This archive report was first published on 12 July 2019.
Carole Kinoti: A Fashion Entrepreneur's Journey ¶
Published on July 12, 2019
Carole Kinoti's story is one of resilience and determination. Despite facing numerous challenges, she has emerged as a leading figure in the Kenyan textile industry.
With 15 years of experience in the fashion industry, Kinoti has established herself as a talented entrepreneur. She is the founder of Fashion on the Road (FOTR), a company that provides a platform for young creative artists to transform their ideas into successful businesses.
Through her work with FOTR, Kinoti has identified the need to empower young women to start and run businesses without abandoning their cultural values. She believes that women can be successful entrepreneurs while still maintaining their traditional roles in society.
One of the biggest challenges facing the local textile industry is the preference for imported clothes over locally manufactured ones. Kinoti attributes this to the higher prices of locally made garments and the prestige associated with foreign brands. However, she is optimistic about the industry's potential for growth, citing the government's recent efforts to revive the sector.
As a member of the Commonwealth Business Women's Association (CBWA), Kinoti is committed to promoting talent, training, and trade among women entrepreneurs in the Commonwealth. She believes that with the right support and resources, women can overcome cultural and financial barriers to succeed in business.
Kinoti's advice to young entrepreneurs is to work with what they have and to be creative in finding solutions to their problems. She emphasizes the importance of recycling and reusing materials to conserve the environment and reduce waste.
When asked about her own experiences with failure, Kinoti revealed that she had to come up with a fresh strategy to overcome her challenges. She believes that failure is an opportunity to review and improve one's approach, leading to a better plan for the future.
Outside of her business ventures, Kinoti enjoys playing golf and spending time with her family. She believes that mixing work with pleasure is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
As for unconventional business advice, Kinoti suggests that one does not need money to start a business. With a unique idea and the right packaging, entrepreneurs can attract investors and turn their dreams into reality.
Finally, Kinoti emphasizes the importance of leveraging the internet to build a brand and raise capital. She encourages young entrepreneurs to explore alternative avenues for raising funds and to be creative in their approach.
