In the bustling city of Nairobi, where dreams and aspirations intertwine with daily life, one woman’s journey from being a high school teacher to the founder and director of a thriving bakery business is nothing short of inspiring.
Beldine Kirito, the driving force behind Beldina’s Delicacies, has defied the odds, turning her passion for baking into a successful venture that not only creates delectable cakes but also empowers others through baking and cake decoration training.
Here is her story as told by WoK.
A Humble Beginning
Beldine’s entrepreneurial story began in October 2016 when she embarked on her baking journey.
What makes her journey exceptional is that she started with a meager capital of Sh. 30,000.
Her kitchen became the birthplace of her culinary creations, and with determination and a pinch of creativity, she started her business.
Starting small was not just a choice but a necessity. Like many aspiring entrepreneurs, Beldine faced her share of challenges in the beginning.
Limited space and a lack of proper commercial equipment were obstacles she had to overcome. However, she didn’t let these challenges deter her.
The Power of Marketing and Social Media
One key factor that propelled Beldine’s success was her aggressive approach to marketing.
”I was quite aggressive on marketing on social media and through my YouTube Channel, and I am also grateful to my friends who acted as my brand ambassadors and sent new customers and referrals to the business,” she recalled.
The power of word-of-mouth and social connections played a pivotal role in the initial growth of her business.
Learning from Setbacks
Beldine’s entrepreneurial journey wasn’t without its setbacks.
In 2020, during the peak of the pandemic, she and her husband decided to venture into the hotel industry.
” We did not do proper due diligence or consult any expert, coach or mentor. The
result was huge losses. We were forced to shut the hotel down because the area residents refused to approve a hotel to run in their neighbourhood,” she asserted.
As a result, they incurred significant losses, amounting to Ksh. 6 million, primarily from loans.
However, Beldine and her husband turned this setback into a valuable lesson They learned that proper due diligence, expert guidance, and starting small while gaining experience through the process are essential steps in any entrepreneurial endeavor.
The Value of Continuous Learning
One of Beldine’s key principles is the value of continuous learning.
She emphasizes the importance of taking baking and advanced cake decoration courses.
In an industry that is constantly evolving, keeping up with new trends and techniques is crucial. Collaboration, rather than competition, with others in the industry is another valuable insight she shares.
By working together, businesses can collectively raise the bar and provide better services to their customers.
Reinvestment and Balance
Beldine also practices prudent financial management.
She reinvests her business profits back into her company. This approach not only fuels growth but also helps her manage the financial challenges of servicing loans from the failed hotel venture.
Furthermore, Beldine highlights the importance of balancing passion and profitability. While her passion for baking is evident, she understands that a successful business requires a keen focus on profitability.
Striking this balance is a challenge many entrepreneurs face, but it’s essential for long-term success.
Choosing Entrepreneurship
Despite the challenges, Beldine Kirito chose entrepreneurship over employment.
