Life's twists and turns often surprise us. Sometimes, our paths diverge from what we initially studied, leading us toward unexpected passions and opportunities. This reminds us that the road less travelled leads to the most rewarding experiences and successful narratives. Let's look at how Denis, Class of 2018, and Emmanuel, Class of 2017 , defied convention.
Denis was a Textile Design and Technology graduate. He began using his modest savings during university to lend money to fellow scholars. They would repay the loans with interest. This experience ignited his interest in business, as he saw an opportunity to assist peers facing financial challenges. Despite dealing with stubborn customers, bad debts, and capital crises, he has excelled and founded his own microfinance company—ASAP Finance.
"I expected to work as an expert in cloth manufacturing for textile industries and in government offices like TBS, but I found myself much more interested in pursuing my business goals. Besides having ASAP Finance, I have a registered wholesale and retail trade business – Okota255 Investment - where I order women's handbags directly from suppliers in China and ship them to Tanzania. I began all these startups when I was still studying. Just start from where you are; anything big starts small," Denis elaborated.
Emmanuel's entrepreneurial journey mirrors Denis's. Although he graduated with a degree in Music and initially planned to work in live entertainment, he found his calling in retail. Helping his brother at a shop as a joke led him to open his store.
Emmanuel says, "A degree is just a compass, not a destiny." In February, Emmanuel opened his store that sells women's dresses in Kariakoo. What started with a limited selection of dresses has rapidly expanded. Today, he sells between 300 to 500 dresses each month, serving customers from across the country and internationally, including Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, and Mozambique, with the dress prices ranging from TZS 25,000 to 35,000.
Let the journey of Denis and Emmanuel remind us all that adaptability is essential for navigating challenges and discovering new opportunities. Their flexibility and ability to identify opportunities define who they are today. To learn more about alums thriving outside their field of study, please get in touch with alumni@schoolofstjude.co.tz or read more of our newsletter
