Carole Kinoti, a Kenyan fashion entrepreneurs and founder of the Carole Kinoti Brand has always followed the call of creativity.
From her early days experimenting in the kitchen to now leading one of East Africa’s most impactful fashion brands, Kinoti’s journey is a story of passion, reinvention, and empowerment.
“I loved working with my hands, but cooking didn’t feel like my final stop,” Kinoti said in a past interview. “When I discovered fashion, it felt like coming home.”
Growing up, Carole had a strong inclination toward hands-on work. Whether it was cooking, styling hair, or crafting something from scratch, she was happiest when creating. Her career began in the culinary world after training as a chef, but she soon realized that her deeper passion lay elsewhere.
Her turning point came while working in an office with an in-house tailor. Curious and eager, Kinoti started learning the craft. This led her to establish a small tailoring venture and later enroll at Woodgrove Fashion College to formalize her training. With her eye for detail and an entrepreneurial spirit, she launched what would become Carole Kinoti Collections—a fashion brand known for its elegant yet practical pieces and commitment to African identity.
But Kinoti’s impact extends beyond clothing racks. After facing burnout in 2014, she took time to reflect and refocus. She enrolled in a management course at Strathmore Business School and emerged with a renewed mission: to use fashion as a platform for transformation.
Through initiatives such as Fashion on the Road and the Mavazi Elevate Programme, Kinoti is helping women from marginalized communities gain skills, income, and dignity through fashion. Her work has earned recognition not just for its style but for its social impact.
“All I wanted was to sell a dress and give the dress a story,” she said. “Fashion, for me, is about storytelling and empowerment.”
Her journey from chef to celebrated designer is not just a tale of career change,it’s a roadmap for African women looking to blend creativity with purpose.
Today, Carole Kinoti continues to inspire a new generation of women entrepreneurs. Her message is simple but powerful: your hands can build more than just a livelihood,they can shape a legacy.
