Most people start businesses to become their own bosses, escape the 9-5, or pursue their passions. Sarah Guantai, the founder of Kijani CurlCare, a small business that manufactures hair and skin care products, started hers to find solutions to her acne problem.

Most of the products she researched that could help in clearing her acne popularised macadamia oil, but they were too expensive. Much as the cost was disappointing and out of reach, Sarah was hopeful because macadamia is a popular cash crop in her hometown, Meru, and she could get it in its raw format at an affordable price. The solution was literally in her backyard.

Kijani CurlCare was established in 2020 during the pandemic at a time when movement was restricted, so Sarah heavily relied on online research and phone calls to her mother as she went about sourcing Macadamia, the main ingredient in the products.

The company sources its raw ingredients locally and gives priority to women suppliers to empower them to make money out of this business.

Watch the full story in the video.