Juliet’s story

“My name is Juliet Kathendu and I sell vegetables and food. I’ve been in business since January, I wanted to be self-independent. I do other jobs as well like washing clothes and farming in rural areas. Before this was a house help so I decided to start a business instead.

Some challenges are a lack of courage and capital to start a business. I have drive in me to become a businesswoman. When a woman has money, everything can be very well for the country and family.

COVID has affected the business, I was almost done at one point, no products came into Nairobi, but I found myself through this pandemic.

I’m self-independent and I’m the boss. Managing my time and I can open when I want to, I enjoy it. My proudest moment is seeing new clients in my business.

I was introduced to the HerVenture app though a person who came to the community, and I downloaded it. I learned about expanding, online and international businesses and budget. It has helped me to have courage and to move forward and know what I’m capable of.

Before the app I didn’t know much about business, but I have a good picture now. A story of a coffee shop in the app helped me overcome challenges during the pandemic and it made me move forward.

I have confidence and the app has helped me to know that, as a woman, if I start anything with confidence, then I will make it. I teach other women how to start a business from nothing too, so that they can become something.

I’m a humble, hardworking, serious and courageous woman, and I can face any challenges. We need material things as well, many women in Kenya have visions but not the tools.

Online business has helped me – I learned it from the HerVenture app. In the future you won’t find me here, I will be an international businesswoman, because I have that big vision in me.”