Coping with the aftermath of job loss can be traumatizing especially when you do not have an extra source of income.
This is the sad reality that hit Alexander Mutisya in January 2023 when he was left jobless after being fired from his four-year job.
Mutisya, an electrical and electronics engineer, revealed he served at an electrical company for four years before circumstances forced him to turn to entrepreneurship, a journey he says has not been a walk in the park.
“I was employed in the year 2019 after completing my diploma. I worked in a certain company where we dealt with the sale and services of instant showers, solar lights installation, gate automation, and electric fences. I worked here from 2019 to 2022 when things turned against me and I was fired on the 15th of January 2023,” he says.
Upon strategizing on his next move, he decided to pursue a short course in solar PV installation which took two weeks to complete.
With skills on both marketing and solar installation, the 27-year-old decided to start a business and acquired a shop in the Nairobi’s Ronald Ngala Street.
The business was however short-lived as he was evicted due to unending wrangles involving the shop he was operating in.
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“All went well until October of the same year where our business premise developed cases and I was forced to close down. since then we operate online and we are doing well,” he adds.
Currently, Capsule Electricals and Interior operates entirely online offering various services including the supply of luxury instant water heaters both for fresh and salty water, solar power supply and installation, and electric fence and home renovations, among others.
“We help clients deal with stubborn salty water which eat their showers and end up spending more money on repairing them. We also help our clients change from house to a home with our top-notch interior works,” he adds.
The entrepreneur says operating online is very challenging as some customers request to see the products before making a purchase.
Mutisya further lamented the stiff competition online adding that he is sometimes forced to sell through influencers or Google ads.
He notes that getting a shelf in CBD and making it a pick-up point has positively impacted the business. Additionally, his great services including quality products have earned him referrals.
With his goal being to be the biggest shower supplier in Kenya, Mutisya advises anyone intending to venture into business to follow their passion and keep pushing no matter the setbacks.
“Closing my shop was my worst setback. I learned that you should be ready for anything as an entrepreneur. What you need,go for it. It might be tough at first but with time it will be okay. All the early mornings and late nights will pay off, don’t give up,” he advised.
