Media personality and entrepreneur Betty Kyallo has finally spoken after reports indicating that her business, Flair by Betty, is being auctioned emerged.
Keysian Auctioneers, in a public notice published in the dailies, announced a public auction of some of the items at Betty’s salon over rent arrears. The auctioneer announced that the exercise will be carried out on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
Responding to the reports, Betty blamed the current harsh business environment for her salon’s financial tribulations. She further pointed out landlords’ unwillingness to adjust rents to the current economic conditions.
“Obviously running a business in Kenya has become difficult. Landlords don’t want to reduce rent and it becomes a huge burden on businesses that are struggling because of the economic slow down,” said Betty in a post on her Instagram account.
She added that she had to let the business go for peace of mind sake.
Betty Kyalo’s Salon put on auction
“I let it go. I am happier. I sleep better. My peace of mind is more important than name. I’m good,” Betty added.
She further announced that she is reopening her other business, Aftershave By Flair, which specifically caters to men.
“Also, after two months of expansion, we reopen Aftershave By Flair. Gentlemen, come through, I’ll be there today!” she wrote.
Some netizens, including business people who reacted to the post, encouraged her to move on, highlighting the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Rachel Wahiu said: this is a true businesswoman. A business that’s not bringing in profits shouldn’t kill you. Close shop and go back to the drawing board
Helen Naipanoi said: I have been here, and I had to let it go. Bravo, girl, you will raise again
Babake twins said: You owe no one an Explanation. Running a business is not easy, let alone building a brand as you have done. Peace of mind NO 1 over everything else. Be you, do you.
Beddings 123 said: That’s courage right there, knowing to let go when needed to, running a business is such a heavy task.
Betty’s salon business ‘Flair by Betty’ opened to the public on April 14, 2018, at the FCB Mihrab building on Lenana Road. She later moved it to  Rose Avenue and later to George Padmore Road junction in Kilimani, where it currently operates.
In a past interview, she said the business shift to various locations was necessitated by financial struggles primarily due to the effects of covid 19.
“I have struggled just like other entrepreneurs because the business environment has not been very friendly to small-scale businesses.”
“People just don’t have money to spend, especially on luxurious services like micro-blading…what we do at the salon,” Betty said
Besides Flair by Betty’, she also runs ‘After Shave by Flair,’ a high-end Barbershop located in the Upper Hill area, and a barber shop in Meru.