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| Massage by Steve |
In an interview with Obinna, Steve, also known as Lekshara by his fans, shared his journey in the massage business.
He explained how he started the business, saying, “I came to Nairobi around 2013 and began hawking.” With the desire for a better life, he was prompted to freelance his services instead of seeking employment, though he continued with hawking on the side.
Steve recounted living in a bedsitter with a large bed, which sparked the idea to shoot and showcase his massage skills from home, as he couldn’t afford a massage table.
“I thought to myself, let me go to Gikomba, get some bedsheets, and start advertising myself. This helped me get clients since I was also posting on influencers’ pages and paying them,” he said.
Steve revealed that many women in Nairobi had sought his services. “Half of Nairobi’s women have been in my hands, maybe 80%. Keeping count isn’t easy because it’s a lot of women,” he said.
He also mentioned that he had gone to school, studying hairdressing and holistic therapy, and realized the market was much larger and more expanded than he initially thought.
Steve shared a tough period in his life when he fell into depression, having intrusive suicidal thoughts and even planning his death.
Fortunately, his family found out and helped him through the ordeal. He credited Maina Kageni and King’ang’i for helping him grow his business.
“Maina and King’ang’i talked about me on their radio show, and that’s how people got to know me. It became my breakthrough, as I received more orders from clients while at home, which gave me a reason to return to Nairobi for work.”
Since then, Steve mentioned that his business had been running smoothly.
BY HILDA KANINI