Amidst the struggle that many Kenyans face in their pursuit of stable employment within the country, Mawia Kitivo, a graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Moi University, embarked on an unconventional path.
Her journey took an unexpected turn after four years of searching for a job with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) left her empty-handed.
However, her spirit remained resilient.
Rather than succumbing to despair, she directed her focus towards a realm that had always piqued her curiosity – the captivating world of beauty and makeup.
During this period, Mawia’s journey took her to the beauty parlors of Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, where she started freelancing.
As she wielded brushes and created stunning makeovers, Mawia discovered a hidden talent that would change the course of her life.
What initially began as a means to earn a living soon transformed into a passion-driven venture.
“I started this make-up business in 2018 when I was in the university, though it wasn’t that serious. I was doing it for fun with my fellow classmates. I later realised the more I did it, the more cash I generated from it,” she said
Armed with a humble starting capital of Ksh10,000 she got from freelancing, she embarked on a journey of self-discovery and business development.
The early days were not without challenges. Starting a business from scratch demanded relentless dedication and a steep learning curve.
However, adversity proved to be her greatest teacher.
With time, Mawia mastered the art of makeup and honed her customer service skills.
She realized that by offering a personalized and unique experience, she could create a brand that stood out in a competitive market.
The results spoke for themselves.
Within a year, Mawia’s business was thriving, and her clientele demanded more.
She expanded her offerings, venturing into wigs customization, permanent makeup, nails services, and facials.
The year 2020 brought an unexpected challenge in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With weddings and events postponed, Mawia’s business faced a significant setback.
However, she refused to be defeated.
Drawing upon her resilience, Mawia found ways to navigate the storm.
She continued to innovate, using social media platforms to market her services and leveraging word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers.
Mawia’s dedication to her business led to further growth. Her two beauty studios, located at Zion Mall and Rupa Mall, now collectively earn around Ksh1 million in annual revenue.
The success did not deter her from her commitment to employee development.
As her customer base expanded, Mawia hired and trained seven employees, focusing on nurturing their talents just as she had nurtured her own.
Yet, challenges remained. High tax rates weighed heavily on her business, and Mawia used her platform to advocate for more favorable conditions for entrepreneurs.
Despite the obstacles, her determination remained unshaken.
Looking ahead, Mawia envisions a future filled with growth and empowerment.
“In the next five years, I see growth in our business. I am planning to open different branches in different counties and a beauty school hence creating more job opportunities for young people,” she said.