In a bold leap of faith, Mike Mwiti, a former primary school teacher, abandoned his low-paying teaching job to pursue a more colorful and creative path.
Driven by a desire to make a positive impact on the environment and explore his entrepreneurial skills, Mwiti embarked on a venture that would not only offer a unique solution to a pressing environmental issue but also provide him with a source of income and job opportunities for others in his community.
Here is his story as told by WoK.
Background
His journey began during his brief tenure as a teacher at Chogoria Academy, where he felt the urge to find a purpose for the abundance of spirits, wine, and beer bottles that were haphazardly disposed of and posed a significant threat to the environment.
Mwiti saw an opportunity to tackle two issues simultaneously: the growing problem of liquor bottle waste and the lack of sustainable livelihood options in his community.
Mwiti’s first step towards realizing his vision was to raise capital.
He set aside his teaching skills, garnered from Egoji Teachers Training College, and worked various jobs until he saved enough to start a pub business.
While operating the pub for five years, he observed the sheer volume of discarded liquor bottles that were not being reused and littering the town.
“The first glasses that I made were a success because most bar tenders and clubs were surprised about my good work. I sold all the 50 glasses that I made that day,” Mwiti said.
In an innovative and resourceful move, Mwiti decided to recycle these bottles into functional and attractive drinking glasses.
In 2019, the teacher, along with his five-member team, produced an average of 50-70 glasses per day.
These glasses were sold individually for around Sh100 and in sets of three for Sh200.
However, the pricing varied depending on the specific quality and type of bottle utilized in the production process.
With alot of dedication, Mwiti’s glasses soon became a sensation in Chuka town and its neighboring areas.
The process of turning discarded liquor bottles into elegant drinking glasses was a labor of love.
Mwiti explained that he carefully collected various bottles of wine, beer, and spirits, ensuring that they were clean and free from labels and logos.
Using a simple yet effective scoring machine, he divided the bottles into convenient lengths.
Submerging them in hot water caused the sections to separate flawlessly. Wearing protective gloves and eye gear, he then filed the rough edges with sandpaper, creating a smooth texture.
In just a few minutes, a stunning glass suitable for water or alcoholic beverages was born.
Mike Mwiti emphasized that his venture required minimal capital, as most of the necessary tools and materials were easily found in households.
He sourced the bottles from bars, clubs, dumpsites, friends, households, and restaurants, providing a solution to the bottle disposal problem while also creating a steady supply for his business.
As word spread about the innovative glasses, Mwiti’s sales skyrocketed.
His creations were not only functional but also artistic, with unique patterns and colors that attracted customers.
Encouraged by the positive response, he expanded his product line to include candlesticks, flower vases, and bulb holders made from the bottle necks, further diversifying his offerings.
Through his entrepreneurial journey, Mwiti has made a significant impact on his community.
He now employs more than five young people, providing them with valuable job opportunities and a chance to develop their skills.
However, like any entrepreneur, Mwiti faces challenges. The process of cutting bottles can be slow and tedious, and the lack of a high-quality bottle cutter hampers efficiency.
Transportation of bottles from different locations and the fragility of the bottles during handling present additional obstacles.
