Ruth Mawia Mwanzia is an entrepreneur, communication officer and student, all rolled into one. Ms Mawia, 26, is the managing director and owner of Koola Waters, a water bottling company based in Nairobi, works as Corporate Communications Officer at Water Management Authority and studies for her Master’s at Nazarene University.

Her passion, she says, has seen the production of safe drinking water through Koola Waters. Ms Mawia was born and raised in Kitui County, a semi-arid region where fresh drinking water is a precious commodity.

It was, therefore, not surprising that she would want to produce the water in large quantities. Since Koola Waters started a year ago, it’s been growing steadily as the brand finds its space in a flooded market. “Advertising has played a key role in growing the business and marketing the brand,” she said in an interview.

While competition in the mineral and bottled water segment is cut-throat, Ms Mawia is growing her clientele, one bottle at a time. “You have to be unique and that is why we are using the best and special kind of machinery at Koola Water,” she says.

She says success comes from dedication and hard work. “I am disciplined but of course my parents and friends play a bigger role,” she says. “Starting up this business was never easy,” she adds. “I had to make decisions strong enough even to challenge myself. The wisdom of my father and the kind words from my mother were very inspirational.”

Never to keep silent on a nice idea, Ms Mawia never fails to try and pumped Ksh2 million in the water start-up. Her commitment and that of her employees are a strong driving force behind the Karen-based company.

Inspired by Ben Carson

She says she has had to acquire knowledge not just in her communications career but also on water industry trends while drawing inspiration from US neurosurgeon Ben Carson. “He came from a very humble background but lived to shock the world with success,” Ms Mawia says. Now he wants to be the president of the United States.

She says business is a learning process and the ability to apply the lessons as you adapt to market trends. “No matter how much money you make, seeing your copy-cut brand out there is obviously a thing to be concerned about,” she says, referring to a growing Kenyan culture of counterfeiting in Kenya.

She talks passionately about Richard Branson, the English businessman and founder of Virgin Group, which comprises more than 400 companies with networth is estimated at $4.9 billion. “He has really succeeded despite what people said about him. His humble background amazes me,” Ms Mawia says.

Unlike many people who quit their jobs to focus on business, Ms Mawia has found a perfect balance. She says her job complements her business in lean times. With a production capacity of 150 cartons in a day, the business rakes in about Ksh100,000 monthly. “Working has helped me keep the company afloat especially when business is low. These are usual challenges in any start-up business,” she says.

She has kept a good network of friends who inspire her and provide leads to markets. “If you try to save things to yourself, you are likely to fail. Always share and share,” she says.

She tells aspiring entrepreneurs to be brave. “Young people should not be afraid of the unknown because had I feared, I wouldn’t be here today. Take your ideas to exhibitions, share them with people and make the right decisions and they will turn into business. There are a lot of big ups and big downs in business and every other encounter. What stands out is how strong you believe in yourself and God.”

The MD says Koola Waters is set for expansion by pumping in more funds. “I am now headed to expanding it further to grow out and take it closer home,” she says.

It’s not all work as Ms Mawia is also engaged in humanitarian activities. Currently, she is running a rehabilitation and empowerment programme in Korogocho slums in Nairobi. “The essence of life is to make a difference and put smiles on the faces of the less fortunate,” she says.