Sean Muigai: Balancing Employment and Passion in Photography

Meet 25-year-old Sean Muigai, a budding entrepreneur who refuses to allow employment to hold him back from accomplishing his full potential.

Sean, not only has a stable job as a procurement manager with a private firm but is climbing the ladder in his other profession, photography, which is his passion. A graduate from the Kenyatta University (K.U) with a degree in Economics and Sociology, Sean enjoys outdoor activities where he captures moments, as he calls them, and shares with his base of loyal fans.

Besides being a procurement manager, Sean Muigai is a young experienced entrepreneur and the brains behind SeanMuigai Photography. SeanMuigai Photography offers photography services in corporate events, property shoots, weddings, graduation ceremonies, baby showers, baby bump shoots, family shoots, and studio portraits.

On a one on one interview with Sean Muigai, we understand the making of SeanMuigai Photography and what inspires the energy behind it.

How Did The Idea of SeanMuigai Photography Come to Be?

“By 2014, I had won several phones in a number of photography competitions which built my confidence, I felt time had come to take my craft to the next level,” Sean says adding that he approached a friend and school colleague of his with the idea.

“She was very supportive and even offered her HELB money which we added to mine and through further support from my family, we purchased SeanMuigai Photography’s first equipment which was a great Photography camera,” Sean says beaming with obvious pride.

“The excitement of the new camera almost died when new jobs were not forthcoming yet I had to show the value for the money. I stayed afloat by doing free jobs with the aim of earning my client’s trust and have them market me through the word of mouth and their social media platforms,” Sean reveals amid chuckles adding that looking back he is grateful for the experience as it has really grown his confidence behind the camera.

Which Were the Challenges You had to Overcome to Build SeanMuigai Photography?

“Cameras and all equipment that a Photography company requires are quite expensive and that was the first major challenge we faced but with time, through financial discipline, we have managed to save and increase our equipment to ensure the job is well done,” Sean says.

He adds that earning the customers trust was the next big hurdle which he has since managed to cross after huge sacrifices to build the name that he has in the industry.

How different is the Company now than When You First Began?

“SeanMuigai Photography started off with a single camera, now the company has a list of equipment that not only eases the job but makes it fun too,” Sean says adding that the company is now legally registered and has pages in several social media platforms.

The company has pages on Instagram, Facebook, Linked In, Behance and Twitter where followers are kept inspired through photographs.

“Unlike before when starting where the company would go for months without a single client, the business now has clients booking on a notice depending on the season” Sean reveals.

Where Do You Draw Motivation and What Advise Do You Have for Young Kenyans Stuck in Unemployment?

“My mentor, Emmanuel Jambo, who is an established Photographer, has really held my hand in this field,” says Sean and further advises young Kenyans to seek respectable Mentors and reaches out to those who have made it in any field to hold a hand and uplift somebody.

“My colleague whom we partnered to start the company also inspires me to do the best for SeanMuigai Photography considering the amount of money, which was her school fees then, she injected into birthing the company,” Sean says adding that his partner’s zeal has made the journey worthwhile.

“Look around you, in the problems, see solutions, the solutions could easily pay your bills if you are passionate about it,” Sean concludes signing off with one most crucial statement, “Treasure and always appreciate your customers for when they are happy, you too are happy.”