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We Asked 6 Women in Business on How Building Their Business Changed Them, Here’s What they Said

Jackie Kimathi

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Article compiled by Sylvia Mundia


Entrepreneurship is very often romanticized. Many of us want to be renowned business people, make a lot of money, spend time roaming the world and occasionally maybe take a rocket out to space and back for evening tea. Sounds perfect, right? – What we rarely do though, is look deeper to understand how to get there. We see and love the glory but not so much the story. Truth is, building a business is no easy feat. It is an undertaking that transforms, scars, challenges, empowers, and molds those who embark on it in immeasurable ways. We talked to several women in business on how the journey has been for them so far, in our quest to appreciate the story more.

1. Angie Murenga – Life Coach, Author, Minister, Trainer, Founder & CEO – Kingdom Business Solutions

For over 7 years, I have been in the business of coaching individuals, families, and organizations to find creative solutions within them, follow through, and implement the solutions to bring forth fuller, impactful lives. This mission that I am on has stretched me beyond limits I never knew possible as it requires me to show up for myself so I can authentically show up for those in my ecosystem. I have found that the more I model what it means to live purposefully, the more impact I have on the leaders who have entrusted me with their journeys. Modeling is a powerful tool; perhaps the most powerful where teaching is concerned.

Having engaged, trained, and equipped thousands of leaders from all over the globe, through the programs I run, I find that the result of fulfilled, empowered individuals owning their life, responsibilities, and seeking out their potential to become more, has been all the inspiration that I need. Recently someone wrote to me about my newest book ‘The Real You’ and said “Your book is helping heal” – I mean, what else are we here for if not to allow for our existence to speak to someone so powerfully?

Life is made up of a series of decisions and over time, I’ve learned that decision making is an area that requires to be harnessed. Most times, we overthink things and lose momentum, opportunities, or worse, get stuck. I’ve learned to make my decisions quickly, move on and learn if/when the decision wasn’t the best. I’ve also learned that motivation is sometimes overrated and understanding the reason why things must move and loving what you do will go a much longer way in sustaining you. One of the annual events that I hold is called ‘Unstuck’ and for a reason. In my experience coaching leaders, I’ve seen how detrimental feeling stuck can be and I have also seen the power of a mind that is resolved to progress; nothing can stop that charge. I’ve been so blessed to be able to bridge that gap for many and watch the rise. It is a humbling responsibility that God has given me to help charge up His people so that they can awaken to their potential.

While money is important, it should not be the focus. Money follows solutions. Focusing on providing solutions will ensure that the money flows. Chase to grow and expand your capacity to be a solution provider instead. One other thing I’ve realized over time especially because I interact with so many marketplace leaders is that money is not the measure for success. True success is very subjective and intrinsic. For each one of us, the blueprint of who we are lies inside of us, and pursuing it relentlessly is the indicator of success.

I value excellence and this has been one of the areas that I’ve had to work on because it can hinder delegation. I have learned to train but also allow those around me to do their way. I embrace a diverse approach much more now than I did when I started my business. I also embrace curveballs as I’ve seen them help me grow and help me leapfrog into my next. Business requires grit. It is not for the faint-hearted and I can certainly say that my business has changed me because it has taken much more out of me than I signed up for, stretched me, fulfilled me, and build me. I’ve come undone, been deeply fulfilled, over and over again and I wouldn’t trade this life for any other one.

2. Eva Kung’u – Founder & Trainer, Realm Business Consulting

Confidence, courage, and boldness are all attributes I now possess that I had no use for before deciding to venture into my business. My business has shaped my self-leadership abilities in astounding ways. I wish I knew how much discipline is required to be successful and consistent. While I may not always be motivated, I have acquired the discipline to do what I must regardless of my feelings. The success of my business lies heavily in the decisions that I make daily and I’ve learned the art of making decisions in tandem with time and need. Knowing when to let go of someone is just as critical as knowing when to increase the marketing budget.

I started my business formally 8 months ago after freelancing in the same industry; management consulting, for the past two years. The experience freelancing made me realize that there is a major gap within the SMEs space in strategy evaluation and revision, financial model revision, business valuation, mergers and acquisition consulting, development of funding strategies, and immigration under business clauses yet SMEs form the backbone of the Kenyan economy and Africa in general. I realized that, while I was struggling to make ends meet, I had a skill set that was truly needed and jumped in.

