Nothing comes on a silver platter. You need to toil hard or else, you will end up poor and blame people for your wasted time. 

Juma ‘Jay’ Khamis Mohammed, a popular event planner and CEO Parrot Company is a great example of "from grass to grace".

In an interview with Capital Business, Juma revealed how he first ventured into this business but all did not go well for him.

On December 31st, 2014, Juma planned an entertainment event for Nakuru residents to usher in the New Year in style. An event that saw several artistes and comedians among them Jaguar, Wyre and Jua Cali perform leaving him with many hopes but things did not go well as planned.

He was left counting losses of up to Sh3.9 million on the 1st of January 2015.

"I spent about 4 million shillings to prepare for the party. I wanted everyone to enjoy themselves and live to remember that night," he said 

Juma had no option but try something else. He resorted to hawking second-hand clothes (mtumba) in the dusty streets of Nairobi. Just like other hawkers, he also played hide and seek with city council askaris who are known for terrorizing hawkers.

"You wouldn’t know what hardships are until you’ve lived the life of a hawker. But I thank God because that job gave me a ‘street degree’, which is much more valuable than any formal education I’ve ever received."

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After the hustle and bustle of the noisy and overcrowded city, Juma came up with an idea to start an events company and he doesn't regret it.

"My job was to identify people who needed to hold an event and had no idea on how to do it. I would then come in by planning and supplying them with the necessary equipment. Once business picked up, I started being contracted to do big jobs such as the one where I lost a lot of money."

The young millionaire had to work hard his way up and he is happy that life taught him a lesson. Juma's company has worked with top corporates among them Airtel Kenya, Stanbic Bank M-Kopa, Lenovo CMC Motors and Orange Telkom

"Parrot was given a contract to handle Orange’s branding during the promotion of the low-end ‘Kadunda’ mobile phone. That was really a milestone for us."

Just like many who are cashing in from politics, Juma has also had a chance to brand President Uhuru's campaign vehicles and printed billboard banners for several politicians; Gubernatorial candidates, senatorial candidates, women representatives candidates, Member of Parliament candidates and Member of County Assembly candidates.

"For a former hawker, that was really a great moment. We went to State House to do the impromptu job that required perfection. It was quite a scene; doing what we do in the company of State House security," he said.

Juma who has employed 21 employees, has advised entrepreneurs out here to build a brand and a good reputation for themselves because it matters alot in this business.

"Good reputation will give you repeat customers and referrals, which is what you really need."

Juma's company makes Sh70 million shillings in revenue annually.

Credits: Capital Business.