They built spa from Westgate ashes

By BRIGID CHEMWENO

Many people lost jobs and businesses during the Westgate Mall terror attack on September 12, 2013. Some lost hope but others picked up their pieces and started rebuilding their lives.

Among those affected was a group of employees at a spa in the mall. After the terror attack, their employer transferred them to other spas he owned in other malls in Nairobi. Unfortunately, these enterprises already had enough staff.

Left with no options, eight of the employees pooled resources and started their own outfit — the Eight Premier Spa, which is now a day spa and barber shop in Westlands.

Pauline Karugi, one of the members, who is a therapist, says raising the money to start the business was not a big issue as they had started saving early last year with the aim of purchasing land and developing it.

“Each one of us was contributing Sh10,000 every month. We had opened an account where we deposited the money,” she says.

After the attack, she says, their plans of purchasing land changed since they had to start a business which can generate income.

The leader of the group, Joe Mungai said the idea of a beauty shop flickered through his mind. He says the group is dynamic in skills with the members having the experience in working in a spa.
No security

The members include Joan Kimani who is a skin consultant and beauty therapist, Judith Mwangi, a beauty therapist, Esther Wanjohi (a skin consultant and beauty therapist), Nehema Wanjiku (nail technician and beauty therapist), Mary Mburu (senior skin consultant), Emily Makena (accountant and beauty therapist), Pauline Karugi (nail technician and therapist) and Joe Mungai (nail technician/therapist).

He says they approached Rafiki Microfinance for a loan since the amount required to set up the facility was high but their challenge was that they did not have collateral security. This forced them to seek audience with the bank’s CEO.

“The CEO authorised the credit line with no securities,” Says Mungai.

Within two months, he says, Premier Spa was set up and all the necessary equipment procured, creating employment to the members.

“We employed a barber and are now looking forward to create employment for other jobless youth soon,” he adds.

He says the business became operational in November last year and they are getting good returns. On a good day, they say, the spa brings in Sh100, 000.

Joe says the members earn a salary every month and they can now better manage their time.

Esther Wangui, a member, says being self-employed has granted her courage and confidence since she can exploit her potential.

“Being self-employed means you have to take risks and make decisions and I have to handle things responsibly,” said Wangui.

She says their inspiration is waking up every morning and reporting to their place of work, where they are their own bosses.

“Here I am not under pressure to perform but I do it out of my passion, commitment and dedication,” added Wangui.
Overcame challenges

She says they uphold transparency and discipline and support one another.

She says it was very challenging when they were starting the business since they had to go all the way to Dubai to purchase the equipment and some of their members who were working in some spas in the town could not be granted permission by their employers.

“When we were installing the equipment, most of our members could not come every day since they were working elsewhere, but we are glad we overcame the challenges,” she adds.

Before they start their business every day, she says, they pray for a successful day and also pray again in the evening before they disperse.