This archive report was first published on 28 October 2019.
Published on October 28, 2019, Lillian Kithia's story is a testament to the power of innovation and determination.
After graduating with a bachelor's degree in communication and media studies, Kithia faced the harsh reality of unemployment. However, she refused to give up on her dreams, instead choosing to pursue entrepreneurship with the help of Facebook.
With a mere Ksh. 100,000, a gift from her husband, Kithia launched her business, Juicy Couture, which specializes in clothing, shoes, and jewelry. She utilized her existing laptop and modem to create a Facebook page, which became the backbone of her marketing strategy.
Through her Facebook page, Kithia was able to connect with customers, understand their needs, and close business deals. She would upload photographs of her products, wait for orders, and use popular mobile payment platforms like M-pesa and Airtel money to facilitate transactions. For international customers, she relied on email-based PayPal.
What sets Kithia's story apart is her ability to adapt and innovate. She sourced her products from London and France, and even opened stores in countries like Dubai and the United Arab Emirates. Her business flourished, with an average monthly sales of Ksh. 420,000.
Not content to rest on her laurels, Kithia expanded her business by investing in electronic products from Japan. Her first order, valued at Ksh. 250,000, was made in September. When asked about the secret to her success, Kithia attributed it to Facebook marketing, which she credits with helping her build a loyal customer base.
