This archive report was first published on 15 July 2020.
Kenya: Meet Young Pilot Whose Side Hustle Is Selling Perfumes ¶
Published on July 15, 2020
Geraldine Gitau, a 36-year-old Kenyan pilot, has found success in the perfume industry with her start-up, Scents by Geraldine, which she founded in 2016. The company sells perfumes, including Kenya's first original designer perfume.
Gitau's journey into perfumery began when she started researching the art of perfumery in mid-2016. She partnered with a German company in Berlin to develop her signature scent, which was launched in Kenya a year later.
Scents by Geraldine has received a great reception in the Kenyan market, with customers appreciating the company's low-cost, original perfumes. However, Gitau faces challenges in changing the buying culture in Kenya, where people often prioritize price over quality.
Despite these challenges, Gitau is optimistic about the future of Scents by Geraldine. She envisions a time when the company will be a Kenyan sensation in the perfume market, with most Kenyans having sampled one or more of their perfumes.
Gitau's experience as a pilot has also taught her the importance of having a fallback plan. With the aviation industry being one of the hardest hit during the coronavirus pandemic, Gitau is grateful to have started her perfumery business a few years ago.
When asked about her greatest life lesson, Gitau said, 'You can never do anything alone. No matter how small. There are actually people out there who can walk with you, uplift and inspire you - even if you don't see them yet.'
Gitau's advice to young people is to 'Fear is all in your head. Before you shoot yourself down try. Fail and try again. Get a mentor to walk with you. Faith it until you make it.'
