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Nairobi Hustle: How I ventured into the beauty industry – VIDEO


26 year old Brenda Nduta used her graduation monetary gifts to start a spa in Westlands, Nairobi venturing deep into the entrepreneurship world.

The International Business Administration graduate only had the basic internship work experience but had been selling phones and TVs while studying at the United States International University-Africa (USIU-A) in Nairobi.

The proceeds from selling phones and electronics combined with all monetary gifts she received on her graduation day became her starting capital for Brenz Spa.

“While I was studying in campus, a friend of mine told me that since I do good make-up I should do for her friend’s wedding. I only knew how to apply my own make-up but that request challenged me to start working on other people’s faces and slowly I found my passion,” Ms Nduta told Nairobi News Hustle.

She grew her portfolio by applying make-up on her friends and taking photos that she would share on her Facebook account.

It was only after graduating that she opened her spa business marking a new beginning in her entrepreneurship journey.

CHALLENGES

“I scouted for a location in Westlands and added nails, massage and facials into the list of services I would offer at the spa. It has now been two years since we opened the doors and I love how much we have grown,” she explained.

Ms Nduta’s spa business has had its fair share of challenges, top being the lack of trained beauticians who are passionate about what they do.

Brenda Nduta works on a client at her spa in Westlands, Nairobi. PHOTO | COURTESY
Brenda Nduta works on a client at her spa in Westlands, Nairobi. PHOTO | COURTESY

“Sometimes I conduct interviews and come across beauticians who have done all the courses required but still lack the necessary skills. I often have to re-train them afresh and for some the dilemma is bigger as they do not even enjoy working with clients yet they have trained in a client based industry,” she says.

The makeup artist has also encountered clients who cancel bookings silently and just fail to pick up a day before the scheduled make-up sessions.

“I have learnt to engage my clients in a binding contract that involves payment of deposit upon booking, that way I cushion myself from any last minute cancellations,” she adds.

Ms Nduta urges young entrepreneurs to venture into an industry they love and not fear starting small with the little available capital.