Business: Pottery
Financier: Yetu Microfinance Bank
Location: Mji Mpya, Zanzibar
To escape from extreme poverty was what forced Frida to learn pottery. Unfavourable life circumstances can push one up or down. For Frida, she decided it was going to be up. With only a capital of Tshs 23,000, she started a pottery business. Later on, Yetu Microfinance had faith in her and loaned her TZS 300,000! From there, there was no turning back. Hard work, love of art, self-discipline, and dedication is what she attributes to her success in business.
Challenges: Sometimes, the pots break while heating, lowering her estimated profits. Rainy season makes her close down as it hinders her from working in the open-air yards. Another challenge is unfaithful customers who take goods on credit and don’t pay back as agreed.
Vision: Have a permanent working structure to enable her to work during the rainy season.
Impact: She caters to her family needs and employs several members of the community who depend on the work of her hands.
Opinion: The pottery business enabled Frida to have some level of financial independence. She was ready to learn a new skill which now pays off as it is her source of livelihood.
