My Business Journey in the diaspora - iDiasporan

My Business Journey in the diaspora

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My Business Journey in the diaspora


Everyone, as much as we don’t say it out loud, has “baskets” - for lack of a better word - that we put each person that we encounter. Sheila, to me, is that one person that I know will motivate and push me to be a better version of myself even when I am in doubt. 

She’s that person that has been able to break into the greater African market and even into the American market, pushing her reach over and above the Kenyan community. She has been able to rise from her humble Easlands upbringing to being a force to reckon with in the Dallas fashion scene. She’s not featured here by virtue of my knowing her, but by virtue of her success. We can all use a bit of motivation to reach for whatever we desire and envision - and to make the American dream a reality. 

Here’s Sheila in her own words - let’s get to know the force behind SK&Co


Please tell us a bit about yourself. 

My name is Sheilla Kavayi. I'm 29 years old and the founder and CEO of SK & CO Trends.

Can you tell us a bit about your background?  

I had a humble upbringing, I was born and raised in Nairobi Kenya, and we lived in Eastlands (Maringo). This has big part of who I am today. I was surrounded by strong women and men, most of my elder sibling’s friends always said get rich or die trying. It was like a big family, we shared and celebrated together and hustled together. If a job opportunity came up, everyone would know about it and laziness was not an option.

I would say that this is where my passion for business was nurtured. I started a business and I would send braids to my friend in Dubai who would sell them on my behalf. I would take the profit and buy handbags and go to my cousin’s office where her friends and coworkers would come and shop.

When and how did you come to the US? 

I came to the US in 2010, we moved here to be with my mother. She sacrificed a lot to see us here, her passion for cooking was passed down to all of us and her business. I came to North Carolina in June and moved to Texas in December. 

What does being a diasporan (Kenyan American) mean to you? 

It means I have a chance that others dream of, I have opportunities I can tap into. I have a chance to build and live my dreams and be able to help others. I have a chance to be part of the change I talk about and hope to see.


Brooke Skirt @ Sk & Co Trends



Why you decided to start your business? 

I decided to start my business because of two reasons. I was going through a hard time and I wanted to go back to Kenya. Fashion and especially African print (kitenge) fabrics became my hobby and escape during those hard times. I would shop, shop, sketch and sketch and finally decided to start selling African print accessories and clothing. I loved it and my interest grew. I decided to do research on the market and I realized there was a gap in Dallas. At that time there were only a few businesses selling African print clothing in DFW. I set my long-term goal to quit my job and in 4 years and to do that I had to take on SK&CO Trends fulltime.


Why your business and not any other? 

I always want to be a part of change. I wanted a business I can do and make someone smile, feel better, look good, bring people together (different cultures) through fashion and be happy doing it. Something dear to me and one that would help me keep the connection to my culture.

What did you do to start the business? 

After deciding I wanted to venture in the African print clothing, I started looking/searching for a vendor. This was one crazy and trying process, but it has been rewarding especially in my learning curve of the do’s and dont’s in this business. 

What sets your business apart from other similar businesses? 

Customers service and relations is paramount in my business. I treat all my customers the same and like family. 


Andia Top @ Sk & Co Trends

What’s your Parents background? Did that background help in shaping who you are, whether in business or career? 

My mum owned her own business besides being employed, she was and still is a go getter and always pursue what makes her happy. My mum is in a hospitality school, she really inspires me to do what makes me happy. I love her dedication and I cannot wait to see what the future hold for her. 

What are the Sacrifices that you’ve made along the way? 

I have sacrificed one of the most important thing in my life my time. It's time consuming to build a brand, at times I wake up in the middle on the night to deal with vendors, wake up early in the morning to go to my tailor before going to work, sometimes I have to miss brunch to update the website, but the best thing is it feels good. Money wise, I had to rearrange a lot of things, before I would go for a pair of cute shoes and handbag but now I put the money in the business first after paying bills, if anything is left then we can go for the shoe.

What are your Accomplishments and successes so far? 

I has been an honor to be featured in four fashion shows in Dallas, and I was featured in an article on the Jollof pot. My clientele has grown, and I have learnt so much. I have met amazing models, photographers, designers and customers.

What are your Short and long term goals? 

Short term goals grow my clientele, increase sales and sell nationwide. Long term - Work on my business full time.


Bernice Skirt @ SK & Co Trends



What advice would you give to other aspiring entrepreneurs? 

Nothing good comes easy, practice patience, and do what makes you happy it will never feel like a job. Enjoy the process.

What advice would you give to other diasporans on life in the diaspora, from personal experience whether in business or in life in general? 

It's never too late to do whatever you want to achieve, start now do what makes you happy and do not compare yourself to anyone. Remember to take care of yourself and invest in yourself. Do not forget, knowledge is power, learn something new and surround yourself with people who challenge you, motivate you and empower you.


Can you give us a Parting shot, or a mantra that you live by?  

God didn’t bring you this far to abandon you, you have a purpose in life.


You can purchase her beautiful pieces by clicking on this link - https://idiasporan.com/afro-business-explore/sk-co-trends


Links to all of Sheila’s social media 

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/SKnCOTrends, 

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/aheilla/ 

Pinterest : https://www.pinterest.com/SKnCOTrends/

Snapchat : htts://www.snapchat.com/SK&COTrends.com/shopify





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