My name is Rosemary Wambui. Born near the capital city of Kenya - Nairobi. I went to local schools for my primary and secondary school and later joined a secretarial college where I qualified as a copy typist. I was then employed by the government of Kenya where I worked until 2001 when I was retrenched in a cost cutting measure by the government.

Without a job, I decided to join a tailoring college where I was trained in embroidery work. I then started my own business with my savings. My business entails making table clothes which I then sell to clients to be used to cover their chairs and tables at home. I am a mother of three kids one who is through with his education and other two who are still in school.

I make table clothes using a sewing machine for doing the embroidery work. This is how it works: I buy a plain material made of cotton, cut it into small pieces as per the clients requirements and then do the embroidery work on the pieces. One set is made up of 12 such pieces which are for covering 1 sofa set and a coffee table. The cost of one set is about $12 and I sell the completed set at $20. In an average month I am able to make and sell about two dozen sets. My overheads are quite low since I work from home and most of my clients communicate with me through my mobile phone. I normally get new customers through a word of mouth spread by my satisfied old customers.

I use the money from this business to feed and educate my children. When given a loan by Zidisha, I hope to buy another sewing machine because the one is have is very old and it keeps breaking down every now and then.

I have tried to save money to buy a new one but there are many demands for the money. This is a change I really want make use of and I will be able to repay the loan comfortably since the business is quite profitable.

I will use the money to open a new branch for my work. I am currently located in the backstreet. While the rent is affordable, I the visibility of the business is not very good and as such, I lose out when some potential clients can't find me.

I will retain the current premises and run the two places at the same time. I need to have another embroidery machine and also employ a helping hand due to the changes. Leasing the new place and fittings will cost me USD 500. I will then buy an embroidery machine at a cost of USD 350. I will spend the balance to buy other miscellaneous items.

This will be a major milestone in my business and it will definitely lead to more business. I will use the money to keep expanding my outfit.