Biz Lounge: Turning trendy phone stickers into profit

In 2019, then a student at Maseno University, Meshack Edong began his entrepreneurial journey.

While pursuing a degree in Accounting and Finance, a course he admits he wasn’t passionate about but took up due to parental pressure, Meshack found an alternative path that better suited his interests and ambitions. 

Then, he decided to use the Sh 1,000 at his disposal, to buy phone stickers and sell it to his classmates and friends at a profit.

“I knew I could make some money from my love for drawing. Other than the ready-made phone stickers, I would draw and make customized stickers too,” he explains. 

Meshack was selling his stickers at Sh. 100 as most of his customers were fellow students and locals around the university.

The reception, he says, was overwhelmingly positive, with many people loving the unique and trendy sticker designs he offered. 

After graduating, he didn’t look for a white-collar job but instead chose to build on the business he had started while in university.

What started as a small side hustle to meet his basic needs and earn extra income has now evolved into a full-time business selling stickers in Naivasha.

"Starting was a challenge especially with the enforcement officers (kanjo) since I used to hawk the stickers before finding a spot at the Naivasha Municipal Park," he says.

With that challenge now behind him, Meshack has his sights set on owning a shop of his own in the future. His stickers are priced between Sh100 and Sh150, and while he can’t single out a best-seller, the designs appeal widely, especially to young people, who form his core market. 

"Most of my clients are young people who don't use phone covers. However, I have also attracted a few older clients with my mother being my biggest supporter, proudly owning her custom-made sticker," he says.

Meshak operates seven days a week, and profits can vary: “On a not-so-good day, I make around Sh. 500, but on a good day, I can make up to Sh. 2,000,” he notes. 

Asked what his advice to young people is, he remarks, “Work hard, don’t give up, and don’t be too choosy. It might make you easily lose out on opportunities.”