This archive report was first published on 20 December 2019.
December 20, 2019, marked a significant milestone for Vicklyne Jessicah Otieno, a 32-year-old entrepreneur, as she officially launched Monarq Naturals, a line of natural skincare products inspired by her son's eczema.
With a background in marketing, Vicklyne's journey into entrepreneurship began when her seven-year-old son was diagnosed with severe eczema. Despite trying various remedies and consulting dermatologists, she found no relief. It was then that she turned to natural oils, conducting extensive research and experimenting with different products.
After discovering that eczema cannot be healed completely, but only managed, Vicklyne learned the triggers that accelerated flare-ups. She realized that different kinds of eczema require various remedies, and she eventually found a natural oil that worked for her son.
As her son's condition improved, Vicklyne began sharing her products with friends and family, who reported positive results. This led her to start an inclusive skin and hair care business, with Monarq Naturals becoming a popular brand in Kenya.
Today, Vicklyne works closely with an events company to promote her products and has secured partnerships with retail markets. However, she faces challenges in financing large batches of products and plans to introduce more products to cater to the growing natural skincare market.
With valuable lessons learned from her entrepreneurial journey, Vicklyne shares her tips for success: passion, patience, and perseverance. She emphasizes the importance of adequate research, listening to clients, and nurturing a business to allow it to grow at its own pace.
