In the scenic countryside of a small village, Mary Waithera, a 20-year-old entrepreneur, has emerged as a trailblazer by starting a business with deep family roots. Her determination, guided by her grandmother’s wisdom, has transformed a simple flower plantation into a thriving enterprise that provides employment opportunities and hope for the future.
Mary’s story begins with her grandmother, the nurturing force behind her ambitions.
As an experienced flower cultivator, her grandmother’s green thumb paved the way for prosperity. Witnessing the success and financial stability that came from flower farming inspired Mary. She admired the garden’s beauty and the promise of economic growth it held. Observing the fruits of her grandmother’s labor, she learned that hard work on the land was always rewarded, instilling a sense of purpose in her.
While still in school, Mary often left early to help with the flower harvests, recognizing the lucrative potential of the endeavor. After completing her education in 2021, she saved diligently from her job at a road construction site to turn her vision into reality.
In June of the same year, Mary embarked on her entrepreneurial journey by diving into flower farming. With her grandmother’s guidance, the two spent two weeks preparing the land for planting. Although initially inexperienced, Mary was determined to make her mark in the industry.
A turning point came when Wilmar, a flower distribution company, entered their village. Intrigued by a new flower species her grandmother had planted, Mary sought to explore the possibilities further. Connecting with Wilmar opened up new opportunities, granting her access to valuable knowledge and resources. However, challenges arose. The biggest hurdle was securing adequate capital to start the business. Additionally, climate change became a pressing issue, as the flowers Mary cultivated required significant water, making dry seasons particularly problematic. Rising living costs and the stagnant price of flowers, fixed at KES 10 since her grandmother’s time, further complicated matters. Despite these obstacles, Mary’s passion for her work remained strong. She found immense joy in witnessing the fruits of her labor each day, knowing she was earning a livelihood without resorting to borrowing money. Flower farming also kept her busy, providing a stark contrast to the idleness that many youths in her community face.
Looking to the future, Mary envisions expanding her flower business on a grand scale, which would allow her to create employment opportunities for others. Her aspirations are deeply rooted in her desire to bring prosperity and growth to her community. With her grandmother’s legacy guiding her every step, Mary is determined to build a flourishing enterprise that nurtures both the land and the dreams of those around her.