How I started a business with my pocket money

Lateefat’s part-time business takes off

Your thoughts (85)

I lost my dad when I was 14. My mum could barely take care of my sister and I.

When I was 15, she sent me to live with her brother.

It was at his place I started my first business.

You see, my uncle used to give me N100 every day as pocket money. I decided to save N50 from it.

After 2 months I had saved N3, 000. I thought of what to do with the money.

I spoke to my uncle about my savings. He advised me to start an airtime business with it.

He took me to a dealer who sold me recharge cards worth N2, 500.

I started off by selling airtime to my uncle and our neighbours. Then I told my friends and their families about it.

I started selling to some people on the street. To stay safe, my uncle asked his friend to let me sit with her at her road side shop. This way, someone always knew where I was and who I was talking to.

Selling on the street can be dangerous, I stayed safe by making sure I was never alone and when I was speaking to my customers, I always kept the conversation to my business and never gave my personal details like my number or where I lived even when some men asked for this.

I also sold cards at church and to some teachers and students at my school and used the same lessons my uncle taught me on how to stay safe.

After 6 months I had saved N5,000 from the business.

I was so excited. I never knew I could make so much money. It has now been a year since I started my airtime business.

I have been able to help my mother. I have also been able to save money for my future.

You too can start something today. You don’t need to have a lot of money, start with what you have.

Do you get pocket money from your parents/guardians? Save some of it.

Don’t get pocket money? There are still other options.

Do you have a skill or time to learn a new skill like household repairs, weaving hair, making beads/jewelry, wall painting etc. Trusted friends, classmates and family can pay you to use this skill to help them.

There are other safe ways to get money. For example, you can volunteer to run errands for neighbours, help them wash their cars or their clothes for money. Whatever you decide to do, always make sure you let someone know where you are at all times.

You too can become a young businesswoman. All it takes is discipline and hard work.

Want to read more inspiring stories like this one? Then head to our Springster Facebook page and connect with a community of girls just like you! - https://www.facebook.com/heyspringster

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Your thoughts

Wat if I don't hv any skill or pocket money?

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey black__chick_! You can get a job on the side to give you some money. However, we believe everyone was born with a talent. Whether is it talking, singing, cooking, writing, reading or even taking care of little children. Now to identify your talent, all you need to do is to think of the things you love to do and the things you do without stress. Once you identify these things, think of how much passion you have for them. If everything is positive, you have discovered your talent. Willbliss, we want to encourage you to develop it. No matter what it is, use it for good things and see how far it will take you. We hope this helps.

Sis,am saving money before with sumone,bt av get stucked in it,no money to continue and am in debt at the moment,advice me

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Kiki! We are so sorry to hear about this. The number one tip to saving is that you should not plan over your budget. Now that you are in this, what you need is an added source of income. So look for a side job or use your skills to make some extra bucks to continue saving and also to pay off your debt. It may take a while so try talking to the people involved that there may be a delay in payment. We hope this helps.

Am saving my pocket money bt i don't know wat to use it 4

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Meerah! Keep saving it. A time will come when a need will arise. However, we advice that you make a plan to use it right so that you don't end up spending it on something not worthwhile. We hope this helps.

very impressive story bt not interesting

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

I save my pocket money but don't know what to use it for

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey melody! Keep saving it. A time will come when a need will arise. However, we advice that you make a plan to use it right so that you don't end up spending it on something not worthwhile. We hope this helps.

OK thank u for ur advice

Big sis, I hv save up to 30,000 but I don't know the business I can start wit, so pls I need ur help

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Inuen! There are so many businesses that you can start with that amount of money but we cannot suggest one to you because you need to be passionate about the business that you want to do. So you need to think about what you are passionate about and work towards it. We hope this helps.

Hey big sister , i always want to safe money bcos i know the usefulness of it but i cant always bring my self to saving the money , i dont just know am confuse

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Happyface! We understand that saving money can be difficult sometimes. The trick to saving is to save towards something (a new dress, phone, a gift for a friend etc). This way, you are not so tempted to spend the money you get. You can also make a piggy bank to save money. With this, you will not be able to get the money out until you break it. You can tell a carpenter to make it or you can buy one. We hope this helps.

Thanks big sister

I want to start my production bussiness i produce hair cream,jelly cream,deltol,perfumes and lots more

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Godknows222! That's great to hear. You go girl! All the best in your business.

