What are some of the resources that have helped you in your entrepreneurship journey?
I was provided with a storage space and a van for transporting drugs by my mother, who supported me throughout my entrepreneurial journey.
What does it take to be a successful Mom in business?
It requires sacrifice, drive, ambition, and a willingness to take risks. Dedication, hard work, and resilience are essential qualities. Being prepared for both positive and negative outcomes is crucial.
What led to your decision to venture into pharmacy?
Prior experience working for a pharmacy company and selling ACT anti-malaria drugs influenced my decision to enter the pharmaceutical sector fully.
Please share a little background about yourself.
I was fortunate to be born into a loving family, I attended Achimota Senior High School and Valley View University, earning a Bachelor’s degree. I also hold a Master’s in Healthcare Management and am a mother of three amazing children.
What inspired you to start the entrepreneurship journey?
My late mother, Victoria Yaa Boamah, who ran a chain of shops in Makola, inspired me to embark on the entrepreneurship journey. I was inspired by her achievements, considering her humble beginnings.
How much capital do I need to begin life as an entrepreneur?
I started my entrepreneurship journey with a modest sum of five thousand Ghana cedis (GHS5,000). Despite the challenges, hard work and the grace of God contributed to my success.
What are some of the challenges you faced starting your own business?
The lack of sufficient capital and difficulty in obtaining bank credit were significant challenges encountered during the initial stages of starting the business.
How were you handling your life as a mother and entrepreneur?
Managing both roles was challenging. I had to wake up early to prepare the children for school and rush to work. Family support, particularly from my mother and siblings, played a crucial role in managing my responsibilities.
Please share with us a little about your business, the services you provide and how individuals can reach you. My business is Aide Chemists Limited, a chain of retail pharmacies situated in low-to-average communities which acts as a bridge between
doctors and patients, providing counseling and advice to optimize drug effectiveness and minimize adverse effects. We check prescriptions from physicians before dispensing medications to ensure accuracy.
Kindly share one life hack that has helped you on your journey.
My ultimate life hack has always been putting God first in all aspects of my life, regardless of the situation.
What’s your favorite quote?
“In order to be truly happy, you must pursue your dreams and goals.” - Oprah Winfrey
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In a small village nestled in the heart of Ghana, lived a young woman named Nana Yaa. She was a loving mother to her two beautiful children and had dreams of creating a better life for them. Despite facing numerous challenges, Nana Yaa never let go of her aspirations.
Nana Yaa had always been passionate about cooking. Her culinary skills were renowned throughout the village, and she dreamed of opening her own restaurant. However, financial constraints and societal expectations made her journey seem impossible.
Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend.
Acknowledge your mistakes and setbacks without harsh selfjudgment.
Take time to understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This awareness helps you identify areas for personal growth.
Learn to say no to commitments that drain your energy or compromise your well-being. Prioritize activities that align with your values.
Undeterred by the obstacles before her, Nana Yaa decided to take small steps towards her dream. Everytime , she tried her hands on different meals for her family and through this honed her skills, experimenting with flavors and techniques, knowing that small, consistent efforts would eventually yield significant results. As Nana Yaa persevered, she faced moments of doubt and hardship. There were days when her dreams seemed out of reach, and she questioned her ability to succeed. However, she always found solace in her unwavering positivity and determination. She reminded herself that setbacks were temporary and that her dreams were worth fighting for.
Learn from Challenges: View setbacks as opportunities for growth. Embracing challenges with a growth mindset enhances resilience and deepens your self-appreciation.
Word of Nana Yaa’s culinary prowess spread beyond the village. Locals and travelers alike began to hear about the delicious meals she prepared with love and dedication. Soon, people from neighboring towns started visiting her humble home to experience her culinary delights. Encouraged by the growing demand for her food, Nana Yaa decided to take a leap of faith. She saved every penny she earned and, with the support of her loved ones, opened her own small restaurant in the village. The aroma of her dishes wafted through the air, enticing the taste buds of both locals and tourists.
Engage in activities that nurture your mind, body, and soul. Regular exercise, relaxation techniques, and hobbies rejuvenate your spirit.
Replace negative thoughts with affirming and constructive self-talk. Challenge self-limiting beliefs and focus on your strengths.
Acknowledge both small and big accomplishments. Recognizing your successes boosts self-confidence and reinforces self-love.
Through her perseverance, consistency, and unwavering positivity, Nana Yaa’s restaurant flourished. Her dedication to her craft and her commitment to providing exceptional service earned her a loyal customer base. Her dream had become a reality, and she became an inspiration to others in the village.
Ensure your needs are met before catering to others. Remember that self-love isn't selfish; it's necessary for your well-being.
