Small Business Owner
My name is Patrick Kofie, and I am a proud graduate with a degree in B.A Communications Studies. My journey so far has been an interesting one, and I owe my success to God, my parents, and the amazing people he has put in my life.
My hustle began during my time at the university when I realized that in our economy, it was extremely difficult to secure a job without connections. This led me to start thinking about what I could do for myself. An idea came to mind, and I decided to turn it into a reality by selling plantain chips at school.
My mother started frying the plantain chips at home, and I decided to expand the business. In the beginning, people laughed at me, but because the chips tasted so crunchy and delicious, I gained a lot of customers at school. And that was how my plantain chips journey began. After completing my National Service, I continued to walk on the streets to make some sales. Miraculously, I entered Ghone and saw an angel, Nana Aba - @theNanaAba, who posted me on her page with my plantain chips. And @osebothezaraman also helped me along the way, and I am forever grateful for their support. Nothing forgetting the support of Bridget Otoo - @bridget_otoo. I know that with hard work and dedication, I will make them proud. I believe that my story is a testament to the fact that with determination and hard work, one can achieve their dreams. I am grateful for the support I have received thus far, and I am excited about what the future holds. I will continue to work hard and strive for success in all my endeavors.
What were the biggest initial hurdles you faced and how did you overcome them?
As with any new venture, I faced some initial hurdles when starting my plantain chips business. Some of the biggest ones include:
Limited funds: At the beginning, I had very little money to invest in the business. To overcome this, I started small and reinvested the profits back into the business to grow it gradually. Still looking funding to scale my business: Contact me on #0554038562 (whatsapp, text, call or DM me via IG).
Competition: There were other sellers of plantain chips in the area, which made it difficult to attract and retain customers. To overcome this, I focused on making my product stand out by ensuring that it was of high quality and delicious.
Limited time: Balancing my business with my studies was challenging. I had to find a way to manage my time effectively to ensure that my grades did not suffer. I overcame this by creating a schedule and setting priorities, which helped me to manage my time effectively.
In summary, I overcame the initial hurdles by starting small, reinvesting profits back into the business, focusing on product quality, managing my time effectively and seeking feedback from customers.
What advice do you have for young people locally and internationally who are just starting out in their careers or pursuing their passions?
My advice for young people who are just starting out in their careers or pursuing their passions is:
Be open to learning: Keep an open mind and be willing to learn new things. This will help you to develop new skills and stay competitive.
Take calculated risks: Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things. But make sure that you have carefully considered the potential benefits and risks before taking action.
Work hard and stay dedicated: Success takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Be willing to put in the effort and stay committed to your goals.
Seek mentorship and guidance: Surround yourself with supportive and experienced individuals who can offer guidance and mentorship. This will help you to learn from their experiences and avoid common pitfalls.
Stay positive and adaptable: Stay positive even in the face of challenges and setbacks. Be adaptable and willing to change course if necessary.
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