By Sulphine Mbambu Bonabana
Mildred Nakazzi, a student doing a bachelors degree of science in human nutrition and dietetics (BHND) has taken a step to explore the beauty of business. She talks about her journey into the world of business.
Q: Tell us a bit about who you are.
A: I’m Mildred Nakazzi doing Bachelors of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics. I am in year two semester one. I started doing business with furniture; we would make beds and wardrobes in 2022 during my S6 vacation, though it’s my dads’ business. I branched off from furniture to selling shoe racks (it is what I sell majorly) alongside selling body sprays, perfumes and snacks.
Q: Who inspired you to start a business at the campus?
A: My friend Mariah Caleb, though he is in the farming sector, assured me that the moment I got done with campus after graduation I was going to be on my own and not to expect anything from my parents or anyone. He thus advised me to start up something so I could earn. My dad who had mentored me while I worked for him in his furniture business also inspired me because I really learnt to make money of my own that I had worked for. I did not have to beg for it. In addition, I do not want to start from scratch after my university life. The little money I am saving will be a starting point for me.
Q. Where did you get the capital to start your business?
A. When I was working with my daddy, I used to save money which I later used to start my business.
Q: Why didn’t you study for a degree in business administration since you love business?
A: I did BCM [biology, chemistry and maths] back in A level and I had developed a strong desire for nutrition. So there was no way I could do BBA. Regardless, I love business because it is the current source of income all over the country. This is the reason I am doing business while at campus.
Q: How are you balancing academics with business?
A: Balancing is not really the easiest thing but at the end of the day, even our parents balance a lot of things at once. Looking for example at parents who balance by doing a masters’ degree alongside taking care of the family, keeps me going. In addition, I have a friend that helps me out when I’m having physical lectures. Advertising my business on social media platforms really helps me a lot.
Q: What are your plans for this semester in regard to academics versus business?
A: UCU is one school that is difficult to balance academics with business but when you decide to run your business online alongside studying, then it becomes quite easy. There is no way you expect high CGPA points when all your attention is on the business. I actually give business its time and my academics a lot of attention because at the end of the day, the main reason I’m at campus is academics, to make me the great nutritionist I want to be. Failing in my academics would obviously mean that I am going to fail in business so to keep my business going, I have to be good at my academics.
Q: What challenges have you encountered?
A: The main challenge is balancing academics with business but nevertheless I advertise online and keep going. The competition is high but I believe everyone has their own blessing that is the reason I still get clients amidst the high competition.
Q: What is your message to students doing business alongside academics and those that are not?
A: To the students doing business – Always remember why you started the business and don’t let everything go in vain. Competition will always be there. It is not easy but don’t give up. Keep trying until you hit the jackpot. In addition, give your academics attention because it’s the core reason you are at the university.
To those not doing business – Do not be afraid to try. You will never explore the beauty of anything unless you try. As you start your business, invite God to start with you, ask him to bless you and he will not forsake you.
