Amidst the 2020 pandemic, there had been a noticeable shift towards healthier eating habits, with traditional vegetables gaining popularity among many individuals.

However, even before the pandemic, Miriam Nabakwe, the owner of Kienyeji’s Store, was dedicated to promoting healthy food choices.

This article explores Miriam’s inspiring entrepreneurial journey, highlights how the pandemic brought relevance to her business, and discusses her aspirations for the future.

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Miriam’s concept for Kienyeji’s Store originated in 2014 when she was in search of a practical and unique business opportunity.

Dissatisfied with her career as a consultant in the hospitality industry, she felt the need to explore alternative avenues.

“I was looking for a way to fit into the business space. I wanted something that could work, something practical and unique. I was working as a consultant in the hospitality industry, and it wasn’t really paying off as it would take a long time for me to get a job,” she shared in a past interview.

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Although she briefly left the business to work in the United States, unforeseen events brought her back to Kenya.

It was during this challenging phase, with the support and encouragement of her family and friends, that Miriam’s entrepreneurial drive resurfaced, leading to the establishment of Kienyeji’s Store.

Miriam faced numerous setbacks, including losing her job in the US and experiencing financial difficulties that resulted in the auctioning of her properties.

”After starting small, I got a job in the US and I abandoned the business and left Kenya. However, things did not go as planned because at some point I was fired and this was when reality hit,” she said.

However, with the unwavering support of her loved ones, she found the strength to rebuild her life and her business.

A sack of vegetables sent by her mother and a gifted freezer became the foundation upon which she reestablished Kienyeji’s Store.

Through a revitalized presence on social media and focused marketing strategies, Miriam gradually steered her business back on track.

Despite the inherent difficulties, Miriam’s unwavering focus and consistency played a pivotal role in the success of Kienyeji’s Store.

She tirelessly learned and adapted, experimenting with various approaches until she found a business model that worked for her and fueled her passion.

Throughout the ups and downs, Miriam’s dedication to her vision remained unwavering, enabling her to continually improve her operations and enhance the customer experience.

The pandemic served as a turning point for Kienyeji’s Store.

As people embraced healthier eating habits, traditional vegetables gained significant popularity. Miriam’s store became even more relevant, offering pre-cooked leafy traditional vegetables to individuals seeking convenient and nutritious options.

Moreover, with movement restrictions in place, Kienyeji’s Store emerged as a solution provider, offering doorstep delivery and alleviating the need for customers to visit crowded markets.

Miriam’s dreams extend beyond the success of her business. During the pandemic, she provided employment opportunities to women in need, contributing to their empowerment.

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Looking ahead, Miriam envisioned expanding her operations and creating more employment opportunities for women.

She also aimed to export her products to the US under the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA), which would open new doors for her business while showcasing the richness of traditional Kenyan cuisine to international markets.