Meet Kendi Kimathi, a young entrepreneur who followed her passion for porridge-making and turned it into a successful business venture. With determination and a desire to escape the monotony of her previous job, Kendi embarked on a journey that led her to become the proud owner of Uji Benda Enterprises.
Here is her inspiring story of how she transformed her hobby into a thriving business as told by WoK.
Discovering the Joy of Porridge-Making
For Kendi, making porridge was more than just a hobby; it was a cherished skill passed down from her mother. After exhausting days working in hospitals and clinics, she found solace in returning to her mother’s kitchen to prepare porridge, often for a sick relative. The art of porridge-making brought her joy and a sense of fulfillment.
Quitting the Job and Taking a Leap
Tired of the daily grind and longing for a career that ignited her passion, Kendi made the bold decision to quit her job. With a meager savings of Ksh 20,000, she saw an opportunity to turn her beloved porridge-making into a business. Armed with determination and the support of her family, she set out on an entrepreneurial journey.
She narrates, “I was completely exhausted. I was stuck in a place of monotony. I was demoralised and the fallacy of money at the end of the month was not working for me. I desired that excitement of waking up in the morning to go to work.”
A Hobby Turned To A Thriving Business
While searching for a job aligned with her field, Kendi found solace in her mother’s kitchen, brewing porridge as a way to care for a sick relative. This simple act ignited an entrepreneurial spark within her. Realizing the potential in her porridge-making skills, Kendi seized the opportunity and founded Uji Benda Enterprises in 2015.
From Her Mother’s Kitchen starting business
Kendi’s mother’s kitchen became the birthplace of Uji Benda Enterprises. Starting small, she made porridge and began selling it to friends and family. Through word-of-mouth referrals and the power of social media, her customer base grew steadily. With each satisfied customer, her confidence in her business grew.
The Early Challenges
Starting a business is no easy feat, and Kendi faced her fair share of hurdles along the way. From the daunting task of registering a Food and Beverage Company to limited capital for expansion, she encountered obstacles that tested her determination. However, her unwavering commitment and thirst for knowledge allowed her to overcome each challenge and grow her enterprise.
Crafting a Unique Offering
Uji Benda began its journey by specializing in fermented porridge made from carefully selected pearl and finger millet. The grains were ground to perfection and left to ferment, creating a unique and flavored porridge blend. As demand grew, Kendi expanded her offerings to include the supply of milk, catering to a wider range of customers.
Building a Client Base
Through word-of-mouth and strategic use of social media, her client base expanded rapidly. Her nutritious and delicious porridge attracted pregnant and lactating mothers, individuals aged 30 and above, and young families seeking a healthy breakfast alternative. With over 500 loyal customers, Uji Benda’s reputation continued to soar.
Overcoming Challenges
Building a business from scratch is never easy, and Kendi faced her fair share of challenges. The registration process for her Food and Beverage Company was arduous, and limited funds made expansion difficult. However, Kendi remained resilient and sought knowledge and support to overcome these obstacles. Her determination and passion propelled her forward.
Creating a Niche Brand
Uji Benda Enterprises specializes in producing and supplying fermented porridge made from a unique blend of pearl and finger millet. Kendi’s focus on quality and affordability has attracted a loyal customer base. Pregnant and lactating mothers, individuals above 30, and young families have embraced the nutritious and delicious porridge she offers.
The Fruits of Success
Her dedication and hard work paid off as she now sells an impressive 80 – 100 liters of porridge per week. With a team of eight employees and a sustainable business model, she proudly earns around Ksh 60,000 each month. Her story serves as a shining example of the power of perseverance and passion in turning dreams into reality.
Empowering Others through Entrepreneurship
The proprietor of Uji Benda Enterprises journey as a woman and a youth entrepreneur has inspired others to pursue their dreams. Her success in a field traditionally dominated by men has shattered stereotypes and empowered aspiring entrepreneurs. Through her accomplishments and recognition, Kendi aims to show others that with passion and hard work, they can achieve their goals too.
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Kendi envisions building a renowned nutrition brand. She aims to collaborate with nutritionists to ensure her products remain beneficial and promote healthier lifestyles. By dispelling misconceptions about porridge and emphasizing its nutritional value, she strives to make a lasting impact on society’s well-being.
