Imelda Munika
Making beaded accessories falls under the category of artisanal crafts and small-scale manufacturing. It can be considered a form of handmade or custom jewellery business. This type of business involves creating unique and intricate pieces of jewellery using various types of beads such as glass, plastic, metal or stone. It often requires creativity, attention to detail, and an understanding of design aesthetics.
These crafty activities drive Rachel Peneyambeko Nashimai, 25, from Rundu, Kavango East region in her business of making beaded accessories.
Currently a volunteer at the Kayec Trust (Kayec Youth Development Programme) in Rundu, she explained the core mission of the business as sourcing and creating beautiful and unique, hand-crafted jewellery which is of the highest quality, and offering the best value for money.
“All small-business owners make sure that we offer exceptional customer service before, during and after the sale is being made. We sell our products at affordable prices. We are also working on strengthening our marketing strategies,” said Nashimai.
In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and an ever-evolving job market, a new breed of go-getters is emerging: young entrepreneurs. Eager to flip the script and carve their paths, these ambitious individuals are rewiring traditional notions of success, and redefining what it means to be a leader.
Notable success stories include attending the Women in Business Networking Thanksgiving event in Rundu 2023, and an invite to the MTC Fashion Pitch 2023, which she was unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances. She is looking forward to the Kavango Annual Youth Expo 2024 and many more achievements ahead.
“Online marketing has proven useful for my business, as we are living in a digital world. The world revolves around digital technology, which enables buyers and sellers to connect easily. For my business online, marketing has been successful as it connected me with buyers from various walks of life. Instagram and Facebook have been useful platforms which enabled me to reach out to customers in large numbers,” Nashimai noted.
She added that a business must make ethical decisions that positively impact society, and organisations need to consider how their actions affect communities. Lack of integrity is the most vital one.
“We treat customers with integrity by being truthful and communicating to them the challenges we face during the procession of their orders. If the need to refund a customer’s money arises, we do it diligently,” she stated.
Learning by doing is a powerful way for student entrepreneurs to develop practical skills. This they can do by actively engaging in real-life experiences, enhance problem-solving abilities, communication skills, resilience, continuous learning, and creativity.
“As an entrepreneur, I have the potential to earn a higher income and have more control over my financial future. This can lead to greater peace of mind, and the ability to make financial decisions based on my personal goals and values, rather than being limited by a set salary”, she reasoned.