Terry Mwendwa, 43, runs Wendo Crafts Africa, a business that champions African-inspired craftsmanship. Based in Kiambu County, her venture employs six artisans and produces unique handmade items. Surprisingly, the seed for this thriving business was sown through a thoughtful gift from a friend.
"Wendo Crafts is a start-up that specialises in purely handmade African-inspired items," Terry begins. "We create beaded and leather products like Maasai sandals, table mats, mirror frames, photo frames, belts, clutch bags, curtain tiebacks, dog collars, clock frames, home decor, and bracelets, among others."
The business also subcontracts work for items such as kiondos, Maasai shukas, and wooden or stone carvings, fulfilling diverse customer needs.
Seven years ago, a friend gifted Terry a beautiful beaded mirror for a special occasion. "She told me she noticed I didn’t have a mirror at my dining sink. I loved it so much that I kept it in my bedroom instead," Terry recalls. "I wanted another for the dining area but couldn’t find one like it anywhere."
Hesitant to ask her friend about the source to avoid appearing intrusive, Terry continued her search in vain.
Last year, during a delivery for her household items business, she noticed an intricately designed mirror at a client’s porch.
Intrigued, she inquired about purchasing a similar one. “The client sold such mirrors but never followed up despite my persistence,” she says.
Her breakthrough came when she stumbled upon a YouTube creator dealing in African-inspired crafts. The creator connected her to an artisan who made such items.
"I placed an order, and when I gifted the mirror to a friend, she loved it so much that she asked for a referral. Soon, others started asking, and within a short time, I had referred six people," she says.
Encouraged by the demand, Terry advertised clocks and mirrors in online forums where she sold household goods.
“The response was overwhelming, and I kept at it for about ten months,” she shares.
However, challenges arose when a supplier failed to deliver a bulk order for a family event.
“The supplier dodged my calls, and I realised I’d been conned,” she says.
Her search for a reliable artisan proved futile, pushing her to acquire the skills herself.
This marked the birth of Wendo Crafts Africa. "I discovered I loved beadwork and was ready to invest in it. Craft-making also runs in my family — my grandmother made kiondos and necklaces, while my mother crocheted gifts for friends and family," Terry says.
Wendo Crafts Africa serves clients who appreciate handmade African designs, both locally and internationally. Social media, referrals, and their website are key marketing channels.
Terry reinvests profits into her business, striving for growth. Reflecting on past ventures—clothing, fish, and a recreational facility—all of which failed, she says, “The key is to learn from bad decisions and move on.”
Customer complaints, she believes, are opportunities for improvement.
“I haven’t encountered difficult customers yet, but I would address concerns positively and promptly,” she notes.
Consistency in marketing and a fearless approach to investment have been invaluable lessons for Terry.
“Marketing is crucial, and so is focus. People skills are also essential,” she emphasises.
Her advice to budding entrepreneurs is candid: “Give your business idea your best shot. Be prepared for ups and downs because not every venture succeeds on the first attempt. Each experience offers valuable lessons.”
Despite her earlier failures, Terry is unwavering in her commitment to entrepreneurship.
"I wouldn’t leave business for employment. I believe this is my calling, and I hope to pass it on to my children," she says.
Terry envisions Wendo Crafts Africa as a lasting legacy. “I pray to God to bring this dream to fruition,” she says.
When she’s not working, Terry treasures time with her young children and enjoys singing. "I have a 16-month-old baby, so family time is a priority," she concludes.
