ONGWEDIVA – From the humble beginnings of selling home brewed sorghum drinks, ‘oshikundu’, Soini Asino has transformed herself into a travelling clothing and perfume vendor moving from town to town.
New Era caught up with the 21-year-old Asino during her Oshakati stopover on Monday where she was plying her trade door to door. Her dream is to own a boutique within the next five years.
She says to put bread on the table she started selling traditional brew, sweets and air-time recharge vouchers in Windhoek’s informal settlement of Havanna, adding that it does not require a university degree to become a successful businesswoman, as long as one is prepared to work hard.
According to Asino, she has always had a passion for doing business and started selling chips when still at school.
“I cannot remember how many times my goods were confiscated, but I was just never discouraged to stop selling,” said Asino.
“Before deciding to sell perfumes and clothes, I used to sell oshikundu, sweets, recharge vouchers and some other small items in my location,” said Asino.
Although she says she cannot yet call herself a completely successful businesswoman, she discloses she has been able to support herself and child from the income she generates.
The young businesswoman says her mother who is also into business inspired her. The majority of her customers is male, Asino adds.
But Asino says her business is challenged by customers who fail to make payments on time or completely refuse to pay.
“There are customers who just don’t pay and one cannot force customers to pay cash all the time. At the end of the day you are left with only a cellphone number and erf number and the person is just never available,” said Asino.
Asino adds that her business gives her the will to get out of bed in the morning and has rescued her from the immoralities facing the youth of today. She encourages other youths to stand up and make a living for themselves rather than wait for the government to spoon-feed them.
By Nuusita Ashipala