Biz Lounge: The making of Kraft mimosa leather bags

Karen Mwangi has always had an entrepreneurial spirit. When she founded Kraft Mimosa, it was the perfect blend of passion and purpose.

Specializing in high-quality leather products, Kraft Mimosa is not just a business—it’s a reflection of Karen’s love for craftsmanship and her belief in the untapped potential of Kenya’s leather industry. 

In an exclusive sit-down with Mtaa Wangu, Karen shares her journey of turning a dream into a thriving business, the challenges she’s faced, and why she believes the best is yet to come for Kraft Mimosa, in the evolving landscape of leather goods.

When was Kraft Mimosa founded?

It was founded in 2022. The business specializes in high-quality leather products. I ventured into entrepreneurship after years of employment, seeking fulfilment that traditional work couldn't provide. With an initial investment of just Sh. 10,000, the business was up and running.

What’s the inspiration behind your designs?

Our designs are inspired by market feedback and collaborative brainstorming sessions with our artisans. We ensure the concepts align with customer preferences. Additionally, our products are customizable, catering to clients' specific needs.

The product range includes belts, toiletry bags, card wallets, and coasters. By the end of the year, we plan to launch a line of leather bags. Currently, our products are priced between Sh 1,000 and Sh 4,000.

Why is quality labour important in business?

Many start ups make the mistake of hiring low-quality labour to cut costs, but this often leads to wasted time and money. Investing in a skilled workforce reduces training time and ensures tasks are completed efficiently. High-quality labour is crucial for business growth and success.

Can the perception that international brands are better than local ones be changed?

Absolutely. To change this perception, we must challenge the myth that locally made products are inferior to international ones. Supporting local entrepreneurs by purchasing their products is key. 

At Kraft Mimosa, we aim to showcase that Nakuru can produce world-class leather products. By offering quality goods, we help build trust in local craftsmanship and increase the spending power.

What does the future hold for Kraft Mimosa?

We are planning to launch a line of leather bags by the end of the year. In the long term, we aim to open a physical shop in Nakuru and eventually expand to other locations, including international markets. 

Our vision includes becoming Kenya's leading leather brand and collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure we deliver the best to the market. 

Additionally, we plan to expand our workshop to accommodate the production of leather shoes for both men and women.

What advice do you have for budding designers entering the industry?

Be passionate about your craft: Obsession with your work will set you apart from the competition. Understand your product deeply, as no business is perfect, but dedication drives success.  

Build proper systems: Having efficient systems in place reduces losses and delays, ensuring smooth operations.  

Stay consistent: Success comes with persistence. View challenges as lessons and keep moving forward.  

What has been your highlight of the year, and what lessons have you learned?

This year, I participated in an incubation program, which helped me learn and unlearn essential business strategies. It equipped me with skills for running a successful business. 

Two key lessons stood out: resilience and patience are indispensable in entrepreneurship.