Seven years ago, Grace’s eyes were constantly dry and scratchy. They bothered her all the time. She knew it was because the family relied on kerosene lamps to light the house at night because of the smoke that it put out.
Her eldest child, daughter Janeth, eight years old, could not study very long at night using the smokey kerosene lamp for light. The light was not very bright, and it wasn’t easy to see. There is no electricity in Grace’s village in northern Tanzania. Grace Mbwambo was not sure what an available or affordable alternative was.
In 2015 while attending her village savings and loan group, a Business Development Associate from Solar Sister gave a presentation about solar lamps and clean cookstoves. Victoria Mfinanga, the Solar Sister Business Associate, told the group about starting their own businesses as entrepreneurs. This offer caught Grace’s attention. She was selling snacks at home to bring in extra income, and her husband, Elihuruma, is a self-employed motorcycle driver. Grace always felt behind with their expenses.
Grace decided to give it a try. She took some of her savings and invested in solar products. Soon, Grace was selling solar lamps and clean cookstoves, meeting people in the marketplace and other savings groups, and going door-to-door.
Grace feels confident in her sales approach. She shares her own experience using a solar lamp instead of a kerosene lamp, the beneficial changes in her eyes, and the cost savings. Her customers appreciate the warranty Solar Sister provides and the quality of the lights.
Grace has been able to expand her market and customer base by using a bike to travel to distant villages from Global Bike.
“I never imagined that I would be able to expand my business beyond my village, but the bike will make it possible. I will now travel to neighboring villages to sell my clean energy products, and I will gain many new customers. The bike will not only help me increase my income, but it will also give me a sense of independence and empowerment. I feel more confident and capable of achieving my goals.”
Grace says that the most helpful training has been setting targets to achieve her goals and objectives. Her proudest moment as a businesswoman is watching her business and capital growth.
Now with three school-age children, Grace says that her children are performing well in their studies because they can study for longer hours with the solar lights.
“My dream is to ensure that my children achieve their dreams and that their families meet their basic needs.”
Grace, 3rd from left, with her fellow Solar Sister Entrepreneurs, who have become good friends.
