A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step: Never hesitate to start small and exercise patience

TRAINED, mentored and motivated by her mother, Ennie Somerai (24) started well and is excelling in business as she is now involved in several businesses including travel and tours, Avon, detergent and petroleum jelly making.

Somerai who is now an Electrical Engineer from National University of Science and Technology started off as an Avon girl during her lower 6 at Kyle College.

Based at Bushmead, Masvingo Somerai is a co-director of her family’s business travel and tours that deals with travelling bookings for national and international travelling.

 “We are a registered travel agent affiliated to IATA and Galileo and we also have contracts with Intercape, Greyhound and City liner.”

Somerai explained that as a travel and tours agent, they book both national and international destinations.

With her detergent, petroleum jelly and Avon business, Somerai is a mobile business woman and she also operates from their travel and tours office located at Chevron Hotel.

Somerai alluded that confidence and the ability to express her facts right when marketing her products boosts up her sales.

“You have to be confident, have your facts right. Have something to show people pertaining your product because people want to see what you have achieved through the business,” said Somerai.

She also acknowledged that exercising patience is key as the business journey is filled with challenges and obstacles that might trigger mixed emotions towards moving forward.

“l encountered a couple of challenges including balancing my time between school and business but l have always made sure that l spare the little time that l had for my business demands.

However, Somerai said that she has gained financial freedom and independence through the extra income she earns from her business.

She said that, “I managed to achieve so many things from a young age such as being able to help with renovations at my family home and catering for my own needs as a young woman.”

Somerai also said that she is overcoming the flooded market of Avon by focusing more on recruiting and stocking up products.

“It’s easier to approach the customers when you have the product at hand than placing orders per individual,” added Somerai.

The young lady who is also passionate about charity work seized an opportunity to give back to the society through Girl Child Empowerment Club that caters for women’s needs.

The club has managed to do several stationery, sanitary wear, and breast cancer awareness campaigns around Bulawayo.

According to Somerai her entrepreneurship journey stands as a motivation and inspiration to other young women to achieve their financial freedom in order to cater for themselves and for them to be able to stretch out a hand to the needy.