Brained and
beautiful Charlotte Magayi, 21, CEO, Harmys, is a personal shopper that runs a
successful body-wear business in Nairobi. Her story is a source inspiration to
young African ladies and guys alike. Thou she is not from a wealthy family, but
she is very determined to succeed. Ms Magayi is pursuing a business
administration course at Kenyatta University as she builds her business .Alas! This
is her story…
What’s your
business all about?
I wear two
hats. First I am a personal shopper. Personal shopping entails sourcing
products that clients need on their behalf. The products may include suits,
dresses, shoes and so on. I am also a business lady with fashion stalls and
shops located in various places in Nairobi, with the main one being at Adams
Arcade on Ngong Road.
Harmys is a
unique name. Why did you choose this name and is it working for you?
The name has
an emotional attachment because it’s my daughter's. Her full name is Harmony
but we call her Harmy hence the name Harmys. Besides, it is a stylish name that
ties in well with the business I do.
When and how
did you start up in terms of raising capital or acquiring initial stock?
During the
Christmas festivities of 2011 I went town to shop for my daughter, and bought
myself a dress too, but I did not have time to fit my dresses. So when I got
home hers were just fine but mine were oversize. While thinking of what to do,
a neighbour came in, saw the clothes and fell in love with them. She insisted
on buying them and I sold them to her at a profit. Word spread round the
neighbourhood and everyone wanted a dress from me. I went back to get more
dresses and made a considerable amount that Christmas. In January 2012 I met
this lady who was travelling abroad and was, therefore, selling her shop and
stock at a throw away price. I got a soft loan of Sh100,000 from my sister and
bought the stock and shop from her. I was in business.
Who is
target market and what makes it unique from others?
My target
market is the middle income earner in Nairobi who wants to look stylish and
decent without breaking the bank. The mix of my personal shopping skills and
wide network affords me just the right amount of clients. The business has
grown overtime and I have been able to master the trade. I have employed four
people to help me meet growing demand. My stock is now worth over Sh700,000.
How do you
market the business?
My business
is mostly through referrals so I use emails and Whatsapp to reach out to
clients.
What
inspired you to get into this particular business?
My mom was a
business woman selling groceries. Though she died when I was only 10, she
inspired me to think deeply about entrepreneurship and business as a way of
livelihood. Growing up, I would always buy and sell items to schoolmates and
friends. The good margins I got from selling clothes made me stick to it.
What are the
future plans in terms of expansion or growing the business?
I want to
train more people on personal shopping so I can expand that side of my business
since majority of Kenyans have started embracing personal shopping. I want to
open more outlets in major towns like Mombasa and Kisumu.
Does
being a lady help you in any way in succeeding in this business?
Yes, being a
lady helps because I have soft skills that are prerequisite in this business
and which come naturally for me. Clients can at times be very stubborn and
indecisive and being a mother my patience does not run out too quickly so I am
able to close the sale and maintain the client.
What
advice do you have for those aspiring to join the body and footwear business?
Do what you
are passionate about and enjoy your work. This will help you go through the
difficult times in business.
ADDITIONAL SOURCE
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