If words could give life, then this lady would qualify to be Mother Nature. The scent and raw passion that oozed with each statement that came forth from her mouth, would simply qualify to make her a motivational speaker. Embraced with humility and a desire to be a difference in society, Christine Gitau shared with us her story. Having been an employee of a re-known media house, she abandoned the white-collar bandwagon, and chose to capitalize on what felt natural to her; pottery. This decision has led to a marvel in the pottery industry.Thomas Edison: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed with overalls and looks like work.” Fast-forward this quote to the 21st century, and the birth of Beauty for Ashes Pottery is a breathing testimonial.
Only at two and a half years, Beauty for Ashes, is taking the pottery industry by storm. Actions speak louder than words- and the works Of Christine are putting her on the road map of Kenya's greatest creatives. Recently her brilliance has been echoed in local media-the Business Daily and the Daily Standard.Business Daily Link
Marveled by its growth in their industry, we sought to find out how she managed to pull it off. She answered, “We simply tell our customers,” as she spices the mood with a laugh, “If it doesn’t wow you at first sight, bring it back!” Therefore, for those who are in love with a unique touch of elegance, something that stands out in one’s living room or office, a solution has finally been found.
Marveled by its growth in their industry, we sought to find out how she managed to pull it off. She answered, “We simply tell our customers,” as she spices the mood with a laugh, “If it doesn’t wow you at first sight, bring it back!” Therefore, for those who are in love with a unique touch of elegance, something that stands out in one’s living room or office, a solution has finally been found.
To get where it is today, Christine had to overcome numerous obstacles which cropped up in her way. She evidently needed a driving force, and her passion was the mortar that kept her engine going. She says, “Today’s world of creatives is lacking the essence of this industry by simply having money as the driving force. This is wrong. There has to be more to it, than just the money. One’s passion should propel one towards achieving of one’s dream, and the money (rewards), shall definitely follow.”
One point stands tall; the passion towards one goal must be greater than the desire for rewards that can be derived from it. We need to curb from the micro-wave habit; wanting money easy and fast, and seek to toil in honesty to make a living.
Despite the numerous challenges she has faced, she highlights the lack of a platform for networking at a professional level, teamwork, and support from those who have done well in the creative industry, as the biggest stumbling blocks. She clearly states that she does not seek to keep on passing the buck to the government as the root for her problems, as is norm in our society, but take the bull by the horns and lead it to the river to ensure it drinks to its feel.
As the hearty interview comes to a close, a warm smile takes her face hostage, as she highlights that in today’s business industry, collaboration, and not competition, is the new ‘C’ that provides the cutting edge. “There is enough for all of us in the world. Why not share?” she questioned. 