By Betsy Ramser Jaime
For Olivia Obeng, life and work is a balancing act. As a student, Olivia studied at Asamakese and later furthered her education through the senior high level.
After finishing school, Olivia began working in an insurance company where she continues to work today. In addition to her work in insurance, she also has a part-time business that she runs selling human hair.
She has now been managing both jobs for 5 years. Since joining Zidisha in 2020, Olivia has successfully raised 9 Zidisha funded loans, allowing her to grow her business and expand her inventory.
Many entrepreneurs like Olivia are ready to expand their businesses but often don’t have the financial means to do so. While customers might be requesting new products or services, the owners often have limited cash on hand to increase their inventory.
Fortunately, with Zidisha loans, these entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to take their businesses to the next level. Or, just provide the start-up capital to get a new business off the ground.
Starting out with a $13 loan in September 2020, Olivia has since raised loans for $23, $46, $88, $150, $264, $366, and $482.
Each subsequent loan has allowed her to continue purchasing larger quantities of hair and also to venture out and try new products as well such as cosmetics, creams, and nails.
With her largest loan yet, of $482, in April 2021, Olivia shared, ‘First of all I will like to use the loan to buy human hair, also buy hair cream and nails to sell in the shop. I want to add nails to my goods because it is one of the things my customers have been asking for, and since I don’t want to miss their money that is why I have decided to add it. Moreover, when I add the nails my sales will increase and my profit will also increase this will help me pay the loan quickly.’
Upon receiving her April loan, Olivia then shared an update with lenders on her discussion page as she excitedly shared, ‘I will like to inform my lenders that my business is doing well by the grace of God. My business is doing extremely well. I thank you for your support, you have helped me expand my business. God bless you all.’
Would you like to make a difference in the life of an entrepreneur like Olivia? Make sure to head on over to our Browse Projects page to see more inspiring Zidisha business owners.
Betsy is a Writer and Editor living in Florida with her husband. She has been writing with Zidisha for 5 years and loves sharing the inspiring stories of Zidisha entrepreneurs. You can connect with her on her personal website.