I’ve had to really re-evaluate relationships, maintain mutually beneficial ones and open myself up to networking with people on the same trajectory as me or those in complimentary spaces. One of the areas that have been monumental with relationships in mind is hiring. I’ve understood the importance of getting it right as it has the ability to make or break your reputation as a business. My business, like most others, is highly anchored on trust and when this is injured, it is very hard to recover. I’m so keen to ensure that the people in the business keep their word and deliver the expected quality of work.

One of the things that have shifted is my idea of success. Five years ago, success was this grand idea but today, crossing off my to-do list after a day is success to me. Success also means adapting to the needs of the business as it grows. For instance, I learned over time that most of my clients prefer a straightforward less time-consuming onboarding process which is contrary to what I used to offer. I had to put in the right systems to ensure the initial contact to project commencement timeframe is as minimized as possible.

Thus far, this journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. One of the proudest moments for me has been successfully assisting a client get funding from the World Bank for their project. I look forward to creating thousands more moments that take my breath away and leave me in gratitude.

 

3. Muthoni Kirumba – Founder, Zola Afrique Creations

I am the first child of my parents to aggressively get into business. I would say it came to me divinely, as it wasn’t something I’d always wanted to do. I began freelancing and offering the service and it caught my parents’ eye who invested in me and as they say, 8 years later, the rest is history. My business combines a number of my strengths; creativity, the desire to bring together beautiful things, and a love for people.

Zola Afrique is a fashion and gift shop that offers customized curated gifts/outfits for any occasion. We offer gift boxes that range from sweet simple items like flowers, custom baked goods to more sophisticated ones with custom-made clothing pieces, fragrances, signed books, and so forth. We have evolved tremendously as a business, having started as a fashion house only to offer gifts for individuals and corporates.  I consider myself a very enterprising person and my business over the years has reflected not only my creative energy but also my resilience and ability to push forward.

2018 was a very defining year for me. I woke up one day and had completely lost my ability to walk. To say this was challenging is an understatement; it was devastating. I was not sure that I’d ever recover and it took all the faith and hope not to let go of everything I had created until those moments. In retrospect, difficult things really do bring out an inner strength that is unimaginable as I was able to complete my Masters’s degree, author a book ‘The Crystal Ball Fell’ and begin the gifting part of my business.

My business helps me see how much grace God has given me as it is the most challenging thing to build up a vision that is larger than you. It has tamed my spending habits, helped me appreciate structures, become a better decision-maker and pursue innovation actively, not just for my business, but also within relationships. I am constantly re-inventing myself and it is all thanks to Zola. I’ve been so blessed to receive awards for my book and this has further assured me that I am indeed inspiring as I pursue my dreams. Additionally, I have been privileged to serve as a young board member in a sustainable fashion enterprise called Africa collect Textiles further allowing me to influence fashion through policy. It really feels like I’m just getting started. Much more awaits. Can’t stop, won’t stop!

4. May Kaptuiya – Founder, Kotoeia Solutions

Kotoeia pronounced as ‘Kotoya’ is a Greek word meaning commonwealth – a true premise and reflection of the impact that I hope to have and what I believe each person and nation carries. People are the greatest wealth of all time and dare I say that we don’t talk about this enough, nor do we realize how much can achieve by harnessing this as a resource, the way we do assets.

For 10 years, I worked in workforce planning within the Aviation industry and I loved every minute of the planning and organizing. I realized that not only did I love being able to maximize productivity by the workforce but I also had natural gifting for it. In 2016 however, I began to feel a little unsettled in employment as I was not where I’d hoped to be. I started having an existential crisis that left me seeking the reason that God created me and this search led me to find ‘The Purpose & Leadership Forum’ by Pastor Angie Murenga, a 12-week course that deeply explores purpose and self-leadership. While undertaking this, I got the clarity of vision, mentorship; and a community of like-minded people which was the push that I needed to birth Kotoeia.

In the following years before March 2021, when I finally came into full operationalization; I sought insight into myself by sitting under career coaches; Betty Malesi and Pauline Kiraithe; who helped me crystalize my offering. I also acquired mentors such as Pastor Angie who has kept me committed to the vision and accountable. The place of mentorship is so underrated if you ask me. Had I known better; I’d have started this much earlier.

