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Name: Terryanne Chebet

Business: Keyara Organics , organic skin care line

Industry: Health & Beauty 

Location: Nairobi, Kenya 

Reason for starting: I started Keyara organics after looking for a locally made, handcrafted, organic label that fitted my tastes to little or no avail. My daughter had eczema as a young baby and I went from product to product trying to get a natural solution. Eventually, after much market research I decided to start my own organic bath and body line that would sell not only on Kenyan shelves but internationally. I wanted a product that looked great, felt great and represented Africa’s finest oils and butters. 

How do you define success? I know I have succeeded when I have achieved my goals. I feel it when I know I have done my absolute best. When I sleep at night knowing my best is paying off. In my world, success is also creating employment, nurturing talent in the business and giving back. When I am successful,l I am happy. 

Related: Read about another entrepreneur creating organic beauty products here.

Biggest Success: Setting up Keyara is one of my biggest successes of 2014. When I look at my year plan written down at the end of 2013, I am elated that I broke through doubt and fear and started my own organic bath and body line. 3 years ago I started a business that today employs 5 people, and I am excited and elated about where Keyara will be in another 10 years given the potential of the personal care industry. 

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? My top challenge today is cash flow. I started small and I am beginning to realise I should jump in and get funding to enable the business scale to the heights I dream of. I invested in the business using my own savings but 6 months later, and with encouragement from other female entrepreneurs who grew by investing through bigger capital, I am preparing myself and my business for more capital. 

Related: The Importance of Investing in Girls and Women 

Who is your most important role model? I look up to many women, but most recently I met Tara Fela Durotoye, the founder of House of Tara cosmetics who has challenged me beyond anyone I have ever met as an African entrepreneur. She is bold, vivacious, strategic and her pride for Africa and African products that will lead this market, is unrivalled. That is a vision I share with her. 

[box_light]Website   www.keyara.co.ke 
Twitter   @keyaraorganics
Facebook   www.Facebook.com/KeyaraOrganics [/box_light]

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Read about another Health & Beauty entrepreneur here.

Edited by The Story Exchange