Opportunities Abound In Small Businesses – Auwal, Biochemist-turned Shoemaker

Give us a brief overview of your business.
I am an indigene of Kaduna State. I graduated from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with a B.Sc. degree in Biochemistry. I started this shoe making business after graduating from the university, shortly before enrolling for the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Soon after my NYSC assignment, I utilised the skills acquired to advance my ambition in Plateau State.

What convinced you to go into shoe making business?
After graduating, I had to wait for a year before I was mobilised for the NYSC. During this period, I requested a cobbler who used to produce my shoes to engage me as an apprentice. I told him that people always admired my shoes and that I think I will start selling them. That’s how it all started.

How many staff did you start with and how many do you have now?
After learning the skills of shoemaking, I started the business alone, producing it myself and supplying it to the market before getting some apprentices. But now, I have about ten certified staff while others are still being trained.

What was your initial capital base and how did you grow your capital?
My initial capital was less than N100,000. I grew my capital by saving some of the profits to reinvest in the business.

Have you approached the banks for any credit facility?
I haven’t approached any bank for credit yet even though I need more capital to boost my business. Although I am very satisfied with the services and range of products of my banking partner, Jaiz Bank Plc, I want to reach certain levels before I engage them for facilities. I am aware that many small businesses have benefited from the Bank’s non-interest facilities to grow their businesses; surely, I will too, In Sha Allah, because I always feel at home and welcomed at Jaiz Bank.

Do you think your brand can compete with foreign made shoes in the market?
We try our best to limit the difference between our locally-made shoes and foreign ones. Always tasking ourselves to reach the international standard and give the needed satisfaction to our customers. We are not where we want to be yet in the business of shoe making, but we will continue to improve the quality and aesthetics of our products to meet international standards.

Who are your major customers?
Our brand of shoes is for everyone. However, our wholesalers are in almost all the northern states of Nigeria. That is where we get our major patronage.

Would you consider picking up a white collar job in the future?
For now, I don’t think I will quit this line of business for a white collar job, because what I earn on a monthly basis is more than the salary for most of those jobs. And I also have lots of freedom.
Also, my dream is to take this small brand to a very big brand that is recognised internationally.

What would be your advice to young Nigerians who are waiting for white collar jobs?
My advice to young graduates is to indulge in small businesses because there are lots of opportunities. They shouldn’t wait for government jobs; this little business we often look down on, with consistency and hard work, is far better than the so-called government jobs.