Some entrepreneurs start their businesses by securing capital, finding the right location and developing a detailed business plan.

For Saima Iiyambo, however, her entrepreneurial journey started with something much simpler: a talent with her hands and a determination to provide for her family.

Based in Windhoek’s Goreangab area, Iiyambo has turned her creativity into a small business, transforming colourful beads into handmade products and building a customer base one creation at a time.

“I design these beads by hand. What inspired me to start this business was the desire to feed my children and help my family.”

What started as a way to put food on the table has grown into a source of income and a business Iiyambo can rely on.

“I started this business in 2021. I am naturally gifted. It is not only these beads that I can make, but I can also create other things using my hands.”

However, turning a talent into a sustainable business has not been without challenges.

In the early days, finding customers was one of her biggest hurdles. Today, however, the challenge has shifted from finding customers to meeting growing demand.

“When I started this business, one of the challenges I encountered was finding customers. I used to go to Shoprite to look for customers, but as the business grew, I started getting too many customers. I have beautiful products, which is why I have many customers.”

While demand has increased, the cost and availability of raw materials remain a concern for the entrepreneur.

“The beads are very expensive in Windhoek. Therefore, I try my best to source the materials and ask someone from Ondangwa or Oshakati to send them back to Windhoek by bus.”

For a small business such as Iiyambo’s, reaching customers is critical to generating sales.

She has therefore turned to social media as a low-cost marketing tool, using digital platforms to showcase her products and attract new orders.

“I try to advertise my business on social media, especially on my WhatsApp status and TikTok. Customers call me through those platforms and place their orders.”

Iiyambo says another key part of her strategy is to remain competitive by offering customers quality products at affordable prices.

“What I see as different from other sellers in the same business is that I try to make my products more affordable.”

Her ambitions go beyond simply increasing sales. She wants to establish a permanent and visible space for her business, where customers can easily access her products.

From approaching customers outside a supermarket to receiving orders through social media, Iiyambo is building her business one bead at a time.

Her story is a reminder that entrepreneurship does not always begin with substantial capital or sophisticated infrastructure. Sometimes, it begins with a skill, a marketable idea and the determination to turn talent into an income.