Sharon Kendi is a seasoned business lady and the proprietor of Princess Paradise Beauty Parlour & Spa in Thika.
Narrating her 7-year entrepreneurial journey in the beauty industry, Kendi revealed she started the business in 2018, while still a student at Mount Kenya University, to make ends meet.
She started small, offering her services to fellow students before establishing a physical location, thanks to her customers who had grown into folds.
Today, Princess Beauty Parlour and Spa has grown to a fully fledged business offering various services, including a nail bar, dreadlock styling, makeup and facials, pedicures, designer perfumes, and beauty products.
“Running a successful spa goes beyond offering beauty treatments and services. You have to create a seamless, relaxing experience for clients while ensuring that back-end operations run smoothly,” Sharon told Money254.
According to the entrepreneur, one of the strategies that has greatly contributed to the success of the business is the use of Social Media marketing. Her TikTok page has become a key driver of customer traffic.
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Kendi notes that just like any other business, the beauty parlour business also has its high and low seasons, adding that the business booms at the beginning of the month from the 1st to the 5th and towards the end from the 23rd to the 31st of each month.
Additionally, seasons such as Christmas, Valentine and Mother’s Day also attract more clients. Her monthly earnings range between Sh200,000 and Sh250,000 on a good month.
Challenges and Mistakes
Kendi’s entrepreneurial journey has been full of mistakes and lessons. One of her major mistakes was failing to diversify marketing efforts, relying only on word of mouth and traditional methods, which limited her online visibility.
Additionally, the lack of an emergency fund during the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on her business. Kendi advised entrepreneurs to always have emergency funds for their business to cushion them should the unexpected happen.
She has expanded into the cleaning industry by launching Paradise Hygiene Limited, where she serves as the CEO.
