The programme targets female entrepreneurs who receive customised business skills training, technical assistance, leadership development, and access to networks to grow their businesses. She made it to the final list of 69 women from across Latin America, the Caribbean, Middle East and North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa attending the Vital Voices Grow Fellowship.
Eligible companies have to be owned by a woman, employ a minimum of three full-time employees, and generate an annual revenue of at least $40,000 (Sh4 million).
The business has grown from ten staff when she started to 100 regular and part-time employees. She also supports women groups across the country who keep her supply chain running. The Amaica proprietor said her team has been instrumental in growing the business.
“As the business grows, one of the greatest challenges is recruiting team members who are passionate about our vision, smart enough to execute it and committed to see it come to fruition,” she said. Ms Munyeshi revealed that the trick is to stay focused and be “in the know” as far as your business is concerned. Hire smart professionals and be part of the team, she added.
How old is she? “Ladies do not disclose their age; you shouldn’t ask ladies above 30 to tell you their age because the answer you get will not be accurate,” she said.
She said hospitality industry is no easy nut to crack but was quick to add that an entrepreneur who does not fear failure will succeed; “It is only by failing that you succeed”.
She says in the food industry one as to insist on exceptional quality standards and consistency and “products or services at the level you believe they ought to be”.
Since 2011, the business has been able to attract and retain corporate clients and the tour industry partly due to funding from Grofin. The finances received went towards the expansion of the Westlands branch on Peponi Road, overlooking Karura forest.
GroFin investment manager Rita Odero, introduced her to the VV Grow fellowship where she beat about 1,000 applicants.
“Ms Odero forwarded the application link to me and said she believes I should be able to qualify for the scholarship if I applied. I did exactly that and of the rest is history,” Ms Munyeshi said.
She said she believes the Fellowship course content is what she needs at this stage of the business where growth is inevitable and that the opportunity will equip her with the skills, knowledge and networks needed by her business.