How Form Two dropout turned passion for photography into successful business

At just 25, Mohammed Mbwana, a resident of Mombasa, is one of the county’s most promising young entrepreneurs. His professional photography business now generates a good income, employing several local youths and offering a pathway out of unemployment.

But his journey was far from straightforward, marked by challenges, persistence, and a determination to turn adversity into opportunity.

Mbwana’s story begins with an early departure from school.

“I left when I was in Form Two,” he recalls.

“There were problems at home, and we did not have enough money to send all of us to school. I sacrificed and decided to try my hand in business.”

While many might have seen his departure from formal education as a setback, for Mbwana, it was the beginning of a transformation that would eventually benefit not just him, but also his community.

Starting small, Mbwana began by selling juice and clothes in his neighbourhood.

“I used to sell a glass of juice for Sh10, and a bottle for Sh20. On good days, I could make up to Sh400,” he says.

But his hunger for success didn’t stop there. Inspired by the potential profits, he soon transitioned into selling clothes, hawking them on the streets of Mombasa.

“I thought maybe those selling clothes made better money. The very next day, I was out there, busy hawking.”

Despite his entrepreneurial ventures, Mbwana never lost his passion for football.

“During the day, I sold clothes and in the afternoon I played football. It was like therapy for me. Football was my way of healing,” he says, likening it to a form of meditation.

However, a taekwondo injury soon changed his life’s trajectory, forcing him to look for alternative ways to keep busy and stay out of trouble.

To keep his mind engaged and away from negative influence, Mbwana tried various activities, including teaching taekwondo to children in his neighbourhood.

“I was idle, and I needed to do something legal and constructive to avoid getting into illegal activities or drugs. Taekwondo kept me focused.”

It wasn’t until several years later that photography entered Mbwana’s life.

What began as a casual hobby, taking photos of his friends with their phones soon turned into something more.

“My friends encouraged me to take it seriously. I was always the one capturing moments for them, editing photos and sharing them,” he says.

However, with no access to a professional camera, Mbwana initially put the idea aside until fate intervened.

“One day my cousin visited from Canada and accidentally left his camera behind when he returned home. My uncle kept it for him, but I saw an opportunity,” he says.

That opportunity came in the form of a local football match.

“My team had a SportPesa game, and I thought it was the perfect chance to test the camera. I had no idea how to use it, but a friend simply told me to press the button, and that’s how it started,” he explains.

Despite his lack of technical expertise, Mbwana’s passion for capturing moments was ignited.

Mbwana runs a successful photography studio, having learned the importance of reinvesting in his business. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

For two years, Mbwana dabbled in photography, learning on the job and refining his skills. Eventually, he realised that this hobby could be transformed into a professional endeavour. But early on, he made some rookie mistakes.

“I spent the initial money I made on shoes instead of investing in better equipment,” he says with a burst of laughter.

Now, Mbwana runs a successful photography studio, having learned the importance of reinvesting in his business. His studio employs several young people, many of whom were previously jobless.

“I’ve managed to get a proper camera, a desktop, and other equipment. On good weeks, I can make up to Sh10,000.”

His business doesn’t just benefit him; it’s also a beacon of hope for the community.

Mbwana mentors aspiring photographers who lack the resources to attend formal photography courses, passing on his skills and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.

“I work with upcoming artists, especially those passionate about photography but unable to go to school for it,” he says.

While he specialises in nature, football, and wedding photography, Mbwana remains grounded in his roots.

“Nature and football are my favourite subjects. Football is my passion, and I’ll never give that up. And we need to appreciate the beauty around us.”

Mbwana’s message to other young people struggling with unemployment is simple yet powerful: “If you sit and complain about not having a job, you could be complaining forever. Instead, find your hidden talent and turn it into a business. There’s opportunity everywhere if you’re willing to look for it.”