04 Mar 2015

A young man of 24 years of age has embarked on a unique business of cutting acacia tree thorns, preparing and packaging them for sale as toothpicks to individuals.

Speaking in an interview with BOPA, Mr Ash Batseremang of Legonono ward in Gumare explained that people took him for a joker when they saw him cutting thorns from trees and then selling them. 

“This idea was proved by the fact that, for a long time, I had used thorns to pick my teeth after eating,” said Mr Batseremang.

He said because he was always idle and liked being innovative, he stood up to put his business idea to test. 

He said he cut the thorns with a pair of scissors, and then made bundles of about fifty pieces, which he wraps with a rubber band. Mr Batseremang said even though some people took him for a joke, his business was doing well as some people understand what he is selling.

He said he went from house to house selling his natural tooth picks, adding that he sold the 50-piece bundle for P3.

He said that because he used natural resources he got for free, he was not making any loss as the little funds he got could buy him lunch and even toiletry at the end of the month.

Mr Batseremang said some youth projects failed because the owners did not think for themselves but copy what others did and thus didn’t understand the philosophy of a particular business. 

He said in business one had to be innovative, experienced and passionate, adding that the youth should think outside the box, be creative and innovative when it comes to business ideas. ENDS