In 2018, Havenhill Synergy launched the Appliance Finance scheme, aiming to empower low-income entrepreneurs in rural communities. One of the success stories emerging from this initiative is that of Salimot, a hairstylist in Elekonkan whose salon business greatly benefits from the 100kW mini-grid deployed in the community.
The Appliance Finance scheme has provided opportunities for over 200 individuals to improve their businesses and quality of life.
Salimot’s journey captures the impact of this initiative. Recognizing an unexplored market on her street, Salimot decided to diversify her salon business by introducing cold beverages. “I noticed that people were always looking for where to buy cold drinks, especially during hot weather,” she says. Inspired by this growing demand, Salimot added cold drinks/beverages to her salon’s offerings.
However, starting a cold beverage sales business required an important element – a refrigerator. Fortunately, the flexible payment options Appliance Finance offered allowed the entrepreneur to make a down payment, easing the financial burden and making the investment more manageable. “The scheme really helped me to be able to afford the refrigerator needed for my cold drinks sales business,” she says.
The addition of cold beverages expanded the scope of Salimot’s business and enhanced the overall customer experience. Since she included the sales of cold beverages in her salon’s services, she has observed increased foot traffic and longer customer visits. “There has been a change in how my customers patronize my salon since I started selling cold drinks. Many of them now stay longer, enjoying their drinks while comfortably waiting for their turn or even after I am done making their hair,” she explains.
Advertently, the increase in patronage at Salimon’s salon has led to a significant boost in earnings, especially after introducing the sale of cold beverages. This increase in income has translated into positive changes in her personal life. “I am now able to provide more support for my family and meet our financial needs more comfortably,” the married mother of one reveals.
But for Salimot, it doesn’t end there. The young entrepreneur who has increased her income by 25% is determined to expand her business even further. “I am considering the possibility of going into other types of refreshments such as snacks, catering to a wider customer base.”
Beyond Electrons is a series focused on highlighting impact stories that showcase how our mini-grids are electrifying homes and businesses, and transforming lives.
Read the previous episode of Beyond Electrons here.