My name is Azhar Ahmed. I was born in Lamu Island, raised in Lamu and I went to Lamu Girls Secondary School in 2009.
After school I got married; I always depend on my husband for anything I. e-money for always, had the money for my own personal things then I said no more. I decided to get skilled and entrepreneurship training with the Kenya Youth Empowerment Project (KYEP) in 2014 and later started my own business when I moved to Thika. I started selling ‘vishata’ and popcorn. Later on, my business collapsed since many people living there doesn’t prefer using lots of sugar every day. I did not lose hope. I stood up again with more courage. I returned to my hometown. Where I started to go back to school at Lamu Vocational Training Center and after 12 months and I was certified with hospitality and Salon certificates. Slowly I started baking cakes since it was my passion. I do it as part of my side job; also I do makeup, especially during wedding season.
I had started to have an instinct for office jobs. I decided to take up Maritime Transport and Logistics now I am at an internship at Lamu Vocational Training Center as a storekeeper and helping secretary I inherited the business from my mother which was passed from her mom to her. I sell an Indian snack dish called Jalebi. I am sure since I joined AWE my business will expand and see the fruits of my business.
THANK YOU, AWE STAKEHOLDERS.