Mary Ndegwa has been making wigs in Nakuru for eleven years, armed with a needle, thread and a wig cap, she started her business as a trial and error endeavour.

It all started in 2013 when she decided to stop crocheting and learn how to sew a wig after seeing a friend wearing one. With the skills she had, she tried sewing her first wig using a cooking oil can, which did not take the shape of a human head.

She made the second wig from a sufuria, which was not perfect either. But then a friend taught her how to make a wig.

Since then she has never looked back and her business is growing in popularity every day.

Mary Ndegwa making a wig at her shop in Nakuru.

Photo credit: Muthoni Wanjiku/Mtaa Wangu

According to Mary, for such a business to flourish, you need to be honest, reliable and driven by passion.

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The handmade wig business in Nakuru has grown gradually. A few years ago, it was very difficult to convince people to buy wigs.

However, over time, Mary has been able to restore the confidence of most women who have lost their self-confidence due to scars from operations, accidents or gender-based violence.

Her day starts at 7.30am and ends at 6.30pm every day.

She revealed that one of her most memorable customer experiences was when she made a wig for a woman who had been left deaf after an ear, nose and throat operation.

Mary Ndegwa has been making wigs in Nakuru for eleven years.

Photo credit: Muthoni Wanjiku/Mtaa Wangu

"After the experience the lady had, she not only became my friend but also a sister to me, where now I make wigs for her for free. I am happy that I was able to build her confidence," she says with a smile.

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Mary has been in the business for over a decade, but has yet to make the transition to using a machine, despite the advances in technology. She finds that while machines are fast, they are not effective in ensuring a perfect finish.

In a day, she can make more than 10 wigs and sell them for between Sh1,000 and Sh10,000 each.

The income from her wig-making business has enabled Mary to open another shop to sell her wigs, support her family and pay for her children's education up to university level.

Biz Lounge: My 10-year journey in the wig business

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Muthoni Wanjiku