I started my business journey with just 1000 KSH in my pocket. It wasn’t much, but I had a dream and a determination to make it work. I looked around for opportunities and realized that I could start small by selling snacks to students in my neighborhood. With my little capital, I bought some ingredients—flour, sugar, oil, and a few plastic bags—and decided to make mandazis.

Early the next morning, I set up a small table outside a busy bus stop near a school. The aroma of fresh mandazis filled the air, and soon, curious students and passersby started buying. By the end of the day, I had sold out, doubling my initial investment. Excited, I reinvested my earnings into buying more ingredients and increasing my production.

As days went by, I began to attract regular customers. I introduced more varieties like samosas and chapatis, and my business started growing. I saved some profits and bought a small cart to make my setup more mobile. Eventually, I moved from selling on the roadside to renting a small stall in a market center.

With consistency and good customer service, my business expanded. I partnered with local suppliers to get ingredients at a lower price, increasing my profit margin. I also embraced social media, advertising my snacks online and even taking bulk orders for events. Over time, I was able to employ one assistant and purchase better equipment.

Looking back, I marvel at how a mere 1000 KSH turned into a thriving business. The journey wasn’t easy, but persistence, creativity, and hard work paid off. Now, I dream of opening a small café and inspiring others to believe that no amount is too little to start with. The key is to take the first step and keep pushing forward.