Are You Ready To Be Your Own Boss?

The transition from an employee to an entrepreneur is as exciting as it is difficult. The decision is not a light one, there are several stages to go through before one deems it fit to quit their job in favour of being at the helm of a startup.

Think about why you want to become a business owner. Do you have an entrepreneurial idea that you absolutely need to follow and see where it goes? Or, do you hate your job and need a change? See, being an entrepreneur is so much more than what television portrays.

Dr. Shikoh Gitau, founder and CEO of Qhala explained “It is not hard for women to be entrepreneurs, anyone can do it. It is a question of timing.”

She continued “For me, being an entrepreneur provides a holistic excellence in how people work.”

This gives rise to the understanding that business success doesn’t come from taking one big leap and never looking back. If you want your business to have longevity, start small and start slow.

“As a team, we sat down and realised data would play an important role in how Covid19 would play up in Kenya. We partnered with UoN. The government constantly asked us, “what is the data telling us?” It is fulfilling trying to save lives. It’s not about the money.” mentioned Dr. Shikoh, bringing to light how vital it is for passion to be the driving factor towards taking the leap of faith from employment to entrepreneurship.

A number of young women have dreams about business ownership, and while some start-ups grow into successful businesses, many do not. As an employee, you enjoy a certain security in knowing you will get paid, but as a business owner, you may not get paid for all those extra hours you work to build your business.

The change of mindset is from worker to owner is critical. It helps you think differently, you act differently, you plan ahead, and look to the past for what worked and what didn’t.

Jumping from employee to entrepreneur may be a leap of faith, but it’s faith in your ability to achieve business success. As Dr. Shiko explains, follow your dreams and have faith in your ability to do the job right.