Joan Ruto, a communication consultant located in Nairobi, told an inspiring story about how Kenyans may start businesses and generate funds amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
She left her work at a communication agency, where she reportedly made nearly a six-figure salary per month, to sell avocados on WhatsApp.
The University of Nairobi alumnus revealed that she took out a loan to fund her firm after getting the idea from a close relative’s Whatsapp status.
“I was minding my business and saw my aunt sharing her avocados on her status. She was selling on wholesale and retail in Embakasi after getting them from our home in Nakuru and I wanted to get some for myself,” she said.
Ruto and her sister met one evening in Nairobi’s Central Business District and sold more than 500 avocados.
Her clients bought avocados in bulk when she advertised them on her Whatsapp status.
Due to the transportation costs connected with delivering to multiple residential estates, Ruto decided to charge for deliveries and chose one day each week to distribute the groceries.
She later abandoned her work as a communication coach to focus on selling avocados full-time.
Ruto dubbed her avocados ‘green gold’ as they became popular with her customers.
She says her business grew on referrals as more friends connected her with other customers.
“Whatever I gained as an expert, from customer experience and marketing is what I implemented in my new business. I realised that all I did at work was sharing knowledge but I now had the opportunity to put it into practice,” she stated.
Ruto revealed that she had plenty of time to launch her firm amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She used the circumstances to develop an idea that was initially unconvincing.
Nonetheless, she focused her time and made goals for herself.
According to her, Ruto chose to take a chance and promised to share her knowledge and assist others in stepping beyond of their comfort zones.
“Whatever situation you are in be grateful for it as it may be your chance. My idea wasn’t easy but I strived. We are masters of our own destiny,” she stated.
Ruto contemplated whether to set up a stall, sell from her boot or go digital.
WhatsApp provided her with a more convenient platform because she had the merchandise, channel and clients all in one place.
