In the world of Solar Sister, each entrepreneur’s journey is more than selling clean energy products—it’s a pathway to personal growth, community improvement, and global advocacy.
Each entrepreneur has their own individual journey, overcoming challenges and weathering the ups and downs of owning a business.
At Solar Sister, we recognize that every woman brings her own distinct skills, circumstances, and life stages. Our approach is rooted in flexibility and support, meeting these remarkable women where they are and fostering their confidence and business acumen. This isn’t just about starting a business; it’s about embarking on a transformative journey.
Solar Sister Entrepreneurs are more than just vendors; they are the backbone of their communities. They go beyond selling products, sharing their business expertise, reinvesting profits into their families’ health and education, and becoming influential voices in the global climate conversation. They embody entrepreneurship with a purpose. To read about our Pathway To Prosperity in more detail.
Patricia Shayo stands proudly among her 200 orange trees, purchased with earnings from her Solar Sister business. Dressed in a vibrant kanga cloth, her smile reflects the joy of her achievements since joining Solar Sister in 2017. Despite the pandemic’s challenges in 2020, Patricia utilized virtual training to enhance her skills and sustain her clean energy business by selling solar lanterns and clean cookstoves.
With savings from Solar Sister, she continued to support her children’s education. Participating in the Business Booster Program, a step on the Solar Sister path, Patricia has significantly expanded her business and now enjoys community respect and great personal satisfaction.
In 2019, Onyinye Ndimele was a top seller in Anambra, Nigeria, earning her a spot at the all-Nigerian Solar Sister Entrepreneur Summit in January 2020, where she won the best business plan pitch award. Despite initial nervousness, this achievement fortified and broadened her perspective on opportunities. The pandemic challenged her resilience, but Onyinye adapted by shifting to online marketing. As the situation improved, she struggled with sales in the city due to improved electricity and decided to target off-grid communities. Collaborating with her Solar Sister business coach, she hired sales agents in other communities. She purchased a refrigerator and expanded her business to sell tiger nut milk. Through the Business Booster Program, Onyinye secured product loans to meet demand, transforming each obstacle into an opportunity to grow stronger and more confident.