Wanting more flexibility, Alexis Juma-Angira (37) from Kenya went the entrepreneurial route. In 2018, she set up Kakia Oils, which markets, sells and distributes cold-pressed base and essential oils sourced from small-holder farmers. 

Q. Tell us a bit more about your company?

A. Kakia Oils was founded in 2018 and scouts for little-known community-based organic oil producers and distributes, markets, and sells these farmers' cold-pressed base and essential oils whilst growing their economic capacity. These organic oils are Kenya’s liquid gold and are marketed domestically and globally.

Kakia Oils has its headquarters in Nairobi and seeks to provide all-natural remedial solutions to everyday lifestyle and health challenges through the use of pure, natural and organic oils and to serve as an educative referral point for users of our oils.

Q. What made you choose the entrepreneurial route?

A. Flexibility. I wanted to be self-employed so I could take adequate care of my young children.

Q. What has been the highlight since you started Kakia Oils?

A. The actualization of the dream which started as an idea in January last year and turned into a start-up that is informed research and powered by dreams for a great future.

Q. What has been a key lesson learned, one you didn't expect when you opened Kakia Oils?

A. Researching a business idea is paramount and takes time. Patience is key, and so are networks and above all: you need a mentor to act as a sounding board.

Q. Where do you want to be in 5 years from now?

A. By God's grace, Kakia Oils will become a big brand that supports even more smallholder farmers and benefits more end users at a personal level.

Q. What is your strategy to achieve that?

A. Prayer, Research & Development, Collaboration.

Q. What are your 3 key tips for aspiring and budding entrepreneurs?

• Commit your plans. The best time to start is now.
• Get a good mentor
• Go out and network and talk to relevant people

Q. Why would you recommend others to join Afrinection?

A. It supports the African entrepreneur by creating a community of like-minded individuals.

For more info about Kakia Oils: https://kakiaoils.com

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Afrinection is constantly on the lookout for innovative African companies that are thinking out of the box and making a difference in the communities that surround them. If you are doing just that, or if you know of someone who does, please get a free profile on Afrinection and complete our online questionnaire. We would love to feature your story on our blog, and telling it to the rest of the world.