It’s not easy to find a creative leader with the vision and tenacity to transform an entire industry, but Sylvia Getata has done just that.
Since founding Purple Tulips Ltd in 2010, she has redefined what excellence looks like in event design and décor. She began as a wedding planner with nothing more than a dream, determination, and a commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences.
Over the years, she honed her craft, built a trusted brand, and proved her resilience by making bold decisions in the face of challenges, including closing her Nairobi operations during the Covid-19 pandemic to focus entirely on the coastal market.
“When the events industry was hit and business halted for almost eight months, I had to decide whether to hold on to everything I had built in Nairobi or close that chapter and go all in on the Coast,” she says.
"You might not have everyone in your corner all the time but if you have a strong sense of belief that what you want to do would work, then it does not hurt to try."
That pivot paid off. Today, Purple Tulips commands nearly 90 percent of the event décor market on Kenya’s Coast, transforming venues into stages for moments that matter and raising the bar for professionalism in the creative sector.
A majority of clients are coming from the diaspora, bringing along guests that impact the local tourism sector, putting Kenya on the global map. Furthermore, the enterprise has created job opportunities for locals, many without prior experience in events, design, or décor. They have now acquired valuable new skills.
With a clear-eyed understanding that hard work alone isn’t enough, Sylvia matches creativity with strategy. She sees opportunities where others see risks, and acts decisively to seize them. Her mantra, ‘Just Do It,’ is more than a catchphrase, it is the driving force behind a business that has scaled sustainably, impacted multiple industries, and continues to inspire.
“You might not have everyone in your corner all the time but if you have a strong sense of belief that what you want to do would work, then it does not hurt to try. So, go ahead, take the risk.”
Her journey is proof that success belongs to those willing to adapt, innovate, and take risks, seeing challenges as opportunities to evolve. This mindset fuels her commitment to redefining professionalism in the events industry, demonstrating that creativity can flourish alongside structure, integrity, and high standards.
–Lynet Igadwah