Every morning, before the sun rises over Offa Road in Sokoto State, Norah Nathan Friday is already busy in her small kitchen, frying fresh, big, round donuts. The smell of sugar and oil fills the air as she carefully packs each one into transparent containers to display in front of her POS shop.
But behind her warm smile and delicious snacks is a young woman carrying the weight of school, business, work, and family, all on her shoulders.
“I started my POS business with just ₦50,000. It wasn’t much, but I had the passion for it”, she said.
Norah was working at Kings Guard Security Limited when she began the POS business but her boss was not pleased with her trying to balance her job with school and a side hustle.
“He kept frustrating me until I had to quit. Thankfully, I found another job where my boss was more understanding and supportive.”
Now, Norah works during the day, attends evening classes as a part-time student studying Public Administration at the University of Sokoto and still manages to run her POS and donut businesses.
A business built from passion
Norah’s POS business brings in a small but steady income. More than just the money, it helped her overcome shyness. “I used to be very shy, but running the POS made me talk to people every day. It changed me,” she explained.
Despite the fact that the POS business seem to be running from day to night, Norah explained that it is her donut business that brings in most of the money.
She explained that though people complain about the amount of the donut which costs ₦250 each, her customers are impressed about ths size and double impressed when they taste it.
“I make them big, like I’m the one who’s going to eat it. That is why people come back because it is rare for you to see such size in this area.”
The budding entrepreneur does not just make donuts at the road side, she recently started getting large also orders, mostly from recommendations from those who have tasted her donuts, “That’s when I make good money,” she says.
Juggling school, business, and family
Norah’s days are packed from morning to night. She fries donuts early, runs her POS shop, goes to work, and attends classes in the evening but she remains undaunted and keeps going because of the needs of her siblings. Despite this, she reiterated that she is determined to finish her education.
“It’s really stressful, sometimes I feel like giving up. They are not small kids anymore, and they give me plenty of trouble. But I have to take care of them.”
Speaking about her choice of a course, she explained that public administration is a course that enable her get a job in any organization.
Dreams of expansion
In five years, Norah sees her business expanding beyond Offa and intends to supply donuts larger organizations.
Speaking of her challenges, she higlighted that with her shop in an open area, theft is a concern. She said that she had lost her phone to theft and other little items which has made her more careful when going about her businesses.
But despite these challenges, Norah is grateful for the people in her life especially her new boss who advices and encourages her not to give up.
Her message to other young women
Norah has a clear message for other women trying to find their path saying that they should never overlook working hard as there is dignity in labor, no matter the kind of work.
“Don’t wait for anyone. Life is not easy, and you have to stand up and face your challenges. Start small, even if your income is little. It will grow. You just have to believe in yourself,” she said.
