Powerful Woman of Purpose. Shiyenze Khasoha
With Powerful Woman of Purpose we introduce you to those women who have fearlessly worked for their purpose. They balance their roles to perfectly fit their lives. This week we have Shiyenze Khasoha, an extraordinary artist who founded Shiyenze. Despite the odds she came out shining through all the difficulties in creating a successful brand. We asked her a few question to have a peak at her journey.
What’s your definition of purpose?
God given dream, fulfilled through you on earth.
How did you discover that fashion is your passion and the career you wanted to pursue?
I know that I know God has called me to be an entrepreneur, it’s a calling that for a long time I battled with. I did not know specifically where this road was to start, but just like any other person. Your calling is personal. I followed the call of God and began by selling groundnuts after church to church members. The groundnuts I cooked during the week ensured they dried and had flavour. Within no time, Gods grace over my life, made it clear where He wanted me to be. Then I was serving God in the worship team VOICES OF LIGHT, it’s here that God began to mould me and gave me a chance to take care of worship team dress code. Just like that we Shiyenze was born. For some reason I have been an actress from my childhood, and was also placed in the costumes department team.... little did I know. My mum has also been a tailor and a designer for various fashion houses I also feel I inherited this from her....
I love seeing people dressed well. Dressing well is part of good manners.
What are some of the factors that made you pursue the path of entrepreneurship vs joining another fashion brand?
I worked in a fashion brand for very few days before launching deep to mine...as a young artist felt that I had a lot of ideas, which I was limited due to the environment.
Tell us about an obstacle you had to overcome in creating a global brand with Shiyenze.
It sounds cliché, but finance, setting up a production house was not a walk in the park... Bad debts are also challenges when in the formation stage. Art is life to me, it takes time to curate some pieces, but very few are able to appreciate the work. As a start up, you also have a lot of people taking things on credit, with hope they will pay, only to be surprised. Such teething problems help you for your business structure. Through this i have stuck to my lane, understood my niche and am happy.
You negotiated a contract with a major shipping company, what was that process like and what’s one tip you would give to other women who would like to do the same?
I walk in favour, if my mum could give me a name again...she would call me FAVOUR KHASOHA SHIYENZE. It took us one year, to finally put our house in order and approve. I still look back and see God. This was timely as we have just recently launched our e-shop. I have also lost a lot of products through shipping, experienced delay thus was always a challenge moving forward and having my clients access products globally. This period also helped me negotiate for a proper rate. From January the process has been smooth and steady. Tip: there will always be challenges and great opposition, how you tackle them determines your elevation level. Face it, Shake the dust and step on it.
How will you define your success? And what’s your go to place when you need inspiration.
For me success and contentment go in handy. Fulfilling your goals is key. There will always be people ahead of you, and you will always be ahead of some. Walk your Race. Shiyenze a sucker of good music listen to music a lot. I spend time reading, trying out new recipes...
What’s your vision for Shiyenze for the next 5-10 years?
I see Shiyenze owning stores globally.
Besides the Bible what's your favorite self-development book?
Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.
Find her on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/shiyenzefashion/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/shiyenzefashion/).
Do check out amazing designs by shiyenze on their website (www.shiyenze.co.ke).
