How my mother’s craft inspired my handmade accessories venture

At just 21 years old, Gladwell Akoth Abilah founder of Bliss- Nakuru Kenya is carving out a space for herself in Nakuru’s creative handmade accessories market, drawing inspiration from a childhood spent watching her mother work as a designer.

‎Growing up, Akoth was exposed early to the world of tailoring and creativity, although she did not immediately consider it a career. 

‎‎“I used to watch my mum work, but at that time I never really thought I would follow the same path,” she recalls.

‎‎It was not until high school, after being introduced to home science, that she began developing a deeper interest in sewing. With support from her home science teacher, she learned basic stitches that would later form the foundation of her business. 

‎‎“My teacher really encouraged me. That’s when I started realising I could actually do something with my hands,” she says.

‎‎Akoth officially launched her accessories venture this year, beginning almost unintentionally after experimenting with ideas she saw on YouTube. Despite lacking a sewing machine, she started creating satin bonnets using only a needle and thread. When her first admirer asked to buy one, she saw, as she puts it, “a good opportunity.”

‎‎She began producing small batches and crafting her own packaging materials, gradually growing her client base through WhatsApp groups rather than traditional door-to-door marketing which was her first strategy. 

‎‎“I didn’t have the confidence to market physically because it didn't work after I tried it, so social media became my shop,” she explains.

‎‎However, the journey has not been without challenges. Akoth juggles the business with her studies as a Certified Nursing Assistant, making time management one of her greatest hurdles. 

‎‎Additionally, working without a sewing machine means each piece takes significantly longer to complete.

‎‎“People assume I have all the equipment,” she says. “They don’t know everything is handmade with just a needle and thread, so a single bonnet can take hours.”

‎‎Sourcing materials in Nakuru also poses difficulties, often requiring her to improvise designs when she cannot find specific fabrics. To keep costs low at the beginning, she reused leftover materials from her mother’s workshop, investing less than Sh 500 to launch the business. 

‎‎Today, her products range from bonnets to scrunchies, hair pins and complementary accessories, priced between Sh 750 and Sh 850 depending on the satin quality for bonnets. Bow clips at Sh 300 each and Snap clips at Sh 300 each  

‎‎Despite a modest start, social media has propelled her growth, enabling her to reach customers from Kisumu to Mombasa. She credits this reach to the trust customers place in her craftsmanship. 

‎‎“Most of my customers come back with good feedback, and that keeps me going,” she notes.

‎‎Over time, Akoth has expanded her product line and is exploring additional creative ventures such as fabric-based gift packaging and personalised gift items.

‎‎Looking ahead, she hopes to open a physical shop and broaden her impact, particularly for people seeking confidence-boosting accessories, including cancer patients experiencing hair loss. 

‎‎“I want my products to make people feel good about themselves,” she says.

‎‎Akoth says the business has taught her patience, perseverance and the importance of creativity. 

‎‎She attributes her steady focus to her mother, who she describes as her mentor, advisor and greatest supporter. “My mum pushes me to be better every day,” she says.

‎‎Akoth encourages young entrepreneurs to start with whatever resources they have. “If you know why you began, the journey may shake you, but you’ll stand,” she says.

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