Esther is a 40 years old widow with children to care for. She lives in Ajegunle of Ikorodu area in Lagos and transacts her business as a trader in Lagos. At the first interview session of the training, Esther alluded to the fact that she sells Plantain, soda and water and needed a better place to transact her business. She has been plying this trade for about 2 years now.

When asked what other business she will like to venture into, she was quite optimistic about making snacks as a way to augment her income.

However, Esther’s story is a joy to tell as she is an absolutely transformed woman from the initial interview. This is Esther’s testimony.

However, Esther’s story is a joy to tell as she is an absolutely transformed woman from the initial interview. This is Esther’s testimony.

During the training I learnt so many things, but the singular most profound teaching I have brought into my business was learning to be happy and being friendly towards my customers. In practicing these, I have been able to attract so much customers who are very interested in buying from me and always advising me on what to do to be able to attract more sales. I have seen how practicing this has also brought me peace and allowed me grow to be able to make informed decisions

In securing a new space for business, Esther now trades in Victoria Island. She spoke not only from a place of happiness but with a deeper sense of conviction that she was in the right business and transacting in a way that will bring her success if she commits to the process.

Esther now sells roasted yam, plantain and sweet potatoes to the many upward mobile corporates in a very metropolitan area of Lagos where the cost of feeding is high and access to quality meals are but a herculean task.

As part of what she learnt about partnerships and collaborations – Esther is initiating a business process with 2 other members of the WOH/PFDN S.I.M.B.I community to create a wider market for the other 2 women who deal in frozen proteins to roast and grill them while she takes it to her own customers and earns extra income for herself.