Your name and what do you do?
My name is Hussein Abdi Hussein. I am currently an accounts student at star Institute of Professionals undertaking my CPA course based in Mombasa. Apart from being a student, I am also an actor. I perform in plays; I have also been featured in some screen projects. I am an entrepreneur, the founder and the C.E.O of 254 WEAR.
Tell us about 254 Wear?
254 WEAR is my new venture where I make T-shirts with the Kenyan flag on the front of the T-shirt.
How and why did you decide to do the Kenya flag t-shirts?
The idea came along last year when we were heading to the general elections in Kenya in August. Around May when the political tension was high the idea came along so as to show patriotism and unity to preach peace among Kenyans. The idea was well received; thank God I have been able to export the T-shirts to Kenyans who are outside the country.
What challenges did you face?
One of the biggest challenges is when clients don’t pay for their T-shirts; I end up incurring a loss. Another challenge is that most people don’t trust the quality hence making it hard to make sales, I have to deliver the T-shirt to them first before they do any payment.
What three major problems do you think young people face today?
Three Problems young people go through is:
- Lack of funds to start up their business ideas
- Lack skills for Business Management
- Drug abuse
Many youths are unemployed and they don’t know what to do, how can they generate business ideas?
There a lot of ideas out there, one must do some research to find a business idea and how to launch the business. There are many ways to generate ideas, one way is to go online and do some research, also collaborate with others.
Are there enough resources for the youth to empower themselves?
There are many resources out there that they can access including Uwezo funds, and other seed funds from various organizations. I would advise the youth to keep searching online for such opportunity to be able to empower themselves.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
I want to have a T-shirt brand that is selling all over the country and abroad. A name that people want to be associated with.
Parting shot
For any business idea one should be risk taker. One should be determined, disciplined and then success will follow.
