One windy market day

Tuesday, April 8th.

It’s a very windy day at Prestige Masai market today. The sun is shining bright and artisans are seated under large umbrellas next to their handicrafts. There are a few people browsing and walking through the market but there are not many. This Masai market is new according to some artisans. It has only been open for three months now. There is about 30 – 40 artisans selling their handicrafts. Two artisans who sit next to each other at this market are Jane and Florence. Jane is a Heavenly Treasures artisan and makes beautiful beaded bowls, and home decor. She used to sell at the Masai market at Westgate mall every Tuesday. However, since the closing of the mall due to the attack last year, she now is selling at Prestige mall. It is located just along Ngong Road near Adams Arcade and the Yaya center.

Jane’s masai beaded bowls.

Jane and Florence were chatting with a neighbor artisan about the traffic and the topic of being a Kenyan wife and business woman. They both agreed and said, “As a women its good to have a business. You do not need to stay in the house all day. You can be putting money in your pocket to help pay rent, school fees and buy food.”

The question of the day is: What lessons have you learned in your business?
Jane responded by saying, “There are many lessons to learn. First, you have to know how to make a product or handicraft. Then you learn where to sell. Third, you learn how to make the profit.” This was a small part of what she explained as how to begin a business in Kenya. “It all depends on God,” she said. This was simple and yet foundational wisdom from her.