My name is Prudence Adem, I completed high school last year in Nairobi Kenya. When I was a third-year student in high school a friend told me about Zidisha. In order to apply I needed to be 18 years and holding a national identity card. And so I am now ready to to go to the next level in turning my hobby into a profitable business.

I am already making a little income from bead-work and I want to expand it as a business. I make necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Previously I sold my products among my fellow pupils. Now I wish to venture out into the wider market to involve the working class. I also intend to sell to my work online and gain a fair share of the industry.

I buy beads from down-town Nairobi and from other different places that provide me with a vibrant cultural flavor. I like to mix up colors and acquire different varieties and styles. Earrings and bracelets are most popular among my age mates.

A pair of earrings will sell for at least Ksh 100 and , depending on the color mix and style, could sell for twice that much. Bracelets go for between Ksh 100 and Ksh 150, and a necklace would go for Ksh 250. I intend to use my Zidisha loan as capital to purchase a wide variety as this is what makes the bead-work popular among urban youth. Thank you for this opportunity to achieve my dream.

Since this is my first loan I have understood that about 80 dollars will be held back as part of my contribution to the Member Loan Fund. The Other 60 dollars will be used as follows:

Earrings:

1) Hooks $2 50cts

2) Steel wire $3

3) Nylon thread black $ 1 50 cts

4) Nylon thread white $1 50cts

5) Beads (assorted colors ) $6

Bracelets:

1) Thread $1 50cts

2) Assorted beads $7 50 cts

3) Hooks $1

4) Nylon thread $1

Necklaces:

1) Thread $1 50 cts

2) Assorted beads $14 cts

3) Hooks $1

4) Center bead 6 pieces at $ 3 each = $18 (this is the pendant)

Materials =$60

MLFund=$80

Total =$140

I already have the basic tools (pliers, scissors and fine bead needles)