Diana Marua, the digital content creator, rising musician, and now TV co-host, has never been one to shy away from sharing her life’s journey, no matter how unconventional or challenging it may have been. Known for her candidness, Diana recently opened up about her humble beginnings, including a stint as a street hawker selling sim cards—an experience that she recalls with a mix of nostalgia and gratitude.
Early Beginnings in the Hustle
Diana’s story begins in the early mornings of Nairobi, where she and her then-boyfriend would wake up at 4:30 a.m. to begin their day as hawkers of YU sim cards. This was Diana’s very first job, and at the time, she was a shy young woman, a stark contrast to the confident and vivacious personality that her fans know today.
Reflecting on those days, Diana shared, “My first job nilikua nafanya kazi ya kuuza line za YU na chali yangu then.” This job was no small feat; with the competitive hustle of street vending, Diana was required to meet daily targets. However, her introverted nature made it difficult to engage with potential customers, a crucial aspect of the job.
“Tulikua tunaamka 4:30 am tunapatana 5 am juu tulikua tunaishi same place. Tulikua tunapewa lines na target na sikua na confidence ya kuongea,” she recalls, painting a vivid picture of their determination to make a living.
A Supportive Partner in the Struggle
Despite the challenges, Diana was fortunate to have the support of her then-boyfriend, who not only managed his own sales targets but also went out of his way to help her sell the sim cards. “Huyo Chali alikua ananipenda so alikua ananisaidia kuuza. The hustle was real!” Diana reminisced. Their combined efforts not only helped them make ends meet but also taught Diana valuable lessons about resilience and perseverance.
A Turning Point with M-Pesa
Following her time as a sim card hawker, Diana transitioned to a role as an M-Pesa agent. It was in this position that Diana’s fortunes began to change. Working as an M-Pesa agent was more stable compared to her previous hustle, and it provided her with a chance to interact with a broader spectrum of people.
One fateful Sunday, while she was at work, a customer walked in and noticed something in Diana that prompted him to offer her his business card. He encouraged her to send in her CV for an office job opening, despite Diana not having the conventional qualifications or even a CV at that time.
“On a Sunday nimekaa nasoma tu gazeti then a guy comes alafu anasema anataka kuwithdraw some cash so akaniangalia ni kama alikua anatafuta mtu wa ofisi,” Diana recounted. With the help of another boyfriend who was skilled in IT, Diana managed to put together a CV and sent it off, hoping for the best.
From 9,000 to 15,000 KES: A Life-Changing Opportunity
To her surprise, Diana was called in for an interview and was offered the job with a starting salary of KES 15,000—a significant increase from the KES 9,000 she had been earning. This opportunity marked a turning point in her life, providing her with a platform to grow professionally and financially. “I was so happy juu huko kwingine nilikua napata 9k,” she said, underscoring the relief and excitement she felt at this new chapter.
Lessons in Resilience and Hustle
Diana Marua’s journey from hawking sim cards to becoming a TV co-host is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and the willingness to seize opportunities even when they seem out of reach. Her story is an inspiration to many, illustrating that with hard work, support, and a bit of luck, one can turn the most modest beginnings into remarkable success.
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