I quit my pilot job to design clothes

Liz Kitua, 28, is the founder and CEO Kidosho Apparel. PHOTO | COURTESY

What you need to know:

  • I was also the small girl who made clothes for her dolls, and later, the teenager who advised her friends on what to wear and how to pair their outfits. I flew for five years before quitting to pursue fashion design.
  • When I got into this business, I made sure to learn the mechanics of it. Being well versed in the economics of the industry has been my greatest charm.

When I got my first job as a pilot for a local commercial airline, it was a childhood dream come true. Growing up, I always wanted to fly.

I was also the small girl who made clothes for her dolls, and later, the teenager who advised her friends on what to wear and how to pair their outfits. I flew for five years before quitting to pursue fashion design.

The book “The E-myth Revisited” by Michael Gerber, has had the biggest impact on me as an entrepreneur. It examines the various reasons why most small businesses don’t work, and what to do about it. I’d recommend it to anyone thinking of starting a business. The other “E-Myth” books by the same author are also great for entrepreneurship knowledge. 

Five questions

1. What were you doing at 22? I was setting up my clothing line and working as a freelance pilot.

2. How did you know that it was time to quit employment to become an entrepreneur? I can’t say that I knew for sure it was time to quit. I just took a risk and decided to dedicate all my time and effort to my business. At the time, my business required my full attention, so I took the leap and followed my passion for fashion.

3. What does your job as a fashion designer entail? - My job is ensuring that the company’s goals are met. I train my staff, I work on the production of the garments, the sales and distribution, marketing and leading my team - the list of my responsibilities is endless.

4. Which is the biggest challenge you have encountered as an entrepreneur? – I have had many challenges in this business, ranging from hiring the right team and acquiring customers’ trust to getting good quality fabric. I can’t say that I have overcome the challenges as I’m continuously growing my business.

5. Who is your mentor? I’ve had different mentors for different phases of my life, but businesswise, my current mentor is Susan Vundi. She’s a dear friend and a business woman who has lots of experience. She’s my go-to person. She is on my speed dial.

My success secrets 

1. When I got into this business, I made sure to learn the mechanics of it. Being well versed in the economics of the industry has been my greatest charm.

2. To succeed in business, you must be able and willing to take the word ‘no’ and then keep going.

3. When you let your passion drive you, everything else will fall into place. Discover what you are good at and keep at it.

4. You must be willing to take risks. Get out of your comfort zone and watch yourself grow.

5. Having faith in God has helped me tremendously. It is what keeps me going during the rough moments.