Charity Theuri experienced a number of setbacks in 2020, including the loss of her employment as a merchandiser at a company where she had worked since 2015.
Nobody prepared her for it, and she had no idea what to do or where to begin.
Charity, who operated a second-hand clothing store, was forced to delve into food sales and even launched a shop that failed to take off.
Initially, Charity’s aim was to attend media school and become a journalist, but fate had other plans.
“When I finished secondary school, I wanted to be a journalist. I’d always wanted to be a television news reporter, but I couldn’t afford the tuition,” she remarked.
After failing to enrol, she chose an accounting degree with the goal of becoming a banker and remained optimistic, expecting that things would improve as she pursued every opportunity that came her way.
“I am a risk taker. I’ve tried my hand at a variety of enterprises, but second-hand clothing has proven to be a satisfying niche. I now sell women’s clothing and scarves since it is something I can identify to,” she explained.
Charity began working as a merchandiser in 2015 and was later promoted to supervisor before losing her job in January 2020.
In 2018, she gained a part-time job promoting second-hand clothes on the open street along Kenyatta Avenue from 5 to 7 PM, which paid based on sales.
“When my contract was ended, I was obliged to do whatever to support myself. I never imagined that I would just stop going to work,” she explained.
Charity founded her company in June 2020 after unsuccessfully attempting to break into the hotel market.
“I enjoy cooking, so when my contract was not renewed in January 2020, I decided to start cooking and supplying food to clients. I recall one Saturday when I had 15 tins but only sold five, which depressed me,” she explained.
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The experience disappointed her, but she eventually partnered with a friend to open a motel, which likewise failed to take off.
Following this, Charity decided to start her second-hand business with Ksh 100,000 she had saved over the years.
She learnt how to handle customers nicely, which helped her market her business and gain referrals.
“Anyone can be a buyer, so never underestimate your customers. Your first approach and impression are really important, since clients will always remember how you handled them,” she noted.
Charity spent in refilling her inventory because clients are enthusiastic about new products and the latest trends.
“The field has taught me the art of knowing others. When a person walks into my shop, I can determine if they are a potential client or not. Whatever the case, I treat them equally and without discrimination,” she continued.
Charity claimed that she profited in the first several months of running her firm.
However, the increase in second-hand clothing prices has an impact on her business because it makes it harder to raise pricing for regular consumers.
“County council officers have been against displaying dummies outside, making it difficult to showcase clothes that would attract customers,” she said.
The wet season is the hardest time for Charity since business slows down, making it impossible to sell.
She complained that bales have their disadvantages, such as some garments being worn out or not matching the purchase price.
“Business has taught me patience because not every day is a pleasant hour. Anything might happen. Never do something just because your competitor does; have a strategic plan for success,” she said.
Charity said her mother is her support system, having always helped her through obstacles and given her business advice.
The business is her source of income, allowing her to resupply her shop, feed her family, and meet her own needs.
Charity’s ambition is to open second-hand stores across the country. She markets her items online through social media and uses text messages to reach a wide range of customers.
“I always text my clients directly, after seeking their consent, to keep them updated when I’m opening stock,” she stated.
