My name is Caroline Mwende, 32. A wife and a mother of two lovely girls; 5 years and 11months. I was born and raised in Limuru, Kiambu county, Kenya. I attended primary and high school in Limuru. Later, I studied for my diploma in sales and marketing in Thika. After graduating I did my internship at Thika Bidco Kenya, I later went on to work for various companies and establishments. Most of the jobs were mostly contractual or part time. Working with various companies dealing with different products targeting different demographics gave me a lot of insights into the real world.

After my stint at employment I decided to open my first business and apply the knowledge that I had gained. First I started with a phone and related accessories shop. Although I was good at sales and marketing, I overlooked other critical aspects of doing business. I had not taken into account things like start up costs, financial management, funding, accounting, how to manage employees, and other crucial aspects. A big mistake. I had to close this one down due to cashflow problems.

Later I started a beauty parlour and this actually became a success since I had learnt from my mistakes in the previous venture. Unfortunately, I had to sell this business and move back to my native town after I gave birth to my first born daughter. We had to move because the weather was not favourable to the newborn. Also, being a first time mother, I needed a lot of support from my family back home.

When my daughter was 2years I decided to go back to work. I scouted my hometown(Limuru) and found a strategic place to open a small business dealing with household consumer products. This was a decision after conducting market research. Early this year (January)I was blessed with my second child. I have recently resumed my business after taking a brief maternity break.

The name of my business is NorthPoint Wholesalers. It is located in Limuru Town, Limuru Sub County, Kiambu County, Kenya. It is a small business, sole proprietorship.

My business deals with household consumer products. I deal primarily with; edible goods (dry foodstuff and dairy products), laundry products, beverages, selfcare products, confectionery and snacks, beauty products, etc. I am also trying my hand at women's and children's footwear.

I mostly cater to the people around my locale. Family households are my main customers as most of my products cater to their needs.

I was also offering financial services like M-Pesa and agency banking before. I had to scale down on these since much of my capital was used up after I gave birth to my second child. Much of this money went into shop rent and other business overheads. I had to close down temporarily since I do not have an employee. In the previous years I've had one or two employees, but due to general economic slowdown in Kenya I had to lay them off. When the business picks up I am considering employing one or two people to ease my workload and help someone one out.

My plan now is to have more diversified products to cater to a broader consumer base. A bigger consumer base would mean more flexibility in the business and better resilience. Also, having more products means greater variety for buyers under one roof. This will aid me in offering more price competitive goods and convenience to the customers.

I am also considering leveraging the use of social media to reach out to more prospective customers. Better premises branding, offers and discounts to customers and many more.

At the moment, my inventory has gone done and I would love to resume with my M-Pesa and agency banking services. I would also love to start the retail of home cooking gas. Cooking gas has became a major household need for many families and individuals in Kenya. This is due to the government measures of trying to dissuade people from using kerosene, wood, and charcoal for their energy needs. The aforementioned are major pollutants and contributors of deforestation. Cooking gas is cleaner and safer for household uses.

I will add more stock the shop especially groceries and cereals and also employ one or two girls to assist at the shop since baby is still under one year. As schools are reopening i also want to buy second hand school bags