Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has ventured into beauty, fashion and wellness with the launch of Skinly, a lifestyle brand she says will create employment opportunities while encouraging women to prioritise self-care.
The brand, unveiled at Bonsai Villa in Gigiri, Nairobi, brings together skincare products, beauty treatments, spa services and fashion under one roof.
Speaking during the launch, Maina said her passion for skincare and fashion inspired her to establish a business catering to women's personal care and lifestyle needs.
“I love skincare, and I love fashion. I wanted to bring these interests together under one brand—something that speaks to women and meets their lifestyle needs,” she said.
Skinly is based at Covo Square along Gitanga Road in Nairobi. Its services include facial analysis, beauty therapy, manicures and pedicures, alongside skincare products designed for different skin types. The business also features a fashion line offering shoes, dresses, hats and fascinators.
Maina said she envisioned a welcoming environment where women could shop, relax and feel appreciated, with pink and pastel colours forming part of the brand's identity.
Beyond beauty and fashion, the legislator said the venture recognises the pressures women face while balancing careers, family responsibilities and other daily commitments.
“I wanted to create a space where women feel celebrated and empowered, while also giving them an opportunity to take time for themselves,” she said.
Jobs for Young Kenyans
The venture has already created employment for six young people below the age of 25, with more opportunities expected as the business expands.
Maina said entrepreneurship could help create opportunities beyond those available through public service, particularly for young people seeking ways to earn a living and develop their skills.
She also hopes her decision to invest in a business will encourage others to pursue their ideas rather than wait for ideal economic conditions.
“I believe in Kenya, and I believe in our institutions. I want this launch to demonstrate that we can continue investing, building businesses and creating opportunities even during uncertain times,” she said.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, Maina maintained that economic uncertainty should not prevent people from investing and building businesses.
“As a leader, I can demonstrate that it is possible to serve in politics and still invest in a business. We must believe in the strength of our institutions, have confidence in our society and continue working towards the common good,” she added.
She said postponing her plans in anticipation of better conditions could mean waiting years before taking the first step.
“If I do not take this step now, I might find myself waiting another five or ten years for the ‘right’ time. I believe this is the time to begin. There is no perfect time,” she said.
Maina Expands Interests Beyond Politics
The launch adds to Maina's activities outside Parliament. An Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, she also runs Njeri Maina Law Advocates while serving as Kirinyaga Woman Representative in the National Assembly.
She has also recently returned to music with the reggae single Hit and Run, a playful love song about self-serving partners.
Before entering politics, Maina recorded music under the name Carola Jayne while associated with Grandpa Records during her university years.
The Skinly launch attracted several political, legal, media and civic figures, including political communications strategist Pauline Njoroge, Kirinyaga Senator James Kamau Murango, Baragwi Ward MCA David Munyi Mathenge, Siasa Place Executive Director Nerima Wako-Ojiwa and former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Mony Odhiambo.
Through the new venture, Maina is seeking to combine her interests in skincare, fashion and creativity while growing a business focused on women's personal care and employment opportunities for young people.
