If there's a group determined to make it despite the challenges the Kenyan economy is facing, it's the Kenyan entrepreneurs esp those in the arts, culture, & creatives industry. They are changing the face of the Kenyan business environment now more than ever. They are building phenomenal businesses worth looking at, showcasing and creating jobs in the process. These entrepreneurs are setting standards and are becoming the role models of a new generation as entrepreneurship continues to be an integral part of our economy (Bottom- Up Economic Transformation Agenda).
Here are 4 Entrepreneurs worth keeping an eye on in 2023
They have the passion, creativity, and each possess that relentless drive to succeed.
1. Grace Msalame, Co-Founder Mali, Watch & Accessories
Grace Msalame, a well known Kenyan TV and social media personality, is today an entrepreneur, having launched her own brand of premium watches and fashion brand - Mali. This brand of timepieces are built for sophistication and elegance. Ms Msalame is on a mission, together with her business partner, Emmy award winning journalist, TV personality and best selling author Jeff Koinange, to revolutionize the fashion/ culture scene in regards to how we perceive watches, because a good watch is an investment & wearing a good one shows that you take pride in your general appearance.
Mali watches use world class watch movements from premium movement manufacturers like the world's biggest watchmakers Seiko, Hattori and Seagull. The extreme quality watches are handmade from top notch 316L premium stainless casings and are all waterproofed up to 100 metres. "Our premium world class watches are totally hypoallergenic and we offer bespoke Italian and Kenyan calf leather replacement straps on request " Msalame says.
Wearing a watch is like wearing a symbol; a symbol of style, elegance and character.
Mali Living on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mali_living/
Mali Living on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/malilivingkenya
2. Sydney Owino, Fashion Designer and Creative Director SAO SARTORIAL
If you've ever wondered who's behind some of the amazing outfits worn by your favorite celebrities and prominent C- suite leaders in the industry, look no further. At the age of 34, Sydney Owino has not only established himself as the pioneer of Be-Spoke tailoring in the industry but has also carved himself a solid position at the forefront of fashion in the region with beautiful hand made designs that are wonderfully encapsulating the modern man. With Africa becoming such a powerful force in the global fashion industry, his clothing line SAO SARTORIAL is revolutionizing how men look and dress not only in Kenya but Africa too.
Sydney initially studied Geology at the University of Nairobi and upon completion, left for New York to pursue something that he had always wanted to do, Fashion. He says it took him 7 years to master his craft, before debuting in the tailoring business.
"I did not want to rush the process of learning and mastering first, the tailoring industry. I wanted to learn the technical know- how and everything in between step by step. In this business, you don't just want to be the "boss" who hires all these people, but you have no clue as to what it takes to bring to life, fabric you see at Kenyatta market to the finished product, which a client adorns and is happy."
In 2017, Sydney Owino founded the brand SAO SARTORIAL. Known for his impeccable attention to detail, he uses a wide range of fabrics and patterns blending in traditional and modern tailoring techniques in order to achieve that unique sartorial excellence that has made Sao, one of the most sought after men's line.
Good grooming is integral and impeccable style is a must, whether male/ female.
Sao Sartorial on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sao_sartorial/
Sao Sartorial on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Saosartorial
3. Liz Ogumbo, Multidisplinary Creative Entrepreneur
Liz Ogumbo is a multidisciplinary creative entrepreneur who has built her brand in music, fashion & wine. She is today a full time wine stakeholder, influencing wine lovers' tastes and consumption through her wine brand, Liz Ogumbo Wines.
Her wine is not just any ordinary bottle, its music in wine Each soundtrack to her enigmatic wines are carefully written to bring to life the relationship between the wine and the story through the music. As you experience each bottle of Liz Ogumbo Wines, you can scan the barcode to get you into the music; a music in wine offering.
In 2018, she released her first series of wines into the wine market; a Pinotage 2013 'Mon Homme' and a Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay 2017 blend 'Msenangu,' carefully crafted by winemaker Hendrik Snyman."
In 2021 another wine release, 'Georgie Pordgy'; a Sauvignon Blanc 2021 in collaboration with world-acclaimed ingenious winemaker, Bartho Eksteen was birthed.
Her most recent wine release covers 3 varieties of Limited releases crafted by a group of South African Wine Makers. , 'Maro,' Shiraz 2016, 'Ubuntu,' Red Blend, 2017' and 'Already There,' Pinotage 2017.
Drinking good wine is one of life's most rewarding pleasures. Whether it's a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a business event, her brand of wine is looking to create a unique and unforgettable customer experience.
Liz Ogumbo wines on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lizogumbowines/?hl=en
Liz Ogumbo wines on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/LizOgumboWines
4. Maureen Bandari, founder and director of Bandari Beauty
Maureen Bandari, the founder and director of Bandari Beauty, has been revolutionizing the industry with her unique business model and commitment to providing effective solutions to her customers. With her passion for innovation and dedication, Maureen Bandari is transforming the way people perceive and experience skincare.
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What started as a hobby many years ago during her tenure as a medical representative in the Pharmaceutical industry, slowly but surely turned into a full time career over time as Maureen transitioned into creating fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content on social media. She started Bandari beauty as a makeup and skincare business but over time, with a rising demand for quality beauty products in the industry, she changed the business into a purely skincare line. Of late, she has also introduced the concept of skincare pop-ups.
Through her relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction, she has transformed Bandari Beauty from a small operation into a thriving business with a significant online presence, a website, and a physical store. Furthermore, Maureen actively drives skincare conversations on social media, collaborating with the marketing team to refine concepts and execute effective campaigns. Her strategic focus on B2B and B2C marketing has created a mutually beneficial ecosystem for all parties involved.
Skincare is healthcare. Be good to your skin. You'll wear it every day for the rest of your life.
Bandari beauty on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bandaribeauty/?hl=en
Bandari Beauty on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bandaribeauty
