The Man Who Helps Those Who Doubted Him a Few Years Ago!

In early 2017, my friend Ibrahim and I were roommates, and we were junior education students at Amoud university. We spent most of our time studying, teaching in tuition, and playing football. However, Ibrahim expressed his desire to start a small business – a kiosk – to run part-time while continuing his studies at Amoud University. I said to him, ” when we graduate from the university, we will secure good teaching jobs. Just be patient during the one and half a year remaining”. I also expressed my doubts, mentioning that the kiosk business is typically not profitable. Despite my advice, Ibrahim decided to pursue his dream.

With the help of a group of 12 young men, including ourselves, Ibrahim set up the kiosk in Borama market. Investing around $70 of his savings, he purchased drinks, biscuits, and other items to sell. Despite long hours from 9 AM to 10 PM, he only made about five dollars in sales each day. Despite the lack of immediate success, Ibrahim remained determined and continued to believe in his hard work and business acumen. Family members and friends advising him to quit due to the seemingly low returns on his time investment, yet Ibrahim remained steadfast in pursuing his dream.

In September 2018, I, Ibrahim and other friends graduated from the university. We all left our hometown and started working in different regions of Somalia and Somaliland. The only one who remained was Ibrahim. His mother suggested he follow in our footsteps and pursue teaching opportunities in other regions of the country rather than persist with the struggling kiosk. However, Ibrahim remained optimistic, stating that success requires patience and faith. Despite receiving similar advice from friends, Ibrahim was unwavering in his commitment to his business.

Two years later, Ibrahim’s income began to increase as he diversified his offerings at the kiosk. He expanded the kiosk’s size, added a variety of juices, sandwiches, burgers, and other food items. His exceptional service and friendly demeanor made his small business a popular spot in Borama. Introducing delivery services further boosted his business’s success.

After sometime he introduced succulent dinners like Fish and chips, chicken, pasta, beef liver and so on. This initiative worked more than he expected. This made him one of the most popular places that offer packed foods in Borama despite being small in size.

Now he earns thousands more times than when he initially began as his business is now successful. I and the other friends who opposed his idea of starting a business 6 years ago receive grants from him as also he gives us loans generously. He also pays living expenses of his father and mother’s family as well as his own.

Ibrahim’s hard work and dedication have paid off, and I have no doubt that he will continue to achieve great success in the years to come, possibly becoming a millionaire in the next decade or two.

Interestingly, he helps financially to anyone who doubted him when he started the business including me, his brothers and friends. He is a true example to many.

Hamza