In the bustling town of Kisii, Kenya, Jane Omoro has been making waves in the soap-making industry.
Armed with a diploma in Entrepreneurship from Kisii University, Jane embarked on her entrepreneurial journey in 2015, starting her venture with a mere Ksh3,000.
As of 2019, her business flourished, with a stock worth close to Ksh1 million.
Here is her story as told by WoK.
Background
Omoro’s soap-making business has not only brought financial success but also serves as an inspiration for young people looking to break free from the confines of traditional white-collar jobs.
From her humble sitting room, Jane churned out hundreds of soaps and saw her business grow from scratch.
Her start-up capital was meager, but it fueled her passion and creativity to develop a wide range of soaps, each carefully crafted using locally available farm products.
Avocado extracts and other natural materials form the base of her 21 different soap varieties, catering to various skin types and conditions.
“It is not easy. We have had to contend with lack of new natural and beneficial eco-friendly products to make soap,” she recalled.
One of Jane’s secrets to success lied in her commitment to creating products that offer genuine value to her customers.
Her best-selling soaps, designed to combat dandruff, pimples, and fungal skin infections, earned her a loyal customer base and glowing reviews.
The positive market reception allowed her to rake in a monthly profit of approximately Ksh50,000.
The price for Omoro’s soaps is Sh130-Sh300 depending on the type.
In the early stages, Jane envisioned engaging women from her community in her business, offering them an opportunity to earn a sustainable income.
However, she faced challenges when some members left due to the slow initial progress.
Undeterred, she pressed forward and adapted her operations, dividing them into two locations: her home and a production center in downtown Kisii.
This strategic move allowed her to streamline her manufacturing process and expand her reach.
Jane’s strategic thinking caught the attention of others, and soon, seven students from various universities were eager to learn the art of soap-making under her tutelage.
As her business flourished, Jane also embraced modern marketing techniques.
She recognized the potential of social media platforms as powerful tools for promoting her products to a wider audience.
Through well-crafted posts and engaging content, she has successfully reached potential customers far beyond the borders of Kisii.
But success did not come without its share of challenges.
Jane revealed that sourcing new natural and eco-friendly materials was not easy, and she continually sought ways to innovate and improve her products.
Her ability to overcome such hurdles and stay ahead in a competitive market is a testament to her resilience and commitment to excellence.
Jane’s remarkable journey did not gone unnoticed.
During the prestigious Agricultural Society of Kenya event at Gusii Stadium, she received a well-deserved trophy from former Kisii Governor James Ongwae.
