Interview with Ruth Gakii Owner of City Cafe’

After clearing campus, Ruth Wanjiku worked odd jobs to make ends meet. Despite having a degree in nutrition science she was unable to secure her dream job. Ruth decided to start her own business.

Read her inspiring story in this interview.

Tell me about your current business. What are you doing exactly?

Ruth Cafe’ makes the best coffee you will ever taste, or so my many customers tell me.

When did you start the business?

In 2015. Now, I’m located in Buruburu phase ll.

What were you doing before this, and is this your first business?

I had cleared Campus and still searching for a job like many graduates do but l was unlucky, no company responded to my applications. I was living at my parents house and working any odd job that came my way when a friend shared business ideas with me, I borrowed 100 from another friend and went from there.

How did you come up with your business idea?

I was searching for a business that I could operate from my home because I was a single parent and needed to be around when my kid got  home from school. I prepared coffee, sold to my neighbors and it was a HUGE hit so I decided that this would be something that I could do that would be a thing that people would buy on a recurring basis. Since I was living in such a remote area, I needed something that could reach far and wide. My coffee shop has turned out to be just what I needed.

Did you operate your business from your home? What were the challenges and benefits to this strategy?

I operate the business side from my home and cook my product in a commercial kitchen rented to me on an as needed basis. When I started, I did everything from my home and aside from having my house filled up with coffee stuff.

With the current economy in a slump, what cost saving tips would you have for a new entrepreneur?

young entrepreneurs should know it is not your salary that makes you rich, It is your spending habits. I opened a saving account and this has enabled me to increase my line to three flavors because I could get all my new labels on trade. It has also opened up a whole new group of customers .

What advice would you give to somebody else who wanted to start a similar business?

You have to be very dedicated to the dream, persevere when the going gets tough. And ask for help.

Save money and money will save you.