My mission is to help mums succeed

Christine Khasinah Odero founded Supamamas – a company that brings together women who share and help each other in the journey of motherhood and personal growth

What motivated you to start Supamamas?

I wanted to create a platform that would inspire, inform and connect mums. I thought the best way would be to do this through regular events that would bring mums together and connect them to various brands and companies, with each other as well as experts and notable women with whom they could share their stories.

Tell us a little more about Supamamas...

The events that we organise vary in theme, ranging from motherhood, child education, fitness and health. Professional events are around personal branding, financial growth, managing and growing businesses etc. We hold events every month in Nairobi or Mombasa. Our other platform is our  website through which we share information on matters  mother and baby.

We also encourage women to give back to society and we have so far visited Lang’ata Women’s Prison, Kenyatta National Hospital Paediatric and Maternity Wards and Nyumba Ya Tumaini, a rehabilitation centre.

What has brought you the most joy doing what you do?

The celebration of sisterhood and friendships and networking that come as a result of the events. Also the recognition and awards that I have received including Business Daily Top 40 Under 40 2014, CEO’s Magazine Finalist Africa’s Most Influential Women in Business 2013 and 2014 and this year I’m a finalist for the CFC Stanbic Bank Rising Star Awards. It’s been a real honour and has validated my efforts.

What challenges did you encounter starting off?

I would say the hardest part of the start-up phase was getting people to believe in the idea, getting mums to attend the initial events and convincing sponsors.

However, with consistency, mothers, sponsors and advertisers have seen what we can do and the business has grown from strength to strength.

What challenges are you experiencing now and how do you manage to overcome them?

The stage Supamamas is in now is basically scaling the idea and growing. This includes managing the growth and maintaining the momentum.

Rather than do the same events over and over, our themes and execution continue to be creative and experiential. Growing has also entailed nurturing our digital presence and have grown our base to an audience of 25,000 plus online.

We continue to be innovative and recently launched a free magazine targeting parents.

What do you teach women in your events?

The running theme and lessons in our events is for women to strive for excellence even as mothers. Live their dreams and in their own space find a way to make a difference and be themselves.

How would you describe the wider role you play in society as an entrepreneur?

Most women are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and believe in themselves and their ideas when they interact and read about women like myself. I believe that the wider role that I play is encouraging more and more women to get into business.

Describe your typical day?

I am an early riser and try to start my work day from around 5.30 a.m and report to the office around 9 a.m. On most days of the week I’m out for meetings.

My day ends at around 4.30 p.m. and I make an effort to exercise 4 times per week to unwind and strategise. Weekends are spent with family or rotary activities.

Who is Christine?

I would describe myself as a hard working and committed person. I set goals and work towards them. I hold myself accountable and never believe in making excuses. I do whatever it takes to get the job done. I believe in personal growth and love to read.

Where did you work before starting the Supamamas?

I previously worked in tours and travel in various marketing and customer service positions. My last job was in the automobile industry.

What has brought you the greatest satisfaction or fulfilment in life in general?

Finding my purpose by setting up the business. Through it I am able to mobilise and bring mothers together as well as connecting them to other inspiring women who they may not have been able to gain access to. I also find great fulfilment in giving back.