Extraordinaire 7:Unique Liz

This week welcome with me Atai Elizabeth to the No Ordinary Scribbles table to share more about her brand unique Liz, turning passion into a profession.

1. Who is Atai Elizabeth in a few words.

Atai is a simple heart/head girl with a huge heart for beauty. She is extremely creative, outgoing ,stylish and loves Jesus.

2. Did your creative and stylish persona lead to the birth of Unique Liz?

Yes, because people constantly asked me where I got my clothes from and I used to help most of them shop.

3. Describe Unique Liz in a few words.

Unique Liz is a brand that focuses on shopping clothes for clients as well as styling. The shopping ranges from kwanjula or kuhingira outfits to casual clothes, office attire or party dresses and so much more. It’s been running for 1 year, 11 months and we are about to make a year, yeiiii, Ebenezer.

4. Have you always been passionate about fashion & shopping?

I have always loved fashion in that when I was younger,I wanted to be Miss.Uganda. I remember we used to model using towels and scarves in our dormitories. I won Miss.Giraffe…😂😂😂😂

Shopping came in later when people constantly asked me where I got my clothes from and I also used to help most of them shop. It also grew because I used it as therapy when my mother passed on last year. They call it retail therapy. This contributed to the solidification of Unique Liz as a brand.

5. How does unique liz operate,if one desires your services?

Well, Unique Liz desires to make her clients her friends. Therefore, we set an appointment, it could be both physical or virtual (phone mainly). I may ask for pictures to know clients’ sizes and taste (if it’s over the phone). After the appointment, I get the client an estimated budget for whatever they have ordered for so that a deposit is made. Then I go downtown, take photos of the clothes and send to clients. Sometimes I just buy the item because I trust my taste.

6. What type of clientele does unique liz cater to?

I don’t think I have a specific clientele. As long as I can get something that a client has asked for I get it. I have shopped for mothers, fathers, working class, middle aged people, campusers and kids.

7. How do you deal with clients who play the cat and mouse game when it comes to payments?

Haha. Well I rarely have to deal with that. There’s usually a deposit made before I go shopping and the ones who don’t deposit, I have done work with them before so I trust them and they pay. But my patience is the trick. I am really patient with my clients, I give them the best at affordable prices knowing that they will come back, if they stay without paying, it’s difficult to come back so they eventually pay.

If one insists on not paying, I let go. Business has loses and profits. I am a Christian and I believe in forgiveness and it’s God who grows businesses.

8.Share some lessons you have learnt while running your business that other entrepreneurs can learn from.

+Pray always.

+Give, Let not the desire to make profits and money kill the giving principle.

+Appreciate your clients by checking up on them. It goes a long way.

9.Achievements

For me, Unique Liz as a whole is an achievement. I never even thought I would handle a business. Now we are making a year and we are happy and healthy.

Follow Unique Liz on Instagram: @ataibeth3 and Facebook: Elizabeth Atai for all your shopping needs.

Photo credit: Unique Liz

Kizza Racheal ©2017.

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Extraordinaire 6:Patsy-that writer chic

“Every one ‘s story is important and should be heard,” says Patsy.She is a beautiful young lady with a huge personality and this week she graces the No Ordinary Scribbles table to chat about herself and her love for writing and so much more.Welcome Patsy………

1.Who is Mugabi Patsy?

“Who is that African girl? , tell me Who is that Ugandan girl? ” like Afrie sings. I am that uncontrollable adventurer.I am a ferocious reader and I write most times.I hate writing but I love having written.I am thee financial economist in the making enrolled at Strathmore University in Kenya.I am a budding creative on the spoken word scene.I am a freelance blogger.I am girl of few words and many actions. I attribute all that I am to God, because all I lack in perfection,He makes up for in love.My friends call me the queen dancer next door (a name which I refuse to accept) because I love to dance myself lame( until I can’t feel my legs).Please do not try this alone.

2.When did you start your writing journey?

I started a while back in my S.6 vacation of January 2015.It was one of those adventurous escapades that scared the hell out of me that prompted me to do it.It’s as cathartic as bungee jumping for me.A large part of me believes it started out as a clarion call to share and connect with others on the topics I was sharing on.

3.How did you join the blogging community?

Well here’s one way to see it.I simply invited myself to the party by not waiting and joining , with a detailed plan of course(who,what ,when and most importantly why)

4.Names are important,they give identity to a thing.How did you come up with the name for your blog?

