Hadiza Idris joined Solar Sister in 2015 as an entrepreneur working with Business Development Associate Juliet Echima to grow her business. In August of this year Idris joined our staff to become a Business Development Associate herself. In her first month, she signed on five new recruits as entrepreneurs, started their business training, and distributed 71 products, including clean cookstoves. She is off to a resounding start!
“My name is Hadiza Idris, a 42-year-old mother with four children – Firdausi, 20; Ismail, 17; Hamza, 13; and Faiza, 11. My husband, Musa Idris, is a businessman.
Before joining Solar Sister, I worked outside the home as a teacher in a private school in my community in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. During that period, my family and I faced considerable challenges. Threats from bandits closed my husband’s workplace, leaving him jobless and us in a financial strain. During these rough times, I joined Solar Sister, a decision that proved to be a turning point in my life.
Since joining Solar Sister, my lifestyle has improved, and our situation has changed. My business knowledge has grown; I even traveled to Lagos to attend a Solar Sister Summit!
The increased income has been a crucial support system, especially when my husband struggled to find work. It allowed me to assist my husband in paying for our children’s school when things were rough for him, ensuring they took advantage of learning opportunities. The most significant boost, however, has been the boost to my income and our family’s quality of life.”
“The training that helped me most is the understanding the agency of “YES I CAN” because this module gives me the zeal to achieve more in my business pursuits.”
Engaging My Customers
My marketing strategy is a mix of the modern and traditional. Social media advertising has allowed me to reach a broader audience. At the same time, one-on-one conversations leveraging relationships with family, relatives, and friends have been invaluable in building trust and understanding the needs of my customers.
My customers have diverse needs ranging from solar blenders to dual-burner charcoal stoves. The star product is the ‘happy stove.’ Given the rising gas costs, it is a huge success!
Empowerment and Future Aspirations
Women play a pivotal role in the family, caring for our children’s physical and psychological needs and cooking for the family, among other responsibilities. My dream? To see my children well-educated and thriving in life. And with my continued efforts to expand my customer base and sales, I’m confident of making this dream a reality.
Every time I meet my sales targets, I feel so proud!“