The year 2021 started with high hopes for me as I was very sure of what I wanted to achieve. This inspired my relocating to Lagos immediately after the crossover night of prayers to ushering us into the New Year.
Before then, I had a discussion with a friend of mine that came back in November 2020 to bury his mother in Onitsha. I told him how things have been hard for me and how I want him to help me come over to Lagos for greener pastures. He offered to be of help to me only if I will join him in his Tyre business.
I told him accommodation will be a challenge for me as I don’t have any relative or friend to help me in that regard apart from him. He offered I share the same room with his boys where he rented for them which was perfect for me.
By December, I was so enthusiastic and excited that I will be moving to Lagos the next year to hustle and make money. So when it was 31st night, I went for an all-night prayers seeking for God’s diving favor in my relocation to Lagos to hustle.
By January 2021, I was ready for the trip when my friend told me to delay my trip as the market is so dull and many traders and customers are yet to return from their Christmas trip. Honestly I felt bad by this new development because I was all set to move, but again I had to respect his advice and wait till month end and finally travelled to Lagos.
I arrived Lagos safely on a Sunday at Ojota where one of his boys was waiting for me. We got home and by Monday morning, we left early morning for Ladipo Market where I am to join them in the Tyre business. Ladipo Market is the greatest market for buying vehicle parts in the entirety of Africa. It is a decent hotspot for both tokunbo and new auto extra parts in Nigeria.
Work commenced immediately for me as I decided to be fast in learning everything about the Tyre Business. From knowing many brand of Tyres to knowing the different tyre numbers for each wheels as well as knowing their various prizes.
I worked so hard for my friend and mastered everything about the business and by June, I told my friend that I want him to allow me go and start my own no matter how little. This time I was looking forward that I need to double my hustle because December is approaching and I need to make some cash with which I will travel to see my people in the village.
My friend felt so bad on my decision but he allowed me to go as he saw how serious I am to stay on my own. I told him I will partner with him as I will be getting supply from his shop to my customers. This agreement helped in retaining my accommodation with his boys.
Immediately I turned my WhatsApp into a business account, got a name for my business (Sure-Tyres) as I couldn’t afford a physical shop. I started reaching out to friends and potential customers for their support and patronage.
Between June and December 2021, honestly it was not easy for me. The little feeding money I used to get from my friend while working for him stopped. The small cash I do receive for drugs and upkeep all stopped. I was left alone to fend for myself. Sales were not really coming as the dollar increase affected the business so badly and customers were dealing directly with established tyre traders and importers.
I kept the fire burning and promised myself never to give up as this was a decision I took, no one forced it on me. Towards the second week of December, I started getting some sales and my morale became high because I really need to make some cash atleast to buy rice and transport myself to the village for Christmas. By the third week, I’ve made some savings and could afford a bag of rice despite the high prize. I sent the cash to my sister in the village to get it done. Ladipo Market closed for the year on 24th December and I travelled on Christmas day.
My people were so happy to see me and the little bag of rice I bought for the house and other little expenses I do. This really gladdened my heart.
Today is 30th December, here I am again looking back to see if God answered my prayers. If all the set targets I had by this time last year were all surpassed. Well, I sincerely scored myself 40%. I got a place free of charge where I squat in Lagos, learnt the trade free of charge and was even allowed to stay on my own and trade without any fights. It can only be God.
In this coming year 2022, I will increase my hustle by God’s grace. I will change strategy and deploy more efforts in using social media to increase awareness for my business as advised by a friend who said I use Facebook and Instagram. I know this will need serious commitment in cash to always have data to remain online and monitor things, but I am determined and motivated.
I didn’t do badly this 2021 though it was rough for me. The experience I got so far has placed me above my mates in Onitsha. I am being consulted for tyre business through calls and I guide people as well.
I will attend my usual crossover night prayers to usher myself and business into a prosperous 2022 and look forward that God will catapult me to that level that I wish for.
Is my story related to yours? Never you give up on your dreams and aspirations. Keep working hard, re-strategize and continue to keep on keeping on as God will definitely crown your hard work and hustle into success.
My name is Chike and I am writing from Onitsha though am a confirmed Lagosian. I hope my story inspires you. Thanks and God bless you and your hustle, amen.
