Flamboyant fashion designer Hellen Tolbert has come out to inspire many young women with her story of resilience, hard work and above all, God’s grace.
Tolbert did a number of things before finally succeeding. Photo: Hellen Tolbert. Source: Facebook
Steward at Java House
Just like many people, Hellen’s beginning was not a walk in the park as she was forced to do all manner of odd jobs just to make ends meet.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Lynn Ngugi on her show Inspire Global, Hellen revealed that her journey in the formal sector started when she landed a job with Java, where she worked as a steward.
While working at Java House, Hellen used to clean the dishes, scrub the toilets and do other cleaning duties.
From Java House, she moved to Posta Kenya where her work burden was minimised.
Well, it was an easy job for her but she kept at it, worked hard before finally quitting the job to venture into business.
Success at last
Today, Hellen is the founder and owner of Ellen Design, one of Kenya’s top fashion houses.
The business lady, during the interview, noted she is currently happy and living her best life but even her business had some rough phases that really took a toll on her.
”I would go to Gikomba during my lunch breaks while working at Posta Kenya. Get clothes, come back and remake them into different designs. Life started changing from there because my income improved,” Hellen disclosed.
It was while at Posta Kenya when she took a loan, bought a car that she intended to operate as car hire.