I started selling sandwiches back when was in Uni. I would move from lecture hall to lecture hall trying to get colleagues to buy some. Some days were great– I would sell everything. Other days were not so encouraging either.
At a point in time, I begun to lose friends because I didn’t have time to hang out with them or attend parties with them. I spent most of the evenings preparing what would be sold the following day so there was no time for me to spare. Add all these chores to trying to excel in academics and you would realize I was barely keeping my head above water.
The proceeds I made from the sales wasn’t anything to boast of, but I knew I wanted to keep going and hopefully go beyond “door to door” sales.
On Sundays, I would mount a stand in church to sell. As time went by, I started to make breakfast upon request. I usually had it delivered to offices.
By word of mouth, I started getting more breakfast orders. By this time, I had graduated so I had ample time on my hands to work on all orders and had it delivered on time.
Thankfully, I progressed to making breakfast baskets for people’s birthdays and for bulk corporate refreshments. I currently own a little café which is doing okay, with three full time employees who help to keep the place running. We currently serve lunch and snacks as well. I am very certain it can only get better with time.
It may seem like a smooth journey, but it hasn’t been that easy. I had to sacrifice a lot – friendships, the luxury of a good night’s sleep on occasions. Having to give away unsold food, even if it meant giving away a chunk of my capital, but it all paid of eventually.
It took more than five years for me to arrive at where I am today. But I know this is just the beginning of greater things to come. Entrepreneurship is a very messy journey but consistency makes all the difference.
Jane – Accra
