Muthoni Kirumba is the CEO of Zola Afrique and is a multi-talented entrepreneur passionate about fashion, custom gifting, writing and travel. When she is not busy running the day to day errands of Zola Afrique Creations, she is blogging or writing books. She is the author of two books, an inspirational one – The Quotist, and her most recent one, a fictional drama – The Crystal Ball Fell.
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Describe the business – What do you do and where are you based?
Zola Afrique creations is the largest custom gift and fashion shop located along Koinange street in Nairobi CBD. It is just opposite KEMU Hub. We have an on-site tailor to make the custom fashion pieces for our clientele and we do personal and corporate custom gifting as well.
2. How did the business get started?
As a small fashion business in Buruburu. In fact, even before the small shop, I was a freelancer. I would get one client here and another there and then work with a number of tailors, who of course, were much more expensive and most did not deliver, as they would focus more on their work rather than mine.
I became very unwell in 2018, to the point of not being able to walk properly for almost the entire year. For two months, I was actually on crutches. The unfortunate situation however, became an opportunity for our family. My family members, especially my sisters and mum, pulled in resources and efforts to help me when I couldn’t work because they understood very well the passion I had for what I did.
Later, our dad also saw the vision and decided to support us. As the fashion market is highly competitive, we decided to diversify into the gifting sector as well and rebranded everything, including the business name and hence Zola Afrique Creations was born.
3. Is there a set of skills you need to run a business like this? Which ones do you have?
Yes of course, as any other enterprise would require. One needs market research skills, creativity, cognitive and analytical skills, managerial skills and multi-tasking skills. I say multi-tasking because for a young business, entrepreneurs often find themselves carrying out most of the operational as well as managerial tasks. You are almost everything for your enterprise: HR, accountant, marketer, brand representative, PR and on top of all this, ensuring the leadership and management sector are on point, because there is the guiding bit but also the inspirational bit. If the employees are not inspired, they can lose hope and lose focus on the vision as well. I tell people a young business is like a new baby, you have to do almost everything for it while at the same time ensuring it is well-nurtured. As it grows you have to employ tough love. When it’s an adult, then it takes care of you in return.
4. What would you like to see more of, especially in Kenya, when it comes to fashion?
I would love it if we were able to manufacture our own fabric prints locally, and in a wide range too. Unfortunately, the general production costs in Kenya are extremely high so the creativity in the fabric sector is limited.
I would also like to see more support for local fashion artisans because the talent that is here locally in Kenya is immense. If proper standards are set in the fashion sector, more partnerships and collaborations can occur for fashion designers both regionally and internationally and from my personal experience, I know, there is a huge market for our products abroad.
5. Where do you find inspiration?
From within. I just love dressing well and styling. It nourishes my day. As for the gifting, I have always been a very giving person, so I thought the idea of making custom gifts for people to be a fantastic idea. My business partners and close friends agreed with me a hundred percent.
My father inspires me a lot too, especially as an entrepreneur. He has always been extremely supportive of my dreams. When he saw that I chose the entrepreneurial path as opposed to employment, he still encouraged and supported me. He is very caring, checks up a lot and gives my sisters and I golden advice not only about business but life as well. We are very blessed to have him, with mom by his side, nurture us into the people we have become.
6. What have been some of the challenges you’ve faced? Lessons learned?
The challenges are many when doing business. From financial, to working with people, market visibility and also trying out ideas that sometimes fail, which in turn becomes very discouraging.
I have learnt, above all, that never giving up is not just a cliche. I advise young start-ups that entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart, one must be tough-skinned. Also, you must be a go-getter and have a spirit of endurance. Things get challenging many times when starting off but one must brave the storms to get ahead. I have learnt to pray for my business and also put strategies in action, for example, constantly being innovative in this ever-turbulent environment. Also, go for the business, seek it out, knock on doors as it will not always come to you.
Another great challenge I faced was finding a good tailor, who not only knows how to sew well but has etiquette and customer care skills. Divinely, one day she just walked into my shop and asked for employment and after interviewing her a week later, I felt she was the right fit.
All in all, never settle or give up. Always keep challenging yourself and putting yourself out there. You are worth it and you will make it. Just be consistent.
7. What has been your proudest moment/achievement so far?
Proudest moment is when we finally got the large front shop in one of the most prime premises in CBD, making us the largest custom gift and fashion shop in Nairobi CBD. Before we had 2 shops in town and it was a bit hectic to manage them.
Proudest achievement is when I pitched to Nairobi Securities Exchange to be our client and they gave us a big order. We delivered unique custom items to them and they were extremely happy and have been giving us referrals.
8. Where would you like to see the business go over the next 3 years?
In the next three years, I would like to see the business brand having expanded to have branches in the malls and in other prime areas such as Karen and Lavington.
Also, to have expanded our regional and international clientele base to the extent of doing large scale exports, partnerships and cooperations in intra-africa and abroad trade, and working with companies such as airlines, embassies and NGOs not only on a business angle, but also on a social entrepreneurship angle.
Above all, to become a central hub where everyone can easily access unique custom products especially those made in Africa by Africans.
The sky is definitely not our limit.
9. What advice would you give anyone looking to take the leap into running their own business?
Take the leap indeed, because it is worth it but first be sure it is in line with your passion. Do thorough market research, benchmark with your counterparts and be ready for an exciting jog, because it will need a lot of your input when you start. Always look to innovate and stay abreast with trends. Pray often.
Bonus Question
10. Who are some of your favourite designers, especially of African descent?
I love the work of Neomi Ng’ang’a plus her whole demeanor – she’s an ever joyful person. I also love African Fabric & Designs Kenya, Afrostreet Kollektions, and Ashok Sunny Tailored on Instagram. From Uganda, Hers.ug. From Nigeria, well she’s not a designer but I am just in love with her style, Toke Makinwa – she blows my mind away.
To get in touch with Muthoni or to get more information on Zola Afrique, see their contacts and social media accounts below.
Work Phone: +254 748 000 820
Instagram: @zolaafrique (Gifts page) & @style_with_zola (Fashion page)
Facebook: zola afrique creations
Twitter: @zolaafrique
E-mail: zolaafrique@gmail.com
Upcoming events: Zola Afrique launch – (including a highly vibrant new product line) is in the works. They also have sales in November and January so do check their pages for updates.
