Africa-Press – Namibia. THREE pupils from Walvis Bay started a business in August 2021, during the Covid-19 lockdown period, that not only kept them from being idle, but also kept people warm in the Walvis Bay weather.
Andrias Akuumba, Freddy Samuel and Nafimane Andrias are in grades 10 and 12 at Tutaleni High School.
“We could not just sit at home since there was no school, so we designed the sock brand ‘Kasi Socks’, that attracted especially young people.
“We saw a business opportunity in this type of market, and were ready to take on the challenges that came with selling socks during the pandemic. We noticed that most business were unable to operate during this period, so we decided to take advantage of the opportunity to take hold of the available market at the time,” says Samuel.
The socks, designed by Akuumba, are imported from South Africa and sold for N$50 a pair.
Samuel says the group was surprised at the positive feedback received from their target market, and that people of all ages started placing orders.
Despite this, the burgeoning business has faced its fair share of challenges.
“It was very challenging being teenagers that are still in school. We walked around the streets of Walvis Bay trying to promote an idea. Not everyone was in support of what we were doing. At times we were robbed and stabbed by people. We have been trying to upgrade our business to a professional level and have been knocking on many doors for assistance, but unfortunately doors have been closing on us. It is still very challenging,” says Samuel.
However, they are learning to grow through their challenges, and advised other youths not to focus on the fear when they have a business idea.
“If you have an idea, put it into reality, no matter the economical challenges. Start simple. For us, the idea and name creates a constant reminder of where we come from and where development needs to start. We want to make people feel a sense of pride as they buy Kasi Socks, something they can actually relate to.
“Start with what you have and a little bit of faith.”
So far, those who have bought the socks seem to be quite impressed.
“Kasi Socks is a brand that was established by young boys my age, and it was a huge motivation to us. I am motivated to follow my dreams and just start with an initiative. The sock brand is both comfortable and warm. They are also sold at an affordable price,” says Julia Phillipus
“I love Kasi Socks. They are amazing, and Andreas Akuumba is such a hardworking and ambitious young man. I love the way they look on me. I can wear the socks with anything,” says Martha Ngeno.
The group also realises that there is a need to give back to the community, and plans to have a donation project in August, where socks will be handed out to the less fortunate.
“The project is titled ‘Buy One Donate One’. This basically means that for every pair of Kasi Socks bought, a pair from our collection will be dropped into a donation box which we will donate to those in need.
“We are getting a little support from the community, and we should be giving back in any way that we can.”
The group is fully registered and currently supplying Spar Walvis Bay, as well as trying to engage bigger companies.
They urge other companies to give them a chance, as they are trying to make it as young people. They also ask companies to start buying locally, instead of importing socks from other countries.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
