Born in 1973 in Maganjo, Nyeri county, Mary Njoki defied societal expectations and embarked on a journey that would ultimately lead her to success.
Overcoming numerous challenges and facing gender biases head-on, she built a thriving business that not only supports her family but also serves as an inspiration for others to follow their passions.
After completing her nursing course at Nasaba Hospital (now The Nairobi Women’s Hospital) in 1999, Mary recognized that the demanding nature of the job and the insufficient compensation were not in line with her efforts.
Motivated to find a more fulfilling career, she made the courageous decision to open a watch shop with the support of her husband.
As Mary began her venture into watch sales, she discovered a profound interest in the art of watchmaking and repair.
Mary recalled during an interview with Citizen Wananchi Reporting that her initial experiences involved receiving complaints from customers regarding their watches.
To address these issues, she would meticulously dismantle the watches and identify the root causes.
“Sometimes it was just a battery problem, other times there was repair needed. Because I did it several times, I mastered the structure,” she said.
With determination and persistence, she honed her skills through dismantling and troubleshooting watches, gradually mastering the complexities of the craft.
Mary’s husband played a crucial role in her journey, offering support by sourcing spare parts through connections with wholesalers in China.
This allowed her to continually improve her expertise and expand her knowledge of watch repair.
While Mary’s career choice was met with skepticism by her parents, who expected her to remain in the nursing profession.
”It was a shame to my family, that their daughter is seen in town selling and repairing watches. I get money from this shop but nobody believes me. At some point, my sister advised me to leave the shop and look for something else to do,” she added.
However, she remained steadfast in her pursuit of her newfound passion.
Despite the challenges and societal pressures, Mary remained focused on proving her worth in the watchmaking industry.
Through her dedication and growing skillset, Mary gained a reputation as a skilled watchmaker, attracting clients from various parts of the country.
Satisfied customers became her most valuable promoters, referring others to her shop and contributing to the steady growth of her business.
Mary’s success as a watchmaker not only provided financial stability for her family but also allowed her to invest in her children’s education and acquire property.
”Through this shop, I have schooled my three children to university level, I have my own home.” She said.
Despite occasional encounters with gender bias, where some clients doubted her abilities solely based on her gender, she persisted, challenging stereotypes and continuously demonstrating her exceptional skills and expertise.
Looking towards the future, Mary Njoki has a vision to expand her shop and use her success as a platform to train and mentor aspiring watchmakers, particularly young individuals passionate about the craft.
Her goal is to empower others to follow their dreams, attain financial independence, and break through societal expectations.
