To start and grow a business is often exciting, but it is challenging as well. Individual entrepreneurs, women specifically, encounter unique circumstances, and these call for specific measures in order for their ventures to succeed.

People’s Donah Mbabazi had a chat with some women entrepreneurs to share insight regarding the journey of entrepreneurship, lessons learnt and, guidance to those who plan on becoming business owners.

Have a clear plan 

Alphonsine Uwimana runs Ikaze, a luggage storage and delivery service company. 

She has been managing her company for over two years now, and according to her, anyone who wants to start a business should make sure they have a clear plan.

"Know what you want to do, not just a business plan, but an ideal dream compass. Jump in full force from day one and be obsessed with service. Start small but with consistent actions, this is something I recommend,” she says.

With business management, Uwimana believes that time is the most crucial asset.

"I have got to know that in business, time is the most important asset. I set my day the night before, and write in my diary exactly what I have to do and the time it will take,” she reflects.

She notes that since business is mostly a male-dominated industry, women need to be supportive of each other in order to succeed in this field.

"The industry does not want to acknowledge the leadership and creative role of women. These negative feelings are stopping women from reaching their full potential. A robust support network is essential for women’s entrepreneurial success,” Uwimana adds.

Be dedicated and focused

Ines Reine Ishime owns a company, SINE Crochet Perfection, that knits crocheted products. She shares her experience saying that business has taught her that it’s important to focus and be determined in order to run a successful business.

She says, "My biggest lesson since venturing into this business is learning how to focus. I have also learnt that a business is something that requires time and dedication.

"When you don’t have enough time to do that, you’re most likely to fail. And when you’re not dedicated to what you do, when it gets hard, you will feel like stopping.”

Be patient and plan ahead 

Fiona Ange Akariza, the proprietor of Garah Events, an events organising company, observes as youth in this pandemic period, it’s not really easy to start and run a business efficiently, specifically for the department of events.

She is of the view that as a business owner, you should always have alternatives to work on instead of letting the business wane.

"This helps the brand to expand and get known more, hence, leading to profit. Also, each business needs a plan, when it comes to events coordination, we need to work hard and win the guests’ confidence to hire professionals instead of their fellows for a certain job.”

Rwanda as a developing country hasn’t been exposed to varieties, so when you start a new business in Rwanda which is community-based, it’s hard to make people understand that they have to pay for professionals instead of their fellows or family members, Akariza explains.

Running a business needs patience, she observes. "With all the expectations we started with, we have only managed to achieve a few. We had set to first achieve awareness of the brand name which we have slightly achieved from the media.”

She also adds that finances at times can be a problem, but when planning is done appropriately, you can always get money from different sources. "Hence, moving on with operations, and at times you also get investors you didn’t plan for.”

Grow your skills 

According to Allen Ingabire, co-founder of Ivy Bliss Murugo, an interior and home décor company, starting a business is not easy, as it requires consistent push and energy to make sure that you stay on top of your business. 

Most of the time, there are skills you don’t think that you need until you start a business. So, for someone to stay in the game, you need to step out of your comfort zone and learn those skills, she says. 

"For example, my business partner and I do not have a background in finance. For the business to run, we definitely need this skill, so we have to push and learn it. You can hire someone to do this type of work for you but at the end of the day, you need to have a clear understanding of the in and out of your business, finance included,” Ingabire explains.

She also adds that they learned how to ask for help. "There are a lot of people with experiences in business and most of them are happy to help or share their experiences with new founders, it’s important to know them and approach them for advice. Create that support system of people who are willing to support you and see you succeed. This is a lesson we learned when we started a business.”

According to her, it’s very crucial to have a vision for your business. Most young people start a business because they see an opportunity in a field. "The passion you have for the business dies if you don’t have something you are working very hard to get to. The vision helps you to stay in line with what you want to achieve.”

Consider market research 

Nellie Ingabire has been into agri-tourism for over eight years now, she recommends a good market research for one needs to know that there is enough market for their goods or services.

She also points to branding, explaining that two people might do the same thing but the way they brand themselves will determine the clients they get and then work hard at keeping them.

She says she has also learnt that hiring and firing is not bad, for it’s vital to get the type of people you want to work with. 

"Get the right people to work with and please don’t trust them still, but be ready to work closely with them.  Your business is not different from your family, it needs all your time. It’s very important that you run it from the beginning until its grown enough to run itself with good systems put in place,” she says.

Ingabire also notes to ensure that your clients come first by giving them your best.

"Treat your employees with maximum respect because they can either promote your business or destroy it. Treat them respectfully and make sure they are paid on time. It’s also important that every once in a while you take a holiday off business. You should learn to run a business and not the business to run you. And last but importantly, pay taxes genuinely, and, however small your business is, have some insurance to cover it.”

Fiona Ange Akariza, proprietor of Garah Events. 

Ines Reine Ishime, founder of SINE Crochet Perfection that knits crocheted products.

Nellie Ingabire (also on cover) has been into agri-tourism for over eight years now. 

Alphonsine Uwimana runs Ikaze, a luggage storage and delivery service company.

Allen Ingabire is co-founder of Ivy Bliss Murugo, an interior and home décor company. Photos/Courtesy