This archive report was first published on 14 January 2020.
Shirlene Nafula, a 27-year-old entrepreneur from Nairobi, has turned her disappointment into a thriving business. Born in Bungoma County, Nafula was raised in three different counties and is the firstborn in a big family.
Nafula holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Biotechnology from the University of Nairobi. Her journey to entrepreneurship began when she applied to pursue her master's at Kings College in London, but her visa was denied due to financial constraints.
Nafula credits her grandmother with providing the initial Sh10, 000 to register her business, Crystal River Products, which manufactures bio-based beauty and cleaning products. The company has a range of over 20 different products and is licensed by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) to produce four of them.
Nafula's business has come a long way since its inception in 2015. The company currently employs 21 staff on an incentivised model and has plans to move its workshop to South B once it acquires space. Nafula hopes to establish a strong brand in Africa within the next five years and go global within the next 20 years.
Nafula's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to remain focused and work hard to achieve their goals. She emphasizes the importance of consistency, excellence, and resilience in overcoming challenges and standing out in a competitive market.
