Working on a little side gig while acing my studies

I have always loved learning since I was a small child. Our family poverty, and my grandmother’s passing caused disruption in my primary education, as we must pay school fees that my family lacked. Despite being in and out of school I loved to study and always seemed to get top marks on my exams. At one point in high school I even ended up without fees and staying with one of the teachers for a term, working as her house-helper during the day in exchange for being tutored in the evening. I prayed for God’s help when I sat for the exams and passed with flying colors. The financial struggles continued and my mother sold her only cow for me to start university at Daystar.

I have been following Christ since 2012, but I was inspired to recommit my life to Christ anew after a Daystar chapel service back in 2023. The teacher at that service said that at times, we feel like it is the end, but the end of our human abilities is the beginning of God. Those words really hit me since at that time I felt overwhelmed with life challenges: I had no money to register for that semester. I know one day God will meet my heart's desires, and I promised my heart to be patient and to trust in God’s promises. God has always been strengthening me. I have been walking with Philippians 1:6 Being confident that He who began good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ.

Recently I started selling handmade zipper pouches to my fellow students as a way to make some extra cash. The idea came from my love for simple, stylish bags and the vibrant look of Kitenge fabric. I noticed that many students like unique, affordable accessories, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to try something practical while also earning a bit of income.

I began by sourcing Kitenge fabric locally and working with a tailor to produce small tote bags. At first, I started with just a few pieces to test the market. I showed them to friends in the hostel, and the response was very encouraging. People liked that the bags were handmade, colorful, and easy to carry for books or personal items. Most of my selling happens around campus. I usually market them by word of mouth, showing samples to classmates and friends, and sometimes sharing photos through social media. Because I’m based where my customers are, it’s been easier to reach people and get immediate feedback.

I try to keep the business model simple. I reinvest what I earn into making more bags, experimenting with different designs and patterns depending on what people prefer. I’ve also learned a lot about managing small finances, customer preferences, and consistency in quality. Even though my business is still small, it has been a really valuable experience for me. It’s helping me become more creative, responsible, and entrepreneurial while balancing with my studies.

God has put a desire and calling into my heart for education. I am pursuing an education degree in Kiswahili and Christian Education. My goal is to become a teacher who inspires and shapes responsible citizens for our nation and globally.

Thank you for your interest in my story, Fedis