This archive report was first published on 15 August 2019.
Lucy Kimani, a 43-year-old mother of two, is the founder and owner of Dawn Industries Kenya, a company that manufactures hair, beauty, and hygiene products. Her journey to success was not without its challenges, including bankruptcy, but she persevered and is now a leading player in the industry.
Kimani's entrepreneurial spirit was instilled in her from a young age. Growing up, her mother ran a mitumba business at Gikomba market and sold charcoal in the estate. Kimani and her siblings would often help their mother with the business, learning the ins and outs of entrepreneurship.
After completing high school, Kimani pursued a procurement course but took a break to travel to Malaysia. She later pursued a Diploma in Sales and Marketing and a PR course, which helped her develop the skills she needed to succeed in business.
Kimani's idea for Dawn Industries Kenya was born out of her own struggle with dry, cracked skin. She had tried various remedies but found them to be expensive and ineffective. She discovered a more cost-effective solution while working in the pharmaceutical industry and decided to start her own business.
With the help of a cosmetics expert, Kimani was able to source the raw materials she needed to start her business. She began by manufacturing products in a house in Ongata Rongai and selling them to salons in the area. Her products quickly gained popularity, and she was able to quit her job in the pharmaceutical industry to focus on her business.
However, Kimani's success was short-lived. She went bankrupt and was forced to close her business. She later found employment as a hotel manager but continued to pay the rent on her manufacturing base in Rongai. When the hotel was sold, Kimani saw an opportunity to revive her business and did so, renaming it Dawn Cosmetics and moving it to a new location in the Industrial Area.
With the help of her sister, Kimani was able to secure funding and improve her equipment and packaging. She also expanded her product range and hired employees. Today, Dawn Industries Kenya is a successful business with a range of products stocked in reputable retail stores across the country.
Kimani's success is a testament to her hard work and determination. She continues to innovate and expand her business, with a focus on catering to the needs of simple Kenyans. Her products are made with natural oils and are designed to meet the specific needs of African skin.
Kimani's journey is an inspiration to anyone who has ever struggled to turn their passion into a successful business. She is a true entrepreneur and a role model for women in business.
