This archive report was first published on 26 August 2020.
At just 25 years old, Ivynne Okoth has achieved remarkable success with her online business, Kairo Ltd. Founded in 2019 after graduating from the University of Nairobi, Kairo Ltd deals in fashion, furniture, and home decor, with a focus on providing high-quality products to the modern woman.
With a seed capital of Sh50,000, Ivynne has grown her business to employ eight people and ship products globally. Despite facing challenges, including a 50% drop in sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ivynne remains committed to her business philosophy of 'service above self.'
When asked about the importance of business lessons, Ivynne emphasized the need for controlled patience, stating that a venture should be given a three-year trial period before determining its profitability. She also stressed the importance of knowing when to let go and cut losses if a business is not profitable.
As Kairo Ltd continues to grow, Ivynne plans to launch her first pop-up store in the coming months. Her advice to young entrepreneurs is to be careful about mixing business with family and friendships, as this can lead to difficulties in making tough decisions.
