FROM #10,000 TO TEMOLA: How it all started 💜

Have you ever wondered how a simple idea can turn into a business? Well, let me tell you how TEMOLA started. It all began in my 200-level, second semester. At the time, I was facing serious financial challenges, and I knew it was time to start a business. I needed something that could bring in money, so I started thinking about what I could do. Then I remembered something: I'm a fashion designer! But there was one small problem. I didn't come to school with my sewing machine. 😭 After thinking about it, I decided to make and sell scrunchies. They were trending, easy to make, and didn't require too much material. Luckily, one of my hostel mates had a sewing machine. We worked out a collaboration: she allowed me to use her machine to make scrunchies, while I assisted her with sewing her customers' clothes. But wait… I hadn't even solved the problem of capital. 😩 A friend told me she had some money she wasn't going to need immediately, so I borrowed ₦10,000 from her. And just like that, TEMOLA began with ₦10,000! But how did the business perform? I knew scrunchies were already everywhere, and I wasn't going to pretend I had invented something new. I also knew getting customers might be difficult because the market was already competitive. So I decided to pay attention to something I could control: presentation. I invested in attractive packaging, added handwritten thank-you notes and sweets to my orders. And guess what? Within my first week, I sold over 30 pieces of scrunchies! That small idea I almost had to abandon because of money was beginning to bring in results. Today, even though scrunchies aren't selling as much as they used to, and I no longer sell them at the same rate, I have sold over 2,000 pieces. More importantly, TEMOLA helped me solve the financial challenges I was facing at the time. Looking back, I realise that it wasn't just about selling scrunchies. It was about recognising an opportunity, using the resources available to me, collaborating with someone, and finding a way to stand out in a crowded market. My lesson? Don't be too quick to dismiss a simple idea because it doesn't look big enough. You don't always need to start with everything figured out. Sometimes, you just need to start with what you have and learn along the way. And who knows? That little idea might become something you're proud of. Now, tell me: What's that simple business idea you've been thinking about but haven't started yet? Let's talk about it. ❤️

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