Meet 22 Year Old Agnes Mulewa Who Built A Multi-Million Business In Just 6 Months

Agnes is the perfect example that no matter where you are from we all have a chance to become something. She was raised by a single mother in Kawangware where she and her sibling faced hardships getting school fees.

At 22 years Agnes is the CEO of IBS a business worth over 6 million Kenya shillings. In just six months she was able to grow her company’s profits to one million Kenya Shillings. “From the time I started working when I was 17 years old after high school – selling clothes at Junction, I was exposed to the elite and the rich; I told myself nothing should stop me from being like the people I saw.”

For Agnes, this was only possible through studying. So she put all her effort in school and managed to get a scholarship to Ngara Girls High School. Next, she enrolled in Strathmore University to pursue a degree in Business and Information Technology.

1. How did you nurture your business mind?

I have always wanted to do business; when I was younger I would sell pencils in school at a few shillings more than how much I bought them for. In high school I would sell my snacks when students have ran out of snacks during the term. I had an eye for business somehow.

When I joined Strathmore I realized am being exposed to young entrepreneurship and I thought to explore it further.

2. What is your business about?

International Brand Solutions (IBS) is a research entity that works at researching whether business ideas will work in the market. There’s a gap in the market for entrepreneurs in researching on the relevance and timeliness of their products to the market.

Most people start businesses assuming they will work in the market, but they do not have numbers to justify the move. So I realized while in 2nd year that there is a need to explore research for business both old and new. Who are they selling to? Is there a need in the market? If there is a need, how are they going to sell? And once we come up with these answers, we give a marketing strategy proposal for the client to consider.

I currently have a team of six people – A research analyst, a creative officer, an operations officer, an accountant, digital marketer, and a social media officer.

3. How did you balance studying and working?

I realized that there is a lot of free time between classes, so I decided to use that time to research on the businesses more. I however took a study break so that I can perfect my business and raise more money to cover the rest of my tuition fee, I will be resuming in May for the evening classes.

I registered the business last year when I realized there was a market in this business, but I have been in operation for a bit longer.

4. What motivates you?

Everything motivates me; somehow there is always a reason for everything we go through. But one thing I look at for strength is the kind of image I have of me in 10 years which makes me work hard; I want to be successful – emotionally, physically, and financially.

5. You greatest achievement so far?

Being featured on people daily, it somehow served as a boost. If I could be recognized for the work I am doing, then I am privileged.

6. Your greatest challenge

The fact that companies assume my young age would deter me from doing a good job in the work I am intended to be doing.

7. Your encouragement to young students feeling like the odds are against them?

You need to start doing your best immediately; the odds may never be in your favor.  Give the same attention to education and professional career advancement as you do to your own personal appearance.”

Michelle is a communications officer/digital marketer at Career Point Kenya. Email: michelle@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke