Stella Chepyatich
26-year-old Stella Chepyatich comes from Kapchemogen in West Pokot. After completing Form Four, her parents could not afford further schooling. Like many young people in her community, she found herself back at home, uncertain about her future. For two years, she collected and sold firewood by the roadside to survive. Though the work helped her get by, Stella knew it was not the life she wanted for herself. She believed she was capable of more, even when opportunities seemed out of reach.
During this period, she often faced pressure from people around her who suggested she should consider marriage instead of continuing to struggle. But Stella held on to the hope that her life could take a different direction.
That opportunity came when a neighbor told her about the HER Lab program. What stood out immediately was the chance to continue learning without school fees, which had been her biggest barrier. For the first time in a long while, Stella felt hopeful. She applied and was accepted into the program in May 2025.
When she first arrived at the center, Stella was shy and unsure of herself. Everything felt unfamiliar, but over time she formed friendships, grew more comfortable, and slowly began to feel like she belonged. Stella chose cosmetology, a field she had admired for years. Back home, she would watch the local hairdresser and imagine herself doing the same work. Before joining HER Lab, she even practiced braiding at home using weaving grass from around her homestead. It was her way of preparing herself for the opportunity she had been given.
Since joining the program, Stella has gained practical skills in braiding, makeup artistry, hair styling, and nail care. She has also developed computer literacy skills that she believes will help her manage her future business, from record-keeping to designing promotional materials.
Beyond technical training, Stella has experienced personal growth. Through public speaking workshops, she has learned to express herself confidently and share her story without fear. She now understands that confidence matters not only in business, but in everyday life. Her growing confidence has also shaped how she understands dignity and fulfillment. In a HER Lab podcast conversation with fellow graduates, Stella reflected on how dignity in her community is often tied to both self-worth and financial stability. She observed that people with stable incomes are often treated with more respect, while those struggling financially may be overlooked. At the same time, she emphasized that dignity is also reflected in how people treat others, especially through generosity, leadership, and support for family and community.
The discussion gave Stella space to reflect on her own future. She spoke about fulfillment as being able to support herself, help her family, and live with confidence and purpose. Through HER Lab, she feels she is moving closer to that future. Gaining skills, certificates, and opportunities to earn an income has strengthened her belief in herself and reinforced her determination to build a stable life while uplifting others in her community.
The support system at HER Lab has also played an important role in her journey. Stella speaks highly of her cosmetology teacher, Millicent, whose patience and encouragement have left a lasting impression on her. She also admires her computer teacher, Mr. Michael, for constantly encouraging students to remain hopeful and courageous.
Equally important to Stella is the sense of safety and care within the center. She feels comfortable seeking help whenever she has a concern and appreciates the support available to students. Through sessions led by the program nurse, she has also gained knowledge about reproductive health and family planning, giving her greater confidence in making decisions about her future.
Life at HER Lab is also filled with joy, connection, and self-expression. Stella enjoys activities like poker power, which build leadership and decision-making skills, and Samurmur, a cultural dance that helps her stay connected to her culture and community. Stella’s transformation has not gone unnoticed. During school holidays, people in her community admired her confidence and growing skills. When she braided her mother’s hair, the positive feedback she received gave her a strong sense of pride and encouragement.
Looking ahead, Stella hopes to teach other women in her community the skills she has learned so they too can create opportunities for themselves. She also dreams of opening her own salon to support herself and her family.
Reflecting on her journey, Stella believes HER Lab did more than equip her with skills. It changed the direction of her life. At a time when she faced pressure to settle for early marriage, the program offered her a different path and gave her the confidence to pursue her goals.
Today, Stella is no longer waiting for opportunities to come her way. She is preparing for them, determined to build a better future for herself and inspire others to do the same.