Stella Mutai stands out as a confident, self-assured, successful entrepreneur.
She owns three companies just two years after seeking self-employment.After graduating with a Diploma in Sales and Marketing from the University of Nairobi, she immediately got a sales job at Barclays Bank in Eldoret for two years before she was promoted to the position of agent manager.“I worked hard and I was promoted to the position of agent manager. This came after the customer index rate had increased,” said Mutai.She later got a job at Post Bank, Nakuru branch and used to attend evening classes at the Kenya Methodist University where she graduated with a Degree in Business Management, marketing option.It was while working at Post Bank that she began contemplating starting her own insurance company. “The idea came to mind after meeting clients who complained about how insurance firms mistreat them. I thought it would be a good idea to start an insurance agency,” she added.Being a single mother of two did not deter Mutai from registering her three companies, which she started with a capital of Sh5,000. Aside from the insurance firm, Mutai runs two other companies, Belesta investment and Beles ventures which deal with general supplies.Mutai says running an insurance agency requires hard work in order to convince clients, as one is judged by their potential to deliver.
Hamdi Insurance Agencies offices located at Zion mall along Uganda road in Eldoret. [Photo/ Prince Charlton]
“It is quite challenging to get organisations to trust you,” said Mutai.She notes that her two sons and her passion to help people is what keeps her going.“My children are my biggest motivation as they make me wake up every day to search for money to meet their basic needs and pay their school fees,” said Mutai.Mutai said she earns around Sh50,000 from her general supply companies and Sh100,000 from her insurance firm every month.“I make Sh50,000 per month from my two companies Belesta investment and Beles ventures while my insurance firm Hamdi commercial and Insurance agencies makes Sh100,000 per month," said Mutai.Mutai encouraged young people not to depend on formal employment and to instead be industrious and register their own companies.“Start small and you will make it big one day,” she added.#jobprofiles