From Grief to Growth: Justine’s Journey of Empowerment and Entrepreneurship
Justine Nalinya, a widow, and a single mother of four, found herself in a challenging situation after the recent loss of her husband. Struggling with grief and unemployment, she believed her life had ended. Being fully dependent on her late husband, Justine was uncertain about how she would be able to provide for her children as a single parent. In her own words, she expressed, “I felt lost and overwhelmed.”
Justine was informed about the Street Business School (SBS) training program by a friend who motivated her to enroll. Throughout the training, Justine found the concepts of starting small and utilizing unused items as her initial capital to be the most significant. “I was completely broke, and with the recent passing of my husband, I found myself as a single parent with a newborn and three other children. I had lost all hope. However, when the trainers presented me with an alternative approach, I returned home and began searching for all the things I no longer needed.”
She managed to amass $261.79 by selling her items and began contemplating starting a business with her newfound capital. Justine had always dreamt of owning a large shop, but she was willing to start small with a more modest shop. “I was aware that I needed $523 to kickstart the shop I desired, and this always demoralized me because I had no idea where I would obtain such a significant amount of money,” Justine admitted.
She went on to establish other small businesses to support her household needs. She began selling popcorn and cassava chips in her community. “I initiated various businesses and decided to allocate my earnings accordingly. I knew that the profits from the cassava business would be used to purchase sugar and household necessities, the shop profits would be saved for emergencies, and the popcorn profits would be utilized for buying cosmetics and getting my hair done.”
Now, she can pay her children’s school fees, purchase all their school supplies, and provide them with a nutritious and balanced diet. Justine’s life has undergone a transformation, and she is now a content and hardworking woman.”
The knowledge I acquired from the training program was more valuable than someone simply giving me money. This knowledge will stay with me forever, and it will take me far. I still find it difficult to believe that this is my life. I must pinch myself to convince myself that it is happening to me.”
Justine dreams of one day operating the large wholesale shop she has always desired. “I will not give up on my dream of having a big shop. I am now a businesswoman, no longer the sorrowful widow I once was,” Justine declared.
Written by Lilian Nansubuga
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