Radio47 presenter Mbaruk Mwalimu has opened up about the challenges and heartbreaks he has faced in various business ventures.
His story, which he shared on his Facebook page which boasts 402k followers, unfolds as a series of setbacks, each narrating a unique struggle and ultimate failure.
This writer details a list of 13 business ventures that the media personality has tried and failed, miserably, according to his confession.
1. Forex Investment: Mbaruk delves into his experience in forex trading, where he invested nearly 300K and faced substantial losses – lost nearly all the amount.
2. Cereals Shop in Kombani: The radio presenter recalls the closure of his cereals shop in Kombani, marking one of the early business disappointments.
3. Ventures like Mpesa and PlayStation Zone: Mbaruk disclosed shutting down ventures, including Mpesa (having three outlets) and a PlayStation zone in Ukunda.
4. Mini Shop at Imara Daima: The struggles continue as he narrates the closure of a mini-shop located in Imara Daima.
5. Biriyani Fridays Service: Despite initial success, the former Milele FM and Baraka FM presenter shares the end of his lucrative biriyani Fridays service.
6. Garage Struggles and Filmmaking Journey: The narrative expands to include challenges faced in the garage and his attempt at a filmmaking journey.
7. Taxi Services Business and Car Hire Ventures: Mbaruk opens up about his taxing experience in the taxi services business and two failed attempts at car hire.
8. Vegetable and Food Sales: He also reveals that he attempted selling vegetables, chips and eggs, juice, and coconuts in Tanzania, each facing its own hurdles.
9. Chicken Farming Mishap: Recounting a village venture, Mwalimu reflects on his attempt at rearing chickens, with a mysterious disappearance leaving him in suspense.
10. Airbnbs in Diani: The presenter shares the challenges he encountered with his Airbnbs in Diani, reflecting the trials of the hospitality industry.
11. Rice Sales: Mwalimu reveals a time when he sold rice, facing a market downturn due to external factors from Mwea.
12. Transcribing Accounts Business: His difficulties extend to transcribing accounts, a venture that faced setbacks leading to losses.
13. Shylock Business Loss: Mbaruk discloses a loss of close to six million Kenyan shillings in a shylock business that ultimately had to be closed down.
The Maskani47 host trusted money to people who are yet to repay, highlighting the challenges of financial trust.
ALSO READ: Radio47 presenter Mbaruk Mwalimu wins 2023 Radio Host of the Year Award
Through all these challenges, Mbaruk imparts a valuable lesson—despite setbacks, the key is to start, learn, relearn, dust yourself off, and begin anew.
He emphasizes that it’s never too late, and success comes after learning from mistakes.
On a humorous note, he suggests that some, like him, might not be cut out for business and are better off as rumour mongers or even considering the “wash wash” business, complete with his own detergents.
