From Roadside Hawker to Beauty Mogul: The Day My Hustle Finally Paid Off
My name is Millicent, and for eight years I sold boiled eggs and smokies by the roadside near Globe Roundabout in Nairobi. Rain or shine, I stood there with my small charcoal stove, inhaling smoke and swallowing pride as former classmates passed by in suits and high heels.
Many people think hawking is just business — it is not. It is humiliation wrapped in survival. County askaris chased us like criminals. Some customers insulted us. Some ate on credit and never paid.
But every evening, after counting my coins, I whispered to myself: “This is temporary.”
Deep inside, I carried a dream of owning a high-end salon. I loved beauty — braiding, nails, makeup. But dreams require more than passion; they require breakthrough.
After years of stagnation, I sought guidance from a doctor who helps people remove invisible barriers blocking progress. I followed every instruction carefully. I changed how I handled money. I cut off draining friendships. I became disciplined.
Within months, unexpected doors opened. A loyal customer offered to partner with me. I rented a tiny space in Kayole and started with one mirror and two plastic chairs.
Today, I own three fully furnished salons — one in Westlands and two in Embakasi. My business is worth millions. Influencers book appointments weeks in advance.
Sometimes I drive past that old roadside spot and watch hawkers setting up their stands. I remember the smoke in my eyes.
But now, I stand inside air-conditioned rooms — proof that even the smallest flame can light a palace.
https://drkashiririka.com
