In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, success often comes to those who dare to explore new horizons, adapt to changing circumstances, and persevere through adversity.
Vincy Wairimu’s remarkable journey from earning a diploma in journalism and mass communication to becoming the founder of Vinjosh Cleaning Services exemplifies the true spirit of entrepreneurship.
Here is her story as told by WoK.
Vincy’s career began with high hopes after graduating from the Kenya Institute of Media and Technology (KIMT).
Her first job as a photographer and videographer at social events, including weddings and graduations, seemed promising.
However, it was temporary, prompting her to seek new opportunities.
Undeterred by the transient nature of her first job, Vincy embarked on a series of business ventures.
She dipped her toes into the world of online retail, starting with the sale of beddings.
“I started with selling beddings online which I was paid on commision. I did it for about one year. I used to sell during the cold season,” she recalled.
The venture was a lesson in seasonality’s impact on business, a crucial insight she’d carry forward.
Next came a brief stint in the ladies’ doll shoe business, which showed potential but proved challenging in terms of logistics, particularly with deliveries.
It was during this phase that Vincy learned the importance of efficient operations.
One of the pivotal moments in her entrepreneurial journey was a cautionary tale about loans.
“If there is something I would like to caution one about, it is taking loans to start off the ground without knowing what the market will be like. I took a loan to start a canvas bag business. It was short-lived though, and I counted losses,” she reflects.
Undaunted, Vincy explored agriculture by rearing local breed chickens and selling eggs and ready-made chicken.
The venture showed promise but was fraught with challenges, including diseases that decimated her poultry.
Turning setbacks into opportunities, Vincy ventured into snack making.
Evenings in her home estate became a hub for homemade samosas, mandazis, smokies, and eggs.
This endeavor not only provided income but also taught her valuable lessons in resilience.
Her entrepreneurial spirit then led her to the world of mitumba (thrift) clothing.
Specializing in ladies’ wear, she offered a range of items such as tops, innerwear, tights, and skirts.
However, her kibanda, a small stall for her business, was eventually demolished by county authorities, underscoring the challenges faced by small entrepreneurs.
In a surprising twist, a friend introduced Vincy to the e-book business.
Initial reservations about trusting clients to pay were gradually dispelled as the venture began to pay off.
She expanded her reach by selling internationally, marking a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted businesses across the world, prompting Vincy to seek new opportunities.
It was during this time that she founded Vinjosh Cleaning Services.
The company, now three years old, specializes in upholstery cleaning, commercial and residential cleaning, and pest control services.
Marketing Vinjosh Cleaning Services posed its own set of challenges, but Vincy embraced social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and leveraged word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients.
However, the daily grind of convincing potential clients to commit to bookings and dealing with hesitant clients who resist paying deposits remained part of her entrepreneurial journey.
Employee selection is a crucial aspect of maintaining service quality for Vinjosh Cleaning Services.
Vincy places a strong emphasis on hiring skilled individuals who are punctual and can work effectively in a team.
Throughout her journey, Vincy has maintained her belief that not everyone is cut out for traditional employment. For some, like her, entrepreneurship is the path to realizing their potential and achieving financial independence.
Reinvesting profits into the business has been a cornerstone of Vincy’s strategy for growth. Her vision for the future includes expanding Vinjosh Cleaning Services and offering an even broader range of services to cater to the diverse needs of her clients.
