Sarah Kyaruzi’s Business Journey
“A great product can take you far, but the right support and tools can take you even further,” says Sarah Kyaruzi, a self-made entrepreneur from Mwanza whose journey from making oils at home to running a fast-growing business shows how the right investment can make all the difference.
How a Car Changed Everything:
Sarah built her business from scratch, crafting high-quality hair and body oils from natural ingredients. Her products became very popular, earning her a loyal customer base across Mwanza and beyond. However, as demand grew, she faced a challenge, delivery. Without reliable transportation, she struggled to get her products to customers efficiently, often relying on expensive and unpredictable courier services.
That all changed when she received TZS 5,000,000 in funding from the Imbeju Program, an initiative by the CRDB Bank Foundation designed to support women and youth entrepreneurs with training and seed capital. Unlike many others who might have used the money for production expansion, Sarah made a strategic decision—she bought a used car.
“Before, I was limited by how far I could reach. Deliveries were slow, expensive, and sometimes unreliable. Now, with my own car, I have full control over my business operations,” Sarah explains.
The difference was huge!
The difference was huge. With her own car, she could double her daily deliveries from 5 to 10, reducing delays and cutting delivery costs by 40%. Within just three months, her monthly sales increased by 65%, as she could now supply more salons, beauty shops, and individual customers.
Her business became more profitable, more efficient, and more independent. No longer held back by logistics, Sarah could focus on growing her brand and strengthening customer relationships. Today, she serves over 250 regular customers, and her products are stocked in 15 salons and beauty stores across Mwanza and neighboring regions.
“It’s more than just a car, it’s a symbol of growth. It has given me the ability to scale my business in ways I never thought possible,” she says.
Sarah’s journey is a powerful reminder that the right investment at the right time can change everything. Thanks to the Imbeju Program, she didn’t just receive funding, she gained freedom, control, and the ability to take her business to new heights.
Her story is one of many from the Imbeju Program, which has reached over 576,723 entrepreneurs across Tanzania, providing training and over TZS 10 billion in seed capital. For Sarah and thousands like her, this isn’t just business—it’s a movement toward economic independence and long-term success.