I am a lady born and raised in Nairobi,in a humble family by a single mom whom valued respect,faith and education.I went to school under difficult conditions,sometimes lacking fees but I was determined to complete my education and I did through hard work and sacrifice.

My biggest hardship was struggling financially after school to become independent.My important goal was to stop depending on others and stand on my own.I overcame it by accepting any honest work,working very late hours,saving little by little and praying.I turned my late nights into lessons.

I came to start my own business because I realized employment alone could not meet my needs and I wanted to create something of my own that can grow.I started my business with the little money I had been saving.

My culture in Kenya is unique in different ways for instance,we are hardworking,we help our neighbours and Nairobi is full of energy and hustle where everyone is trying to make it.

I have one child,a daughter to be precise who is 3 years 8 months,too little to know what she wants to be when she grows up but as her mother,I would like for her to become a surgeon.

I love reading novels because they help me in my grammar and as a pastime,I love attending overnights in church.

My business is a small retail shop in my neighborhood in Nairobi.I provide essential daily goods that every household needs including soap,cooking flour,sugar,tissue paper,snacks,sodas,water and airtime.I do my sales mostly in cash to my neighbors and walk in customers.Mpesa is mostly for my personal payments like bills.

These goods are useful and always in high demand because people must eat and clean every day and they prefer buying near home instead of going far to the supermarket.I chose this kind of business because it has steady

customers,it requires small capital to start and I love serving people directly and I saw an opportunity in my area where there was only one nearby shop so even no competitors,just one.

My typical costs per week are about KES 3,000 to KES 5,000 for restocking goods,about KES 400 for transport to buy stock locally and I also pay shop rent monthly from my profits.My typical revenue is about KES 1,500 to KES 2,500 per day which gives me a small profit of about KES 400 to KES 700 per day after costs.I use my profits very wisely.

I reinvest 60 percent back into growing the business by adding more stock,I use 20 percent for family needs and paying my daughter's school needs,10 percent for shop rent and 10 percent saved for home improvements and future expansion.

With this loan of 3167 KES,I will add more stock of fast-moving home supplies like soap,cooking oil,sugar and other essentials.For myself and my family,this will increase daily sales and profit to cover household needs and make the business stable.For my community,it will ensure they can find affordable essential items nearby without traveling far.I am committed to repaying on time to continue growing.