Paul Kinuthia is the founder and CEO of Nice & Lovely, one of Kenya’s leading manufacturers of beauty and personal care products.
Kinuthia’s inspiring story begins from humble beginnings of hawking perfumes to becoming the Nice and Lovely CEO.
In the early 1990s, Kinuthia worked as a casual labourer at the Kenya Planters Cooperative Union (KPCU).
Paul Kinuthia Journey
Determined to succeed, Kinuthia became more aggressive in selling perfumes, targeting a wider market.
Soon, he identified a growing demand from salon owners for hair care products like shampoos.
Seizing this opportunity, he invested Ksh 3,000 and began producing his own handmade shampoo in a small room on Kirinyaga Road.
He bought with a jiko, a sufuria, and a blending stick, Kinuthia created a product that salon owners loved.
Kinuthia began selling it in bulk to salons and offices using a handcart, which marked the humble beginnings of his first company, Inter-Consumer Products Limited.
He moved from Kirinyaga Road to Gikomba for bigger premises to continue his business.
His home was frequently visited by police officers who suspected him of selling contraband.
In 2001, recognizing the need for professional expertise to scale his business, Kinuthia hired skilled professionals to help expand his operations.
His first major product was Nice & Lovely, a line of lotions, gels, and shampoos that quickly gained popularity.
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His Leadership Journey
Under his leadership, Inter-Consumer Products diversified its offerings to include popular brands like All Time Sanitary Pads, Bouncy Baby Diapers, and Golden Shine shoe polish.
Further, in 2007, the company went public, listing on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, which enhanced its visibility and credibility.
In 2012, Inter-Consumer reported a turnover of approximately Ksh 1.9 billion.
However, in 2013, a cosmetic brand, L’Oréal expanded its presence in the East African market, making it more competitive for Paul Kinuthia’s products.
In 2013, L’Oréal Paris acquired the health and beauty division of Kenya’s Inter-Consumer Products Limited, known for its flagship brand Nice & Lovely.
Kinuthia ploughed back the profit from the cosmetic brand and built a long-standing business.
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Nice & Lovely Company
Today, Nice & Lovely is one of the leading brands in Kenya’s beauty and personal care industry. The company’s products are sold in retail outlets across East Africa, and its success has made Paul Kinuthia one of Kenya’s most respected entrepreneurs.
Further, it is a brand that caters primarily to the beauty needs of people with relaxed hair textures.
Additionally, its product range focuses on hair and skincare, offering solutions for things like cleansing, nourishing, and styling.
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