Samson Okal Were is a marketing specialist with more than five years of experience in digital marketing. His expertise has turned to his saving grace for a tough situation transformed into a thriving business.

Samson revealed to Bizna Kenya that he started his retail store Jiranisam Discounters with a capital of just Sh. 8,000 after a botched run at his first business attempt.

Reflective of his past failure, Samson considered a different way to rebuild a path forward. Starting a business is challenging enough, let alone off the back of another business calamity. However, he learnt from the experience and took it well in stride.

He fondly recalled the excitement of starting Jiranisam Discounters. However, not long later, he’d quickly learn that there was more to business than face value presents.

Today, his business is valued at over Sh. 1.5 million, focusing mainly on providing household products like flour, sugar, salt, blueband, soaps and more to customers in his community. He further revealed that one of his goals when starting the business was to create jobs for the unemployed.

A business cannot be without trials. For Samson, these giants came in the form of cash flow management. At the very beginning, his business expenses were over the roof and profits trickled in slowly.

What sets his business apart is not just the products but the attention to customer service. Customer satisfaction is his business currency. This has helped build strong relationships which has maintained customer retention.

Samson greatly values engaging with customers.  Despite not receiving feedback on all occasions, he says that it’s part of growth. Given the chance, he listens carefully to adjust to his customer’s needs.

Samson told businesses that for one to survive in entrepreneurship, resilience should be an unquestionable trait.

Challenges are part of the ride, be it financial struggles, competition or operational issues. What matters is the ability to keep going, learn from failures and adapt when needed.

For anyone looking to start a business, Samson’s advice is simple: don’t fear failure. It is a stepping stone to success. Learn from mistakes, adjust your approach, and stay open to changes in the market.

Looking ahead, Samson plans to grow Jiranisam Discounters by expanding the product range, improving the brand, and possibly partnering with other businesses. His focus is on making sure the shop continues to evolve and serve the community.