The Hustle; Meet Princess Naomie, founder Mos Villa Restaurant

Princess Naomie, she says she can take whatever form she decides, a farm girl, a business owner or an activist. She wears all these caps (photo courtesy)

 She's a GO GETTER! That's what best describes this 25 year old restaurateur from Lelmokwo, Nandi County, founder and CEO of Mos Villa Restaurant. When talking about her business, all you can feel is the enthusiasm with which she describes it.

A business she started two years ago, with an initial capital of Ksh. 15,000, has quickly turned into an overnight sensation attracting customers from all around the North and South Rift regions. All this she attributes to her love for cooking and great service at her restaurant.

"In the restaurant business, just like any other business, quality service really matters. You have to fully satisfy your client needs, here at Mos Villa, that is our number one priority." She told this writer.

Who is Naomie?

Naomie, born and raised in Nandi, is the second last born child in a big family. She started her education at Lelmokwo academy for her primary education. She later joined St. Joseph's Chepterit girls high-school where she cleared her form four education in the year 2016. 

"I am a true daughter of Nandi. I was educated here in Nandi and now I am running a business right here!" She stated.

Naomie maintaing a traditional cooker. She says she spends most of the time in the kitchen

She joined the Eldoret Technical Training Institute where she studied health records management a field she's now deviated from.

How she started her restaurant

Naomie's journey to owning her restaurant was born out of her love for cooking. She says that after school, she started working for OPPO selling phones. After work, she would go home, cook food, take a picture of it and post on social media.

A plate of mouth-watering fried meat and kienyeji veges

"I would cook and post food on my social media status, the reactions I got from my contacts was overwhelming, it is from here that I thought about opening a restaurant." Said Naomie.

She says that once she floated the restaurant idea to her friends, some were sceptical about the idea, telling her that owning a restaurant wasn't an easy fit.

"Some of the people I shared the idea with were sceptical. They discouraged me stating that it is not easy to run a restaurant. I ignored that and Mos Villa was born." She added.

I built two makeshift structures with the initial ksh. 15,000 that I had saved.  I started small and the rest is history." 

Mos Villa Restaurant. The hotel offers an outdoor experience to its clients

Power of social media

Naomie's business has greatly benefited from social media presence. Her restaurant runs a facebook page Mos Villa Lounge and Restaurant and is on instagram too. 

According to the business woman, she says that she has leveraged on social media to market her establishment.

"When customers visit the restaurant, I ask to take pictures of them enjoying their meals, I then upload the same on our platforms for the world to see what we offer. It has really helped hype the business. The clients too have helped us by posting their visits to our establishment on their handles" she stated.

"I've gotten support from some of the unlikeliest people. I mean politicians, influencers, businesspeople have been flocking to my premises and have been our greatest customers thanks to social media!" She added.

What she does in her free time

All work and no play? 

Naomi says that she is an all rounded person. Apart from working at her restaurant, she also involves herself with the day to day chores at her parent's home, and sometimes when time allows she parties too.

"I am all rounded, I help with the family chores like tilling of our land, milking the cows, fetching firewood, cooking among other household activities. However, once in a while I do hang out with my friends and enjoy life. That's me, an all rounded woman!

Naomi doing some gardening. She enjoys doing it.

Fighting GBV

Gender based violence crusader she is. Apart from all her engagements, Naomie finds time to address this pressing matter. It is an issues she says she holds close to her heart.

"I have seen the effects of GBV, that's why I am passionate about fighting for the oppressed. It explains why I did some graffiti on a wall at my restaurant.

Naomie standing next to the painting at a wall at her restaurant.

Advise to businesses 

"In business, consistency is key. Never give up simply because today your business didn't break even." She stated.

Her story is truly amazing.

Psst, she's single by the way and happy too!