Owner - Rosebells Tradings | Founder | Entrepreneur
Small Business Strategist | Philanthropist
"From Rejection to Entrepreneurship: My Inspiring Journey"
My life started with rejection, as I was abandoned by my biological parents and raised by my late grandmother. It was a challenging beginning, but I refused to let those circumstances define me. With unwavering resilience and determination, I faced the obstacles head-on and embarked on a journey that would eventually lead me to become a successful entrepreneur. In 2008, I took a leap of faith and founded Rosebell's Group of Companies. My vision was clear – to support enterprises and institutions through the efficient supply of quality products and services. Today, my company employs 707 workers, contributing to job creation and economic growth. Driven by my passion for making a difference, I also founded Vineyard of Peace Ministries, Women of Worth, and Outstanding Women's Conferences. These initiatives empower women from diverse backgrounds, encouraging their personal and professional growth. My accomplishments have been recognized and celebrated. As a member of the Female Founders Initiative Middle East and Africa, I have been acknowledged for my exceptional leadership and entrepreneurial acumen. I am also proud to have authored 12 inspirational books, sharing my experiences and wisdom to inspire others on their own journeys. In 2022, I achieved a significant milestone by earning a Ph.D. in Longevity and Excellence in Ministry & Leadership Management. This further solidified my expertise and commitment to personal and professional development. Recently, I was honored to be named one of the 50 under 50 Trailblazers in Business by FFIMEA. It is incredibly humbling to see how my journey and achievements continue to inspire others. Currently, I am attending the SheEO Leadership Training Bootcamp in Dubai from 17th to 21st May 2023. This platform provides me and other female business leaders with valuable opportunities to network, connect, and learn from fellow entrepreneurs, innovators, and professionals. My story is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and a strong sense of purpose. From a childhood marked by rejection and hardship, I have emerged as an entrepreneur and leader, driven by the belief that no obstacle is too great to overcome. I hope my journey serves as a source of inspiration for others, reminding them that they too can turn their adversities into opportunities for growth and success.
In a summary of the story, I faced rejection from the moment I was conceived, as my mother's pregnancy was not accepted by her boyfriend's family. However, they encouraged her to keep the baby, and my sweet grandmother stepped in to raise me when my mother was ready to abandon me. Growing up in a family where I felt unwanted was difficult, and I experienced a lot of rejection from some members. I thought of my grandmother as my mother, as she had other children who were mostly males, and I was the only female. It was only when I turned 22 that I discovered that my sister was actually my mother. This revelation was surprising, but it added another layer of complexity to my life. My childhood was marked by pain and a lack of a typical childhood experience. I had to grow up quickly and take on responsibilities at home. My grandmother was my everything, and we had a close bond. She made sacrifices for me, even skipping her own lunch to ensure I had something to eat. Despite her love and care, I experienced emotional abuse that left scars in my heart.
I missed out on playing and enjoying my childhood like other kids because I was always at home, helping my grandmother. One painful memory that still hurts is when my uncle bought ice cream for all the children in the street but denied me, saying it wasn't for me because I was older, even though there were older children in line who received ice cream. These experiences created deep wounds, but I give glory to God for bringing me through those difficult times. To survive, I engaged in small businesses, selling various items like ice pops, sweets, vegetables, and winter accessories. My uncle David introduced me to the world of business, and I started assisting him after school and on weekends. Although my uncles had the means to support us, their support was conditional and limited. They would sometimes buy food, but only for certain individuals in the house based on their mood. I grew up in a crowded house where some people even slept in the dining room due to a lack of bedrooms. Mealtimes felt like grand events due to the number of people and the complexity of serving food.
What were the biggest initial hurdles you faced and how did you overcome them?
My journey started with heartache and rejection as I was abandoned by my biological parents. Thankfully, my late grandmother stepped in to provide me with the love and care I needed. Despite growing up in a disadvantaged environment, I encountered many challenges along the way, including financial limitations and a lack of educational opportunities. However, these obstacles didn't dampen my determination to pursue my dreams.
What advice do you have for young people locally and internationally who are just starting out in their careers or pursuing their passions?
Having overcome numerous challenges and achieved success in my own journey, I have valuable advice for young people who are embarking on their careers or pursuing their passions, both locally and internationally.
Believe in God and lastly Yourself: Have faith in God and your abilities and believe that you have what it takes to succeed. Trust in your unique talents and strengths, and don't let self-doubt hold you back.
Set Clear Goals: Define your goals and create a roadmap to achieve them. Break down your goals into smaller, achievable milestones, and work towards them consistently. Stay focused and determined, even in the face of obstacles.
Embrace Failure and Learn from It: Failure is not a sign of defeat but an opportunity for growth and learning. Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. Analyze your mistakes, learn from them, and adapt your approach accordingly.
Seek Mentorship and Guidance: Find mentors and role models who have achieved success in your field of interest. Their guidance and advice can provide invaluable insights and help you navigate challenges more effectively.
Network and Build Relationships: Connect with like-minded individuals, both within your industry and outside of it. Attend conferences, seminars, and networking events to expand your network. Building strong relationships can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
Never Stop Learning: Continuously invest in your personal and professional development. Stay curious, seek out new knowledge, and embrace a growth mindset. Keep up with industry trends and advancements to stay ahead of the curve.
Embrace Resilience and Perseverance: Expect setbacks and challenges along the way. Embrace resilience and persevere through difficult times. Remember that success often requires determination and the ability to bounce back from failures.
Take Calculated Risks: Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take calculated risks. Growth and innovation often come from pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities.
Stay Passionate and Purposeful: Follow your passion and align your career or pursuits with your values and purpose. When you are passionate about what you do, it becomes easier to overcome obstacles and stay motivated.
Take Care of Your Well-being: Remember to prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Find a balance between work and personal life, practice self-care, and seek support when needed.
By embracing these principles, young people can navigate their career paths with confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose, ultimately achieving success in their chosen fields.
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