You can call her an accidental entrepreneur but Kuda has proved beyond reason that she knows how to manage her business. Failure to find reasonably priced corsages for her high school prom gave birth to her business, and through trial and error, she perfected hand-made corsages and boutonnieres making.
Realizing that corsages were only a seasonal thing, Kuda embarked on another great idea, extending to African print accessories. “African prints were the perfect choice because they can be worn in any season.”
Although she’s only 18 her advice to other entrepreneurs is priceless. Read what she has to say.
“It’s really hard work to be honest. Being your own boss means that when you are starting out, normally your funds are limited hence if you don’t do it yourself, no one else will. You will have to wear the hats of a cleaner, secretary, salesperson etc. When people look at KudaRachel, they see the beautiful models in gorgeous clothing with hair and make-up on fleek. What they don’t see is the sleepless nights I’ve had to think and create it all.
“They don’t see the long trips I take by bus to search things for clients or my mother sacrificing her precious time to drive me places because I am still working on getting my license or the struggle of working in a small bedroom.” My advice to anyone starting out is to embark on a business for the right reasons not solely because they want to be their own boss or to make money. “Anyone can start a business but the real test is to see if you can be dedicated enough to continue working on it through the challenges even when the revenue doesn’t come to you immediately.”
