This archive report was first published on 7 October 2019.
From Humble Beginnings to Business Success ¶
Lucy Wahu, the 43-year-old founder and CEO of Dawn Industries, has come a long way from her humble beginnings. In a recent interview, she shared her inspiring story of perseverance and determination, from working as a cleaner to achieving her dreams.
Wahu, who is the seventh born in a family of eight, credits her childhood experiences for shaping her into the person she is today. Growing up with six sisters and one brother taught her valuable lessons in negotiation and standing her ground.
After dropping out of college at 19, Wahu worked various jobs, including cleaning hotel rooms and serving people from all walks of life. These experiences taught her to respect everyone regardless of their titles or place in society and to be organized mentally and physically.
At 27, Wahu founded her first business, a pharmaceutical company, but it eventually failed due to poor cash flow management. However, she learned a valuable lesson from the experience and vowed to do things better in her next business, which she is currently running.
Wahu's journey has been marked by self-discovery, learning from her mistakes, and perseverance. She believes that her 40s are a season of rebirth, and she is excited about the new chapter of her life.
When asked about the greatest lesson she has learned about money, Wahu advised, 'Learn to respect money, never abuse it or it will abuse you back. Money is not everything. It is only the grease that turns the wheel, but the wheel will turn with or without it.'
As for advice to the youth, Wahu urged them to 'Dream big and stay focused on your plans. Reach for the stars, but be ready and willing to work towards it.'
