Being the first born in a family of four from a humble background, Brian Ngere, a student of Garissa University studying BA Education has to find means to survive in the university.

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A student who likes Art has turned this hobby to an income generating business which helps him in paying for his daily bills. Brian runs a business of making and selling beads products.

“I had to find ways of surviving, since I would not wholly depend on my parents, I sort to be creative,” says Ngere.

Ngere who started the business late last year says his initial capital was Sg2,500, and now the business in terms of stock is worth over Sh20,000.

A Sh1,000 worth of beads make between 20-25 products, which yields approximately Sh5,000-6,000.

He makes necklaces, bracelets, earrings among other product, which he mostly designs according to one's needs. 

“I do a lot of online marketing especially Whatsapp. I have a Whatsapp group, ‘Ngere beads’ where I market the products and do door to door delivery. 60 percent of my customers are students while 40 per cent are locals,” he added.

He makes at least Sh800 on a bad day and Sh3,000 on a good day.

“I also target rallies to sell my products, especially political rallies where I display my products. I am planning to expand my business in order to capture a wider market from all counties especially Nairobi,” he says.

He however faces some challenges in the course of his business, as there are other traders in the market. 

“My business faces competition from other products which are cheaper such as chains which may sell at Sh50. This limits the business to a great extent. Balancing class time with the business is also challenging for sometimes market opportunities come when I have classes,” he adds.

Ngere calls upon the youth to be creative and be job creators other than seeking other illegal means to acquire money.

“I understand campus life can be difficult but we have so many untapped talents that are wasted down the four years in campus. One should turn out their hobbies and talents to be money generating,” he adds.