My business so far has re-introduced me to myself in so many ways that were camouflaged in employment. It has taught me to trust the process; being a planner, I’d sometimes get stuck when I can’t see the end of something but I’ve found power in making steps and allowing the journey to unfold. I’ve battled self-doubt, comparison, procrastination, and found grace for myself to pick up tomorrow what I did not achieve today. I have learned to see money as a tool to work for me, released the idea of success that I had before, and embraced that it is fluid and will change as seasons change. I’ve also become much more flexible with the translation of my vision into output and allowed myself to be open to a variance of the how. More than anything else, my business has solidified the value of relationships for me.

I am so pumped about what the future holds; I’m excited to continue to redefine work, reapply the workforce of the Kenyan and African Market to gain high levels of productivity for our organizations and improve the per capita household income. One of the tools we use and offer; Doxa Workforce planning software solutions; is an affordable Kenyan solution for companies looking to track, measure, and reapply their workforce to gain the highest level of productivity and it brings me so much joy to be able to utilize a local resource. Besides consulting for strategic and operational application of workforce solutions, we also offer training for those interested to get into the specialization.  We’ve recently launched ‘Worker’s Light program’ – our Mashinani Youth Training Program that offers solutions to unemployment and underemployment by reaffirming the youth and encouraging them to redefine work for themselves and it has been satisfying and wonderfully rewarding to see the light bulbs go off in their minds as they understand that they have the power to choose where, how and when they want to work. I endeavor to keep shining this light bright.

5. Buyaki Kibwage – Buyaki & Associates Advocates (Buyaki Law)

 

Starting my business was a matter of concession of the need for a credible environment for sustainability, equity, and accessibility in Kenya’s legal system and elsewhere. Through lived experiences as well as my scholarship, I have grown a deep appreciation for the necessity to ensure equitable access to resources and representation and promotion of basic human rights for all. Exposure through community service indubitably cemented my commitment to the cause of sustainability, equity, and accessibility.

Five months in, I have been greatly affirmed in the fact that I can contribute towards accessibility and equity in Kenya and elsewhere and this has been my wake-up call daily. My practice has stretched me and highlighted the need for financial discipline as one of the areas that I need to pay attention to. As much as I stay positive and within an abundant mindset, I am increasingly mindful of my financial decisions. I’ve also learned that there is minimal room to be risk-averse. The business environment is volatile and requires constant innovative maneuvering. Part of this has involved creating a culture that is flexible while standing my ground on some fundamental areas. For example, our working hours are Monday to Thursday from 9 am – 4 pm, which is something most people are not used to and I’ve had to set the boundary a couple of times.

One of my greatest strengths has been accessing to a supportive community. Having witnessed the effect this has had on my business and me, it is my hope that I’ll be a contributing addition of the same to those around me. To manage curveballs, I continue to develop patience, proficiency and keep an open mind while staying well exposed to successfully manage the various existing temperaments in the industry.

Learning that the excitement or morale to work will not always be there has inspired great discipline. I occasionally incentivize myself to increase motivation on hard days and I’ve created a personal success metric to ensure that I stay objectively on my path. I’ve also learned to face decisions with no fear and apprehensiveness; make well-thought-out decisions and follow through.

6. Evelyn Ngatia – Founder & CEO, TechaWatt Ltd | 4IR Academy

“When you talk about the 4th Industrial Revolution, your face lights up” A leadership executive coach who also happens to be my spiritual leader pointed this out in a coaching session and it was not only a light bulb moment but also the affirmation I needed to make the jump from corporate banking where I’d been working for a long time but was increasingly wondering whether there was more to life. I was really fascinated by the concept of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) and I was doing all kinds of research to understand its emerging technologies such as the internet of things, artificial intelligence, blockchain, 5G, advanced robotics, driverless cars, among many others. What a profound aha moment, when it dawned on me, that the interest I had in my heart was God guiding me to the next phase of my career.

While growing up, we were constantly told (by our parents and the education system) that we needed to do well in school then get a good job. I, therefore, had no interest in entrepreneurship because it was imprinted in my mind as volatile and insecure compared to a job with a monthly salary. I carried that fear in me for a long time and would even often say that not everyone is called to entrepreneurship and I had put myself in that category. I didn’t realize that entrepreneurship would come calling. I’ve definitely had to deal with the fear through Prayer and Faith and God has been so faithful to guide me through to the other side.

