This archive report was first published on 19 June 2020.
From Humble Beginnings to Fashion Success ¶
Waridi Juma Fakii, a 49-year-old mother of three, never thought she'd turn her passion for fashion into a successful business. But with determination and hard work, she's now the proud owner of Waridi Collections in Kwale County.
Waridi's journey began when she received Sh30,000 from her husband to pursue her dream. With no knowledge of business, she traveled to Kampala through Nairobi, but only had Sh12,000 left to spend on stock. Despite the challenges, she managed to sell the entire stock, earning a profit of Sh30,000.
Encouraged by her success, Waridi expanded her business, changing her route to Tanzania to source 'deras' or Swahili dresses. She used the income from her first sales to purchase stock, vitenge (raw fabrics), and handbags. Today, Waridi Collections serves a larger audience, with different tastes in fashion, and operates through her phone due to the pandemic.
Waridi's secret to success lies in her dedication and zeal. She works from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, and sometimes opens on weekends. Her daily routine includes checking inventory, communicating with clients, and ensuring her records are well-balanced.
As she looks to the future, Waridi plans to open another business, but remains tight-lipped about the details. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to start with what they have and use their capital wisely. With discipline and self-drive, anyone can achieve success in the fashion industry.