I Start My Business With My Pocket Money Too,Any Works that Involve d manulapulation of leather Either Natural Or Synthetic i DO dat Work,By now I Depend On my leg Thank God.

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey SBoy1! Wow! You are indeed a Springster! This is very great. We are so happy you shared this with us. Thank you so much and keep up the good work.

I just started a new business. I sell my handmade bags at affordable prices and it has turned out better than I expected. Its like a dream come true!.

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Joystar! Wow, we love this! Keep up the good work girl. You are indeed a Springster. Thanks for sharing this.

after writing my final exams for secondary school I learnt a handwork to keep myself busy before proceeding to the university and now I have saved some money that can help me in school

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Coutinho! You go girl! You are indeed a Springster. We are proud of you. Thanks for sharing this.

Just try to keep urself save from guyz babe

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Wow!! I Am Motivated With This Thanks Alot. I Have Always Liked To Stop Up A Small Business 4 My But My Problem Is How To Save 4 It.

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Nice one...

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Waooo, That's really good idea 💡

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

I tink i'll try Lateefah's trick n I know it will help

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

Is so touching I love this I will applying this it's can work for me too

March 20, 2022, 8:01 p.m.

I love this I will try it too

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

Wow! I love this I have alot of money I saved from my brother I think also try this

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

thats right bt what if my friends look down on me coz of my way of makin monie

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey debbyblaq! Your friends are not to determine your success. If they really like you, they will support your dreams and even learn from you. We hope this helps

"Yes" Schooling

March 20, 2022, 8 p.m.

Ooh Jesus Christ, this story just touched my heart now. I am an industrial welder of which am still believing God for a miracle Job with no time. I am thinking of doing a business but no funds now to run it. But if any one could assist you and ever ready to start. Thanks

March 20, 2022, 7:59 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Stunchguy! Thanks for the comment. You are doing an amazing job! Keep it up. Why don't you write proposals and submit to companies about your job instead of waiting for a sponsor? You sound like you are really good at what you do and we are sure that a lot of people will be willing to give you a job. We hope this helps

i want to be a musician but i dont have much money how can i start this please adivice me

March 20, 2022, 7:59 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey john! Thanks for opening up through this comment. To get a sponsor, you can write a letter to different people in your community/environment asking them for support or to sponsor your music career. You will never know who will be willing to help if you don't ask. We wish you all the best and we hope this helps.

am a novelist please! AND i don't have much money to sponsor myself ..how do i do it!

March 20, 2022, 7:59 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Ezinne! That's great to hear! You can start by participating in writing competitions for free publicity and also gifts. Also, we advise that you submit your articles to media houses to publish. Most of them are open to accepting good articles. You do not always have to start with publishing a book, start with getting your work out and who knows who you get to meet. We wish you the very best!

I like this posting It was good for people having good plan for future purpose Is good idea for me Saving money is good

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Olalekan! We are glad you love this article. It was written because of you. Please feel free to share this with your friends.

pls....apart from airtime business... which other business can I start with 3000 naira....(I don't have any skill)

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey immebae! Thanks for the comment. First of all, you have a skill but you need to find it by searching deep down. Some people are making money through dance, comedy and even cooking so you do not have to wait till you have a big skill till you can make money. There are so many businesses you can start with 3000 naira but this depends on your interests. You can make and sell zobo, beads (wristbands that are customized), sell snacks outside your house (biscuits and the rest), laundry business (washing clothes... all you need to do is to buy soaps, pegs, buckets and have good supply of water). We hope this helps

am still a student

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

iam at bording school, our school are not allow any student to use hansate also they will not allow any 1 to sell the card, or to go out rampantilly so what are we going to do for bisness? pls we need your advice

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey officer! Thanks for the comment. You do not necessarily need to sell recharge cards. You can do other businesses in your boarding school. For instance, you can wash clothes for other students and collect money for it, you can teach people/tutorial (choose a subject you are very good at and charge per hour or per week), you can help people arrange their lockers and corners and get paid for it too. If this is allowed in your school, you can sell basic things that students need e.g. padlocks, milk, biscuits and other snacks, toiletries etc. These are some of the businesses you can do. We hope this helps

Thanks again for your time and consideration

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Stunchguy! We see you successfully logged in. Welcome back

Thanks so much big Sister. But I have been writing to companies since and none of them are responding to my proposal. Please help me find one...... Am still at home doing nothing, my skills is just waiting. If you have any information about welding recruitment or you know someone who is also an industrial welder, please Kindly inform me.

