Grace Ussenge
Hello, I am Grace Ussenge, Founder of Ayanna Handmade.
I like introducing myself by talking about my values, which are: faith (in God), integrity, compassion, and simplicity. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies from Africa Nazarene University in Nairobi, Kenya.
After post-election violence erupted in my country I knew I wanted to be part of the solution and the best way I could do that was by studying the nature of conflicts and durable solutions to the same, thereof. I also studied Peace and Conflict because I have always had a soft spot for refugees and I really wanted to work with them after graduating but that has not happened yet. One day, God willing, I will find myself in their space.
Until mid-2017, I believed I was not cut out for business. All I wanted to do was graduate with good grades and get a good job. But that changed in 2017 when I was on a study trip to Uganda under Lapid Leaders Africa, an organization dedicated to building a generation of values-driven African leaders. It is during this study trip that the entrepreneurship flame in me was fanned. After interacting with a lady who was the team leader of a single-mothers' group who were producing Shea butter, I decided to carry some with me back to Kenya. I thought it would be a great way to support their work by making bulk purchases from them.
Company Name: Ayanna Handmade
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Operating since: 2019
Website: www.ayannahandmade.com
Instagram: @ayannahandmade
Tell us all about your company. What products do you offer?
Ayanna Handmade is a Natural Hair & Skin Care product line based in Nairobi - Kenya. Ayanna Handmade provides superior quality, nutrient dense, ethically-sourced, and responsibly handcrafted products by blending together time-honoured natural remedies to reinvent skin and hair care.
Through the pleasure of our products that express sentiments of elegance, royalty, dignity and inner strength, Ayanna Handmade seeks to inspire the African woman to confidently be Black Out Loud; to stop apologizing for being black and embrace her kinks, curls and honey-dipped beautiful complexion.
How did you get the idea or concept for your company? What was your mission at the outset? Was there anything in particular that inspired you to start at the time you did?
After being on a long search for products specifically made for African hair to no avail, I decided to make my own blends for my hair, then later, I started making the same for my skin. I would, for example, buy raw Shea butter and essential oils to scent it then apply the mixture to my hair and skin. I would record progress which I shared on my social media handles and with time my followers and friends started getting interested in whatever I was using on my hair and skin. I then decided to make them different blends and to sell to them. With time, the demand grew bigger and that's when I decided to go fully commercial and registered the business.
My mission from the outset was to educate the African woman on how to take care of her hair and skin, and to confidently embrace her 'African-ness.' I also wanted to educate her on the best and safe products she could use that were either Kenyan made or African made, so that we learn to buy African; and thus, build Africa.
What's your definition of success? Do you consider yourself a success? If not, when will you?
My definition of success is happiness, freedom and contentment. If whatever I do brings me peace of mind (happiness), freedom to be and explore who I am, and gives me satisfaction, then I can say I am successful. I don't believe money equals success, even though it plays a role, because I have [seen] many people who are filthy rich and yet are not happy at all. That cannot be success. I guess in simpler terms, to me, success is finding and living my purpose. I believe that's my current situation; thus, Grace Ussenge is a success.
What advice would you give to a woman starting out in your industry or starting her own company/organization?
“Never go into business to purely make money. If that’s the motive, you’re better off doing nothing.” – Richard Branson. Ensure that alongside making profit, your business is solving a problem and/or satisfying a need. That’s the only way your business is going to remain relevant. Start where you, are with what you have. Start unsure, start afraid, but start. There will never be a perfect time to start so just start and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it.
Describe yourself in ONE word. Intentional