But you do not have to wait to build your dreams. Take a leaf out of
teenager Raabia Ravat’s book – she is an entrepreneur at 13!
This is her story:
“From 2010, when I was in Grade
1, I sold personalised labels and
stickers to my class and teachers in
order to earn pocket money. I was
reluctant to impose on my mother
for little things I required like fancy
erasers and treats to satisfy my
‘sweet-tooth.’ Last year in Grade 7,
I had a home industry stall called
‘lemon & lime’ which raked in the
most money at the annual
Entrepreneur’s Day. In May 2016, I
came across adverts of designer
under caps and turbans from two
Capetonian designers. I contacted
them and requested to market their
products in Gauteng. I bought
mannequin-heads and butterfly
boxes for display. I took several
pictures and posted them on an
Instagram account (butterfly
hijabi).
“Thanks to the Almighty, the
response I had was phenomenal.
This year, I pleaded with my Mum
to allow me to sell books online
because reading is my favourite
hobby and encouraging people to
read is my passion.
I initially sold Appa Rehana Shah-
Bulbulia’s Islamic books and later
I contacted several other authors
whose books were in demand. My
humble business allows me to earn
my own pocket money, gives me
the opportunity to assist my Mum
with her Hajj fund and also allows
me the privilege to gift special-
needs children with books. I
believe that every person can
achieve their goals through
determination, dedication,
discipline and faith in the
Almighty who is our ultimate
provider.”
Challenges
The sea will be calm and rough; the
road will be rocky and smooth. Your
journey to your desired places will be
set with obstacles sometimes but you
must have faith and conviction. Break
your challenges down in manageable
pieces. It may be finances, labour or
competition. Do not lose hope, dig
your heels in and make a plan that
works best for you. In everything you
do on a professional and personal level,
be a game changer. Change your mind
set and execute your game plan with
passion, determination and absolute
focus.