Muna Elmi’s company, Mubi Leather, is creating opportunities for women in the male-dominated leather industry. Here, she shares how the Road to Growth programme supported her to gain networks, build her confidence and strengthen her business so she can pave the way for other women.

“My name is Muna Abba Elmi. I am a 33-year-old mother of two daughters, a wife and an entrepreneur. I am the founder of Mubi Leather, a Kenyan brand that produces and sells leather bags and accessories. We use locally–sourced Kenyan leather, and work with local artisans in Nairobi.  

When I moved to Nairobi with my family in March 2021, I felt very much alone in the business world. The Road to Growth programme came to my rescue by providing a platform where I could mingle, network, connect with- and learn from other like-minded women entrepreneurs. 

Coming into the programme, I lacked a lot of confidence. As a young, Muslim, Somali lady, I face a lot of negative stereotypes, and people often assume I should be at home with my children, as if I am not meant to have dreams and follow them too. I wondered what people would think of me, and whether they would accept me. I’m still working towards it, but I’m glad I have come so far. 

The Road to Growth programme basically tells us that it’s okay – it’s okay to be running a business. It’s okay to be a mother. It’s okay to learn every day and make a better person out of yourself. We wear so many hats. We are mothers, we are wives, we are housewives. And we also run businesses. I want to raise my daughters to be independent and confident in themselves, in a way that breaks the stereotypes in our community. I want them to know that their dreams are valid, and that if they work hard, they can achieve them. So I try to involve them as much as possible in my business journey. 

But I know we cannot do business alone. We cannot grow alone. We need networks, we need connections. We need to meet other people out there. So programmes like this one fulfil an important role.