Startup Story
There is something rewarding in creating a bespoke product for a customer, especially when that product has been handcrafted using the finest raw materials. Siafu Leather, fouded by Judy Maina in Kenya, is doing just that, and her customers are loving the end results.
LoA chatted to founder Judy Maina this month to find out more about her entrepreneurial journey and her niche leather manufacturing business.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Judy Maina and I am the CEO of Siafu Leather in Kenya, a leather goods manufacturing company that makes bespoke leather products including a range of chic bags and belts. I am also a wife and a mother to four lovely children. I love creativity and the freedom of thought and expression that comes with it, hence my building a business in this creative manufacturing field.
“At Siafu Leather, we manufacture bespoke leather goods, including handbags and belts.”
What does your company do?
We manufacture bespoke leather goods, including handbags and belts.
What inspired you to start your company?
I wanted to produce colorful and unique leather products.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
We journey with our clients to make products that suit their needs.
Tell us a little about your team
I have a team of five: I have a lady who is talented in stitching, and she does exemplary work. I have a gentleman who does the cutting and preparation. I have a casual who runs errands and assists in preparation. I have a lady who keeps track of our monies (accountant). I am in charge of designing and operations.
“We journey with our clients to make products that suit their needs.”
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I started toying with the leather idea after I was put on bed rest due to pregnancy complications. I got solace from lying on a sheep rug I had sun dried after my parents slaughtered one. I wondered how to make that rug last a lifetime as a good memory of the comfort it gave me. In my pursuit and search of how to do that, I ended up enrolling into a local TVET to garner skills to transform the skin to leather, and that was when my journey began. I realized I could do much more than just tanning - I could make leather products. That was a eureka moment for me. My creativity rhymed perfectly with the manufacturing of products and so the journey began. I searched around and saw colorful leather products were not being produced, everything was in drab colors. I started off making a range for people who wanted products that were unique and made to their taste - this all took place in my house in 2019. The idea grew in leaps and bounds and the rest, as they say is history. My parents were business people and I saw them do all sorts of business. This has taught me a few lessons in business. I have a degree in computer science and computer engineering.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
To make products that compete in the international markets.
“I love to create and seeing my ideas come to life makes me ecstatic. Client satisfaction and appreciation brings me so much joy.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
I love to create and seeing my ideas come to life makes me ecstatic. Client satisfaction and appreciation brings me so much joy.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Brace yourself, nothing and no one can prepare you enough for the joys and challenges you will encounter. Pressing on and achieving what you've set your mind to will bring you so much joy.
Contact or follow Siafu Leather
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL judy@siafuleather.com
Why LoA loves it….
Having a bespoke product made by a craftsperson is a very special experience, and Judy Maina knows all about creating these customer experiences through her business. She is using her creative design and manufacturing skills, and harnessing the talents of her team, to produce special bespoke leather products that her customers love. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa