I spent most of my childhood and primary education in Kawangware where I currently reside. Due to financial difficulties I was not able to further my studies to college despite getting good grades in high school. I started doing casual jobs to avoid relying on my parents and in the process when doing a construction project my employer saw something that prompted her to employ me in one of her clothing store to be running errands. Due to my handwork, resilience and curiosity to learn more I was trained and promoted to a sales assistant position and that is when I realized I was good in sales and have never looked back since. I am currently employed in a bridal store.

I have been employed in the sales field for over 13 years now. My love for dressing people, customers complimenting my work and the need to be my own boss motivated me to venture into business. Due to the high costs of starting a high end retail clothing shop and importation costs I saw it wise to start a second hand store where I would target the medium and low income earners. I observed and realized there were very few shops that specialized in men clothing and saw the gap of men shirts which was scarce yet 90% of men you meet are wearing shirts. This is when the idea of “Stylishats Boutique” kicked off in March 2016, a shop that specializes in stylish, quality, designer gently used shirts.

I used most of my income that I had saved up in an investment policy to start the business and also my employment salary kept me going. My major expenses are stocking, rent and salaries and most of the profits I receive is currently reinvested back into the business, and improve my family living standards. My wife helps manage the business and I re-stock and take care of the financials as well as training the staff.

Since I joined Zidisha I have been able to expand further with the financial help I have received by increasing my inventory and opening another branch in my rural home where I do my clearance sale from for the items that are not doing well in town.

Hi, Lenders. Thank you for your previous financial support and I take this opportunity to request for another loan of four hundred and seventy dollars ($470) to renovate my business (two branches).

It's been more than one year since I kicked off the first and second branch and I believe a makeover is necessary. From experience I understand renovations hint at store success and expansion and will increase the perceived value of my products and brand over time thereby increasing business and standing out of the competition.

I plan to purchase two full size display mannequins, buy light fittings, re-do the shelves on one of the branches, painting touch ups and purchase inventory with remaining amount as follows;

• Two full size Mannequins (used) – $95

• Wooden Shelves – $200

• Painting – $65

• Light fittings (Florescent) – $45

• Inventory (shirts 35pcs) – $65

The inventory I will add will help in raising the funds to make the weekly installment payments without affecting the business profits.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and looking forward once again to your funding.