Female Kenyan celebrities and their side hustles
Beneath the glittering appearance of Kenya’s entertainment scene, lies a new breed of superstars. They are not just lighting up screens or serenading fans; they’re conquering boardrooms, launching brands, and carving entrepreneurial niches.
While their talent may have put them in the limelight, it’s their hustle, determination, and passion for side ventures that truly set them apart.
Below are some of the Kenyan celebrities with side hustles:
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Wabosha Maxine
The make-up and beauty artist cum digital content creator is the founder of Safirii, a travel bags and accessories store. In a past interview, Wabosha revealed that she launched Safirii last year and all her bags are made in Kenya and designed by her.
“I try to make it in a way that travel is easy and efficient. I use my experience in traveling to be able to make the bags fit everyone and the needs of a traveler,” she explained.
However, originally, Wabosha’s first business was Bosh Drip launched in 2020 but she switched to Safirii after restrictions impeded the importation of the accessories for the shop.
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Betty Kyallo
Once a celebrated anchor and TV personality, Betty Kyallo pivoted to entrepreneurship in 2018 with the inauguration of her upscale salon, barber, and spa establishment, named Flair by Betty.
Initially, Betty collaborated with Susan Kaittany in a venture called Posh Palace. However, differing visions led to a parting of ways between the two business partners.
Fueled by an ambition to spread her brand across Kenya, Betty recently revealed plans this April to introduce a premium barber studio in Meru Town, aptly named After Shave by Flair.
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Nadia Mukami
Late last year, the songbird launched the Nadia Nailbar and Beauty Parlour. The Wangu hitmaker joined the beauty industry months after starting her own record label.
However, critics were quick to note that someone was sponsoring the business which she refuted saying, “People will always criticize me in a bad way, some will claim I have been sponsored but only my team and those close to me understand the struggle I went through to launch this parlor. The sleepless nights, sometimes the lack of funds and all that.”
In a previous interview, Nadia acknowledged that musicians get good money from gigs and discipline is what has made her venture into business.
“Many of us spend huge chunks of this hard-earned money on having fun rather than investing. There is this mentality that there will always be more coming soon but life happens. Things can go terribly wrong. Who would ever have thought of a Covid-19 pandemic?” she said.
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Wahu Kagwi
The accomplished singer runs Afrosiri salon, that offers hair, manicure, pedicure, and spa services. Having been in business for roughly nine years now, Wahu in a previous interview attributed the success of her business to researching trends in the industry so as to give her clients value for their money.
Additionally, for a business to stand the test of time, the Still a Liar hitmaker highlighted the importance of having a business with a presence on social media.
“In the beauty business, trends always come and go. We are always ready to sharpen our edge, but we remain focused on our core vision,” she explained.
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Vesha Okello
Not only is she at the helm of Akothee Safaris, but she’s also the visionary behind the wine and gastro bar, Chateau 254 Cellar & Gastro Club.
Opened earlier this year, this place offers a mix of great food and wine, making it a perfect spot for food lovers and wine fans.
During the grand opening, which attracted the crème de la crème of the entertainment world, Vesha shared that owning such an establishment had always been a cherished dream of hers.
She said, “A dream turned reality, where food, wine, and friends unite. To my exclusive invited guests, I am eternally grateful that you graced my occasion with your presence.”
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