Struggling to Find a Job? This Business Idea Made Me Ksh. 200K a Month!

At just 24 years old, Lillian Wairimu turned an old mattress into a thriving business. Today, she is the founder and CEO of Vee 3 Creative, a company specializing in beanbags and home accessories.

From an Old Mattress to a Profitable Business

Like many graduates, Wairimu had high hopes after earning her Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing from Africa Nazarene University in 2012. However, the job market proved challenging. For over a year, she relied on short-term contracts that offered no stability. With a child to support, she knew she had to find another way.

One day, she spotted an old mattress in her room and started researching ways to repurpose it. That’s when she discovered that beanbags could be made using mattress chips. With no prior experience, she turned to YouTube and Google for guidance.

Leveraging Social Media for Growth

After making her first beanbag, she shared photos on Facebook. The response was encouraging, and soon, she started receiving orders. Online marketing became her primary tool for attracting customers, and she now has clients from all over Kenya.

Beyond online sales, Wairimu opened Woodley Mart, a physical shop at Adams Arcade on Ngong Road, Nairobi. The store offers a variety of products, including travel pillows, throw rags, cushions, and beanbags.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Beanbag Business in Kenya?

Starting a beanbag business does not require a huge investment. Wairimu began with just Ksh. 5,000. She spent Ksh. 3,500 to make her first beanbag and sold it for Ksh. 4,000, making an instant profit.

With time, she developed a business plan and expanded her product line. She sources most materials locally but imports special cartoon-themed fabric for kids' beanbags. She customizes each product to match client preferences.

Materials and Production Process

Beanbags are made using different fabrics such as suede, khaki, canvas, leather, and fur. The filling, dustless Styrofoam, is imported to ensure durability and comfort. Each beanbag has two linings: an inner lining with a zipper and an outer removable, washable cover.

Production is done in three stages—cutting, stitching, and finishing—handled at a workshop in Nairobi’s Industrial Area. The smallest beanbag weighs about 4kg, the medium 7kg, and the largest 12kg.

How Much Can You Earn from a Beanbag Business?

Wairimu earns over Ksh. 200,000 in profit per month, with peak sales occurring towards the end of the year. Her biggest clients include corporate offices, expatriates, and homeowners. Some notable companies she has worked with include Growth Africa, Rothschild, and Tuko Media.

With more offices embracing relaxed workspaces, beanbags have become a popular addition for employees looking for a comfortable break area.

Expansion Plans

Wairimu’s goal is to scale her business across East Africa. She has already entered the Ugandan market and is looking to expand to Rwanda. Her vision is to build a well-known brand like Java, offering exclusive designer gift items in addition to beanbags.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Many graduates expect to find jobs immediately after university, but the reality is different. When months pass with no job offers, frustration sets in. If you’re in such a situation, it’s time to shift your mindset. Instead of waiting for employment, consider starting a small business.

Even if you eventually secure a job, having a business on the side provides financial security. Don’t let your degree limit your potential. Explore opportunities, take risks, and create your own path to success.