How I Overcame Poverty Through Entrepreneurship
By Nneka Udo
Life has a funny way of throwing challenges at you, especially when you grow up in a place where the odds seem stacked against you. I can still remember those days vividly. I grew up in a small village in Imo State, where money was scarce, and dreams often felt like distant stars—beautiful, but impossible to reach. But today, I stand before you, a testament to the power of resilience and entrepreneurship. Let me share my journey with you.
Growing up, my family struggled to make ends meet. My parents worked tirelessly, but their efforts often felt like they were fighting a losing battle. I was a child full of dreams, but with each passing day, the weight of our financial situation pressed down on me. I watched my friends wear new clothes and buy snacks while I often had to make do with hand-me-downs and an empty stomach. But rather than letting this define my worth, I learned early on that the key to changing my situation lay in my hands.
One day, while watching my mom haggle with a trader at the market, it hit me: if she can sell vegetables for a living, why can’t I find a way to earn my own money? That spark ignited something in me—a desire to create, to hustle, to change my narrative. With a little savings I had from helping my mom in the market, I ventured into the world of entrepreneurship.
I started small. I sold snacks to my classmates at school. You know that sweet, crunchy puff-puff? I became the puff-puff queen of my school! At first, it was just a way to make pocket money. But soon, I realized that I had a knack for business. I would wake up early to prepare my snacks and sell them during lunch, often making more than what I had initially invested. The thrill of seeing my classmates enjoy what I made was unlike anything I had ever experienced.
As I continued to sell my puff-puff, I began to dream bigger. I saved every kobo I made, and rather than spending it on frivolous things, I enrolled in a business skills workshop offered by a local NGO. That workshop taught me about budgeting, marketing, and customer service. I learned that entrepreneurship was not just about making money; it was about understanding people and meeting their needs.
But let’s be real—my journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. Some days, I would arrive at school, eager to sell my snacks, only to find that I had completely sold out before the lunch bell even rang. Other days, I would face competition from other sellers, and it felt like my dreams were slipping through my fingers. In those moments, I felt overwhelmed and frustrated. What kept me going was the thought of my family and the life I wanted to create for us. I had to remind myself that every setback was a setup for a comeback.
I remember a particularly tough week when I barely sold anything. I sat in my room, feeling defeated, and wondered if this entrepreneurship thing was meant for me. It was then that I had a heart-to-heart with my dad. He told me, “Son, every great success story has a chapter of struggle. Don’t let a few bad days define your journey.” His words struck a chord in me, and I got back to work with renewed vigor.
Over time, my business grew. I expanded my offerings, adding chin chin and soda to my menu. I also learned to leverage social media to promote my snacks. I started an Instagram page, showcasing my products and engaging with my customers. The response was overwhelming. People loved the authenticity of my brand and the fact that it was locally made. Soon enough, I had regular customers who would place orders even before school started.
As my business flourished, I faced a new challenge: managing finances. I had to learn about profit margins, reinvestment, and savings. I can't even count the times I made mistakes—like that time I bought too much flour and ended up with a huge sack of it, but no sales to match. Each misstep taught me valuable lessons that no classroom could ever provide.
With time, I was able to save enough money to invest in a bigger venture. I decided to take my skills beyond snacks and launched a small catering service for events. It felt surreal being able to provide for my family and contribute to the community. I began catering for small weddings and parties, and the joy I felt when I received positive feedback was indescribable. It was as if my dreams were finally becoming a reality.
Looking back, I realize that entrepreneurship was my way out of poverty, but it was also a journey of self-discovery. I learned so much about resilience, hard work, and the importance of staying focused on my goals. I met incredible people along the way who supported my journey—mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, and customers who believed in me. Every connection I made enriched my experience and helped me grow.
Today, I can confidently say that I’ve transformed my life and that of my family. I no longer worry about where the next meal will come from. I’ve been able to support my siblings through school, and I’m currently pursuing my passion for business on a larger scale. I’ve even started mentoring younger entrepreneurs in my community, encouraging them to believe in their dreams and helping them navigate the world of business.
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from my story, it’s this: never underestimate the power of your dreams and your ability to turn them into reality. Poverty might be a painful chapter in your life, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your story. Embrace your challenges, learn from your failures, and keep pushing forward. You have the strength within you to create the life you desire.
What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Your journey may inspire someone else to take that first step toward their dreams.