James Otini a second-year university student has taken his career to an extra mile by designing designer shoes and selling them to students. His biggest market is the students who find his products cheap and convenient.
Otini started the business last year after he learned the concept from his uncle who runs a shop in Nakuru.
"It is all about passion. I learned the skill when I was working at my uncle’s place," said Otini.
"It is very fulfilling to make something out of your skills. I like it best when my customer are contented with my work.” added Otini.
“I take a rough sketch of what you want me to design then I take the colors and size then within three weeks I deliver,” he explained.
Otini charges a small fee for his services so as to tap into the available students market, even though he explains that there are a few logistical challenges.
“I charge between Sh300-400 depending on the design one wants. Sometimes it may take a little longer when I order for the fabric and it delays or when I can’t find it in the market,” He adds.
He has also taken advantage of the vibrant social media platforms, which he says forms his main marketing base.
"I depend on the social media for marketing my services especially Whatsapp which is very efficient. I make up to Sh5,000 every week and I am planning to expand my business to improve on efficiency,” stated Otini.
However he went on to identify his biggest challenge is none other but his customers who he described to be very selective.
“Students are very selective and sometimes you may deliver the work and realise that the customer is not interested in it," said Otini.
"So it becomes hard for me since I incur losses although I may later sell the same produce to another person," he added.