The Journey to Opening Our Eldoret Store
The Journey to Opening Our Eldoret Store
8 minutes read
Bringing Soft Life to the City of Champions
Our Eldoret store is more than a location; it is a story of vision, perseverance, and gratitude. The journey began in 2023, when our Co-Founders traveled to Marakwet and Eka Hotel on an assessment
and client-service visit. What seemed at first like routine engagement revealed something deeper: inquiries from Eldoret were steadily rising, and diaspora clients were frequently calling, placing orders, and advocating on behalf of the region.
It was in that moment that a question surfaced with quiet but undeniable weight: “Should Eldoret be our next home?” The thought carried both daring and promise. With only the Kimathi branch in operation, expansion felt bold, perhaps even risky. Yet the idea was electrifying, a spark that hinted at possibility. Eldoret was not simply another market; it was a city whose growing demand and vibrant spirit aligned with our vision. What began as a question soon became a thrilling prospect, laying the foundation for a journey that would test our resolve and affirm our belief in purposeful growth.
Searching for the Right Space
In 2023, we set out with genuine excitement to explore the possibility of opening a new branch in Eldoret. What quickly became clear, however, was that suitable spaces, those capable of reflecting both our vision and our uncompromising standards, were far fewer than we had hoped. The TANJ business model is not simply about commerce; it is a deliberate orchestration of styles, aesthetics, structures, and experiences, each element carefully curated to create a cohesive whole. Securing the right space was therefore not just a logistical necessity, but the foundation upon which our Eldoret presence would be built.
Month after month, we pressed forward with determination; searching, evaluating, and reimagining what each possibility might become. Every visit, every conversation, every visualization was part of a larger pursuit: to find a home that could embody the essence of TANJ. Through moments of uncertainty, we held firmly to our conviction that the city of Champions deserved a drapery experience that matched its energy, ambition, and dreams.
The Pop-Up Idea & Vision Board
Towards the close of 2024, the idea of a pop-up store emerged, conceived as a trial run, a way to test the waters while bringing our vision to life in a tangible form. The concept itself was carefully and thoughtfully crafted, a reflection of our commitment to detail and design. Yet, when it came to execution, we faltered. The implementation did not fully match the clarity of the vision. Still, the dream remained intact, preserved in spirit even when the outcome fell short.
By 2025, the idea had taken on a new form. We inscribed it onto our vision board, not as a reminder of what had failed, but as a quiet testament to what awaited its rightful moment. It became a symbol of patience and persistence, a dream deliberately held in reserve until the conditions aligned.
Opportunity Arrives — 2025
In early 2025, the long-awaited moment arrived. A space opened at Rupas Mall, and with it came an unexpected call that placed Eldoret back into our story. Though the city had not been part of our immediate rollout plan, the opportunity was undeniable. We embraced it wholeheartedly, recognizing in that instant that this was the chance to transform vision into reality.
The acquisition of space marked only the beginning. From there, our energy was devoted to the build-out and interior construction. Every detail mattered, for the showroom was envisioned not merely as a physical location, but as a complete embodiment of the Tanj experience: a place where comfort, excellence, and the promise of luxury could be felt in every corner.
Challenges Along the Way
The journey was never without its trials. We had envisioned a grand opening on June 1st 2025, followed by a carefully curated event that would mark the beginning of something extraordinary. Yet, construction delays and pending approvals forced us to pause, reminding us that even the most inspired visions must contend with reality.
Then came a moment that tested us more deeply than any logistical setback. During one of our site visits, an accident occurred, sudden, unsettling, and enough to shake our confidence. For a brief time, doubt crept in. We questioned whether our timing was right, whether the dream we carried so fiercely was meant to unfold in this season.
But vision has a way of demanding resilience. We chose not to surrender. Instead, we pressed forward with renewed determination, holding tightly to the belief that strength itself was our lifeline. Each step became an act of defiance against discouragement, a declaration that we would not abandon the dream. What sustained us was not just persistence, but the conviction that this journey was bigger than setbacks; that it was about bringing to life a vision that deserved to exist.
Silent Opening — August 2025
We launched our doors in August without much to do in Eldoret. We decided to start small, with one house client at a time. It was the community that accepted us, and this proved that we made the right choice. Eldoret was waiting, and we were at last here.
Why We Are Doing a Sip & Shop Launch
Traffic at the showroom increased rapidly, and we knew that a huge launch would drown the client experience. Instead, we chose intimacy. The Sip and Shop Experience also enabled us to serve each client personally, developing a valuable, curated event that
Our Love for Eldoret
Eldoret has received us with open arms. It has been an inspiring service to this community, whether among athletes, families, or professionals. We are thankful, enthusiastic, and pleased to introduce a luxury drapery experience into the City of Champions. This store is not a mere showroom, but a commitment to keep on producing beautiful, comfortable homes within the region.
Come discover the Tanj Experience at Rupa’s Mall, Eldoret.
