Starting a business while struggling to maintain good grades in school…. Are you serious?!
*Photo: Precious*
That was my mom’s reaction when I first shared the idea with her. My entrepreneurial mindset first manifested when I sold puff puff (pastries) during my jamb lessons to save up some money.
But I knew that starting a real business would be a whole different ballgame. Eventually, my mom came around and supported me by letting me take my sewing machine to school, which she bought for me back in 2011 (I still have it till today).
That’s how I founded DunsinCraft Collection LTD
I’d proudly wear my matching Ankara bags and earrings to class, and they always managed to capture everyone’s attention.
Positive feedbacks and curiosity from others were incredibly motivating and made me feel like I was onto something special.
Things took a turn for the better during my final year in 2019 when I applied for the Tony Elumelu Foundation grant worth $5,000, and to my joy, I was selected!
This grant gave me the validation and hope I needed to continue growing my business after I graduated.
I even got recognized by Prof Fuwape, the former vice chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA). That led me to become an ENT 302 trainer, even as an undergraduate!
Since then, I’ve trained over 3,000 people from various countries in handcrafted Afrocentric Accessories, which has been an incredibly rewarding experience.
Now, I’m proud to say that I have a factory with a client base of over 4,000, and I’ve built a strong team, including contract workers, who excel in craftsmanship and tech skills.
If you ever tried running a business while in school, I’d love to hear about your experience and how it shaped who you are today? Has the business grown or you have long forgotten about it?