“Although I had all the necessary ingredients to start a business, my first products were not up to standard, which resulted in a loss, but that never dampened my spirit. I was determined to make sure that my vision for a successful business becomes a reality,” says Mr Phillimon now with hindsight knowledge.

He is a Youth Development Fund (YDF) beneficiary but the P95 000 he received under the fund early this year was not enough to see him through.

That is, despite having all the machinery and skill to cut and join together pieces of leather to come up with an appealing end product, starting his own business was not a walk in the park.

Thus, in addition to the start-up capital it took a lot of hard work, determination and a strong backbone to break even. Mr Phillimon worked tirelessly and remained focused, for he knew he had a goal to attain. Today his products have been well received and are in high demand. Besides, the young Phillimon says he managed to survive all challenges because he was always willing to learn.

“I learnt a lot through interacting with other well established entrepreneurs and also undertook a short course in leather production at Rural Training Centre at Impala along the Francistown/Matsiloje Road to enhance my skills,” he says.

He says his business specialises in designing and manufacturing of leather products, especially different types of shoes. The vibrant entrepreneur says he also drew some inspiration from his customers who criticised him, in the process helping him to sharpen his skill further.

All that paid for Phillimon for he managed to defy the odds to come up with a thriving leather products business that has a relatively strong client portfolio.

His end products have penetrated the local market. His customers are marrying couples as well as some traditional dance groups from as far as Gaborone, Bobonong, Selebi-Phikwe and Mochudi.

Phillimon says although he still faces a challenge of unreliable transport to ferry raw materials from Gaborone to Francistown, he will keep pushing to take his business to higher levels.

His advice to other youth entrepreneurs who have just ventured into business is that they should never give up when challenges come up. He reckons that challenges should be expected, especially when one starts from scratch.

He further encouraged other youth to know the principles of clear goals, focus, hard work as well as determination to make a cut in the business world. ENDS