Real Stories (Inspiration)
Olive Gachara
Aug
Age: 32
Title: Entrepreneur
Company: COUTURE Africa Limited, Kenya
“You are your biggest asset”
Olive Gachara is the publisher and CEO of COUTURE Africa Limited (COUTURE Africa Magazine Media House). She is also an angel investor on Lions’ Den, a business reality show on NTV Kenya. Additionally, she runs Image with Olive Consultancy, offering services such as communication skills training, personal branding, etiquette, and professional image consulting. In August 2018, her media house celebrated its fifth anniversary.
1. How does one go about creating a strong brand as an image consultant?
Building a brand as an image consultant involves strong public positioning and leaving a lasting impact in every interaction. Whether in group training or one-on-one sessions, it’s essential to inform, educate, and drive change. You must also live your brand authentically—because you are your biggest asset.
2. How do you create a publication with content that resonates?
As the publisher and CEO of COUTURE Africa, Olive was previously Editor-in-Chief before appointing Carol Odero, a seasoned fashion journalist. The magazine focuses on telling compelling stories about African women and fashion. Initially, there was skepticism about content sufficiency, but the growth of the African fashion industry has proven otherwise.
3. What do you look for when investing on Lions’ Den?
Over time, Olive has learned to invest in industries she’s personally interested in and to prioritize the entrepreneur behind the idea. A strong, passionate founder often determines the success of the deal more than the idea itself.
4. What should entrepreneurs do when seeking funding?
Key steps include:
- Proof of concept: Ensure your product or service is needed.
- Solid financials: Avoid inflated projections; understand your business model.
- Be flexible: Listen to investor feedback and adapt accordingly.
5. What challenges have you faced in building your businesses?
In image consultancy, educating the market on its value was a major hurdle. With the magazine, challenges included managing creative teams, cash flow, and building scalable internal structures—despite aiming to reduce her hands-on involvement.
6. How important are a trademarked logo and responsive website?
Trademarking should come only after a brand has built equity. A responsive, fast website, however, is non-negotiable. Today’s mobile users expect content to load in under 2 seconds—otherwise, they move on.
7. Advice for solopreneurs without capital to hire?
Use technology and outsource whenever possible. Being a one-person team is not sustainable long-term. Even consultants reach a point where support is necessary.
8. Favourite beauty product?
Mascara—though not kept in her handbag due to concerns over heat exposure affecting cosmetics. Instead, she carries refreshers like body splash, hand sanitizer, and hand cream