BA:To start an organisation a few challenges occur which might make the development of an idea difficult. Did you encounter any challenges, what sort of challenges were they, and how did you overcome them?
TS:One of my biggest challenges has always been finance. Let me take this opportunity to tell people that you do not need huge capital to start a business as many of us think. I started with absolutely nothing. What’s most important is that you have a conviction and are passionate about what you are doing. With these two things, all other things will be attainable. Even as I sit here, I still don’t have one tenth of the capital I need to run Horseman Shoes.
BA: One thing that we have noticed is that there are a certain barriers to young Africans interested in activism and entrepreneurship. These are not only barriers in starting their businesses or activities themselves, but there are other things such as societal restrictions. What do you think is the best way to overcome these restrictions?
TS: I would reiterate that the key person is the self. I was SRC president at the University of Ghana and the natural progression of student leaders is to walk into national politics with either the NDC or NPP. I did a U-turn to the surprise of many. When people see me and they ask me what I do, because of my background, they expect to hear national service at Parliament house or working at a big corporation or that I am with the young wing of a particular political party. However, I tell them that I am making shoes. From their facial expressions you can tell that they are surprised. However, I knew what I wanted. I also faced opposition from my mum. Within six months of starting the business, my mum was telling people that I had graduated from university and that I was looking for a job. She would always say that I was a university graduate and how can I be making shoes? If I had yielded to these pressures and these perceptions, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you today. So, whatever you want to do, society has its own mindset as to what it wants you to become. My advice is just be you. In addition, you have to prove to them that you have made the right choice. Today, my mother’s friends call her and say, ‘I have seen your son on television’ and she makes a lot of noise about this. If you try and you do not succeed, you can always start all over again.
BA:Why Horseman?
TS: It’s a question I answer not less than ten times a day. There are two meanings to it. Horses are strong, have stamina, run fast and when I ask the ladies, they say they’re beautiful. That is what my brand stands for - quality. I want to give my customers stamina not in a literal sense, but in the sense of achievement. Secondly, one pastor and author, Eastwood Anaba, wrote a book, and in it he has a message: ‘Running with Horsemen’. He wanted to connect men of God today to men of God in the Bible. I translated it into our world. When one says “Horseman”, it will be people who have achieved a lot in our world today. We, as young people, must look forward to being such people. We need determination and stamina in the sense that we should not relent on our efforts, we need to complete our race. Horses complete their races, hence Horseman Shoes.
BA: You seem very passionate. Where did you get this passionate drive?
TS: I think this passion can be developed. I developed it. I got it through reading and listening to other people’s stories. I went further to practise what I read. This is how I developed my passion.
BA: On a lighter note, what are you like outside Horseman Shoes?
TS: I used to play soccer although I have not played in a while. I also like to argue about pertinent issues in society. I also chat with my friends over a bottle of beer. I also like to watch movies and discuss them with my friends.
BA: That brings us to the end of this interview. Thank you so much for your time today. Please continue flapping your wings and creating that positive change that is manifesting itself on this continent. Thanks once again.
TS: Thank you too.
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