DR. LAURA MWANGI – (DR. ALORA TO THE WORLD)

Brief Introduction

Dr. Laura Munyazi Mwangi, a Kenyan and 29 years old.

Walk us through your academic journey

I attended  Lugulu Boarding Primary School and went to Lugulu Girls High School in the Western parts of Kenya. I did my undergraduate at Mt. Kenya University. In short I am a village girl,y y’all. From the village to the world!

Do you love being a pharmacist?

Yes I do. I love my work and I am fortunate to get to practice and earn from my passion. I am especially taken by Pharmaceutics and Pharmacognosy.

Which places have you worked so far?

I have had the opportunity to work both in Government and Private sector. I worked at Hillside Pharmacy in Webuye, moved to Medivet Ruiru, then to Bungoma County Referral Hospital. Currently I am self- employed.

What is the role(s) of pharmacist in compounding? /What does your day at work as a Pharmacist look like?

A pharmacist plays a critical role in compounding. He/she is responsible for making sure that products are of acceptable quality, safe and ethical. A pharmacist is instrumental in Research and Development, formulation & production, determining dosage forms and performing quality checks and control such as microbial testing and stability testing of microorganisms.

My typical day starts with prayer followed by a morning run and breakfast. I then leave for our production plant based in Kiambu, where I spend time formulating products. We have our distribution office in Nairobi CBD, where we meet clients and sell our products. As part of my daily routine, I also pass by the office to catch up with operations, talk to clients and then source for materials. My evenings are spent catching up with my family, personal care routines and finally getting some sleep.

How was Alora Birthed?

Dr. Alora was born out of Dr. Laura’s long struggle with acne, a desire to give back to humanity and a dream to build a Manufacturing Operation as big a size as Bidco Industries Kenya. After trying anything and everything to treat her symptoms, Dr. Laura decided to ‘take matters into her own hands’ by researching thoroughly the root cause of her ailment. On her road to a solution and with her background in Pharmacology, she found herself fascinated by the intersection between clinical and organic treatments to skin issues. To deepen her knowledge, she pursued a diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation with Formula Botanica. Eventually, she formulated a product that would work to improve her acne. This improvement did not go unnoticed by her family and friends. Their requests led her to formulate products for them and to later create a skin-care line that now has more than 15 formulated products which have benefitted to thousands of families.

Challenges encountered as you grew the Alora Brand?

Growing Dr.Alora as a brand has been an uphill task especially considering the fact that my background is not business related. My main challenges have been in the areas of digital marketing, brand development and sales management. However, I have made great strides with the help of my networks. I am not where I was when I started.

How do you collaborate with other professionals in the Beauty/Fashion Industry?

The brand Dr. Alora is where it is today because of the partnerships formed along the way. We have been collaborating through knowledge exchange, mentorship and events with our partners. I find that it is through partnerships that businesses move further faster.

How is it as a Pharmacist in Business?

I am a Pharmapreneur, particularly as applied in my business is profitable and has great potential for growth. Being a pioneer in this branch of Pharmacy, I  am excited! I believe that we have only began.

What has been your biggest struggle in the Pharmacy field?

As with most start-ups, I struggled with setting up proper systems for my business which made it difficult for me to access funds at the beginning. I have had to learn a lot on my own by trial and error which can be costly but it gets better. I am currently at a much better place.

If you are to change one thing about the profession, what would it be?

I would start with shifting the curriculum to be more entrepreneurship oriented with an emphasis on other hands on areas; and not only putting emphasis on Clinical Pharmacy. There are more areas of application that can create employment opportunities outside the Clinicals.

Do you have anything you do apart from pharmacy either for income generation or leisure?

I enjoy long distance running and singing in church

Advice to other pharmacists, especially Young Pharmacists.

There is a rewarding life beyond Clinical Pharmacy and finding employment. Be open minded, find your own niche and create your own path.

Links to access your products?

Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/aloraproducts%20/

Website –https://www.draloraproducts.com/