In the bustling town of Kanduyi in Bungoma County, Evelyn’s story stands as a remarkable example of resilience and determination. As the proud owner of Eva Cereals and Fruits, Evelyn has transformed her life and the lives of her children through sheer hard work and a commitment to her business. Her journey from a hawker to a successful stall owner is an inspiring tale of overcoming obstacles and striving for a better future.
Evelyn was born and raised in Bungoma, and as a single mother of four children, she knew she had to find a way to provide for her family. In 2001, she started her entrepreneurial journey as a hawker, selling water, sweets, and fruits. Over time, her persistence paid off, and she was able to secure a stall in Kanduyi.
Being the sole provider of my family, I had to look for means of survival,” she recalls. “Starting this business has really helped me with my children’s education.
Without formal skills to run a more complex business like a pharmacy or a cyber café, Evelyn chose to sell fruits, vegetables, and cereals—products that only required basic math. Her choice was practical and suited to her circumstances, allowing her to manage her business effectively while providing essential goods to her community.
Running a business has not been without its challenges. Dealing with perishable goods means that spoilage and losses are frequent. Additionally, Evelyn once faced a major setback when her stall was demolished during the construction of the Masinde Muliro Stadium, forcing her to start over. These experiences taught her valuable lessons.
I learned the importance of setting aside savings during such times,” she says. “I also learned that businesses close to the road tend to do way better due to the traffic of people.
Evelyn tracks her sales and expenses, using her ability to pay bills, rent, school fees, and buy food without struggling as a measure of her business’s success. Her stall’s proximity to the community means that her customers don’t have to travel far for quality products at affordable prices.
I believe I offer good customer service, which keeps bringing back my customers,” Everlyn notes proudly.
Her commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has made Eva Cereals and Fruits a beloved fixture in the community.
Looking to the future, Evelyn hopes to expand her business by opening several more stalls. She aims to increase her stock and create employment opportunities for others in her community. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is rooted in her own experiences:
Always consider and research the location of your business before you start. Businesses located close to the road tend to perform better. When starting, they should also start small to test the waters instead of going all in before knowing how the market is.
Evelyn’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and community support. She encourages people to buy products from her stall and refer other clients
Her story is one of strength, resilience, and community spirit. From her humble beginnings as a hawker to owning a stall that provides essential goods to her community, she has shown that hard work and dedication can overcome even the most daunting challenges. Her journey continues to inspire those around her, proving that with determination and support, anything is possible.
If you would like to support Everlyn, whether by purchasing products or providing financial assistance to help expand her business, please contact her through the following number:
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