When most people say they don’t have money to start, what they really mean is they’re waiting for perfect conditions.
But business doesn’t wait for perfect timing — it rewards bold moves.
This is the story of a young Nigerian man who started with ₦15,000, and today, he employs 12 people.
And the weird part? It all began by accident.
The Beginning — A Broken Phone and a Bright Idea
In 2018, Emmanuel’s phone screen cracked. He didn’t have enough money to repair it, so he went to Computer Village to look for a cheaper technician.
While waiting, he noticed something — the shop he entered had almost 20 people fixing different phones, and money was exchanging hands every second.
He asked the owner, “Oga, how much una dey make for this kind day?”
The man laughed and said, “Guy, we no dey rest for here o. If you sabi this work, you no fit broke again.”
That sentence stuck with Emmanuel.
The ₦15k Gamble
He had only ₦15,000 in his account — money he was saving for school.
Instead of using it for his phone repair, he decided to use it to learn phone repair itself.
His friends laughed.
His parents didn’t take him seriously.
But Emmanuel was determined.
He found a small shop, paid ₦10,000 as training fee, and used the remaining ₦5,000 for transport and food.
He spent three months learning, staying late at the workshop every day just to understand how phones truly work.
The Hustle — Fixing Phones on the Roadside
After training, he couldn’t afford a shop, so he carried a small toolbox and started fixing phones by the roadside in Ikeja.
He made ₦1,500 on his first day.
It wasn’t much, but it was proof that the business worked.
He began posting small updates on Facebook and WhatsApp — pictures of phones he fixed, client reviews, and his contact number.
Soon, referrals started rolling in.
The Breakthrough — From Street Corner to Storefront
By the end of his first year, he had saved ₦300,000.
He used part of it to rent a small space, and that changed everything.
Now he could take more clients, hire an apprentice, and offer other services like screen replacement and phone accessories.
Within two years, Emmanuel wasn’t just fixing phones — he was training others.
He launched a mini phone-repair academy, started selling tools, and even partnered with online vendors to offer after-sale phone servicing.
The Weird Part
Here’s where it gets really interesting…
Emmanuel said he still doesn’t see himself as a “big man.”
He still carries his toolbox and fixes phones himself, even though he now has 12 staff members.
He says, “People think I’m lucky. But luck only finds people who are busy doing something.”
He didn’t wait for capital.
He didn’t wait for investors.
He started — and the business grew with him.
What You Can Learn from Emmanuel’s Story
-
Start Small, Grow Smart.
Most people want to start big and perfect. Emmanuel started with ₦15k and learned his way up. Progress matters more than perfection. -
Learn a Skill That Pays.
If your skill solves problems, money will follow. Focus on high-demand skills — phone repair, fashion, tech, or content creation. -
Market Yourself Online.
Emmanuel used Facebook and WhatsApp to promote his service. You can do the same — social media is free marketing if you use it right. -
Stay Consistent.
The magic is in showing up every day. One client leads to another, and one small win can change your life.
Final Thoughts
The truth is, everyone starts with “small money.”
But only a few people turn that small money into something meaningful.
Emmanuel’s story is proof that you don’t need millions to begin — just clarity, courage, and consistency.
So, if you’ve been saying, “I don’t have capital,” maybe it’s not money you lack…
Maybe it’s the boldness to start with what you already have.
Because as Emmanuel would say:
“The day I spent my last ₦15k to learn a skill, that was the day I became rich — not in money, but in mindset.”