Additional funds for seeds, herbicides, and a worker to establish a farming business
Gladys
Nairobi, Kenya
100% repaid
Entrepreneur
Name
Gladys
Member since
January 2015
On-time repayments
52 installments • 37%
About Me
I am the second born in a family of four siblings and a mother of two a boy 3 years now and a girl 9 years. My childhood was in the in-between, I never lacked to go to school but I had many interruptions being sent home from school for school fee but I would never stay home for too long. my mother would ensure that I was back to school in two days or so. When I finished high school though I became pregnant and had to not continue and instead start taking care of my baby and thus I decided to venture into employment. I worked for about two years and as the frustrations of employment grew I decided I wanted to be my own boss and I put up a small cosmetic shop as I love beauty and also the market was there. Kenya is an interesting country, especially Nairobi as the ladies like looking beautiful at all times, the people are also warm and welcoming . My daughter wants to be a doctor when she grows up so I am working hard to make her achieve this by her never missing school. My son has just learnt speaking well and is about to start baby school so we shall find out what he wants to be in an year or so. My past time hobby is spending time with my family and interacting with new people at social spots where children can also have fun.
My Business
I am in beauty and I sell cosmetics and clothes for women, men and tots. These goods are in demand as the Kenyan market is growing daily and the people want to always look beautiful. I chose this market because of the increased demand and also because its something I love and I have been able to create a niche in this industry and a good source for quality and unique products. The typical costs and revenues that I have include the stock which is makeup, body oils and sprays, clothes and also the rent of the shop and the employee who assists me. The profits that I get from the business I use to pay school fee for my child and also rent for the shop and my house as well as growing the business. I am also saving some in a women's group and for a home since I am currently renting which is becoming expensive by the day.
Loan Proposal
I have been saving up to start a tomato farm and with the additional loan I will be able to buy farm inputs like the seeds and the pesticides and herbicides that are required to grow the tomatoes. I am planning to create a makeshift green house using polythene paper which will reduce the adverse effects that really destroy tomatoes like cold and rain water when they have started fruiting.
The seeds will cost me about $26 while the pesticides $18 and herbicides $18. Also there will be the cost of labor as I am going to need to hire someone to work in the farm when I am running the other business and that will cost me about $35 every month.
Tomatoes are always in demand all year round and they always fetch a good market so the benefit is that I will be able to make a good income and I will be able to create employment and meet part of the market demand that is there.
I expect to increase my profits by about 20% at the start as I will have to take out the expenses of construction and labor and inputs. The returns will help me keep running the tomato business and also take care of the other monthly expenses that come with running it including wages for the farm hand. I will also be able to pay the loan and save up for my children's education as well as better my family's livelihood. Although the amount I have requested is not sufficient I will be able to chip in through the previous savings that I had kept and meet up the remaining costs. I should be supported because I cannot be able to meet the full financial requirements of the farm due to increased cost of farm inputs like seeds and herbicides and also paying of my worker which is attributed to the high cost of living in my country especially in Kajiado where I will be running my farm.
Feedback
Positive
2
Neutral
None
Negative
None
Loan Info
Project Type
Classic Loan
Disbursed amount
$50.00
Date disbursed
Feb 19, 2015
Repayment status
On Time
Projected term
2 months
Other loans
Lenders
United States
Ask Gladys a question about this project, share news and photos of your own, or send a simple note of thanks or inspiration.
Loading...