Lessons of Childhood that Shaped my Adulthood (2)

Early birds catch worms. I've found this saying holds true for business, just like life itself. My entrepreneurship experience started early on, at a young age while helping my mom with her retail business.Helping her taught me the value of hard work from a young age. So when difficult times came later on, I was prepared to work hard.

I learned self-reliance in obtaining what I required. Initially, taking this path was difficult. However, I am grateful that I embraced challenges which others in my situation likely would have avoided. This early self-starting mindset helped shape me into the independent thinker I am today.

Learning Life's Lessons Through Hardship

Everything began when I was 11. My first year in high school was tough because I lost my dad. After another two years, my mom also passed away. Life changed dramatically from there. Going forward, I had to both continue my education and take care of my brothers and sisters. Are you curious about what actions I took to keep my education going and help my younger siblings?

Prior to my mom's passing, she was a retailer and trader, quite successful in the business. When my mom was around, I learned her trade skills while assisting her. These abilities now serve as my lifeline, propelling me towards the trade business.

Starting my First Business Venture

I became a member of a local boys group, all of us the same age. Our business focused on acquiring used whiskey bottles and then selling them to recycling firms who repurpose these bottles. I handled this business endeavor on the weekends. Consequently, I attended school only four days a week, and from Friday till Sunday, I dedicated myself completely to the business. For a boy of 13, this must be an extraordinary way to survive.

Indeed, there's a saying among my people that goes like this, "When a young man realizes the importance of resilience in life, that's when life truly starts for him". That's exactly what I did. I needed to be tough, not just for me, but also for my younger brothers and sisters. The business demands traveling to main cities and towns to source the particular bottles we wish to buy. Villages and farm communities, where there's a higher inclination towards whiskey and gin consumption, are the places we usually visit to find the types of bottles that yield profit upon resale.

I combined this business with my schooling effectively. That made me feel all grown-up. The earnings from it helped pay for my high school final exams and the general certificate exams all at once. To be absolutely sure that nothing would hinder my graduation, I signed up for both types of examinations.

Focusing on Business while in the University

After high school, I remained committed to bettering myself. I dream of being my family’s first university-level graduate. Despite understanding the struggles tied to continuing my studies, I held my hope high. My goal was clear: make a change, defy expectations, pave the way for my siblings', and I was all in to make it happen. I worked for a five-year stretch with hard-work to secure my spot at the university. My journey so far has been greatly aided by my entrepreneurial acumen.

During college, I maintained my routine - studying while running a bike business. In earlier years, I borrowed a friend's bike for business. But for my final year, I bought my own using earnings I made during the holidays. Taking that cash to school would mean blowing through it fast. So a bike served two purposes: transport and making income . This let me live farther from the campus to live in an area where I could get an affordable apartment. I went to classes daily, while working the bike gig at nights.

Stepping into Entrepreneurship after School

I didn't search extensively for employment after graduating. Instead, I launched a small business alongside my technical training in building design. However, business became my primary focus, as I already possessed the necessary skills. After completing a few architectural jobs, I ceased pursuing that professional path. Succeeding as a young architect is challenging; you require substantial endorsement before thriving in that field, and I lacked connections who could assist at the time. Nevertheless, I didn't fret, as my true passion lay in entrepreneurship. My attention centered on business ventures above all else.

My childhood taught me business skills that still help me today. I believe business talent comes naturally for me. My passion for business led me to success in various places, assisting others too. I know how to start a lucrative business from nothing; I've done it many times successfully. Believe me, the business I launched 6 years ago with $25 borrowed from my wife has already built financial success for me.

I'm a pastor, a businessman, and a blogger today. Would I choose this lifestyle again if I could? Yes, absolutely. I love my work, and I make more than most graduates in my country. Entrepreneurship rewards well. In fact, I've begun training my son to pursue that path too.

Final Thoughts

While the path was not easy, those early lessons in business acumen proved invaluable. By adapting skills learned from my early days to discover new opportunities, I found ways to continue my education despite obstacles. That experience fueled my passion for entrepreneurship, bringing me great fulfillment over the years.

By sharing my story, I hope others find encouragement during tough times. With determination and dedication to dreams, while caring for others, one can achieve much.

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