4G Capital x RefuSHE: Solange's Small Business

Solange Umutoni was only 14 years old when she fled her home in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to war. After arriving in Kenya in 2013, she was fortunate enough to connect with a refugee family who took her in. Her hosts did not have much, but Solange found safety and comfort with her new family. Unfortunately, Solange’s host family was resettled soon after she moved in, leaving her to fend for herself.

Solange managed to find a job at a restaurant earning KES 200 a day, but this was not enough to make ends meet. Her life took another unexpected turn when she discovered she was pregnant and was forced to leave her job. Facing an uncertain future, Solange turned to friends who referred her to RefuSHE for help.

At RefuSHE, Solange received the support she needed, including prenatal and medical care. She found a safe place to live and enrolled in the Girls Empowerment Program (GEP) for basic education and vocational training. Solange worked hard and advanced through the grades, eventually earning her primary education certificate and tailoring certifications from The National Industrial Training Authority (NITA).

"When I arrived at RefuSHE, I had no place to live, and my unborn baby was on the way. RefuSHE made living arrangements for me, assisted me after I gave birth, and taught me how to care for my newborn,” says Solange. “When my daughter grew older, I could attend classes because there was daycare at the school."

Today, Solange is a skilled member of RefuSHE's Artisan Collective. As a working artisan, Solange earns a monthly stipend that helps her meet her basic needs. However, Solange's ambitions extend beyond her work at the Artisan Collective.

After participating in a transformative business training facilitated by 4G Capital, Solange established a small business selling children's clothing. The training from 4G Capital equipped her with vital skills like goal setting, financial management, record-keeping, customer service, and budgeting. 4G Capital also connected her with a local small business owner and mentor who operated a local tailoring business. From her mentor, Solange learned how to choose the best fabrics and materials to enhance her designs. Her mentor stressed the importance of creating beautiful garments while managing production costs efficiently. Solange also observed how her mentor warmly interacted with customers, unlocking the key to client satisfaction.

“I learned that every customer is different and how you approach them is key. This mentorship has exposed me to a lot of business challenges that I had previously not understood,” says Solange.

Although her business currently takes a backseat to her busy schedule working at the Artisan Collective and parenting her young child, Solange’s passion remains unwavering. She intends to relaunch her business once she completes her time in the Artisan Collective program.

"I am confident I will reopen soon. My loyal customers are always inquiring when I'll bring new clothes to the market,” says Solange. “I plan to save and reopen when I can fully focus on the business.”

Solange is grateful for the significant impact RefuSHE has had on her life as she prepares to exit the program later this year.

"I have always wanted to have a peaceful life; to raise my daughter well and earn a stable income. RefuSHE has made these dreams a reality.”