ADEBANJO OLUWAFEYISAYO.

It is no longer news that University students engage in skills aside from school activities. Entrepreneurship not only allows financial independence or creates networking for opportunities but also provides personal growth in the aspect of building hands-on experiences of entrepreneurship within the four corners of a university yet maintaining good grades at school.

Let’s meet a female student entrepreneur who is balancing academics with her business.

NASELS PRESS:Can we meet you?

HALIMAH: My name is Halimah Ajibade and my brand name is Leemah’s Crochet Corner

NASELS PRESS: Can you tell me about your journey as a student entrepreneur? When did you start, how old were you, and where did you start? How did you come up with your business idea?

HALIMAH: I learned to crochet a decade ago while I was in secondary school by watching a senior. I continued to learn using YouTube videos on my mum’s phone. However, I didn’t start my business until after WASSCE in 2020.

NASELS PRESS: What challenges did you face while balancing academics and your entrepreneurial pursuits? How did you overcome them?

HALIMAH: Briefly, the challenges I faced included fatigue, missed classes, and feeling lost. To overcome them, I analyzed the situation and prioritized my tasks. If I had a test the next day and an order to complete, I’d study for my test first and then complete the order. I also give my customers enough time to deliver their orders.

NASELS PRESS: How do you manage your time effectively between your studies and running your business, knowing you are doing well academically?

HALIMAH: Effective planning is key. I prioritize my tasks and arrange them in order of importance. Although it is not always perfect, planning helps me stay on top of things when unexpected situations arise.

NASELS PRESS: What skills or lessons have you learned from being a student entrepreneur that you believe will benefit you in your future career?

HALIMAH: Patience and diligence are essential skills that will benefit me in navigating life. These skills bring rewards, whether consciously or unconsciously.

NASELS PRESS: Can you share a specific story or achievement related to your business venture?

HALIMAH: Let’s just say the recent one. The Faculty of Arts recognized(with an award) my business as one doing well at ARTLAS.

NASELS PRESS: What is the minimum time for crafting a work?

HALIMAH: Different works determine the time spent, some work could take minutes, hours, days, etc.

NASELS PRESS:Thank you for your time.

This is evidence that it is possible to engage in business as a student without having any side to suffer. It only requires patience, diligence, and balancing.