Grace's Inspiring Journey: From Home Cook to Entrepreneur

Melissa Onguti
Aug 13, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Jul 28

At 60 years old, Grace's hands tell the story of a lifetime. They have cooked countless family meals, held sick children through the night, and more recently, crafted cakes that carry both love and survival in every slice.

A Life of Responsibility and Resilience

Grace was born in Kisumu, Siaya County, but today she calls Utange village in Mombasa County home. She is a mother of three boys, but her motherhood expanded overnight when tragedy struck. Her sister passed away, leaving behind seven children — four boys and three girls. Grace and her husband, a dedicated teacher, opened their home and hearts to raise all ten children.

For many years, her husband shouldered the financial weight while Grace ran the household. However, with so many children to feed, clothe, and educate, the strain was immense. The challenges of managing a large family while maintaining a stable income were daunting.

The Cake Business That Carried the Family

Fifteen years ago, Grace started a small cake business to ease the financial burden. Two years in, life changed drastically when her husband was retrenched. Suddenly, she became the family’s main breadwinner. At that time, their lastborn was in his second-last year of high school, and every shilling counted.

Her cakes — for weddings, graduations, birthdays, and community celebrations — became the family’s lifeline. Yet without formal training or certification, she faced challenges such as limited growth and harassment from municipal authorities. The road was tough, but Grace was determined to succeed.

An Unexpected Turning Point

Grace’s path to change began in the most unexpected way. A niece visiting from Kisumu wanted to enroll at Tewa Training Centre. Grace accompanied her to the school and, on the spot, decided to enroll herself. This decision would change her life forever.

She became part of a group of women sponsored by KCB Foundation in partnership with Nurisha Trust, taking a pastry and bakery course while still running her business and managing her household. The support she received was invaluable.

From Passion to Professionalism

Tewa didn’t just improve her skills; it transformed her business. Grace learned modern baking techniques, refined her recipes, and gained a professional certificate. This education allowed her to strengthen her cake business and expand her menu to include a variety of pastries, attracting even more customers.

“The truth is, I never thought I would graduate — even in a small way like this. As a girl, my aspiration was to go to university, which I didn’t manage to do. But this now covers everything. This makes me feel I’ve gone a notch higher,” Grace, Tewa Graduate & Entrepreneur.

Today, Grace runs her business with confidence and legal security. Her cakes are a staple for weddings, graduations, birthdays, and big community events, and customers know they’re getting high-quality, professionally made products.

The Impact of Education and Support

Grace’s journey proves it’s never too late to learn and grow. One decision — supported by the right opportunity — not only secured her livelihood but also set an example for ten children who now see firsthand the power of resilience and education.

Her story is a testament to the impact of education and community support. It highlights how crucial it is to invest in women and their potential.

Empowering Women Through Education

Education is a powerful tool that can change lives. Grace’s experience shows how access to training can empower women to become self-sufficient. When women thrive, entire families benefit.

Her journey was possible because someone believed in her.

When you support Nurisha Trust, you make it possible for women like Grace to: