would like to purchase a temporary tattoo machine to help me in making henna body paints. I currently use normal hand held brushes which waste more ink, and with which accuracy and preciseness depends solely on the skill of the painter. A temporary henna tattoo machine will help me improve on quality of the body art and cut on the costs by using the ink more efficiently. The Machine will cost me Ksh. 16,000 (USD 160), coupled with a full set of ink bottles and brush pods. I will fill up the balance of Ksh.2000 (USD 20) on the loan from my earnings. I project that this machine will increase throughput and save on wastage. I could get upto Ksh.40,000 (USD 400) a month if I could put it into use at my shop. This machine will make me and my help Sally's work easier. More quality work can be done at a faster rate. As I look forward to making the business grow, I would appreciate the assistance of Zidisha and the lenders in making my first step in mechanization of the service process. Thank you in advance.

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