It all started with a thread and a needle, one stitch at a time, every breadth and height, every fabric touching my hands, the beauty it encompasses, and every design, color, and texture. The sound of the sewing machine reels in my ears, the scissors cut through the fabric making a masterpiece come to life. A dream I had always had, the expertise I aspired to, one step after another, one mistake and then a retake, one distress, then a success, my craft, and the sweat of my artwork. Every setback is a training ground for success, the place where skill and mastery are made.

I decided to learn to make bags after secondary school during the coronavirus outbreak in 2020. I enrolled to be trained by a young lady in my community. I never really had a thing for bags; I just needed a side hustle while at school. To achieve greater financial freedom and security, I founded my business, ‘BK Vantage,’ three years ago in 2023. When I started my training as an apprentice, I had every reason to quit. It was difficult; I was impatient; I was different – the list can go on and on. But thankfully, I never stopped; I still pulled on. It didn’t matter; I had a goal, and I kept pushing until I was certified.

After my long wait at home, the University of Jos admitted me to study Mass Communication. But it didn’t start on a rosy note; we went on an indefinite strike shortly after matriculation. During the seven-to-eight-month strike, I knew I had to look for other alternatives, and I decided to be intentional with making bags. One order came after another. Sometimes I felt spooked and unseen, but I never stopped; consistency was what honed my skill.

Today, I am happy I decided to start. I am better, and I will not stop till my best is best. The best way to do something well is to keep doing it. The fear that stops us from reaching our full potential is the refusal to do that thing. Starting a business or a career is not always easy; there will be rough and tough times, but one thing you should never do is give up. Dream big and start small, be consistent, and resilient. All these great people we see today are great because of the decisions they made. While it was not easy for them as well, they never dared to stop moving.

Your sales may be low now, and your songs may not be recognized now. That time is coming, and all you should be doing is preparing for it. One of the things that hinders us from growing, especially in business, is insecurity. Do not wait until you know it all because, in the process, you will discover new ideas and become better at what you do. You will never be good enough until you start. Today, when I look at my handwork compared to the former, I see how far I have come. I am better or challenged to do even better.

You may fail at your first trial; I have failed a lot of times, but never stop trying. Take up that course, learn that skill, start that business, do that thing. The worst that can happen is failure, but the worst of the worst is not trying at all. Try again, and your failures will open doors for success.