From the bottom to helping others climb up!!!! Michelle Ntalami, one of Kenya’s most influential women tells her story

The story of Michelle Ntalami, one of Kenya’s top entrepreneurial ladies is an inspiring one.

It is like a story of from rags to riches. When she started Marini Naturals, a company that makes natural hair products, celebrities gave her a deaf eye when she just wanted a single post about her product from them. When they demanded to be paid before posting, Michelle decided to hustle her way up.

As you read this, Michelle is one of the most influential Kenyans and she was recently listed among the top 10 African Startups by CNBC and Top 100 Women Africa.

The queen as she calls herself now has 378,000 plus followers on Instagram and says she can’t fail to uplift startups using her fame status.

Below is the story of Michelle Ntalami, it is an is inspiring one!!!

This is the story of my MadeInKE Campaign (Made in Kenya Campaign).

“6 years ago when I was starting my business Marini Naturals (@marini.naturals), I badly wanted to work with a number of influencers and personalities. It meant everything to me if they could just share a post about my product. I reached out to them, but they all came back with a rate card. Being a startup, I just couldn’t afford it. And despite me offering them complimentary products, most still wanted money.

I understood and respected they’ve taken time to build their brand. But I also thought that at the very least, a complimentary product or service was a good basis for a simple post or partnership. I vowed to myself when my personal brand grows, I will always try to uplift a smaller, upcoming business through my platform.

God blessed me and my personal brand grew. Today, I’m in a position to uplift others through my Instagram (IG). This is what I sought to do with my #MadeInKE campaign. To give beyond what I am getting, for those who get it. Some didn’t, and that’s okay. My work speaks for itself, and I can only pity missed opportunities passing them by as they rant. For the many who got it and reached out, we may not have collaborated, but don’t worry. Keep seeking out the mentors and givers in your life to get you to the next level!?

To my partners, thank you! I’m grateful to all who tagged you! You brought your A-game and we absolutely killed it! I hope you are happy and that I’ve added a few new customers and shillings to your business!?

To all my supporters, thank you for always believing in this Queen! To the haters, I’m also so grateful! Because of all your talk, you spotlighted my campaign and made it an even greater success,” Michelle Ntalami.