Securing Her Bag: She’s a Jack of all trades, and a final year student trying to master her academics
She is a Jack of all trades, and a 400 level Unilag student trying to master her academics.
What was your first experience of money?
I’ll say at age 6. My dad would give me N100 as lunch money for school, but N100 was a lot of money so I’d spend it lavishly on myself and my friends. For every sweet I bought for friends, I got one too and other things that caught my fancy or my money could buy.
Hmm, baller! What did you want to be as a child?
I wanted to be a lawyer at first, later I wanted to be a Newscaster because I used to do these Dramas/shows in church where I read the news but I changed my mind later on (Laughs).
Have you now been able to decide on something?
Still unsure for now. I guess we’re all figuring it out. Although, I’m looking at Product Management/Wealth Management.
Nice! Enough about school, let’s talk about your business.
Oh yes! So last year, I started a product business called y.o.u soles where I sell handmade slippers and sandals.
I’ve equally been working on different jobs here and there. I tutored SS1 students in math for about 6 months, and recently started content creation jobs. I have also monetized my skills. As in, I taught people the skills I am versatile with like how to design like Pros with Canva.
I’m curious, are you doing all of this because you’re equally interested in all or it’s purely business?
It’s purely survival! But I actually enjoyed doing them all. I have learnt a thing or two and I’m still learning.
How does it feel like running your chain of business?
A myriad of ups and downs. For me it’s a reminder that I can actually do what I put my mind to and on some days when I am not actively promoting my business, I’m reminded of how good it feels to actually be building something. All the creative juices in me are being displayed.
As a tutor it feels really good.
It was a very interesting and worthwhile job. You know, making money off your knowledge. It also feels great to make money because you’re good with numbers and you’re emotionally intelligent to pass it on to someone else that they understand.
How is it like juggling school and work?
I’m not handling it well. Presently, I’m not sure I’ll be able to balance the two especially since we resumed and this semester is basically for tests and exams.
What Challenges have you faced running the business?
Hmmmn, I think the challenges would be the fact that sometimes life might be happening and I’m the only one running the business, I could go on a break or put things off for a while till when I think I have more time for the business. Sadly, this hurts sales and visibility.
What’s your relationship with money?
My relationship with money Is healthy. I save, I invest, I track my expenses and work with a budget too.
Advice for people who want to start a business?
Just start, you’re going to learn faster on the job.
Don’t repeat a mistake. Most times, if something wasn’t good the first time, it won’t be good a second time.
Do it differently, do it properly with your skills and proper thinking.
Lastly, what you need is YOU in your business. You make all the difference, your style and all, so own it!
Securing Her Bag highlights the entrepreneurial and career journeys of Nigerian female university students. If you’d love to share your story on the Securing Her Bag series, please send an email to hello@hervest.ng or fill this form
