Chebet Ng’ok: Founder of Harriet Botanicals, Empowering Wellness

Discover how Chebet Ng’ok’s Harriet Botanicals uses indigenous herbs to transform reproductive health, helping women and men live pain-free, healthy lives.

Chebet Ng’ok, the Founder and CEO of Harriet Botanicals, took a deeply personal challenge and turned it into a thriving business, bringing indigenous Kenyan remedies to the forefront of the wellness industry.

 What started as a search for relief from severe menstrual pain led Chebet to discover the healing power of local herbs. 

Today, her company is empowering women and men alike through natural products while promoting better reproductive health.

From Financial Powerhouse to Entrepreneur

Chebet’s journey into entrepreneurship was far from typical.

A highly successful financial manager and consultant, she spent over 15 years living in London, where she obtained an LLB in Law with a concentration in Commercial Law from the London School of Economics and an LLM in International Banking and Finance.

 Her illustrious career saw her work with some of the world’s largest financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chase, the UK Financial Services Authority, and Goldman Sachs. She even held positions as an independent consultant and an East Africa Partner at Dwyka Projects and Equinox Global Consultants.

However, behind her professional success, Chebet was grappling with debilitating menstrual pain that impacted her life and career.

 “When I finished my education and started working, I had a serious challenge with my menstruation—a lot of pain, agony, painkillers, and frequent visits to doctors and gynecologists,” she explained in a 2021 interview. Desperate for relief, she tried everything from juice fasts and yoga to various painkillers, but nothing seemed to work.

Discovering Indigenous Remedies

It wasn’t until Chebet returned to Kenya that she discovered the transformative power of indigenous herbs.

 Her journey into alternative medicine began with a recommendation from a family member. 

A herbalist uncle from Webuye gave her a traditional remedy that, for the first time, alleviated some of her pain. Later, at her father’s funeral, a woman introduced her to Kipsigis herbs, which provided the first completely painless menstrual cycle Chebet had experienced in years.

This revelation inspired her to research further into indigenous remedies from the Keiyo, Marakwet, and Kipsigis communities.

 “When I experienced a painless period for the first time in my life, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly powerful,” Chebet recalls. She began sharing the herbs with friends, one of whom was about to undergo a hysterectomy due to severe menstrual pain. The success stories spread quickly, with Chebet’s social circles buzzing about the benefits of these natural remedies.

Filling a Void in Kenya’s Wellness Market

Harriet Botanicals was officially launched in 2017 to formalize the distribution of these indigenous remedies, focusing initially on women’s reproductive health.

 “We realized there was a huge gap in the market for locally sourced, natural solutions to common health issues like menstrual pain, infertility, and digestion challenges,” says Chebet.

As word of mouth spread and demand grew, Harriet Botanicals expanded its product line to cater to both men and women, offering remedies for issues like low libido and immune support.

 Chebet made it her mission to ensure that these products were accessible to all Kenyans, opening outlets in major cities and towns across the country.

Overcoming Challenges and Building a Business

Starting Harriet Botanicals was not without its challenges. Despite her background in finance, Chebet faced an entirely new set of hurdles in the health and wellness sector. 

“Convincing people to trust indigenous remedies was tough. Many believed that imported products were more effective,” she explained.

Funding was another major obstacle. Chebet initially relied on personal savings and small contributions from family and friends. She didn’t have access to large-scale investment, but through determination and a commitment to quality, Harriet Botanicals slowly gained a loyal customer base.

 “I believed in the power of the product, and I knew that if we kept reinvesting back into the business, we could grow sustainably,” she said.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey, Chebet shares some valuable lessons for others looking to start their own businesses.

 “First, you have to believe in your product. If you’re not convinced, no one else will be,” she advises. She also stresses the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. 

“There were times I doubted whether this business could work, but I never gave up. You have to be prepared for setbacks and keep pushing forward.”

Chebet also emphasizes the need for market education.

 “Our biggest challenge was getting people to trust natural, locally made remedies. But once we focused on educating consumers about the benefits of our products, we began to see a shift.”

Lastly, she advises entrepreneurs to start small and grow organically.

 “You don’t need a lot of capital to start. What’s more important is that you have a clear vision and a product that people need.”

Voices of Beneficiaries

The impact of Harriet Botanicals has been far-reaching, with many customers sharing their stories of relief and improved well-being. Ann Wambui, a loyal customer, speaks about how the products have changed her life

: “I had severe menstrual cramps for years. Since using Harriet Botanicals’ products, I’ve experienced pain-free cycles and can finally go about my day without interruption.”

James Njoroge, who struggled with digestive issues, shares a similar experience:

 “I started using their Moringa tea for digestion problems, and it’s been a game-changer. I feel healthier and more energetic.”

A Future Rooted in Wellness

Today, Harriet Botanicals stands as a testament to Chebet Ng’ok’s vision of making indigenous wellness solutions accessible to all. 

As the company continues to expand its product range and reach, Chebet remains committed to her mission of promoting better health through the power of nature.

Her story is a powerful reminder of the potential for personal challenges to inspire entrepreneurial success. “I never thought my pain would lead me to this,” she says. “But now, I’m proud to be helping other people live healthier, pain-free lives.”

Chebet’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and staying true to one’s roots—lessons that any entrepreneur can take to heart.

Keywords: Harriet Botanicals: Chebet Ng’ok: Indigenous remedies: Reproductive health: Natural wellness