A funny story is told in the Kisilu household about Gloria, whose entrepreneurial roots can be traced back to her formative years, around the age of 10. When she noticed her siblings had books that they needed but did not use very often, Gloria decided to play the role of a shrewd businessperson. She would take the books then try to sell them back to her siblings. Even years later, her family fondly reminisces about this humorous episode. This early venture showcased Gloria’s innate knack for entrepreneurship, setting the stage for a future where creativity and business acumen would intertwine in an unexpected way.
In her teen years, Gloria’s passion for fashion blossomed, and after completing her high school education, she even tried her hand at this industry. Gloria would design and sew clothes which she sold to her friends and would organize photo shoots to model these pieces. She even considered giving this career a serious go, but when the time came to begin her university education, she ventured into hospitality studies at Strathmore University. Despite this decision being driven by her parents’ inclination towards her having a stable career, it set the stage for her multifaceted entrepreneurial journey.
Transition to Fashion and Entrepreneurship
Upon completing her studies in 2019, Gloria landed an internship at Radisson Blu Hotel. Immersed in the world of hospitality, she absorbed valuable insights and honed her skills within an environment known for its structures and exemplary customer service. This initial foray provided Gloria with a strong foundation and a nuanced understanding of the service industry.
However, it was a subsequent opportunity at a startup that marked a pivotal juncture in her career. Venturing into uncharted territory, Gloria joined a start-up and engaged in meaningful work with smallholder farmers, striving to create a positive impact. This experience not only broadened her perspective but also kindled a desire to explore the intersection of innovation and social change. The knowledge gained during her stint at the startup became a catalyst for Gloria’s entrepreneurial journey.
After spending one and a half years in this dynamic environment, she founded The Shaba, a brand that seamlessly blended her love for the fashion industry with a commitment to creating positive change within communities.
Challenges and Evolution of The Shaba
Naming the brand ‘Shaba’ wasn’t a whimsical choice. Shaba, which means brass in Kiswahili, symbolizes strength, reliability, and the trust Gloria aimed to cultivate with the communities she engaged. The choice of brass as a unifying factor among various forms of Kenyan craftsmanship ensured a common ground—a material known and respected by artisans from diverse backgrounds.
In its early stages, the brand operated as a marketplace for traditional designs such as sisal bags and beaded jewellery, but challenges soon emerged, particularly in maintaining quality control and tracking products across multiple locations. Responding to these hurdles, The Shaba evolved its model. To begin with, Gloria made a conscious decision to focus on handcrafted sisal bags. Many communities in Kenya already possess the intricate knowledge and skills required to weave these unique creations. By championing sisal bags, The Shaba not only ensured a diverse array of products but also provided a platform to introduce a myriad of weaving styles and techniques to a wider audience. The second change in the business model was shifting from a marketplace to a digital supply chain. This transformation allowed the brand to facilitate training, ensure product consistency, and effectively connect artisans with retailers.
Sustainability at the Core
For Gloria, sustainability transcends mere eco-conscious initiatives. It involves a meticulous examination of every aspect of the supply chain. Her work emphasises the importance of understanding how products are sourced, manufactured, and their entire lifecycle, considering factors such as decomposition and environmental impact. The Shaba’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond green practices to encompass the creation of products with a positive lifetime value.
Gloria’s journey into the fashion industry and the establishment of The Shaba serves as a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship, sustainability, and social impact. Her brand is not only making waves in Kenya but is also setting an inspiring example for sustainable and socially responsible fashion on a global scale. Hers is a story that underscores the profound impact that conscious entrepreneurship can have on both the industry and the communities it touches.
