George Olang, a university graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics, embarked on a career in the corporate sector immediately after completing his studies.
However, his entrepreneurial spirit, nurtured by his mother’s business as a shoe hawker, soon took hold of him, leading him on a remarkable journey of success.
Driven by his passion for business and an innate desire to create something of his own, Olang found himself spending his early mornings at Gikomba market, a bustling hub of trade and commerce in Nairobi.
It was in this vibrant marketplace that his shoe-selling side hustle was born, which has since blossomed into a thriving enterprise known as Tranquillo Shoes.
“One morning I just went to the market, bought three pairs of shoes then resold them to a shop owner at a profit. Slowly I started supplying shoes to my colleagues and friends and after two months of balancing my side hustle and my analytics job, I quit to start my own shoe shop,” Olang said in a past interview.
Fuelled by his initial success, he gradually expanded his customer base by supplying shoes to his colleagues and friends.
Despite the demands of his full-time analytics job, Olang managed to balance his side hustle for a couple of months.
However, the entrepreneurial flame burning within him eventually led him to make a life-changing decision—to quit his corporate job and establish his own shoe shop.
As of 2019, Tranquillo Shoes, under Olang’s astute leadership, experienced remarkable growth.
The clientele base had expanded from a humble 200 to an impressive 1,000 customers.
Olang’s success lied in his unique business model, which centered around personally sourcing shoes from the market to cater to the specific preferences of his fashion-conscious clientele.
He carefully selected shoes in excellent condition, commonly referred to as “first camera” shoes in the mitumba (second-hand) market.
These shoes undergo a thorough cleaning process before being either dispatched as special orders or showcased in his CBD and Westlands shops.
“At the market I ensure every shoe I buy is in a good condition, one that you cannot tell whether it has been worn or not, the ones that are called first camera. We clean them and send the special orders to our customers while for the rest we display at the shop and post photos online,” he said
Olang further amplified his reach by posting enticing photos of his footwear collection online, attracting customers from all corners.
In the face of challenges, such as dealing with dead stock, Olang demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness.
Rather than allowing unsold shoes to accumulate, he implemented strategies to mitigate losses.
Discounts were offered to expedite the sale of stagnant stock, ensuring a continuous flow of inventory turnover.
In cases where shoes remain unsold for prolonged periods, Olang generously donated them to charity, enabling his business to contribute positively to the community.
Drawing on his mathematical background, George Olang skillfully managed the financial aspects of his business.
His proficiency in calculations and his ability to evaluate profit margins proved invaluable. By meticulously analyzing daily figures and setting realistic targets, he ensured that his business generates sufficient income to cover expenses, pay employees, and still yield profits substantial enough for savings and expansion.
To aspiring entrepreneurs, Olang offers a valuable piece of advice—love what you do.
In his experience, passion and dedication are essential ingredients for overcoming the inevitable challenges that come with starting and growing a business.
By embracing his own love for the shoe industry, George Olang has transformed his side hustle into a flourishing enterprise, earning the respect and loyalty of his customers along the way.
