Chebet Lesan, a university graduate with a degree in Industrial Design from the tUniversity of Nairobi, is using her university knowledge to creating solutions for the local needs of mwananchi. Chebet was not much into getting a white-collar job. Her desire to be her own boss pushed her into her first business venture which entailed developing African inspired creative designs to showcase Kenya’s rich culture. Yet she still felt the need to connect with the society by bringing in a customized product that middle-income earners relate to.
“I have always wanted to be a manufacturer. Even while I was in campus studying industrial design I was the type of a person who wanted to know who was coming up with innovative solutions. I’ve always wanted to come up with something that will make life easier for the ordinary Kenyan. I knew that most people in the lower income bracket used charcoal a lot because gas and electricity were probably too expensive. Most of them didn’t care about conserving the environment but rather the most cost-effective way of providing meals for their family, “ she said.
Like any other young entrepreneur, Chebet was afraid to share her idea with others, for fear it might flop until she spoke to a mentor. Her mentor picked up the idea, analyze it and encouraged her to go on with it, as it was feasible.
“I just decided to put my mind in it and I started producing the charcoal. My first clients were basically testing the product because it is hard to convince people to use charcoal brikets, a product they have never tried before,” she said.
It was just a matter of time before her client base grew exponentially, thanks to her strategic social media marketing. Chebet knew that she had to keep improving her products to attract more customers and over the last three years its never been as it was while starting out
” We have selling points all over Nairobi in the most populous areas like Eastleigh, Langata, South B and South C, Highrise, Imara Daima and along Ngong Road. We usually sell a kilo at Sh 45, which is affordable. There are some clients who come for them personally or they are delivered to them. Some supermarkets too have stocked my charcoal brikets,” she said.
Her charcoal briquettes have made her win many awards, courtesy of Bright Green Kenya. From a commendation from the queen to a Nelson Mandela Fellowship. She has been invited to give talks t large forums, impacting positively in their lives.
“Never think that your idea is farfetched, invest in it and it will bring in good results. Surround yourself with positive people who will propel you into greatness. Your age or gender will never determine your success. Always be patient and give in your best,” she encouraged aspiring young entrepreneurs.