Well ,when you spare the time to read through the blog, I must warn you that your ecstasy is surely justified.(no pun intended) The name describes my new identity as I walk in God reminding myself how I am a steward of everything and an owner of nothing.The name Justified Ecstasy means that state of of a reader experiencing bliss and blessings as written in every blog post’s closing remark.

5.How do you juggle school & writing?

Consistency is the key.I know it sounds like a school motto but it’s the simple truth I heed to.I am learning to be consistent which calls for self discipline and for me to continue writing on days when I am not feeling up to it.I have set aside Sunday evenings as a time to publish a new post and finish all my school work through the week .

6.How important is it to grow your audience as a blogger??

Very important.Let me say that again in all caps.VERY IMPORTANT. Here’s why. (1).You matter. (2).Your story needs to be heard be it in any sphere; fashion,hair ,creative writing you name it.Yes it has probably already been told but not with your fresh perspective.(3).Your craft must grow

7.What Challenges do you face with blogging?

Getting people to comment after reading a post is what my mind grapples with.

8.Achievements in your blogging journey.

+ Joining larger blogging communities.

+Meeting some amazing readers who have also hooked me up with some amazing writing gigs.

9.Future plans for Justified Ecstasy.

+Joining the Bloggers Association of Kenya.

+Getting a customised domain and for every 1000 subscription, a give away should be in order to celebrate the growth.

10.Social media sites.

+Keep up with her on her blog:https://justifiedecstasy.wordpress.com

+Twitter:@MugabiPatsy

+Instagram:@justified_ecstasy

Extraordinaire 5: Cake Culture

Cakes are accessories that grace almost every event from weddings to baby showers,staff parties,birthdays and so much more.Failure to find the the right baker can be a deal breaker but when you find a good one,you are hooked for life.

Welcome with me Racheal Atieno to our No ordinary scribbles table as we chat about her love for cake and building Cake culture.

1.Who is Racheal Atieno?

Racheal is a 30 year old lady born and bred in Nairobi ,Kenya. She is an extrovert who loves people and thrives when helping people out. She loves travelling, baking and adventure . She studied Sociology and Psychology at the University of Nairobi and was in employment for about 5 years before going into baking full-time. She has worked with Huru international on a project that provided reusable sanitary pads for needy girls in the slum plus did HIV prevention training. Later on she worked with Earthview Geo-consultants Limited as a Social Impact Assessment officer then went into full-time baking in January 2017.

Racheal Atieno handing over goodies to a client at Cake Fest

2. How did cake culture come into existence? Did you go to baking school?

While visiting my cousin some years back, her friend, a baker, had also visited and decided to randomly teach us how to bake using a charcoal stove and this is what triggered the baking passion in me. I went back home and kept experimenting and trying out different recipes, it was fun. There were disappointments but I kept at it, I’ll never forget putting a hole in my mother’s sufuria cause I had used wet sand to set up my charcoal oven. My desire has always been to be a stay at home mum and Cake culture was birthed out of an initial desire for a source of income while I stayed home to raise my children (And no I don’t have children yet). I had always baked as a hobby for family and friends and a friend of mine kept insisting on how I should turn it into a business and even helped out with the registration process which I did in July 2014. At this point I did not know much about business (never really pictured myself doing business), I had no idea of where to get baking supplies. I did not go to baking school so I learnt through google and particular bakers or bloggers who were so kind to help out. I had done various probono cakes for friends and family but my very first order came from my colleague who needed a birthday cake for the son who was turning two years (he is actually turning 5 this month) I was very nervous and not too sure of myself, it was the first time I was going to whip cream and decorate a birthday cake. It was a red velvet cake and looking back, it was more maroon than red and I’ve since changed the recipe I use to a much better one. I thank God for this particular client cause she believed in me and kept pushing me, she allowed me to experiment with her orders and was very forgiving and patient when at times it was not so perfec(thank you Lydia).I was in employment when I started the business, so I basically bought ingredients with the money the client paid and bought equipment with some of my money, I did not really need much to start. We already had an oven at home that I still use (I forever cherish those charcoal days, but a girl has got to upgrade😂😂😂)

