In many instances, most Ghanaian graduates dream of a cushy job with good pay and benefits after school but not every one of these graduates see this dream become a reality.
Some give up and a few ultimately get the entrepreneurial spark which sets them on the path to financial freedom and independence.
One of such riveting stories is that of Paulina Adu who has made her name in the spare parts and accessories dealing business mostly believed to be reserved for men only.
Paulina Adu, who holds degrees in Information Studies & Linguistics and Leadership & Learning from the University of Ghana and the University of Hull, UK respectively, kept on being rejected by various organizations mainly because of her education in the United Kingdom (UK)in her quest for a job opportunity.
Unable to strike gold in Ghana, she travelled to the UK and USA in search of greener pastures but returned back to Ghana after facing some unpleasant experiences abroad.
On her return, she used the little money she had saved up over the years to start her brainchild, ‘Linus 1 Enterprise’.
She says, “I went to Lagos to purchase some items for a full-time retail business at Abossey Okai with my mum. That was where my mum has been since I was two (2). I thought of what society will say. My mum did not like the idea and would always tell her friends about my job search. But I was determined because if you follow the norm you won’t get what you want”.
Speaking on her exploits in the industry, she disclosed, “I deal in car accessories. The returns have been very good especially if you get a direct supplier who you build a relationship with. Even in accessories, we have departments so what we sell is a bit peculiar from others. Others also sell it wholesale”.
Paulina made it known that while her shop in Abossey Okai is the Linus 1 Enterprise, she earned the name Abossey Okai Girl because she was able to build a relationship with corporate persons who would call on her if they need any car accessory.
According to the Abbossey Okai Girl, she has never regretted her decision to venture into the spare parts industry and has encouraged young ones who wish to be entrepreneurs to do so.
By: Alberta Dorcas N D Armah
