This archive report was first published on 18 August 2021.
Valerie Ndegwa, owner and founder of Pastry Palace, one of Nairobi's few exclusive pastry shops, has always been passionate about food and entrepreneurship. With a background in hotel management from Switzerland, she worked in Abu Dhabi for a year before noticing a gap in the Kenyan market for affordable pastries.
She had a business plan from her school project, which made it easier for her to start her own business. Ndegwa's journey to entrepreneurship was not without its challenges, but she persevered, driven by her passion for food and her desire to prove herself in a male-dominated industry.
Pastry Palace offers a range of delicious treats, including specialty samosas, which are mushroom mozzarella, butter coriander, and spicy beef. The shop's focus on customer satisfaction and customisation has given it a competitive edge in the market.
Ndegwa's advice to other women looking to start their own businesses is to just start, be prepared for obstacles, and stay patient and focused on their vision.
Published on August 18, 2021, by Kenyan Digest.
