1.Hi Faith, what’s your background and what has been your career? (Has it always been innovation or there was something before this, job, school, how you got into what you do now)
My background is in business; I earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree with first-class honors and am now pursuing an MBA in Finance. But innovation has always been my passion. Even though my studies focused on finance, I’ve always felt a pull towards solving practical problems with creativity. I started seeing gaps in areas like hygiene and food security that could be addressed in simple yet impactful ways. Working with grass came naturally as I saw its potential for sustainability and realized how much it could contribute to solving major challenges.
2.You could have worked on literally anything else, why go into innovating with grass as the main material? (What inspired your current venture)
Answer: Choosing grass was intentional. It’s a material that’s readily available, renewable, and often overlooked, especially for products that directly impact people’s lives. What really inspired me was seeing how something so common could become transformative. The idea of converting grass into products that could meet basic needs—like sanitary towels—was deeply inspiring. I wanted to build a venture rooted in sustainability, using something that grows abundantly and can be accessed by almost anyone. Grass felt like the perfect starting point for a meaningful, environmentally friendly innovation.
3.How do you really make sanitary towels from grass? (is it purely grass or some other raw materials are used as well?)
Answer: The sanitary towels are primarily made from grass, which I process to form the core material. Grass gives the product its absorbency and natural feel, with a few other natural elements included to enhance durability and performance.
4.Is there anyone using the sanitary towels (is it available in the market) or it’s still a working prototype?
Answer: Right now, the sanitary towels are still in the prototype stage, so they aren’t available on the market yet. This phase is all about refining and testing the product to ensure it meets quality and comfort standards. The goal is to bring it to market soon and make it affordable and accessible for those who need it most.
5.What are some challenges that you have faced and how did you overcome them?
Answer: Like any new venture, this journey has come with its share of challenges. Getting the right texture and absorbency from grass was initially tough, as was finding natural ingredients that would blend well with it. Testing each version and refining the process has taken time and patience. But I’ve found that each setback was an opportunity to improve, giving me valuable insights into materials and production techniques. Staying committed to the goal, even when things seemed slow, has been key.
6.Financially/user acquisition wise how is the product doing?
Answer: Currently, the product is in the testing and development stage, so it hasn’t yet hit the market. Right now, I’m focused on building awareness and securing support to help fund the journey to launch. When the product is ready, I plan to make it affordable, with a target price between 50 to 60 Kenyan shillings for a pack of 10 pieces. Financial backing and user feedback will be essential as I move towards production, and I’m actively seeking partnerships that align with this mission.
7.What are some of the mistakes you made while working on the product?
Answer: In the beginning, I made some mistakes, especially around material choices and production techniques. There were moments I rushed to try new things, only to realize I had to go back and start over. Those mistakes taught me to prioritize quality over speed and to focus on testing each step to ensure a safe, effective product. Each error helped me understand what works best, and that knowledge has been invaluable.
8.What are some of your future plans?
Answer : Looking forward, I want to expand the concept of using grass into other essential products that promote sustainability. Beyond sanitary towels, there’s huge potential in using grass for items that people rely on daily. I also want to make some of these processes accessible to communities so they can create sustainable products themselves, as a way to combat poverty and promote local empowerment. My vision is for grass to be a symbol of sustainable innovation.
9.If you had the chance to do things differently, what would you do?
Answer: If I could do things differently, I would have embraced the importance of collaboration much earlier. Innovation can be a solitary process, and while I’ve learned a lot on my own, working with others—whether experts in material science, sustainable production, or even those in the target communities—could have accelerated the process. I also would have focused more on prototyping earlier, testing smaller batches to gather user feedback sooner. There’s always a balance between moving quickly and making sure every step is right, but I now understand that seeking advice, feedback, and diverse perspectives from the beginning could have helped refine the product even faster.
10.Where can people go to know more about you and your work?
Answer: For anyone interested in following my journey, I share regular updates and insights across my social media channels. That’s where I document each step, from new ideas to prototypes, so people can witness the evolution of this work firsthand.
I am on Facebook page, Tiktok and LinkedIn as Faith Wandia.
Bonus Question: What does success look like to you as an individual?
Success, for me, is a blend of personal growth, impact, and fulfillment. It’s not just about reaching a destination but continuously evolving and solving real-world problems in a way that improves lives. I’ve always believed that success isn’t solely about financial gain or recognition, although they are important. It’s about creating innovative, sustainable solutions that help others—whether by providing affordable sanitary products, addressing hunger through grass-based foods, or creating alternatives to everyday essentials.
That being said, I know I’m not there yet. I’m still in the process of bringing these ideas to life and refining them to make a real impact. Success, for me, will come when I can look back and see the tangible difference I’ve made—whether it’s through a product in people’s hands or the broader impact of my work on sustainability and innovation. But for now, I’m focused on the journey and the steps I’m taking each day to get closer to that vision of success.
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