When Eunice Kerubo graduated with a university degree, she imagined herself working in a corporate office. Like many young graduates, she applied for jobs hoping to secure employment in her field. Unfortunately, the opportunities never came.

‎‎"I tried applying for jobs. I wasn't lucky to get employment, and I think that is how I gravitated towards the creation side," she recalls.

‎‎Today, the Nakuru-based digital creator, popularly known as Kesh, has turned what started as a passion for fashion and lifestyle into a thriving career, working with brands to market businesses, products and events.

‎‎Her journey, however, began long before she realised she was building a profession.

‎‎"I still had an interest in creation, basically fashion and lifestyle. I used to do fashion reels and street fashion. I was already creating content; I just did not know this was actually a thing," she says.

‎Everything changed in July 2024 when she secured her first brand promotion.

‎‎"That was the first time I associated with a brand to market or promote something, and that's how it all began. Later I started getting gigs from brands promoting events and businesses," she says.

‎‎Even then, uncertainty lingered.

‎‎"The biggest challenge was asking myself, 'Is this actually a thing? Is whichever path I'm trying to take actually real?' At the beginning, I didn't see content creation as something that could bring monetary value," she admits.

‎‎Financial struggles soon became part of the journey. She lacked quality equipment, had to finance photographers and videographers, and because she specialised in fashion and lifestyle, maintaining her appearance required constant investment.

‎‎"Fashion and lifestyle are quite expensive because you have to invest in your whole outlook and appearance before you even begin," she explains.

‎‎Kerubo noted that her toughest lesson came after completing a job worth Sh20,000 only to go unpaid.

‎‎"I wasn't paid around Sh20,000 because we didn't have a contract," she says. "Now I don't rely on word of mouth. Even if there is no formal contract, I make sure there's written communication showing what was agreed."

‎‎She notes that the unconventional career path also raised questions at home especially with her parents.

‎‎"My parents didn't understand exactly what I was doing. They would ask, 'But do you have work?' I had to explain that when I'm taking pictures, I'm actually marketing products and getting paid. Now they understand it's a job, just not the typical nine-to-five," she says.

‎‎Despite the challenges, Kerubo believes Nakuru's creative industry has changed significantly.

‎‎"Most brands and entrepreneurs are embracing digital marketing through influencers. When I was beginning, you'd hardly get anyone willing to collaborate, but now businesses are opening up to paid partnerships, and that's a good thing," she says.

‎‎She also dismisses the notion that success only comes from Nairobi.

‎‎"I feel it's all about how you position yourself as a creator, the quality of content you produce and how professionally you carry yourself. If your work is good, you can compete with creators anywhere."

‎‎Behind the polished social media posts lies a demanding routine. On busy days, she handles as many as four shoots across different locations before spending her evenings editing content or planning future projects.

‎‎"On shoot days, I can have up to four shoots. If I'm not shooting, then I'm editing, meeting clients, researching or preparing for the next project," she says.

‎‎To stay grounded, she relies on careful planning and the encouragement of close friends.

‎‎"Being a planner helps me a whole lot. I also have an amazing support system that reminds me I'm doing something worthwhile," she says.

‎‎Looking to the future, Kerubo is optimistic that Nakuru's creator economy will continue expanding as more businesses embrace digital marketing and more young people venture into content creation.

‎‎"I think the market is getting bigger and better, and that's a good thing because more opportunities will also come our way," she says.

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