Taimi Haihambo
The hardships experienced by many tertiary students who do not have financial assistance are profound, resulting in countless students dropping out of their studies.
Puye-Ipawa Haipinge, was once in those difficult shoes. The 28-year-old accounting graduate turned her fortune around when she started an “order with me” business to finance her studies at the University of Namibia (Unam).
“Order with me” is an import business where individuals order merchandise from China and sell it to online customers.
Haipinge, who hails from Omhedi village in the heart of Ohangwena region, said after excelling in Grade 12, she enrolled at Unam with the hopes of one day becoming a Chartered Accountant. She noted that due to personal circumstances, she had to take a break from her studies, which resulted in her losing funding from the Namibia Students’ Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF). “When I went back, the funding was no longer available. I had to find ways to pay for my studies, and that is when the real struggle began,” she shared.
The budding businesswoman said the hardship sparked the birth of her small business, Ipower Households Products. But venturing into business was not smooth sailing.
“As a beginner, I faced it all. From limited ordering capital, wrong orders, unhappy customers, and sometimes refunding people from my last savings,” she said. “Balancing those challenges while still pursuing my degree was exhausting.” The mother of two shared that even with the business, there were times when she did not have enough money to pay for tuition, forcing her to take breaks to raise funds.
Despite these challenges, she remained steadfast and motivated by her vision of becoming a successful, educated businesswoman. This vision, she said, would set a good example to her children and make her grandmother proud.
Haipinge said the years she and her siblings and cousins spent with their grandmother shaped the woman she is today.
“My grandmother loved God and believed education was the most important gift she could give us. She taught me to work hard and value everything I have,” she recalled.
Haipinge’s tireless efforts have paid off- not only is she an honours degree holder, but she is also a successful businesswoman who is living a life she once dreamt of.
“My dream is to turn it into a well-established brand and one of the biggest in Namibia while keeping its strong foundation,” she said.
Haipinge encouraged young people not to be discouraged by society’s opinions or by starting small.
“Your dreams are valid, no matter where you start. Begin with what you have and stay focused. With hard work, your little business can grow into something amazing.”
For now, she is considering putting her newly completed degree on hold to focus fully on expanding her business.
The public can follow IpowerHouseHoldProducts on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, or contact her directly at +264 81 671 2448.
-taimihaihambo2000@gmail.com