At the onset of Covid 19, beginning of 2020, I set up TechWatt Ltd and 4IR Academy. A business centered on demystifying, educating, and applying tools within the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) for the improvement of lives and work as we know it. 4IR can be defined simply as the synchronization or the coming together of the digital and physical worlds i.e. physical elements each having a digital twin e.g. a factory machine having a digital copy stored in the ‘cloud’ which mirrors its physical self and any changes are reflected in real-time. We focus on training, advisory, research, and speaking engagements that equip individuals, organizations, and governments to enable them to thrive in the 4IR. 4IR Academy is an online academy that offers courses such as 4IR Foundation, 4IR in Sectors, and 4IR and Sustainability. The courses are self-paced and on-demand on our EdTech platform. They are strategic in nature hence suitable for CEOs, executives, managers – who may not want to learn the technical aspect of the technologies but need to understand what they are and how they are used. The courses are also suitable to technical people who want to get direction on which technical skills to pursue based on their industry and areas of passion.

My business has certainly forced me to redefine what success means to me. Prior to entrepreneurship, my definition of success was based on material possessions and the prestige that comes with them. Now, my definition is more about the impact of transforming mindsets. Transformed mindsets are the ones that will innovate and drive Africa to thrive in this 4th Industrial Revolution. Africa has been left behind in previous industrial revolutions, but we have a chance to actively participate in this one and it starts with education. Educating others is my contribution towards this.

Being an introvert, one of the adjustments I’ve had to make on a personal level is to come out of my comfort zone behind the scenes and put myself and my work out there. When I first started writing and publishing articles on Linked In, I dealt with feelings of imposter syndrome. I always imagined there was someone out there more knowledgeable, more qualified to talk about 4IR but people began to take interest in the articles and I then wrote and published a book on the same which was so well received. In the same breath though, I’ve learned through experience that not everyone will understand your journey. Not everyone will be as excited as you. Not everyone will be happy for you, and that’s okay. You will receive a lot of advice, some unsolicited, and it can be overwhelming. Pick the necessary advice but don’t get side-tracked, remain focused on your vision. No man is an island – have your ‘personal board of directors’ – an unofficial small group of people who support you, advise you and give you feedback. Feedback from your clients and partners is also very important.

I read a lot more about entrepreneurs – to get insight into their journeys, different perspectives on how they dealt with challenges as well as the problems they are solving. Understanding what it has taken each of them has been a huge resource especially in navigating curveballs, and change as part of the journey. Entrepreneurship is not a straight road, it is bumpy, curved, and full of ups and downs. One of the things that have been instrumental in my journey so far, other than a major shift in my spending habits and understanding of money has been time management. I got an App to monitor how I spend my time. It automatically populates my activities e.g. working, shopping, fitness, social media, spiritual, etc. as it learns over time. It keeps me accountable in that when I am not spending my time wisely, the graph alerts me and I then course correct.  I have had to be more intentional about stewarding my time, finances, and intellectual capacity, knowing that proper stewardship of these three resources is directly related to the performance of the company. Balancing these three has also made me less risk-averse allowing me to innovate and explore the course of my business.

The greatest highlight is building a business that has come to be globally recognized. While it was a business idea, I wasn’t really sure how the world would receive it; but by the grace of God, I have received various global awards and recognition such as Inspiring Fifty UK 2021 award winner (accelerateHER), Who’s Who in Industry 4.0? Influential Voices and Brands (Onalytica), Top 50 Global Thought Leaders on Emerging Technology (Thinkers360), Top 50 Global Thought Leaders on EdTech (Thinkers360) among others.  I was also approached and appointed as a Board Member of the Women in Tech Commission at the European Technology Chamber. This really affirmed my new direction. That they saw the value that I could add to their board was a very proud moment for me.

I feel energized for impact and just as the beginning of this adventure was divine, boldness and prayer have continued to be key pillars for me. I have found myself praying a lot more and listening to God for direction before making decisions, then going out with boldness to execute the decision. That gives me confidence in my decisions and assures me that I’m walking in the path He preordained for me.

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