Racheal Atieno (extreme right) at Cake Fest this year

3. Describe the journey of your start up

It has been an interesting one, It started out prematurely, well at least from how I planned it. The initial stages were more of baking for fun but eventually I decided to do it for business which is also a story on its own especially the whole concept of pricing, separating the business supplies from the home supplies, being a home baker and all. I had a day job and that meant that any baking would be either at night or on weekends. I used my (boss’s) time during the day to read and research about baking, download recipes which I would then try out back at home. Some worked out while others just backfired. This kept going for over a year, trying out different recipes and perfecting as many as I could. Orders were coming in from mostly friends and workmates and this was a good thing for it provided me both a market but also a platform to get feedback about my cakes which greatly helped the learning process. Eventually I found it hard to balance as the orders kept increasing meaning sleepless nights were fast becoming a norm. At this time too, work at my day job had really slowed down, which should have been good but if the cake business was to grow to its fullest potential then it needed to become the number 1 priority. So I made up my mind to resign from my job at the end of the year (2016) and focus 100% on CAKE CULTURE moving forward, step of faith. In terms of initial capital, we didn’t need much for a start. We have an oven at home so that went a long way in cutting the costs. The rest of the things we bought as the money came in and as the need arose. With time and research i figured out where to get supplies at the best possible deals- a supermarket could be nearer but costlier. We started with what we had and the rest has been the business growing itself.

4. Share key lessons you have learnt along the way.

Researching & adapting. I research about everything from pricing,mixing to flavors. Adapting may take the form of reading ahead about planned power blackouts so that you either bake or prepare cream ahead of time with the end goal being that you’re not caught flatfooted by the blackout.

Resilience and determination.“With trial there will be error.” This means that you will spend hours and money preparing for a cake and then it will not come out as you expected. I have learnt not to give up. One of our signature cake flavors is a result of such resilience. It backfired so many times that I almost gave up but from the day I mastered it, I think it single handedly accounts for about 50% of our revenue. You can’t be too caught up in what didn’t work. Sometimes everything is right but halfway through the baking there is a power blackout. This means redo the whole process.

We have learnt to set values for our business. At CAKE CULTURE ,we value customer satisfaction and this means that we must deliver the best product to the client every time. This calls for more than following the recipe to the letter: the whole process has to be standardized and nothing left to imagination. Continued research is a must. We can’t be comfortable with just a few flavors even if we’re the best at them. What happens after a client has sampled all our cakes? There is need to keep adding new products. We also value our products and price them accordingly.

Friendships are critical because it took more than one person to build the business. The name ‘CAKE CULTURE’ was suggested by a friend and I loved it. Our (awesome) branding was done by another friend. My first orders were from friends. Some of our equipment like our awesome stand mixer was from a friend. My biggest source of support has been my family, not forgetting mum’s oven that I use to date. The start and growth of this business has been largely enabled by people. You could do it alone but you may not finish the race and assuredly you will be slower.

Cupcakes

Toasted muesli

Cookies

5.What are your current products?

We currently have a list of 19 Cake flavors with the orange/passion chiffon being a major favorite, we also have cupcakes, muffins, quick breads, granola bars, oatmeal cookies, brownies and toasted muesli cereal. We for sure keep adding to the list.

6. Achievements for cake culture

In the last two years we have participated in the Cake Festival organized by Edumed Trust as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility. It is an annual event that brings together various bakers who get the opportunity to offer their products for sampling with the aim of raising funds to educate bright needy students through high school.

Philip,Maggie,Emma at Cake Fest 2017

Morris at Cake Fest

Philip & Maggie attending to clients

7. What challenges did you face when you started out?

I struggled with pricing because I feared to lose clients but overtime the business was not making money despite having good products and a good number of orders. I finally allowed for the prices to be reviewed and this has positively reflected in our revenues.

8.Social media sites

For any inquiries and orders reach us on;

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cake-Culture-807865545967804/

Instagram: @cakecultureke

9. Future plans for cake culture.

We plan to open a bakery shop and increase our products to include everything pastry and dessert. From that shop we hope to open a few others, particularly looking forward for a branch in Kampala, my friends over there keep asking for one.

10.Parting tip.

Friendships are critical know who to listen to and who not to listen to. I believe God sends you the right people to help you through your process.Currently,at Cake Culture it’s myself as head Baker and Morris,the tech guy who also doubles as the delivery guy.

Racheal Kizza © 2017

Lamachi: a Jack(line) of all trades?

It`s not everyday that you meet a 20-something lady doing things that many dream about. Today, I introduce you to Lamachi(did I mention that I love her name?!!well-I do), gifted musically and her hands prosper in whatever they choose to do. She has a huge personality that oozes kindness and love.

1. Who is Lamachi?

Lamachi: Lamachi apa(actually preferred as ) my new name version -Purple:is a child of God whose greatest desire is to know the love of God more and to mirror it on the earth.

