Eric Kinoti

Eric Kinoti is a Kenyan entrepreneur of African descent born in Mombasa on 8 March 1984. Along with being the Founder and CEO of Shade systems EA.ltd, a million dollar enterprise that has a presence in over 6 countries, he is on the boards of several prominent East African companies. He has won several awards in East Africa and internationally, has gained recognition for his entrepreneurial endeavors, and is also a noted philanthropist. Quotes I think today’s youths are highly innovative but have been inhibited by, among other things, the lack of capital. Ignorance and the usual ‘thinking-inside-the-box’ have crippled the entrepreneurial desires of many youths. Most have succumbed to pressure from family and friends to go for job opportunities and have a stable life as opposed to taking the rough terrain of entrepreneurship. Education should foster innovation. To succeed they should take the risk. Youths should not wait to have a lot of money before they can venture into business. They should think big, start small and start now. Five years back when I was struggling and experiencing difficulties with my company , I bumped to a friend and an icon I always looked up to. We sat down and started talking . I explained to him all the difficulties and challenges I was going through with hope that he will counsel me and give me a good advice. By the time this ‘icon’ finished his first sentence, I was frustrated. He started by asking me, “Kinoti, this is manufacturing business, why can’t you just look for another thing to do?” I felt mad at myself for once believing I could look up to someone just because the society has placed him on the higher class and everyone thinks he is cool and good. I left him there after 10 minutes because I believe negativity is contagious. Never let anyone talk you out of your dreams It’s funny most of the times the people who should encourage us do just the opposite; but hey, listen to me. Don’t let anyone talk you out of your dreams. Don’t let anyone convince you that your dreams are too big and you are way too ambitious and never listen to negative reports too long to feel defeated and down. Dear entrepreneur, believe in your dreams and discredit anyone who tries to convince you otherwise. Never let anyone talk you out of your dreams I had capital issues when I was starting up, but I didn’t let this hold me down because I am an avid believer in ideas. I believe that ideas are the biggest capital one can have. I was without money to pay rent and was indebted to shylocks who almost auctioned my business and went without sales for awhile. But in the end today, they are all success stories. We manufacture and supply military and relief tents, branded gazebos, restaurant canopies, car parking shades, marquees, luxury tents, wedding party tents canvas seats and bouncing castles across the region. We have made supplies to Sudan, Somalia, Congo and Rwanda, mostly to non-governmental and humanitarian organisations purchasing relief tents for personnel and refugees. We have overcome competition from Asian-owned enterprises founded decades ago to carve a niche for ourselves in the industry. We are ridding on innovation, quality and customer-friendly prices. On entrepreneurship, I think today’s youths are highly innovative but have been inhibited by, among other things, the lack of capital. Ignorance and the usual 'thinking-inside-the-box' have crippled the entrepreneurial desires of many youths. Most have succumbed to pressure from family and friends to go for job opportunities and have a stable life as opposed to taking the rough terrain of entrepreneurship. Education should foster innovation. To succeed they should take the risk. Youths should not wait to have a lot of money before they can venture into business. They should think big, start small and start now. His advice to other aspiring business people Entrepreneurialism is all about self dedication, discipline, big dreams and big self drive. No one is born an entrepreneur. It is a choice you make. The idea is the biggest capital one can have. External links Category:living people Category:Businesspeople from Kenya Category:Entrepreneurs