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Stunchguy! Thanks for the comment. Don't stop writing, don't give up! It will be worth it eventually. Your skill is not waiting... Your skill is industrial welding. Write to construction companies, factories, engineering firms etc. Structure you proposals in such a way that the company will feel that they are incomplete without you. Not everyone needs an industrial welder so you should not be sending proposals to just any company. We believe that you will get something good soon but do not stop. Keep it up! We hope this helps

Thanks for your advices

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

bid sister please how can i start business with 5000 am 18years old and i wish to go to school but we are poor and i need to help my self.am teaching but my salary is not enough for me to do everything i plan to do please help

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

I'm 14 and my breast is hard and painful is it normal

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Anonymous3! It happen to many girls when their breasts start to grow. However, you should talk to a trusted adult and see a doctor because it could be something else. We hope this helps

I SAVE MONEY,BUT I DON'T NO THE BUSINESS TO START

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey DESTINY! What are you passionate about? What will you love to do every day? What is that thing that you always look forward to doing? We advise that you think about it properly before you think of the business to do. We hope this helps

I love dat keep on god will be your saviour

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

good evening Big sis nd my fellow springster.plz i need help nd advice,i've save up to #2000 (two thousand naira) and i want to start meat pie business plz hw do i go abt it inorder to create awareness abt my product so that i can find customer to patronise me?

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey chrisdove! Thanks for the comment. That is very great to here! We love the fact that you are intentionally looking for a way to start a business. We love that, keep it up! You should start by telling everyone you know that you make meat pies. Word of mouth is very important in marketing. You can even make samples for people to taste and also market for you (maybe 2 or 3... share it among people). We wish you all the best and we hope this helps

saving of money is not something difficult,but how to start the business and whom to sell the items to is the main problem

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey Jadorh! Thanks for the comment. Starting a business is doing what you love and what you are passionate about. So think about it well. What is it that you like to do? Do not limit yourself at all. Think of the things you really love to do everyday. Business does not have to be buying and selling but it can actually be a service you are providing too. Do not be in a hurry to start a business, take your time. We hope this helps

masha,Allah I really appreciate you sister

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

I really need to start a business but don't know a suitable business to do with little sum of money

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey PhinaLove! Thanks for the comment. You need to, first of all, know what you are passionate about. Going into a business means that you need to be passionate about it and this is something that you need to think about properly before you head on. You can go into the selling of recharge cards or snacks, you can make beaded wristbands or even zobo for sale, you can do homework or school projects for people and get paid, you can also wash and clean for people for money too. Business does not have to be buying and selling, it can actually be a service. We hope this helps

it make sence sister keep on

Yes

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

yes sister am about to, thanks for your concerns

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

yes

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

yep. i cn weave hair too

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

I really want to start a small scale business but I don't know d actually one to do because right now am not with enough money

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

Latest Reply

Hey 3rippleJ! There is an amazing comment by Niasse right above yours with simple businesses that you can start with as little as 60 naira (really cool). Starting a business is not mainly about the money you have but what you are passionate about. Do you want to sell or do you want to offer a service? You can sell snacks, beaded bracelets, zobo drink etc or you can offer services like plaiting hair, washing clothes, cleaning people's houses or even tutoring people on a subject you are good at. If you want to offer a service, you need 0 naira to start while the business will require some money. The choice is yours. We hope this helps

Ofcourse,i actually start my own small skills with 60naira by selling pure water at home.After 1month a big suprised occur when i earn 2k then i start making what we called (Gullisuwa in our lng) when i mix milk with sugar with water then i fry it with G/nut oil...

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

Latest Reply

Thank you Niasse for sharing this amazing easy businesses with other Springsters. We really appreciate you. Thanks

True

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

Test - anonymous comment

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

Test - anonymous comment

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

Latest Reply

Test - anonymous reply

Test - normal comment

March 20, 2022, 7:58 p.m.

Life is inspirational, look upto god and say you can do it?

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

I CAN DO IT, WE ALL CAN DO IT, WE SPRINGSTERS CAN DO IT

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

YES

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

Fantastic

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

Is True

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.

true talk

March 20, 2022, 7:55 p.m.