How WeWork Is Helping Blackrose Skills Enterprises Increase Production

For Christine Kharono, the CEO of Blackrose Skills Enterprises, growing a business is about more than increasing sales. It is about building the capacity to meet customer demand, improving business management and creating opportunities for others.

Based in Jinja, Blackrose Skills Enterprises is an art and crafts business producing jewellery, crocheted items, shopping bags, wall hangings, doormats, keyholders and other handmade products. With an eco-friendly approach, the business also promotes reusable alternatives to plastic products, helping address plastic waste while providing practical items for everyday use.

However, before joining the WeWork project, limited production capacity was holding the business back.

Overcoming production challenges

Although Blackrose was already operating, the business struggled to fulfil customer orders on time. Limited machinery slowed production, making it difficult to meet demand and expand its product range.

Through the grant funding from the WeWork project, Christine acquired a heavy-duty sewing machine that has significantly improved her production process.

The difference has been tangible. Previously, Blackrose produced approximately 20 bags per month. It can now produce between 40 and 50 bags, depending on customer orders.

The new machine has also enabled the business to introduce products that require thicker layers of material, expanding what it can offer customers.

“The fact that I got a machine that makes the work easier and faster, it has really helped me in the revenue growth of the business,” Christine explains.

With improved production capacity, Blackrose is better positioned to meet customer demand, deliver orders more efficiently and pursue new business opportunities.

Growing revenue through better business management

Beyond equipment, the WeWork project has supported Christine in strengthening the financial management of her business.

Before the project, keeping proper financial records was a significant challenge. Through financial management sessions and continued guidance from her coach, Christine has developed better record-keeping practices and a clearer understanding of her business performance.

She now tracks sales, investments and profits more consistently, helping her understand how the business is performing and where improvements are needed.

This progress has been reflected in the business’s financial results, with Blackrose recording a 30% increase in monthly revenue compared with its previous baseline.

For Christine, regular coaching and accountability have been important in sustaining this progress. Her coach checks in on sales and revenue, encouraging her to keep accurate records and remain aware of her business’s financial position.

As she puts it, “It has really helped me to know how much I sell, how much I invest, and what profits I am making.”

This improved financial visibility gives Christine a stronger foundation for planning, making business decisions and managing future growth.

Creating opportunities through business growth

As production has increased and business operations have improved, Christine has also expanded her team by bringing on two people to support different aspects of the business.

One team member helps with financial record-keeping and accountability, ensuring sales are recorded, including those made at exhibitions. The other supports deliveries, allowing Christine to focus on production while customers receive their orders.

These additions demonstrate how strengthening a small business can create opportunities for others while improving day-to-day operations.

For Christine, the guidiance she has received extends beyond the grant and training sessions. She values the consistent follow-ups from her coach, who continues to challenge her to track her revenue, monitor sales and stay accountable for her business’s progress.

Building for the future

Blackrose Skills Enterprises’ journey highlights how combining access to appropriate equipment with financial management training and ongoing mentorship can help entrepreneurs address practical business challenges.

For Christine, the improvements in production, revenue and team capacity mark important steps towards building a stronger business. With better machinery, improved financial practices and additional support within her team, Blackrose is better equipped to respond to customer needs and explore further growth opportunities.

Through the WeWork project, entrepreneurs like Christine are gaining practical guidiance to strengthen their businesses, improve their operations and build a more sustainable foundation for the future.

The WeWork – Green and Decent Jobs for Youth project, is implemented by StartHub Africa in collaboration with Enabel, the Belgian Agency for International Cooperation, under the Global Gateway strategy and funded by the European Union and Belgium.