For years, Jane Wambui viewed her 8-to-5 job as a prison. Waking up at dawn, enduring Nairobi’s grueling traffic, and working under a boss who undervalued her efforts fueled her desire for freedom. Inspired by online influencers flaunting their success as entrepreneurs, Wambui decided to break free and chase her dream of being her own boss.
“I quit my job thinking, ‘This is it. I’m done being a slave to routine,’” Wambui, 32, told reporters. Her first venture was a boutique, funded by her savings and small loans from friends. But within six months, the business crumbled. Customers dwindled, suppliers became unreliable, and she was forced to sell her stock at a loss.
Undeterred, Wambui pivoted to a beauty parlor, banking on the steady demand for beauty services. Yet, after a year, mounting debts and a locked shop left her with auctioned equipment and shattered hopes. “I thought I’d chosen the wrong business, so I kept trying,” she said. Next came a wines and spirits shop, followed by a food delivery service. Each venture collapsed faster than the one before, draining her finances and confidence. “I started wondering if those influencers were just lucky,” Wambui reflected. “Maybe entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone.” Continue reading.
