Nampelka is a matchmaking platform that facilitates learning experiences and knowledge creation between African entrepreneurs and international experts. Today, we want to share the story of Viktoria and Ariana, who previously participated in our Nampelka Chama Experience.
Their main goal during the collaboration was to develop a solution for a key challenge Victoria faced in scaling her business, Tree to Table Kenya.
Challenge: As the business grows, how can operations scale intelligently?
Before diving into their solution, let's first learn more about their backgrounds!
Our Enabler - Ariana
Based in New York, USA, Ariana has spent the last ten years working in operations, from business management and creative technology to people management and supply chain operations.
She describes herself as an operations nerd and is very passionate about helping small and/or individual businesses make their processes work.
Our Grower - Victoria
Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Victoria Kariuki is the owner and founder of Tree to Table Kenya, a wood kitchenware company.
She started her business during the COVID-19 pandemic and out of necessity, as she needed to earn some extra income.
With Nampelka's support, she wants to take her side business to the next level.
What have they achieved and learned?
During their six months together, Victoria and Arianna conducted a comprehensive review of Victoria's wooden kitchenware business. They analysed their operations, identified key areas for improvement and developed strategies for growth. Using platforms such as WhatsApp for Business, they streamlined communication channels, enabling better engagement with customers and suppliers alike. Arianna's expertise in operational efficiency proved invaluable as they redesigned workflows to optimise productivity.
But what was the biggest learning point for Arianna?
“What I learned was that Victoria’s customers, her suppliers, everybody in her world is mobile first. And, you know, in the US we’re very, like, newsletter based. We’re very website- based. Whereas, you know, in Victoria’s world, if you think about mobile first, it’s all about WhatsApp or WhatsApp for business. Everything goes through that, which changes the way you meet customers and it changes the way you integrate with other tools.”
However, it's not just about business. What happened on a personal level?
Both Victoria and Ariana were able to develop a fruitful friendship. Let's hear it in Victoria's own words: “Being able to create a friendship that goes beyond work with someone that comes from a completely different country, that means a lot for me. I mean, we are on different sides of the world. Our time zones are completely different. Like, my day ends, her days start. But we’re able to connect. So every two weeks we get on the screen and just, you know, talk about life. How’s it going? So I think it’s been exciting for me.”
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