How a laptop & printer birthed Nairobi’s fast-growing branding firm

By Peter Changtoek
peter.changtoek@gmail.com

Loise Kamanu never dreamt that one day she would own a branding company. The idea came to her while she was on maternity leave.

Equipped with only a laptop, she later purchased a printer — and that is how her company, Sifa Crafts Limited, was born.

“I am a wife, a mommy, a boss… so many hats, I may say. I established Sifa Crafts around two years ago while I was on maternity leave. Sifa Crafts started from a bedroom corner with my laptop and printer,” says Kamanu, whose company is located in Nairobi.

The entrepreneur adds that she started the business with almost zero capital since she already had a laptop and only needed to purchase a printer.

Loise Kamanu during the interview in her office at Dawan House, 41, Charles Rubia Rd, Nairobi. Photo/Peter Changtoek

When starting out, she partnered with suppliers and service providers who offered products and services she did not yet provide.

“I needed a hustle when I was at home. Through research, I found out about making tumblers and mugs. The masses received them well, and demand for more services has grown step by step depending on client demands,” says Kamanu.

Growing services and expanding capacity

Kamanu notes that although her parents had been in the printing business for years, she had never taken an interest in it until she conducted her own research.

Today, Sifa Crafts Limited offers a wide range of services, mainly embroidery for stitching logos using thread, screen printing for logos using ink, and sublimation for making tumblers, mugs, key holders, and other products.

“We also have services like UV DTF and laser printing for pens, notebooks, and so much more,” she adds.

Loise Kamanu during the interview at her Sifa Crafts Limited office, Dawan House, 41, Charles Rubia Rd, Nairobi. Photo/Peter Changtoek

She explains that the printing business is capital-intensive, but through research and buying one machine at a time, it is achievable. “Mostly, we work with Japanese and Chinese brands,” she says.

Her company also sources items to be branded on behalf of clients for convenience, then customizes them according to their needs. “Our prices are all-inclusive. However, if a client has their own items, our workshop is open to serve them too,” she explains.

“We also offer great reseller prices for those who want to grow their brand but don’t have a machine yet,” Kamanu adds.

From solo hustle to 15 employees

Kamanu describes herself as a hands-on entrepreneur who supports her team whenever work piles up.

“I am very hands-on when it comes to my business. I can use almost all the machines we have. I am a team player — when work is overwhelming, I step in to assist,” she says.

She started out working alone, making tumblers and mugs by herself. “Currently, I have 15 employees — both permanent and temporary — within just two years,” she reveals.

Kamanu says she has learned valuable lessons in business, including the importance of dreaming big. “You have to believe in yourself and allow yourself to dream. If the dream does not scare you, then it is not worth it,” she says.

Despite stiff competition, she says her company prides itself on quality customer service, efficient delivery times, and perfect prints.

She acknowledges the challenges, especially the capital-intensive nature of the industry. “Getting institutions ready to work with a startup has been a huge challenge, but where there is a will, there will always be a way,” she says optimistically.

Sifa Crafts Limited serves Saccos, corporates, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and other clients — some as far as Sudan and Lodwar.

“Our branding services touch almost all fields. We get clients through online marketing platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where we are known as Sifa Crafts Limited.

We can also be reached at info@sifacrafts.co.ke or +254 726 470 805,” says Kamanu.

She encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to research thoroughly before venturing into business. “Do your research well, settle on one field, and push it relentlessly. Everything else will align,” she advises.

Looking ahead, Kamanu hopes to expand her business beyond Kenya’s borders. “The goal is to grow our client base locally and internationally and offer our services beyond borders,” she says.