Nana Yaa’s story teaches us the importance of perseverance and consistency in the face of adversity. It reminds us that dreams can be achieved with unwavering positivity and a relentless pursuit of our goals. Nana Yaa’s journey from a young mother with a dream to a successful restaurant owner serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the beauty of embracing life’s challenges with a positive mindset.
“AGAINST ALL ODDS: NANA YAA’S JOURNEY OF PERSEVERANCE AND POSITIVITY”
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” This verse reminds entrepreneurs to surrender their plans and endeavors to God, trusting Him to guide and establish their paths.
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” This verse encourages entrepreneurs to give their best effort and work diligently in their entrepreneurial pursuits, knowing that their hard work will be rewarded.
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” This verse reminds entrepreneurs that with God’s strength and guidance, they can overcome challenges and achieve success in their entrepreneurial journey.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” This verse emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s wisdom and guidance, rather than relying solely on our own understanding, as entrepreneurs navigate their journey.
(Parable of the Talents) - This parable teaches valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of stewardship, taking risks, and using the resources and talents God has given them wisely, with the aim of multiplying and growing them for His glory.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Enyonam Gotha. I hail from MafiAdidome in the Volta Region. With over 15 years of experience in the corporate sector, specifically in construction, telecommunications, and banking, I have acquired a diverse skill set and knowledge in various capacities in administration, branch Operations and Customer Service.
I made the decision to leave the banking sector three years ago to fully focus on my business brand, Veesabridals & Millinery Services. By following my God-given talent and passion, I have embarked on a path that allows me to express my creativity that offers a comprehensive one-stop service to my cherished clients.
How long have you been in entrepreneurship?
It has been (9) Nine years . But being full time is just 3 years
Some of the fears were:
Financial Insecurity:
Leaving a stable job and relying solely on my business for income can create concerns about financial stability.
Fear of Failure:
The fear of not succeeding or not meeting my own expectations.
Lack of Support:
Starting out a business you need to get your support system on board .
Uncertainty about Market Demand: my concerns were whether my product or service will resonate with customers . I felt the market was already saturated.
The fear of not having all the necessary skills and expertise required to run a business can be intimidating.
The plans I put in place :
I made sure that I started the business along side my corporate work. Careful planning, ensuring I had my business plan done for the business to get started . The willingness to learn and adapt to the change I made sure I have made some enough savings to cater for unforeseen circumstances for minimum of a year .
Seeking guidance from mentors and building a strong support network.
What we do at Veesa.
At Veesa Bridals & Millinery Services, the focus is on creating beautiful headpieces, exquisite bridal accessories, and timeless makeup looks. Whether it’s a bride looking for the perfect hat, fascinator, or hatinators to complement her wedding attire or an everyday classy woman in search of a unique accessory to elevate her style. The brand offers a wide range of options to suit every taste and occasion.
In addition to our product offerings, we also provides professional makeup services for various occasions, ensuring that clients look and feel their best for special events. From bridal makeup to makeup for parties, photoshoots, or any other important gathering.
We are dedicated to creating flawless and long-lasting looks.
We offer training services in both makeup and millinery. combining creativity, professionalism, and a personal touch, Veesabridals & Millinery Services aims to make every client’s experience unforgettable.
Advise for Mothers going into entrepreneurship.
Define Your Goals:
Clarify your goals and aspirations for starting a business. What do you hope to achieve?
Understanding your motivations and objectives will help guide your decisions and keep you focused.
Research and Plan:
Conduct thorough market research to identify potential opportunities, target audience, and competition. Develop a detailed business plan that outlines your strategy, financial projections, and marketing approach. Planning is crucial for laying a strong foundation for your venture.
Seek Support: Reach out to other entrepreneurs, mentors, and business networks for guidance and support. Joining communities and organizations can provide valuable insights, advice, and opportunities for collaboration.
Prioritize and Delegate: Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship can be challenging. Prioritize your time and tasks by focusing on high-impact activities that move your business forward. Delegate responsibilities where possible to ensure a more efficient workflow.
Embrace Flexibility: Being an entrepreneur and a mother requires flexibility. Adaptability is key when juggling various responsibilities. Embrace the ability to pivot, adjust your plans, and find creative solutions to challenges that arise.
Take Care of Yourself: Self-care is essential to maintain your physical and mental well-being. Make sure to allocate time for yourself, engage in activities that recharge you, and seek support from family and friends. Taking care of yourself enables you to show up as your best self in both your personal and professional life.
Embrace the Learning Journey: Entrepreneurship is a continuous learning experience. Be open to acquiring new skills, seeking knowledge, and adapting to change.
Build a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who understand and support your entrepreneurial journey.
Remember, every entrepreneurial journey is unique, and there will be ups and downs.
Look out for your own story and be You .
