Sarah Solomon is a Third-year Bachelor of Business Administration student at the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy and a young entrepreneur with a passion for baking cakes, breads, and snacks.
Her journey began during secondary school when she took part in the UWEZO AWARD projects in 2018 and 2019. Her team won both years, but more importantly, the experience gave her confidence and taught her to keep going even when things are difficult.
In 2020, after completing her O-levels, Sarah decided to start her own baking business. She began with very little, borrowing equipment from a friend and earning about 40,000 TZS (15.38 USD) in a week when she was able to make sales. Some weeks, she earned nothing at all. Even so, she did not give up. Step by step, she kept improving her skills and applying what she had learned, especially how to price her products in a way that would allow her to make a profit. Over time, her efforts began to pay off.
Today, Sarah earns between 250,000 and 500,000 TZS (USD 100–200) per month from her business. She has used her profits to buy better equipment, including a larger oven, which has helped her improve her work and increase production. She has also built a steady group of customers who trust her products. Sarah has not yet hired anyone, as she is still completing her studies, but she plans to do so in the near future as her business continues to grow.
Her journey has not been easy. She does not yet have a physical space to display her products, which makes it harder to attract new customers since many people prefer to see items in person. She also lacks some important tools, which sometimes affects the quality of her work. Managing both school and business is challenging, and at times, family responsibilities interfere with her business resources. In addition, the distance between her and some of her customers affects how often they are able to buy from her.
Despite all this, Sarah remains determined. She has built a strong network of customers, continues to improve her skills, and has clear plans to grow her business further. She is grateful to GREAT HOPE FOUNDATION and the UWEZO PROGRAM for helping her believe in herself and take the first step. Today, she also gives back by volunteering, inspired by the same program that once shaped her path.
Sarah’s story shows what is possible when a young person is given the chance to learn, try, and keep going. With the right support, her small business has the potential to grow, create jobs, and change not only her life but the lives of others around her.
