Growing up as an African child, I saw how our caretakers would struggle to make sure we were comfortable. A fancy childhood was something we only hoped for but never experienced. I didn't go to these good and well known schools in Ghana. I was raised in a vicinity of no greater achievement and saw people of my age and older fail each passing day. I witnessed how people dropped out of school and wasted their lives on drugs and other vices. I engaged the unfailing power of the mind, and I made a decision!
A decision to stand out,
A decision to fight all odds,
A decision to break out of all these limitations.
Basically, I made a decision to change the narrative!
I am Sarah Nkansah Boateng from Ghana 🇬🇭 and 24 years of age. I'm a midwife by profession, Miss Health Ghana 2020 finalist, an Author and a Humanitarian. I'm the Founder and CEO of Nkansahs Foundation. Nkansahs Foundation is a Ghanaian based Non Governmental organization - aimed at community development and girl child education. I also have a published book to my name titled "Her Becoming "(The Invaluable Journey) which is a Christian Literature which highlights on "Beauty and Character", "Self Acceptance and Self Love." My passion as a humanitarian became stronger when I began Tertiary education. My idea for starting up a foundation was to help the most vulnerable in society, especially those living in the rural communities through my expertise as a midwife and my love for humanity at large.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
My major challenge starting up was funding and human resources. In my own little way, I gathered my student allowance and used it for my initial projects and it pulled through successfully. I also identified a few passionate individuals around me who also lend a helping hand. Gradually, through persistence and consistency, I got connected to other organizations both local and international to partner for some of our programs and got traction.
What books are you currently reading? And your recommendation for entrepreneurs to read?
I'm currently reading a book by Brain Tracy titled "No Excuse" (The power of self discipline).
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? I got very overwhelmed with negative thoughts and comments from people when I started my journey as a humanitarian. But I learnt that negative comments, experiences and emotions are part of human experience and growth. It's good to accept them and learn from them. You may not have control over a bad situation, but you can adopt a positive mental attitude to overcome the negative. This knowledge has fuelled my drive to do more and stay focused. I learnt this the hard way and I wish to share with my fellow youth out there.
What advice would you give to an upcoming entrepreneur locally and internationally?
You need to work on personal development and also learn continuously and consciously throughout life.
Make sure you don’t die without doing what inspires you in life. Do it irrespective of the opinion of others. Start where you are and with what you have. Believe that you can overcome all life’s challenges. Finally, always remember you are more than able and capable to do anything you put your mind to.The mind is a powerful tool. It can allow you breakthrough or breakdown. Choose wisely!
