Years ago, my mother and now deceased, gave me a bracelet. After wearing the bracelet for some years, it ripped off. However, I decided to repair it. I needed a thread to get it fixed, therefore I went into town in search of a thread to buy and in the process discovered a bead shop. I bought the thread and some extra beads and returned home. After fixing the bracelet I decided to try my hands on creating a new bracelet from scratch. After creating the bracelet, I showed it to a couple of my friends for their feedback and they were captivated by the bracelet. We began taking pictures of the bracelet and posting it online via Black Berry messenger. The following day we received 50 orders from people who had seen our online posts and were interested in buying a similar bracelet. I was then the Project Coordinator for an NGO, so even though I was generating some income from making and selling bracelets I did not take it seriously as a business. However, after reading “The fiftieth Law of Power” written by Robert Greene and Curtis Jackson (also known as 50 cent, my role model), I got a sudden spark of energy to start my own business; an experience I have come to characterize as --- the Fearless Approach. I quit my job and began seriously researching the production of jewelry. I ventured into the ghettos where I learned and mastered the art of making jewelry and perfected my skills as a Master Jeweller. My passion for uniqueness motivated me to create stunning jewelry, unlike anything else on the market, for my very own niche interested in superior quality and design; what I refer to as LeMonde. LeMonde, French word for “the world.”
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits?
How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?
My journey as an entrepreneur has not been an easy one. Along the way, I suffered rejection from family members that pushed me away. I ended up leaving my home and living in my shop. My girlfriend of many years also broke up with me. I was dirty and broke during my apprenticeship in the ghettos. However, notwithstanding all these difficulties, I was prepared mentally even though I was struggling financially. That past is now far behind me now.
What books are you currently reading? And your recommendation for entrepreneurs to read?
I consider it an obligation to myself and my business to continue to be the best at what I do so I have read several books on entrepreneurship from authors such as: Robert Kiyosaki, Brian Tracy, Larry Bossidy, John Maxwell, Donald Trump, Jordan Belfort but to name a few. With the knowledge and insights gleaned from these authors, I had a better understanding of my terrain. I understood that branding was key and a central part of success, so I registered my brand, designs/patterns. I also wrote my business plan and market strategy amongst other things.
What advice would you give to an upcoming entrepreneur locally and internationally?
I am urging new up-coming jewellers to have the financial wherewithal for difficult times. I also entreat up-coming entrepreneurs to do more research and be results oriented. Rather than focusing on money now they should find ways to make their brand a household name. They should think about ways to break into international markets and be competitive globally. They should believe in themselves always, make plans but be prepared to revise those plans in light of unforeseen circumstances. In all things their goal should stay the same,
@lemondegh @countamoako @adeshiegh
