The dynamic journey of entrepreneurship is often a roller coaster of highs and lows. Today, Iya Magazine introduces an individual who embodies the unwavering spirit of entrepreneurship.
Her story is not merely about business; it’s a compelling narrative of a young lady who, without any financial sponsor, embarked on an audacious journey to self-fund her education. She stands as a living testament to the power of determination.
Join us as we unravel the story of Chiamaka [a.k.a, Amy] Jideobi’s tenacity, resilience, and triumph.
My name is Chiamaka Jideobi, and I hail from Anambra State. I was born into a humble family. My mother is a trader, while my dad is a commercial driver. During my formative years, I didn’t primarily live with my parents; I only returned to live with them after completing my secondary education.
Upon moving back to the village, I started assisting my mother in running her akara (bean cake) business. During this process, I also learned how to prepare it. Meanwhile, as a young girl, I have always had dreams of becoming a university graduate. However, the only challenge was that my parents couldn’t afford to sponsor my education. So they spoke to one of my uncles, who pledged to sponsor me.
I gained my first admission into university in 2016 but my parents couldn’t afford to sponsor me
In 2016, I gained my first admission to a university. However, when I contacted my uncle, he failed to keep his promise. My parents attempted to raise the tuition fees, but the funds they got were not enough. This led to my unfortunate decision to forfeit that admission.
The genesis of Amy’s special fries
After that disheartening experience, I was left in a state of sadness. Since I couldn’t further my education, I kept wondering what to do with my life. I had big dreams and needed to leave the village to chase them.
So one day, I packed my bags and left for Awka, which is the state capital. Luckily, I found a place to stay in town and began my job hunt. However, most of the available positions were for sales representatives, and the salaries were low. After much reflection and planning, I decided to start the same business I had learned from my mother.
Amy’s Special Fries started in November 2018. I was just a roadside seller with no shade over my head. Any time it rained, I used to run helter-skelter in search of a safe place. Apart from the weather challenges, I wasn’t making much sale in the beginning. There were days that I had to give out my fries to neighbors because no one bought them from me. Then at night, I would cry my eyes out, asking God to help me.
After struggling to make progress, I got inspiration to package my products in a unique and classy way
The turning point
After struggling to make progress, I got inspiration to package my products in a unique and classy way. So, I designed banners, fliers, and branded plates. The next thing I did was to showcase my business on social media. I created a page and shared my videos consistently. Some people were very surprised to see a young, beautiful girl selling akara, and they started supporting me by sharing my videos.
There was a day I got a notification that the popular Instagram influencer, Tunde Ednut had shared my video, and I was so shocked. So, gradually, my followers grew to hundreds of thousands. I started receiving orders from those living within Awka.
Another thing that attracted customers to me was my choice of attire. For me, my shop is my office; therefore, I occasionally wear my best dresses while working. I also use a special, delicious recipe that enhances the taste of my fries. When customers started trooping in and out, I had to look for a bigger business space to accommodate them. So that was how God blessed the work of my hands.
I use a special, delicious recipe that enhances the taste of my fries
Education
According to Canadian actor Liam James, dreams can be like stars — you may never touch them, but if you follow them, they will lead you to your destiny. In my family, no one has ever attended a university. So, I decided to break that history. While managing my small business, I saved money for my education. Thankfully, in 2019, I gained admission to Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and this time around, I was able to pay my school fees, rent a house, and purchase my books with my own money. Over the past four years, I have been the only one sponsoring my education, and by the grace of God, I will be graduating in December.
One question people always ask me is, “How do you balance school and business?” The truth is that it hasn’t been an easy journey. Initially, it seemed impossible, with my school timetable clashing with my work hours. I had to find a way to create balance.
I would rise at 5 a.m. to go to the market, and thereafter, I would attend classes from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. I usually open my store at 2 p.m. and sell till 10 p.m. At night, I sleep for four hours, and by 3 a.m. the following day, I get up to read my books. This routine was undoubtedly challenging at the beginning, but I’ve become accustomed to it. Fortunately, last year, my younger sister came to live with me, and she has been of great help to me. I now have extra time for both school and work.
Each time I reflect on my past, I am glad that I didn’t give up on my dreams
Criticisms
When I started this business, I was mocked mostly by other young girls. One of them said, “Why go through all this stress when I can introduce you to a man who would take care of you?” Then another girl said, “Leave her; I am sure she will not last more than two months in this business.” By next month, though, my business will be five years old.
The funny twist is that after my business had expanded and I had become popular on social media, some of those girls who looked down on me in the past returned to seek business advice from me. I had to encourage them to start something that they are passionate about.
Each time I reflect on my past, I am glad that I didn’t give up on my dreams. Apart from frying akara, I also learned how to apply makeup. So, sometimes, I make money from that skill, too.
My self-fulfilling moments come from coaching other young people to start something for themselves.
Some girls wonder why I go through all the stress when I can have a man to take care of me
Final words
Never underestimate any business. If it can bring you N20 profit today, that means it can also yield more than N200,000 profit tomorrow. It’s all about growth and expansion. I have never heard about anyone who died for working so hard work. Therefore, put your whole heart and strength into whatever you are doing. Then, set yourself apart with unique branding.
Advertise and harness the power of social media by creating and sharing your content. Even if the initial online sales are slow, persevere because one day, your viewers will either make purchases or refer buyers to you.
Finally, do not rely on any individual, for people can disappoint you. Instead, place your trust in God, and He will bless the work of your hands.
