I started my first business in Kisumu fresh out of college, full of ambition and hope. I had invested everything I had my savings, borrowed money from family, and countless hours of energy. For a few months, it seemed to be working.
Sales were coming in, customers were happy, and I felt like I was finally on the path I had dreamed of. Then, almost overnight, everything fell apart. Orders stopped coming, suppliers delayed deliveries, and money disappeared faster than I could track it. I blamed myself, thinking maybe I was inexperienced, naive, or simply unlucky.
I picked myself up and started again, determined to succeed the second time.
The second business faced the same pattern. I opened a small store in a busy part of town. Everything seemed fine at first the customers came, the accounts balanced, and I felt confident. But after a few months, again, things went wrong.
Inventory went missing, employees became unreliable, and some deals I thought were secure fell apart. I felt crushed, humiliated, and confused.
By the third attempt, I had lost almost all my confidence. I even considered giving up and finding a regular job. But deep down, I knew I had more to offer.
