A level 400 Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies with Public Relations option from the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) and the CEO of Purple Trendz Ghana emerged the winner of the Best Student Startup of the Year dubbed – GHANA START UP AWARDS.
Business Day News had an up close discussion with her after the awards.
Decorating of ‘’Charlie wote’’ (bathroom slippers) with beads, which later on develop into an idea of designing necklaces using beads. Realizing her ability and potential in bead making, she knew it was a gift given to her by God, she decided to nurture it and make it big. Without any formal education or training in beads making, she quickly gather passion for what she loves doing, and she does it best. She bought already made necklaces in town and decided to try her hands on and do same, even though the finishing was not the best, she kept on trying over time until she became very perfect. Her first capital was from the sale of the necklace she made at GHC50.00, but currently can boost of a capital of GHC4, 000.00, this is what she calls innovation and being smart student entrepreneur. “Self-motivation, determination and focus has brought me this far’’ she said.
Getting the privilege to work on big project in the country she said has also contributed to her brand image, with project like Odo for Autism charity with Stephanie Agyeman – Miss Malaika contestant 2014, Girl Talk Fashion show 2015, Miss Ghana 2015, and MTN Hit Maker 2014 and 2015
Acquisition of space for operational duties and capital for expansion of her business are the immediate challenges she face.
While others used social media platforms to have fun, scandalise others, slander people etc, Joyce has used these platforms to market and sell her products to the entire world.
Joyce added that the award will serve as a greater source of motivation and inspiration to do more and better, this she said would give her more urge to do greater exploits and go the extra mile, the world should watch out for her soon.
‘‘This award means greater expectations from me. It also means that what i thought I was doing in my little corner, has gain recognition beyond my little corner which makes me feel extremely good’’.
Advising the youth, she said ‘‘it is important for every youth to discover their potential especially in an era where unemployment is a major problem in our country and even on the globe as a whole.
The award was organized by The African Network of Entrepreneurs (TANOE) in partnership with Startup Network was designed to honour and motivates Startup entrepreneurs in the country with the theme – HONOURING INNOVATIVE AND GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE STARTUPS.
The awards honoured entrepreneurs from sectors such as agriculture, education, health, media and culture, technology, and fashion
Ms Joyce Owusu’s category of nominees in the student Startup list were, BDK Link Ventures, Grab-a-cup, Hill Bill Shoes, iLLucreate Multimedia , Invent Electronics, Micro-P Lab, My Home Teacher, Ordel, and Wazuri Enterprise.
By Sheila Williams