2. What are you passionate about?

Wow!!…That question is ambiguous when it comes to me. I am passionate about A LOT of things. In precise order, I must add:-God, people, loving the above, the color purple, teaching the word, design (in general), fashion design, counselling, fine art, music,singing ,and just being.

Multi-media wall hanging with stained glass,local and glass beads ,calabash,bamboo,bark cloth and beaded painting on canvas. Photo credit: Lamachi

3. Are you pursuing music professionally?

Well,yes and no. For a long time, I was just doing music with people who were doing it professionally. (Talk about collabos and the background eish,hehehe.)Until recently, when I was asked to train people in music and worship by 3 institutions/ministries.One of them being a bible college. So you can say,I am doing it professionally. But ,if it were left to me, I consider myself a worshiper who is here to teach and usher people into the mysteries of worship.Then they can walk on their own from there. I also teach them fundamentals of music and singing, which is a stepping stone to ministering.Worship being a KEY word.

Photo credit: Lamachi

4. Where does fashion and design come in?

My middle name is Jackline and I often tell people I am a Jack(line) of all trades. I have this tinkering ability to do something new, and do it well. So, having been presented with a sewing machine by my mom after my first degree,I literally taught myself how to sew and then enrolled for a master`s degree where I majored in sewing(Fashion Design),more like fine art and they are both academically my professions.

5. Do you plan/intend on doing it full time?

Yes!!I work at an organization where tailoring is THE job.So, when I go home and do my personal orders, it is just a continuation of my day time job. So tailoring is my full time work.

6. How do you deal with people who take ages to pay up?

Well,I have not sewn professionally for long.I am just easing into it but ,I dont work on anything that hasn`t been already paid for in full or close to it. That`s my rule.

7. Any future prospects.

Hehehe. I will not be jinxed!!hahaha,anyway,I think it is safe to say,“watch this space”.The bible says,“man may make his plans ,but God has the final say. Jeremiah 29:11 that`s where you will find my future plans.

8. Advice to people who want to venture into the clothing/sewing/tailoring business.

I say go for it. Be sure to have what I call the 3 ps that every tailor must have:passion,patience and perseverance.

Racheal Kizza © 2017

Book Review 10

Book : Coffee and Love Chats

Author: Lorraine Onyango

Pages: 123

ISBN:978 9966 1891 03

The author beautifully opens the love chats with her own love story detailing her own journey;the how she met her husband and her worries of a long distance relationship to the engagement. She further reveals the “why” for putting the book together-to change the conversation on marriage as portrayed in the media that marriages are doomed to fail.

She intricately weaves her web with a vast majority of couples who clearly show that marriage is not doomed to fail,it can work out with God at the center. Some couples reveal they got married immediately after university while others met in a matatu, bank hall and struck up conversations and one thing led to another. Each story is unique and the people are diverse and the constant in their stories is -God.

The common questions discussed include expectations about the spouse, parenting, finances,investment, children or the lack thereof, employment choices/career, health and involvement of family and friends. The couples answer the questions with an open vulnerability helping the reader to fully understand the gist of marriage and how our upbringing forms our perceptions on marriage. One of the couples reveals that,“ marriage is not for people who are unprepared..” It calls for a certain level of maturity and dying to self by God`s grace in order to be the spouse God desires you to be.

It is evident from the answers the couples give that, upbringing plays at vital role in marriage.One couple in particular,the lady(Turi Wamboye) shares how she was getting ready to prepare her husband tea in the same sufuria they had used to cook meat.He(Ernest Wamboye) stopped her and said where he was raised,each dish had its own sufuria.Imagine that!!! They had to purchase another sufuria.

Some questions begot answers that were left hanging or incomplete as you read the book .For example; One of the ladies says her husband stopped pursuing her. She didn’t`t further break it down for one to understand what pursuing meant to her since it is evident, we all view things differently based on our upbringing and many other factors.

Most of the couples revealed the importance of pre-marital counselling and its vitality during the whole dating/courting affair .

I recommend this book to the singles, those dating and are preparing to be married and also the marrieds. It gives a fresh christian perspective on the whole marriage affair.This can be used as a guide for asking hard but vital questions . The warmth as each page is opened is undeniable.

It’s a conversation starter.

Get your coffee and enjoy the love chats.

For enquiries,bookings or correspondence :

email :majestypublishing@gmail.com

Racheal Kizza © 2017