Why should anyone use your service or product?
Because SHIKHAZURI jewellery is more than just adornment. It is about celebrating art, culture and history by exploring the story behind each component, and its symbolism and significance to the cultures from which it originated. Bringing this to the forefront of my customers’ experience enables them to become a custodian of meaningful jewellery that speaks to their soul. And of course the meticulous level of detail, quality and care that goes into curating and handcrafting each piece means that these collectors pieces can be treasured for generations to come. I also donate 5% of profits from sales to the Mara Lion Project, so purchasing SHIKHAZURI jewellery helps to support wildlife conservation efforts within Kenya.
Tell us a little about your team
I am currently a one-person-team running my business, but I outsource certain tasks to local artisans which enables me to support and bring cash flow into their small businesses. For example, the chain, clasps and logo bead that is attached to each necklace is handmade by a local metalsmith. My current packaging consists of a box made from banana leaf fibre, lined with Maasai shuka fabric, and these are made by a woman who supports her family by making and selling these products. So I consider these individuals to be part of my team.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My father is an entrepreneur and I grew up seeing him start up and run his business from infancy to the successful company it is today. With that came witnessing the daily challenges and stresses, so I was acutely aware of the hard work and passion required to make an entrepreneurial venture work. My own professional background is in law, but I spent a few years working on a wildlife and conservation project in Kenya. It was then that I experimented with making African beaded jewellery using materials that I sourced from local markets. The idea was to create a product that I could sell to raise funds to support animal orphans. Although I didn’t know it at the time, the accumulation of those experiences is what led me to start this business venture. My return to the corporate legal world, albeit a successful one, didn’t fire me up. In my spare time, I would make and sell jewellery to raise money for other environmental conservation projects, spanning from Africa to South America. People bought my work, so I knew there was a market for my designs. However, if I wanted to do it full time, I knew I’d need to stop thinking and start doing! I quit my full time job, put a business plan together and started in 2015… and I’ve never looked back.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
As well as establishing a strong presence within the local Kenyan market, it is my ambition to take the SHIKHAZURI brand to an international platform and promote an appreciation of African inspired jewellery into Western markets. My strategy is to gain exposure by participating in International Fashion Weeks and approach stores within the European and US markets. The beginnings of this plan is already underway: SHIKHAZURI will be participating in the Up-Coming Designer category at the Kenya Fashion Awards in August 2016, and will also be showcasing an exclusive collection for Africa Fashion Week London this September.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The ability to be able to do something that I love, and taking a concept and transform it into a tangible product and business. Since starting this venture, I have never experienced the “Monday morning blues” and I really value the freedom and flexibility to work on my own terms.
What’s the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
There will be long days and nights, but if you want it to work, you’ve got to persevere. Find an experienced mentor within your industry who can guide you on your journey. Having the support of friends and family is wonderful, but more often than not they will tell you what you want to hear, and unless they have experience in your industry, they might not be able to give you the frank advice that you need.
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