- She has always envisioned a brighter and bigger future.
- All along, she has seized every opportunity to diversify her business venture.
- When the curtains of her shop closed, the doors of becoming a curtains designer and supplier opened.
Monicah Njeri embarked on her entrepreneurial odyssey in the vibrant markets of Naivasha as a tenacious clothes vendor.
She navigated the bustling streets, giving her wares to eager customers.
Little did Njeri know that this humble start would lay the foundation for an awe-inspiring transformation.
She weaved through colorful fabrics for a couple of years. As fate would have it, however, she closed the business after a few years.
In a bold move, Njeri ventured beyond the market space and opened a humble “kibanda”.
A “kibanda” is a low-budget grocery store often found in most estates in Kenya where people fend for fresh produce.
Her’s nested within the vibrant tapestry of Site and Service estate just outside her humble abode.
It soon became a haven of affordable and fresh provisions.
“I used to admire “vibandas” that were properly arranged and I used to strive to make sure mine looked like those,” she says.
Diverse ventures
Njeri has always envisioned a brighter and bigger future.
With an unquenchable thirst for growth, she saved almost every shilling she earned. She saw an untapped niche in the market and seized it with gusto.
Never one to rest on her laurels, she seized every opportunity to diversify her business venture.
She sought financial aid and advanced into a general shop. The merging of Njeri’s beloved “kibanda” and the newfound shop created a harmonious symphony for her customers.
From the freshest produce to the finest grains, it was a one-stop shop for everything—which became a sanctuary for those seeking quality at reasonable prices.
Unexpected closure
After a decade of tireless dedication, fate offered an unexpected twist to her entrepreneurial journey. The curtains of her beloved shop closed, marking the end of an era.
“It was time; I was craving change,” she says.
The last remnants of her stock depleted, she found herself at a crossroads, lacking the vigor to continue and the financial means.
With a heavy heart, Njeri made a poignant decision in October 2017. She shuttered her shop, bidding farewell to the space that had once been the epicenter of her dreams.
Uncertainty loomed before her like a foreboding mist, yet, within her spirit, a flicker of resilience shined bright.
In the following month, November 2017, she embarked on a self-discovery journey. She sought guidance and solace from her sister, Jane Chege, a seasoned seamstress.
She decided to learn the craft. She immersed herself in the art of sewing, and day after day, she diligently absorbed the intricacies of the craft, expanding her repertoire and honing her skills.
She thought she would do tailoring, but she did not like the idea. She needed a clear path to what was next after learning the craft.
Crafting a vision
Njeri’s mind is not one to be confined within conventional boundaries. She is very visionary, and she perpetually sought opportunities beyond the ordinary.
During a visit to the town, her perceptive gaze stumbled upon an unexplored gap – the world of décor and curtains.
A gap in the curtain business presented itself. She immediately knew that was the gap she wanted to fill. Despite never having sewn a single curtain, she couldn’t allow that deter her.
Njeri embraced the challenge; it was purely audacity, instinct, and resolute-fueled spirit.
Her main problem was financial constraints, but luckily, she had a sum of money set aside for another purpose.
“It was not my money,” she says. The money sounded like a lucky bridge to her aspirations.
With determination, “I took the risk. I had no hope of getting money anywhere else,” she declared, with her voice tinged with sheer determination.
In April 2018, walking into town, Njeri bumped into a space with a beckoning price tag.
Without hesitating, she seized the opportunity and promptly secured the space, with unwavering faith propelling her forward.
She knew that a sewing machine awaited her through her sister’s generosity. This is a priceless gift that gave life to her entrepreneurial aspirations.
Taking the leap
With the remaining money, she outsourced fabric, three different prints, each brimming with charm and personality.
She wasted no time before immersing herself in her craft as the doors of her newfound shop—Ebenezar Curtains and Décor—flew open.
Ever the astute observer, she made a pilgrimage to the only curtain shop in Naivasha—she spied on the pricing and the creative process.
Through mere observation, she gleaned invaluable insights that helped her kick-start her journey.
She then sewed three curtains and hung them on each side of the shop.
“I was scared of clients coming in because I was not confident with the pricing and even confident with my craft. I was scared of their questions,” she admits.
But after a few days, the first client arrived and bought a curtain. This gave her the validation she desperately sought.
“That curtain is amongst the best-selling pieces in my business,” she shares.
This one client became a catalyst for her blossoming success.
Blossoming into success
Word of mouth and her beautiful setup got her a diverse clientele ranging from corporate entities, government offices, and hospitals to hotels and the comfort of people’s homes.
With the burgeoning reputation and dedication, her entrepreneurial empire began to flourish. She has now established three branches in Naivasha.
She hopes to expand her venture into other towns. The first found its home within the bustling Dubai Market, which beckons passersby with allure.
The second is nested in the vibrant walls of Khetias Supermarket, drawing clients seeking a touch of elegance. And the mother company, a testament to her enduring spirit, proudly stands within the Naivasha Business Center.
Njeri’s story is a testament to the power of self-belief and faith, a transformation of fears into stepping stones.
Her passion has created employment and an avenue for individuals seeking to learn the craft. She is inspired by the sight of beautiful spaces and the immeasurable joy on her client’s faces.
“I wished to work in a clean environment and in town, and my business has given me that and more; I thank God,” she appreciates.
This story depicts true entrepreneurship spirit, from a mama ‘mboga’ to a business maven.
Dear friend, as you launch into this inspiring voyage, let Njeri’s story ignite the fire of passion in you.
Dare to dream, dare to believe, and dare to make a difference.
Are you feeling inspired? This is not where the story ends—it’s where your adventure begins! If you desire to bring the magic of curtains into your space, feel free to visit any of her three shops for your share or email her for orders at ebenezarcurtains@gmail.com.
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Listen, the world is waiting for the magic you can bring. Get into it!
