Popular content creator and software engineer Cashmeer Sayyid set social media ablaze this past weekend after hosting what many believed was her wedding, only for guests to discover it was actually the grand launch of a new business venture.
Held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, the lavish event co-hosted by her sister, a certified nursing assistant, Kay Sayyid, was the official unveiling of Bollington, a vocational training institute set to offer programs in beauty, tech, fashion, hospitality, and CNA training.
In the days leading up to the event, Cashmeer had cleverly set the tone for a wedding narrative on her social media platforms. She first teased her followers with a video of a proposal, strategically hiding the face of her “soon-to-be husband” behind an emoji—sparking widespread speculation and excitement.
Then, just days before the big day, she heightened anticipation by posting “32-hours to my wedding”, further convincing her audience and followers that she was preparing to walk down the aisle.
The black-and-gold themed event drew dozens of high-profile influencers and social media personalities, all dressed to impress. Attendees were led to believe they were witnessing Cashmeer’s union with her “love of her life”, only to realize she was referring to her new school. Clad in a white suit and black tie, Cashmeer introduced Bollington with all the flair and ceremony of a wedding.
The unexpected twist sparked a storm of reactions, with guests leaving the event divided, some applauding the creativity, while others voiced feelings of betrayal and disappointment.
In a TikTok video, influencer and Instagram model Winnie Njenga expressed her frustration after spending around KSh 60,000 on her outfit. She revealed the event’s MC, Jay C, had delayed the program waiting for the “bride,” only for attendees to later realize there was no groom in sight. “Hii ni kutumia watu honestly… hii nguo yangu napeleka wapi?” she lamented.
TikTok personality Trisha Khalid echoed similar sentiments, revealing she had taken out loans—including getting dental veneers on credit—just to prepare for what she thought would be a wedding. “I should have invested that money,” she said, criticizing the lack of transparency.
Other influencers, like Hannah Benta, shared that they brought wedding gifts and had planned to create content at the event. “We were completely caught off guard,” she said.
Pritty Vishy revealed she had even interrupted her recovery from a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) to attend. “I had to call a nearby pharmacy for pain meds,” she said, visibly upset.
Yet, amid the backlash, Cashmeer also received praise and support.
Businesswoman Ntanzola Gloria, famously known as Kanjo Lady, lauded Cashmeer for her bold move, revealing she spent nearly KSh 1 million on her appearance for the event. She crowned singer and fashion influencer Rapho as “Best Dressed” and declared, “You’ve done me proud. As a woman, you must marry your hustle.”
Her sister, Bantu Girl, defended the event, stating that no one was forced to attend and critics should simply have stayed away.
Influencer Shorn Arwa also came to Cashmeer’s defense, calling the event “true showbiz.” She praised her friend’s passion and vision, describing the event as complete with vows to Bollington, luxurious décor, and a full wedding-style reception, minus a groom.
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In a social media post, Cashmeer explained her motivation behind the unique launch. She revealed that her inspiration came from a past relationship in which her ex-boyfriend frequently reminded her that she was a school dropout. “I chose to monetize my trauma,” she said, adding that she hopes Bollington will grow into a university one day.
