Anokwu Chiaza an undergraduate of Redeemers University, a rare gem in this clime that created ‘Run Market PLACE’ as she shared her experiences with NBN’s Associate Editor, Gloria Ikibah.
CAN WE MEET YOU MA’AM? (Name, course etc)
My name is Anokwu, Chiaza Daniella. I’m a 200level computer engineering student of Redeemers university.
HOW OLD ARE YOU?
I am sixteen years old.
TELL US ABOUT “RUN MARKET PLACE”.
RUN MARKETPLACE is a platform including 14 group chats and a website where student entrepreneurs in redeemers university advertise their wares and students looking to buy goods or get services can find sellers with ease.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO SET THIS UP?
When I started my business, in 2021 upon gaining admission, I realised that it would be easier and more efficient if there was a platform where I can reach my target audience, I knew I probably wasn’t the only student entrepreneur facing the same difficulty so I decided to create a platform to benefit everyone.
HOW LUCRATIVE IS THIS BUSINESS?
As with other ideas aimed at solving problems, RUN MARKET PLACE with over 200 vendors in the school, and therefore easing transactions within the campus is a lucrative venture.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE SCHOOL AND BUSINESS?
I try my best to balance all activities by proper time management and also getting a team where each person has an assigned role has really made management relatively easier.
WHAT ARE YOUR PROJECTIONS FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS CONCERNING “RUN MARKET PLACE”?
I haven’t thought that far, right now the newest project, that is the website just kicked off so all efforts are going towards that for now.
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES FACED TO START AND RUNNING THE BUSINESS?
One of the major challenges I have faced is the competitors, at felt like I was being copied and it was extremely painful, but now I’ve learnt to take it as one of the things that every successful enterprise must face. Handling fraudulent vendors has also been an issue, but with the help of God I have been able to surmount every difficulty.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVISE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND OTHER YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS?
Follow your dreams, every single idea you have has potential, don’t be discouraged, you can do anything you put your mind to.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES?
I like to read novels and I like to write.