Big Dreams, Small Steps: My Rise in the Rubber Industry
By Oghenero Ovwigho
When I was a little boy growing up in our village, I never imagined I would find myself deep doing rubber business. To be honest, I had a dream that felt as distant as the stars—owning a business, making something valuable from the ground up. But in a country where opportunities seemed scarce, I often felt like a dreamer in a world of doers. My journey into the rubber industry began in the most unexpected way, and it’s a story of small steps, resilience, and the power of dreaming big.
I remember the first time I saw a rubber tree. It was a sunny afternoon, and my friend’s father took us to his farm. The trees stood tall, their bark marked with cuts, oozing that milky white latex. I was mesmerized. At that moment, I didn’t know that rubber could be more than just a tree; it could be a means of livelihood. I didn't know that years later, I would be tapping into that potential, quite literally.
As a teenager, I dabbled in various hustles—selling pure water, running errands, you name it. I was always looking for a way to make a few extra naira. But somewhere in the back of my mind, the image of those rubber trees stayed. I began to read up on the rubber industry, learning about how this simple tree was the backbone of so many products that people used daily. I wanted a piece of that pie, but I had no idea where to start.
Then came the day I decided to take a leap of faith. I gathered my savings—let me tell you, it wasn’t much! With a little cash in hand and a heart full of dreams, I approached a local farmer who owned a big rubber plantation. He was skeptical at first; according to him, young boys like me were often looking for quick cash, not a long-term commitment. But after some convincing, he agreed to let me tap his rubber trees. It was my first real step into the industry.
I won’t sugarcoat it; it wasn’t easy. The first time I tapped a tree, I was nervous. The knife felt heavy in my hand, and my heart raced. What if I messed it up? But I took a deep breath, made my first cut, and watched the latex flow. That moment was magical. I felt connected to the tapping, to the hard work that my parents had instilled in me. I was doing this—not just for me, but for my family.
As weeks turned into months, I learned the ropes. I began to understand the intricacies of tapping, the timing, and the care needed to keep the trees healthy. I met other farmers, shared stories, and learned from their experiences. They became my mentors, guiding me through the ups and downs of this new venture. Each drop of latex I collected felt like a small victory, a step closer to my dreams.
But it wasn’t just about the latex; it was about the relationships I built. I remember one evening, sitting around a fire with fellow farmers, sharing laughter and dreams. We talked about the challenges we faced— fluctuating prices, and the ever-looming threat of climate change. It was in those moments that I realized the power of having good people around me. We were all in this together, and that camaraderie fueled my determination.
As my confidence grew, I began to expand my operations. I reinvested every penny I made back into the business. I hired more rubber trees, hired a few hands to help me, and started exploring markets. The hustle was real, my friend! I attended workshops, learned about sustainable practices, and connected with buyers. The rubber industry isn’t just about tapping trees; it’s a whole ecosystem, and I was learning how to navigate it.
One lesson that hit me hard was the importance of resilience. There were days when I faced losses, when the rains were too much. Those were tough moments; I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel like giving up. But just when I thought I couldn’t take it anymore, something seems to be pushing me on. I wanted to create something meaningful. Each setback became a lesson, a stepping stone to something greater.
Fast forward to today, and I stand proud. What started as a small venture has grown into a thriving business. I’m not just tapping latex anymore; I’ve branched out into processing and distribution. I've employed several locals, providing jobs and boosting our town’s economy. My journey is far from over, but I carry with me the lessons learned from every small step I took.
I want to share something very important with you: dreams are nice, but they mean nothing without action. It’s easy to sit back and wish for a better life, but it’s the small steps that lead to real changes. Whether it’s starting a business, learning a new skill, or simply pursuing a passion—take that leap. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty; that’s where the real growth happens.
If you’re thinking about diving into something new, remember this: surround yourself with people who inspire you. Learn from those who’ve walked the path before you. And most importantly, don’t shy away from failure. Each setback is a chance to learn and grow stronger.
As I sit here reflecting on my journey, I feel a deep sense of gratitude. I’ve come a long way from that little boy who marveled at rubber trees. My dreams have turned into reality, and I’m a living proof that with hard work and perseverance, you can rise above your circumstances.
What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!