- Shifting from mitumba business, she started her tomato supplying business in 2020.
- She handpicked a group of hardworking and committed employees who shared her vision and values.
- To succeed, she encourages people to work as hard as they have never done before.
In a heartwarming tale of resilience, determination, and the power of entrepreneurship, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Magdalene Ndung’u, a tomato supplier in Kisii town.
She is a mother of four.
Ms. Ndung’u narrates how Covid-19 pandemic led her to venture into the tomato business.
Years before
Prior to the tomato business, Ms. Ndung’u was in the mitumba business, with imports from China.
When Covid-19 came, the Chinese outlets were closed, and her access to the commodity became challenging.
Why tomatoes?
“My husband used to ferry miraa using our probox over the Covid-19 period. One of the days, he was contracted to transport tomatoes to the destined market, during which he witnessed how the tomato business was quick to trade with. Back home, he shared the idea and I took it up,” Ms. Ndung’u explains.
She says the tomato business offered an alternative that would substitute the then-collapsed mitumba business in Gikomba. She also sells onions, which accompany the tomatoes but aren’t the main business.
Seeking alternative investment opportunities, she moved from Central Kenya to Kisii and opened a tomato depot at Mwembe.
Starting the venture
Her business, which she started in 2020 with just KSh.5000, has since blossomed into an empire, now transacting almost KSh.1 million daily.
“I ventured into the tomato business with KSh.5000. I usually traded with three crates of tomatoes and I was operating the business alone,” Ms. Ndung’u narrates.
What started as a small tomato stand with just three crates of tomatoes has now flourished into a thriving enterprise catering to the demands of both local and regional consumers.
Over time, her business has become a household name. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.
Her passion for tomatoes and unwavering commitment to excellence have been the driving force behind her remarkable success.
Management
As her business expanded, Ms. Ndung’u understood the importance of building a reliable and skilled team.
She handpicked a group of hardworking and committed employees who shared her vision and values.
“My employees have normalized working as per my directives, whether it’s the driver, retailers, or the farmers picking and packing the tomatoes from the farm,” she said.
To keep her business running, her customer service is of the essence, and she manages them according to their needs and preference.
She said small-scale and large-scale buyers are treated well, bringing them back again.
Thriving
After recognizing the potential for growth and the desire to make a lasting impact on the community, she started uplifting others and empowering them to succeed through mentorship and guidance.
Many local farmers witnessed a remarkable transformation in their tomato farming and trade.
“Before even planting tomatoes in my farms, I first plant them in my head. I always think of how they will profit me. I have to succeed in the mind before I succeed in my business,” Ms. Ndung’u advised.
In addition to her business acumen, she credits her team for contributing to her success.
She stressed the significance of building a supportive and motivated workforce.
“I’ve been fortunate to have a dedicated team that shares my passion and vision,” she said.
“Their hard work and loyalty have been instrumental in propelling our business forward,” Ms. Ndung’u adds.
Two enterprises
Overseeing the two businesses is quite a task.
Ms. Ndung’u has to manage the two, which keeps her on her toes due to the large number of employees and logistics involved.
She keeps records of all the daily transactions to keep track of the two enterprises.
As a manager, Ms. Ndun’gu commits almost all her time to the businesses.
“I usually wake up at around 4 a.m., prepare my children for school and other wifely duties. By 7 a.m., I open my businesses. I have made it routine so running the two is now easier, but also God plays a big role in my daily roles,” she said.
Since she stepped foot in it, Ms. Ndung’u has continued earning a lot from the tomato venture.
She confirms that this is what caters to the family’s daily needs and other expenses that come up.
Also, she is happy that she has created many job opportunities for people in society, which marks her success.
She says she is committed to giving back to the community and helping people by mentoring them through hard work.
Challenges
To succeed, you have to pass through rough and tough paths.
She has had her own share of challenges in her tomato business.
The fluctuating fuel prices directly affect the business by increasing the cost of transporting the tomatoes to destined places and expensive farm inputs.
“Unlike the mitumba business, tomatoes are perishable and require full-time commitment. I am fully committed to this business because it demands so. I open my business from Monday to Monday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.,” Ms. Ndung’u said.
“I always want my employees to be fully committed; they should work hard for us to achieve success,” Ms. Ndung’u insisted.
Family and business
She said that although the business commits her almost entirely, she creates time to handle her family’s demands.
The family has played a key role in making her succeed in her ventures, with the husband helping in logistics and ferrying the tomatoes, and preparing the farms where they farm tomatoes.
Two of her children help her during holidays, and she mentors them too.
To aspiring entrepreneurs
“Fight laziness, always avoid being relaxed and satisfied with small achievements. Laziness should be your enemy if you aspire to succeed. Success starts in the mind,” she advised.
To succeed, she encourages people to work as hard as they have never done before.
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“Lastly, to all those who are starting or want to venture into businesses, first succeed in the mind; launch your business in the mind and succeed, then put it into practice,” Ms. Ndung’u advises.
