THE country is presently working towards creating a thriving indigenous-run economy and the challenges being faced are numerous.
The Patriot’s Evans Mushawevato (EM) recently had a one-on-one with Adlynn Bonne (AB) of Bones Bag who stressed the need for innovation to make it in the cutthroat world of business.
Bonne took what she learned from a short weaving course utilising plastic and started a business with the knowledge and experience she already possessed.
Her story is a reminder that where there is a will there is a way.
(EM): What motivated you to start your business?
(AB): We were invited by a certain doctor to attend an empowerment course where we were taught how to utilise plastic materials to manufacture various products such as bags and belts as well as other things.
We were 20 of us who were trained.
After training I soon discovered that there would never be the ‘right time’ to start a business.
So I took a leap of faith and began operating.
(EM): Tell us about your business?
(AB): My business involves manufacturing handbags, satchels basically bags for all occasions using plastic materials.
I use ribbons from the obsolete video cassettes, plastic-bags used to carry groceries and bread.
The bags are proving to be popular and I also have corporate clients.
For instance, Inscor Africa is interested in the bags I produce using plastics used by Bakers Inn.
(EM): How is the business going?
(AB): It is growing rather quickly that I can barely keep up with orders.
I have had to teach some members of my family the craft to help me meet orders.
(EM): What steps did you take to get your business up and running?
(AB): I started by manufacturing products for potential clients and presenting them highlighting their worth and how they enhance their image.
For example, I have orders to produce bags for the Harare Province ZANU PF’s Women League using their colours.
My work is of high quality that it is marketing itself.
(EM): What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
(AB): Actively engaging communities and I continue to be innovative and pushing the envelope with regards to my creations.
I have created bed covers using plastic.
(EM): What have been your biggest challenges so far with running your business?
(AB): Working capital, there are times when you require a special type of plastic which is expensive and as I am yet to expand my operations as sometimes I am overwhelmed by orders.
(EM): How did you overcome these challenges?
(AB): I am trying to build a capital base that will enable me to expand my operations and build a future for me and people around me that is not based on fear and uncertainty, and having the time to do what I love.
(EM): What do you love about running your business?
(AB): I am my own boss and directly in control of my destiny.
Working for yourself is more rewarding than a 8am – 5pm job.
(EM): What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
(AB): Be authentic.
Be original and never do a shoddy job, create a reputation for excellent service delivery that will ensure you stay in business and grow.
(EM): How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
(AB): You will fail once you set yourself up to fail.
You will succeed once you redefine what success is to you.
To me success is not accepting defeat or to be brought down by challenges.
The support I receive from my family is enough to keep me going.
(EM): Do you have a business philosophy?
Be authentic, be original and be generous, there is enough business and work for all of us.