In the streets of Nairobi where fashion boutiques and shops flourish, one entrepreneur has found a unique niche that has not only transformed her life but has also left an indelible mark on the local fashion industry.
Meet Rosemary Kathambi, the dynamic entrepreneur behind “Display Materials Ke,” a business that specializes in mannequins, hangers, movable racks, and various display items tailored for fashion stores.
Here is her story as told by WoK.
Discovering the Opportunity
Rosemary’s journey began with a keen eye for untapped business opportunities.
While many entrepreneurs seek to create the next trendy fashion line, she saw potential in the often-overlooked world of fashion store displays.
“The business gap in the market was so huge and it gave me an incentive to pursue this journey,” Rosemary explains.
She meticulously studied the local market and identified a glaring gap in this sector. Few businesses were dedicated to providing high-quality mannequins and display materials to fashion store owners.
This uniqueness of the niche was what intrigued her the most.
Furthermore, Rosemary’s motivation wasn’t just about filling a market gap; it was about making a meaningful impact.
She envisioned providing fashion store owners with the tools they needed to enhance their displays and, in turn, boost their sales.
“I have always had a strong desire to bring a direct solution to fashion store owners by offering products that impact positively on sales,” she says.
A Range of Display Solutions
Display Materials Ke offers a comprehensive range of display items tailored to the specific needs of fashion stores. The core products include mannequins for men, women, and children, catering to the diverse clientele of fashion boutiques.
Complementing the mannequins are a variety of hangers designed for both adults and kids. These hangers not only keep the store organized but also add an element of sophistication to the shopping experience.
Movable clothes racks, jewelry displays, and shoe display items are also part of the product portfolio. Each of these items plays a pivotal role in creating a visually striking and organized shopping environment for customers.
Targeting Fashionpreneurs and Expansion Plans
Rosemary’s target customers are what she affectionately calls “Fashionpreneurs.”
These include boutique owners and those aspiring to venture into the world of fashion retail.
To reach them, Display Materials Ke relies heavily on advertising, primarily online, and referrals from satisfied customers.
Looking to the future, Rosemary has ambitious plans for her business. She envisions a time when Display Materials Ke can manufacture mannequins locally in Kenya, reducing reliance on imports and boosting the local economy.
“We are investing in research and lots of learning around the same,” she says, indicating her commitment to continuous improvement.
Additionally, Rosemary has her sights set on expanding beyond Kenya’s borders.
She plans to export her high-quality mannequins and display materials to other countries in East Africa, further solidifying her business’s regional presence.
Overcoming Challenges with Resilience
Running a business is never without its challenges, and Rosemary has faced her fair share.
The rising cost of living in Kenya has presented difficulties as people prioritize basic needs over non-essential items like display materials.
An Encouraging Message
As Rosemary reflects on her journey as an entrepreneur, she has a heartfelt message for young people and fellow business owners: “I’d like to encourage more young people to embrace entrepreneurship and encourage all business people to keep pushing.”
