This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
Yvonne Ngugi, a 30-something entrepreneur, has made her mark in the online fashion industry with Shoe Story Closet, an online shoe store that sells a wide range of footwear.
Ngugi's journey to entrepreneurship began with a blog called Shoe Story, which she started about three years ago. The blog was a platform for her to share her passion for shoes and provide fashion tips to her readers.
As her blog gained popularity, Ngugi decided to take the next step and start an online shoe business. In 2017, she launched Shoe Story Closet, which has since become a profitable venture.
Ngugi's decision to quit her job at a digital marketing agency in Nairobi was not taken lightly. She had been employed for eight years and had a stable income. However, her passion for shoes and her desire to be her own boss led her to take the leap of faith.
With an initial investment of Sh50,000, Ngugi was able to ship in her first consignment of shoes. She had saved up the money from her previous employment and was determined to make her business a success.
However, Ngugi soon realized that shipping shoes was not an easy task. The process was lengthy and expensive, which sometimes ate into the business's profit margins. To overcome this challenge, Ngugi found a shipping company that transported the goods within a shorter period and at a cheaper cost.
Despite the challenges she faced, Ngugi has managed to keep her business afloat. She has learned to plan and budget for everything in advance and is constantly looking for options that are easier, faster, and more cost-effective.
Ngugi's advice to young entrepreneurs is to find their passion and turn it into a money-making venture. She emphasizes that success does not come overnight and that one should strive to turn their passion into profit.
