1. Introduce yourself & your company
My name is Brenda Moraa. I am a fashion designer and the Founder of Simply Be Africa. We offer fashion classes for aspiring fashion designers, design ready to wear outfits for the modern woman and also offer Fashion consultancy.
2. When did you begin?
We began in August 2020.
3.What was the biggest challenge you faced?
It may sound cliché but Fear was and is still the biggest challenge then of course followed by finances.
4.How did you overcome that challenge
I haven’t overcome it yet fully but I stopped overthinking and made up my mind to just do it. The secret is that I have a quote that serves as a daily reminder which is pinned on my wall and is also my screen saver. I see it daily and it triggers me into motion.
For finances, I decided to start with the little that I had. You ought to start somewhere.
5.What impact did starting a company have on your mental health?
It has not been easy. I started my business in the wake of the pandemic some few months after losing my job. I had feelings of worry, stress and anxiety. Most of the time I isolated myself from my friends because I was fighting imposter syndrome., frustrated that things weren’t moving as fast, having unhealthy comparisons against similar businesses. However, overtime I have learnt to bask in the baby steps, enjoy the small wins and continue to prepare for the hazy journey ahead.
Maggie
1. Introduce yourself and your company
My name is Margaret wambui. I am currently a nail technician. My nail tech studio is known as Creme nail bar.
2. When did you begin?
I began doing nails in 2017 October.
3. What was the biggest challenge you faced?
The biggest challenge I faced and still face is inconsistency. I relocated my salon this year and it has not easy building a new clientele.
4. How did you overcome that challenge?
I'm honestly thinking of venturing into another business. One that doesn't need too much marketing. A business that sells itself.
In nails business marketing and good skills is key. Referrals help to grow the business if the work is done well.
5. What impact did starting a business have on your mental health?
Despite my nails business currently giving me challenges, it has really built my mental health. I have grown my virtue of patience. My interaction with people has helped built friendship. It's therapeutic to listen and share life experiences with my clients and for that I'm always grateful for this business. It has been good for networking.
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