Happy Said

It’s a bright morning in Bunju, Tanzania, and Happy is already hard at work in her office, a space that reflects the growth and progress she has made in less than a year. The shelves around her are lined neatly with bedsheets, duvets, towels, soft blankets, mosquito nets, and curtains. Customers stop by regularly, browsing and chatting, as Happy moves around the shop with confidence and purpose.

Happy’s journey to this moment wasn’t easy, but it was made possible through the support of the Imbeju Program. She first heard about the program through a seminar, and the opportunity it presented felt like a lifeline. With a seed capital loan of TZS 5,000,000, Happy began selling household textiles. Before receiving this support, her initial capital was about TZS 2 million, limiting the scale and reach of her business. Through the Imbeju Program, Happy received the financial boost she needed and the essential business training that transformed her modest startup into a flourishing business. Just nine months into operations, Happy was able to move into a dedicated office in Bunju, marking an important milestone and demonstrating the steady growth of her business.

Today, Happy’s business capital has expanded to around TZS 12 million, and she proudly finished paying off her loan earlier this year. With her sights set on the future, she is already preparing to apply for a larger loan of TZS 10,000,000 to expand her inventory and reach more customers.

One of the biggest improvements in her business is how she sources her products. Previously, Happy had to make frequent trips to Kariakoo Market, one of the largest markets in Tanzania, to fulfill customer orders, a time consuming and expensive process. Thanks to the knowledge and connections gained through the Imbeju seminars, she now imports goods directly from China.

As Happy puts it,

“Before the support from the Imbeju Program, I used to run to Kariakoo Market every time I got an order. It was exhausting and costly. Now, I can import directly from China, which has changed everything for my business.”

Happy’s business success has also created new opportunities for others. She has hired a young woman to assist in the shop, contributing to local employment and building a small value chain within her community.

Her expanding customer base reflects the impact of her dedication and the support she’s received. With marketing skills learned through Imbeju, Happy has built

relationships with her clients, turning first-time buyers into loyal customers. Every day, she invests energy and passion into her business, knowing that each sale brings her closer to achieving her dreams.

Happy’s story is one of determination and resilience—a shining example of the many women entrepreneurs in Tanzania striving to improve their lives and communities. Through the Imbeju Program, she has transformed her business and her future, proving that with the right support, small businesses can grow into successful ventures that uplift families and inspire others.