I was born in Bungoma and grew up in the same town, a third-born child of the late Nicholas Simiyu and my dear mother Marysella Simiyu, who is now 65 years old and growing stronger every day. I have 8 siblings and one passed away at 26 years due to heart failure. My parents were primarily farmers who grew maize, beans and potatoes, which they sold at the local market in order to raise our fees and maintain the household, including feeding us, which at the time was very expensive. My mother would walk miles to help other women in their farming chores and would save this money to pay our fees. My father likewise spent almost every single day of his life in the farm and did his best to raise money by making charcoal by cutting down trees and cooking them in the dirt (a local practice that is done to produce charcoal). They worked hard and managed to buy land in the outskirts of Bungoma town, and even managed to educate me and my siblings.

I managed to pass my primary and secondary exams and, with a lot of dedication and combined efforts from my parents and my brothers and sisters, I eventually joined University of Mysore in India, where I managed to graduate with 2nd class honors in Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, Botany and Zoology. It was a major milestone in my life and that of our family, as in our community it was rare for a girl to be educated. Most girls got married after high school and did not continue with their education.

After finishing my university education, I did not get any job and decided to start a clothes selling business, which I started off with a loan from my late dad, a loan of $50. I would walk to the Kimilili market, where secondhand clothes imported from Western countries are sold, and I would buy them and resell them in Bungoma town. I have done this clothes selling business while also supplementing my income by helping out post-doctoral students and the like to do their research papers for a small fee. The saddest time of my life was to lose my father, who was diabetic and who believed in me and supported me throughout my education.

I usually buy men's, women's and children's clothes and shoes from Kimilili market and resell them at Bungomas Kanduyi junction at a profit. I usually buy ladies' shoes at an average price of $2 and resell them at around $3. I buy men's shoes at an average price of $4 per pair and resell them at around $6 per pair. Children's shoes vary in price, and the prices fluctuate with every season. However, I make an average monthly profit of $100 a month. I pay the local council $20 every month for the business licence.

This business helps me pay my rent and feed myself and my one year old baby girl Michelle. I also help my ailing mother, who is living with arthritis but has sacrificed a lot in life for me to be able to achieve what I have managed so far.

I will buy 40 women's tops, selling at $4 each for the parcels, then resell each dress for at least $6. I hope to make $20 on each parcel. I will also be able to expand my stall and pay for more space with the profits I make.