By Waridi Ajambo
Nairobi, Kenya: The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges for businesses worldwide; the spa industry was no exception. For Brenda Nduta, the owner of Brenz Spa and Bridal Accessories, the pandemic posed a significant threat to her dream of providing her clients with the best spa experience.
However, Brenda navigated the challenges through determination, adaptability, and a deep passion for her craft and emerged stronger than ever.
Brenda’s journey began during her time as a freelance make-up artist while studying in campus. Earning money from her clients, she saved up in a bid to grow her business. After graduating with a degree in International Business Administration from USIU, Brenda’s dream became a reality when she managed to secure a space and opened a small spa in the vibrant area of Westlands with the capital she had saved up.
The spa quickly gained popularity, attracting a loyal clientele seeking top-notch facial, massage, nail technology, and makeup services and a luxurious experience.
“I started this business out of passion,” she explained. “I have always been interested since I was young, and I promised myself I would own one and try to give my clients the best experience” says Brenda
However, the onset of the pandemic in 2020 brought uncertainty and fear that engulfed the entire industry. Brenda recalls the challenges she faced during those difficult times,
“Our industry, being mostly a luxury and requiring close contact with clients, automatically instilled fear among people, and they were reluctant to seek our services. The spa remained closed for several months, and the cancellation of events, including bridal appointments, further hampered our income” she says.
After months of uncertainty, Brenda and her team clung to hope, waiting for the pandemic to end. However, with no end in sight, the difficult decision to close the spa had to be made. They remained open for seven months before she decided to shut down. The financial strain became unbearable, and supporting her employees, paying the rent, and managing the daily operations were no longer sustainable.
“Before closing, we had to do a lot of deep cleaning after every client. It was time-consuming, and we could not have a fully booked day to minimize client interaction,” she added.
Brenda shares the pain of that decision, saying, “It was a hard and painful experience to shut down something I had built with passion. However, one must eliminate continuous liability in business before further damage is done.”
Shutting down put a strain on her life because she didn’t have the income she was used to, and she had to be very careful about how she spent her finances. Yet, true to her entrepreneurial spirit, she refused to be defeated. She saw an opportunity to venture into a new business: a bridal accessory store that didn’t require the close contact the spa needed.
“Even trying something new during an ongoing pandemic and China being our supplier was scary. It sounded like a crazy thought, but I placed the order, and we started operation in 2021.”
The road to relaunching the business was not without its hurdles. Brenda had to quickly learn the intricacies of importing goods, finding the most suitable and affordable methods to replenish her stock quickly. The delayed arrival of the initial stock due to the pandemic only intensified her resolve to overcome obstacles.
“Taking the spa apart was the lowest point,” said Brenda, “It was difficult to witness something I had built over the years come undone so quickly.” However, her determination and entrepreneurial spirit pushed her forward.
One of Brenda’s greatest fears was the ability to reach potential clients in the vast online space. Marketing the business and establishing trust with genuine customers were essential to ensure success. The fear of potential account hacking and the quality of products from her suppliers loomed large as well. However, Brenda confronted these fears head-on, relying on her unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.
Brenz Spa and Bridal Accessories have emerged triumphant today, with a flourishing client base and rapid stock turnover. Brenda proudly said, “The business is doing very well, and we have witnessed substantial returns on our investments. We have expanded our product portfolio and are excited to continue growing. In the future, we aim to open a physical store to serve our clientele better.” She currently offers facials, massage, bridal accessories, nail technology, and makeup artistry in weddings, photoshoots, other special occasions, and wedding planning.
Brenda’s journey holds valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs facing uncertain times. Her resilience and adaptability shine through as she shares her advice: “Always be prepared to learn new things and have the necessary conversations. Don’t be afraid to let go of what no longer aligns with your vision. Cultivate savings for rainy days and be ready to adjust to any situation that comes your way.”
As Brenda Nduta, the visionary behind Brenz Spa and Bridal Accessories, continues to inspire and make a mark in the spa industry, her story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the ability to rise above adversity.
This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Waridi Ajambo and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
