As the country gears for a technological take off, young entrepreneurial Rwandans are seeking the emerging opportunities that go with this. One of this budding entrepreneurs is Akaliza Gara who has successfully launched her ICT business aptly named, ‘Shaking Sun’. According to Gara, the young company’s aim is to help businesses and individuals realise their ambitions through the use of innovative technology and modern expertise. They also seek to actively ’think outside the box ’and design and implement creative and practical uses of the technology available today. ’Shaking Sun’ offers, discounted or pro bono services to, nonprofit and charity organisations. In a recent interview with IGIHE.com’s Fiona Gasana, Miss Gara narrates the opportunities and challenges of the business recently held an exclusive interview with Miss Gara on how her firm is coping in the gung ho ICT business…….or not so much so. Below are the excerpts.
IGIHE.com : Is there any particular reason you called your business, ‘Shaking Sun’ ?
Gara : It was to get people thinking – to make them curious about what the business is about.
What made you decide to take the leap and start your own business ?
I had so many ideas and in Rwanda entrepreneurship is really encouraged and supported by the government – especially in the field of ICT.
How were you able to decide that now you are ready and it is the right time for you ?
I had been working as a consultant for some time, but there was so much demand I decided it was time to form a team.
Has it always been an ambition of yours ?
Not really – I actually wanted to be an artist – more specifically a ,children’s book illustrator when I was young.
Why in the ICT field ?
There are so many opportunities in ICT – and technology is racing ahead so you always trying to keep up. It’s a great challenge.
Isn’t there much competition ?
Not as much as there could be – I think many people haven’t realized what a gold mine this is.
What makes your business different to others in the same field ?
With websites, we always offer training – we try to get our clients to feel a real sense of ownership about their product so we teach them how to use it and maintain it.
Do you have specific groups of people you target ?
No ! We hope there’s something for everyone.
Who inspired you to actually venture in this domain ?
Companies like Pixar and Virgin.
Was it easy ?
Sometimes it’s really difficult – but I like being my own boss !
How did you go about getting started ?
I created a business plan several years ago and started calculating how much it would cost to set up and do business for one year. Then I started saving up and when I reached a certain point I registered and go started !
What do you hope to achieve from your business ?
The vision for our business is to be a symbol for positive change to millions.
How do you think you could help or encourage other hopeful young entrepreneurs ?
For people like me – young and single – I think this is a great time to take a leap. Once you get to a point where you have a family to take care of, it will become a much bigger risk. Take advantage of the unique place you are in right now.
Are you excited about your business ? I’m really excited !
Rwanda is fast becoming a country that is encouraging young entrepreneurs in all types of businesses eager to move forward. That’s true.
With you as a perfect example, what kind of advice can you share with others to encourage them to go for their own ventures ?
One – do the research first. Two – Make sure its something that you are passionate about. Three – Set achievable goals. Doing these three things can help see you through the really discouraging times.
Does you being female in a mostly male dominated domain make it any harder ?
Not really ! I think it makes you stand out, which is a good thing.
Did you have any difficulty putting together a team ?
Well, I’d never done it before so I was nervous about making mistakes – especially conducting interviews ; I wanted to make sure I asked the right questions.
How did you go about it ?
For the website developers I took on interns for a three week program. It gave me time to see them work and to find out what kind of personalities they have. Then I selected the best from that group.
Did you advertise for the positions needed ?
Yes, on the website and on the Facebook business’ page.
What advice can you give other hopeful young women who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs ?
Do what you love ! It needs to be something you’re willing to fight for.
What would you say was a major hurdle in getting started ?
Learning how to handle clients who don’t pay on time – that’s still a challenge !
Any surprises you were not expecting ?
I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of support I’ve been offered from various sources.
Any anxieties you have ?
That I’ll burn out ! It’s been many long hours and working weekends.
Do you have a time frame in which to attain certain set targets ?
Yes, I have so many goals – but I’ll tell you more in a few months time – I can’t give away everything just yet !
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