This archive report was first published on 31 July 2019.
At 29, Susan Wamuyu found herself unemployed, but she didn't let that setback define her. Instead, she turned to her passion for bead work, which she started in 2014. Five years later, her business has paid off, and she's proud to say it's been a worthwhile venture.
Based in Nyeri town, Susan trains two people in bead work and interior décor. Her products, which include necklaces, bracelets, headbands, earrings, key holders, and other bead items, are in high demand. On average, she makes Sh3,000 per day from her sales.
Susan sources her materials from Nairobi, where she buys in large quantities at cheaper prices. She also decorates liquor bottles, which she sources from restaurants at Sh10 each, and sells them to clients who appreciate the African culture and the unique touch it adds to their homes.
With a strong online presence on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, Susan has been able to expand her business and reach a wider audience. Word of mouth has also been a significant factor in her success, with many clients referring their friends and family to her business.
As she looks to the future, Susan plans to expand her business and accommodate more trainees. She believes that self-employment is a rewarding option for young people and encourages them not to solely depend on white-collar jobs.
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