MESHERS, I NEED YOUR HONEST ADVICE. 🍻

For the longest time, I've been in the wines and spirits business. It has honestly been one of the toughest businesses I've ever run.

I've supplied stock in different areas including Nairobi, Kajiado, Kitui, and Machakos, and while there is demand, the challenges are endless.

Some of the biggest struggles I've faced are:

The high cost and complexity of obtaining and renewing licenses. Frequent inspections and enforcement by different government agencies. Different county regulations that make operating across locations difficult. Negative public perception, where some people assume every wines and spirits business is irresponsible or illegal, even when it's fully licensed. Rising operating costs, including rent, transport, and taxes, which continue to reduce profit margins.

At times, the pressure has been so much that I've seriously thought about quitting.

But before making such a decision, I'd like to hear from fellow entrepreneurs and Meshers.

If you've been in this business—or any highly regulated business—how did you survive the tough seasons? Did you diversify, relocate, improve operations, or completely change industries?

What advice would you honestly give someone in my position?

Let's have a genuine business discussion. Your experience might help someone else who is silently facing the same challenges.