Biz Lounge: Boldness, parents support, propelled my entrepreneurship journey
Jecinat Waithera is fruit salad seller in Naivasha town.
At 24, Jecinta Waithera took the boldest step of her life by starting her own business, marking the beginning of her journey toward financial independence.
After working for a year, Waithera had decided to quit her job and venture into fruit hawking, selling pre-packed fruit salads.
“This move was propelled by the fact that employment didn’t provide enough to meet my basic needs, leaving me struggling with a low income,” Waithera says.
With a start-up capital of Sh 2,500, she launched her Devine Fruit Pack business from her parents' home, preparing and delivering fruit salads to offices and businesses in Naivasha's CBD.
"I’m fortunate my parents allowed me to run my business while living at home," she says.
Waithera recalls that on her first day, she sold out all her fruit packs, making a profit of Sh 700. Being the validation she needed that she was on the right path, she never looked back since.
She explains that she chose the name "fruit packs" to create a distinct brand identity, that would support her business as it grows.
Some of the fruit packs sold by Jecinta Waithera.
"I decided on 'fruit packs' rather than 'pudding' because, even though the work may be seen as menial, it is still important," she adds.
Waithera says she envisions opening her fruit parlour and hopes to buy a motorcycle or car to transport the fruits, thus reduce the need to walk long distances and create job opportunities for other young people.
Asked what her highlight has been so far, Waithera says supplying fruits at events like the Soko la Vijana exhibition in Naivasha and the Uwazi Festival in Nakuru ranks very high on that list.
"Being able to provide fruits for such big events pushed me to my limits because I had never delivered that large numbers of fruit packs," she notes
However, Waithera notes that the business is not without challenges.
"At times, I don't sell all the fruit packs, and I have to be cautious to avoid getting arrested by enforcement officers, since I don’t have a license," she explains.
Currently, Waithera buys stock worth Sh 3,500 each morning, earning an average profit of Sh 1,000.