Stella: I Started my Business with Sh500, Now I own Processing Company

By John Kariuki

Stella Auka is the founder of Broad Range Enterprises, a cashew nuts processing company that is adding value locally while creating jobs and boosting the income of farmers in Kilifi and Kwale counties.

Stella, 59, a cancer survivor thought of improving people’s health through provision of health-based flours and nuts. Based in Nyali, Mombasa, the company makes cashew butter spread, snacks and healthy flours for people with healthy conditions or those who want to live a healthy life.

Cashew nuts are nutrient-dense and rich in healthy fats, proteins, essential vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium, manganese and copper.

“We teach people on the importance of healthy snacking. Instead of taking the junk snacks loaded with cholesterol and unhealthy sugars, pick a handful of nuts that will fill you up,” she advised.

Apart from cashew nuts Stella also processes peanuts and peanut butter, healthy indigenous flours that help people manage their weight.

She also sells natural unprocessed honey.

Stella Auka called upon the government of His Excellency The President Dr. William Samoei Ruto to facilitate start-ups with seed capital and also financial literacy and also have a revolving fund.

Her advisory is that people should not despise their humble beginnings.

“Personally I started with as little as 500 and I started introducing my business to my social circles including my neighbours.

Don’t limit your mind-set. You should remain exposed and interact as much as you can and make everyday a learning experience. Purpose and learn.”

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