“I can say I talk a lot now, especially when it has to do with my solar business, and I have more confidence. I talk about my business and what I do wherever I find myself.” Taibat Zakariyah, Nigeria
Forty-three-year-old Taibat Zakariyah teaches in a private school in Ibadan, Nigeria. Her husband studied biochemistry, teaches part-time, and works in a laboratory. Even so, finances were stretched with five children; four are twins.
“We had twins twice, and it has not been easy for us to cope with finances,” Taibat confided.
A few years ago, Taibat started working with an up-and-coming solar company, selling solar lamps on commission. Her neighbor is a Solar Sister Entrepreneur. One day they started talking about the products, the prices, and the durability of the lamps. Taibat was impressed with the durability and warranty that Solar Sister offers, even though the lamps’ prices were slightly higher. She tried several of the products herself, and in May of 2021, she signed up with Solar Sister.
Taibat talked with us about her experiences since becoming a Solar Sister Entrepreneur.
“Working with Solar Sister has brought a lot of relief to us financially as a family,” Taibat said.
Taibat says that her training from Solar Sister has made all the difference.
“First, the training on the business plan at the beginning of the year encouraged me and showed me how much profit I can make if I sell a certain set of products.
Also, my BDA taught me how to install the 3-bulbs home systems. Before the training, customers always felt discouraged when they asked me if I could help them install it. I would say ‘No,’ but now that I have been trained on how to do it, I feel more confident. I have gained more customers for home systems because I’m ready to help them install them after selling them.
Life has changed because I now have extra income from my solar business, which has also given me a lot of publicity in my community and a nearby market close to me. More people know I sell durable solar products compared to when I was just a sales agent.
I use the profit I make for house upkeep, and I don’t need to depend on my salary. The profit I make from my solar business compliments my salary, and I usually don’t need to wait until the end of the month to execute essential things that need money.
I no longer check the calendar or get angry and disappointed when my employer does not pay my salary at the right time. And I’m able to save my salary and even loan part of it to grow my solar business.”
Taibat says that the training in marketing and promotion skills has helped her build confidence. Smiling, she says, “Normally, I’m not the type to talk so much. I can say I talk a lot now, especially when it has to do with my solar business, and I have more confidence. I talk about my business and what I do wherever I find myself.”
“My proudest moment is when my customers give positive feedback on the products they purchased from me and refer more customers to me.
Many of my customers are market women who need the lamps for their businesses at night or at home for their children. With the solar lamps, my kids study more at night, and I can be certain it’s not causing any damage to their eyes.
Every household needs light. It is a business you do, make a profit, save lives, and impact lives. It helps women to become financially independent.
I want to give my children the best so they can be in a better position than I am today. I want them to excel in their studies and be free of any harmful illness.
”I believe in hard work, and I know when you work relentlessly, you will get there one day.”
This year Taibat received the Champion Award for making the most sales in her area for the year.
As reported by Oisereime Lloyd-Dietake, Communications and Business Development, Solar Sister Nigeria