Feature:Journey of hardship to Entrepreneurial Success

• Kevin Waga’s Journey from hardship to Entrepreneurial Success

Kenyan entrepreneur Kevin Waga, has not only battled personal struggles of depression and financial crises, but transformed them into a source of inspiration for building a thriving digital marketing business.

His company in Nairobi, Bracibility Digital Marketing Agency, which he founded in 2020, stands out in a crowded field by prioritizing honesty and genuine customer satisfaction, in direct response to Waga’s own experiences of “hot air” promises from other agencies.

Having been raised in Siaya County, Kenya, Kevin’s path to success was not a walk in the park.

Having secured employment after his University education, a period of financial mismanagement led to abrupt job loss, plunging him into a situation of complete despair.

“I was out of work for about three to four years and then I was lucky enough one day when I was almost giving up I met a friend who had a real estate business.

So I called and asked him if he had an opportunity in his business, of which he told me he didn’t as at that moment he did not have any vacancy position,” he says.

Kevin says that the struggle of finding job made him depressed into a point of losing his self-worth and even leading to homelessness.

However, Kevin’s persistence opened a window of opportunity for a breakthrough.

He notes that he got an opportunity in a real estate company, though unpaid, which gave him the platform to stage his comeback.

His hard work and dedication saw him rise to a senior management position.

It was here that he felt the “hot air” of over-promising but under-delivering digital marketing agencies, fueling the fires of entrepreneurship in him.

“I understood that some of the digital agencies were corrupting the marketplace in the sense that they were over-promising the customers. So that is what fueled my ambition in setting up the marketing company,” Kevin says.

In 2020, Kevin turned his dream into a reality with the launch of Bracibility Digital Marketing Agency.

Offering services from website and social media management, online advertising, reputation management, and training, Bracibility was founded on the principles of honesty and genuine customer satisfaction.

This commitment immediately set them apart and made them one of the leading digital marketing agencies in Nairobi.

In his training and coaching practice, he emphasizes open communication, compassion, and support, firmly believing that sharing personal stories of success inspire others to overcome their own struggles and achieve success.

He says that being your own boss comes with a lot of advantage such as  personal and professional growth.

“Flexibility is the key when you have your own company.It gives you the freedom to prioritize and organize things properly.

No conditions are given to you to work but you set yours and how you want your company to run,” he emphasizes.

While financial security depends on the success of the business, Kevin stresses that having your own company allows you to bring your individual ideas to life and to be in control of your professional destiny.

“One needs to think outside the box while  learning new things, and  gain more knowledge outside  your own expertise,” he explains.

Despite the inherent constraints of financial resources and market competition, Kevin’s experience in the past five years has been one of considerable impact.

He proudly states, “One of the greatest accomplishments has been linking more than 100,000 people to employment opportunities leveraging my network to refer suitable candidates,” he explains.

Apart from that, he has help[ed] more than 500 companies for their growth and increasing their revenue by connecting them with high-value customers and partners.

Building a “strong network” and establishing a voice of influence on social media platforms like LinkedIn have been central to his achievements.

“Through my journey, I have become a source of inspiration for others seeking personal and professional growth,” he says.

Considering the benefits of entrepreneurship, Kevin again cites the flexibility it provides for balancing life and work.

“Owning a business gives you the opportunity to make a positive impact on your customers, employees, and community,” he states, adding that entrepreneurship is a path that requires ongoing learning and flexibility.

Having a network of professionals and the ability to leave a legacy are other major benefits he lists.

Kevin stresses the importance of identifying a problem to solve.

“If you invest into business which you love, you would not run short of money, but you will run short of solving a particular problem,” he says.

He advises conducting due diligence, raising funds, and being prepared for rough and soft times, always driven by passion and dedication.

“Always make your business about people, what you can do for them and how you can make their life cheaper, faster and better,” he notes.

Above all, he cautions against going into business for money’s sake, and instead advocates a problem-solving approach.