Meet Samuel Kimu, a writer, marketer, and grant writer from Kenya whose journey reflects resilience, curiosity, and a deep commitment to creating impact. From struggling to find a corporate role after graduation to building his own path in sales, marketing, and grant writing, Samuel has transformed challenges into opportunities for growth. Today, he runs NK Elite, providing email marketing for fashion and skincare brands and grant writing services for non-profits.
At Humans of Fuzia, we are honored to feature Samuel as part of our HeForShe series, because his story reminds us that empowerment and growth are built on perseverance and connection. His journey will inspire our 5M+ global community to embrace challenges, explore their potential, and uplift others along the way.
Q: Samuel, could you tell us about the beginning of your journey?
After graduating in 2019 with a degree in Communication, I expected to enter the corporate world—maybe in media or a company’s communication department. But doors didn’t open as I hoped. Around that time, I kept feeling this inner voice telling me to “learn how to sell.” At first, I resisted, but eventually I embraced it and got my first sales role selling movies, then later gas.
Sales taught me resilience and confidence—I realized I could sell anything to anyone. But over time, I experienced burnout without even knowing what it was. My energy drained, and I had to step back. Later, I discovered marketing, which I felt was more long-term and impactful, unlike sales which focused only on today or tomorrow. That shift was life-changing.
Q: How did grant writing come into your life?
In 2022, someone asked me if I could write a grant. I had never done it before, but I reached out to my mentor who guided me. That first experience opened my eyes—grant writing wasn’t just about asking for money. It was about securing resources that could transform communities. I realized this was my way of using writing to create impact, and it gave me a strong sense of purpose.
Q: What makes you happiest about your work today?
Two things. First, the connections—my work has enabled me to meet entrepreneurs, experts, and people from different industries. I truly enjoy building those relationships. Second, it’s about making a difference. Whether through a marketing strategy that connects a brand with its customers or a grant proposal that secures funding for a non-profit, I find meaning in knowing my work helps others.
Q: Can you tell us about your business, NK Elite?
NK Elite is a service-based business with two main areas:
- Email marketing for fashion and skincare direct-to-consumer brands. This includes creating strategies, campaigns, copywriting, and consultations.
- Grant writing for non-profits, where I help with strategy, proposals, and consultations.
Both sides of the business tie back to my love for writing and my passion for impact.
Q: How do you create awareness about your work?
My main platform is LinkedIn, where I share consistently and engage with others. I also use X (Twitter), Instagram, and recently started YouTube. Each platform gives me a different way to reach people, but LinkedIn is where I’m most active.
Q: What are some of your current goals and aspirations?
This year, I’ve been focusing on two main goals:
- Speaking on more podcasts to share knowledge and inspire people.
- Building partnerships—collaborating with experts in related fields, like social media management, so we can support each other and create more impact together.
I’ve also started a podcast of my own covering both grant writing and email marketing, with another series exploring copywriting. It’s my way of sharing knowledge and building resources for others.
“My journey has taught me that challenges often hide opportunities. Burnout led me to marketing, and curiosity led me to grant writing. Every experience prepares us for the next chapter.” – Samuel Kimu
Connect with Samuel Kimu
X
https://www.instagram.com/samuel_kimu_smasher
YouTube
https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCQ1JsMnp2bphLMXP2vW7McQ/content/podcasts
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-kimu
✨ Want to be featured?
If you’d like to be featured in the Humans of Fuzia series, email us at fuziatalent@fuzia.com.
