Thiitu Karega could not find her product choice for natural hair on the shelf, so she made hers! Today, Binti Naturals is gradually becoming a one-stop cosmetics company. How she did it? Enjoy our interview with her.
Can you briefly describe yourself and your business?
My name is Thiitu Karega. I am the founder of Binti Naturals: a cosmetics company which develops products that promote natural beauty and good health. We are a young company but we are definitely going places.
What is it like being a female entrepreneur, and why did you chose to be one?
Being a female entrepreneur is the coolest thing I’ve ever done. It’s a constant challenge and there is never a dull moment. I think most women are naturally entrepreneurs. I became an entrepreneur because I found a gap in the market that I could fill. I couldn’t find retail products for natural hair, so I made them.
What new innovation have you introduced to your business?
I have discovered a lot of natural products that promote better health by relieving issues like eczema. So I read a lot of medical research and read widely. I want my products to add more value to my customers.
What will you say is responsible for your success so far?
God for sure. And the fact that I have surrounded myself with people who constantly challenge me. They say if you run with people who are faster than you, even if you’re last, you move faster. So I constantly ask for advice and help from people who have more experience than me.
In your opinion, would you say that there are any unique challenges that female entrepreneurs face?
I think many women struggle with fear which limits their ability to take risks, calculated or otherwise. We fear both success and failure at the same time. BE AFRAID but do it anyway.
What values and principles have helped you so far?
It’s also important to learn to adapt as you grow. Things can change rapidly and you must be able to adjust accordingly; so, have a backup for your contingency plan.
Why did you decide to go into this particular line of business?
Like I said, I saw a gap in the beauty market that I could fill. I had experienced really bad hair damage, twice, and I knew then I was done with the perm. I couldn’t find any products for natural hair so I’d buy different oils and mix them up until something worked. People would ask me to share the blends I made. Then a friend of mine suggested I should sell them.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and what’s kept you going?
The first year, everything is a challenge from sourcing packaging to finding suppliers. Currently, I’m working on refining the business processes to increase efficiency and production. The vision is what keeps me going. I wake up every day with a plan to do better than I did the day before. I am constantly trying to do better.
What’s your five-year plan for your business?
To grow my brand and penetrate other markets. To develop more products, in line with the company’s vision, while still delivering on the product’s promise.
What do upcoming female entrepreneurs need to do to be successful in this path?
Commit. Learn. Jump.
Commit to your dream by putting in the work, by learning as much as you can about your intended market; then, just do it!
