My name is James Kozi, a 23-year-old from Kisumu. I grew up as an orphan under the care of my grandmother in Ugenya. After her passing, I faced rejection from my uncles, who sent me away to search for a father I had never known. With nowhere else to turn, I moved to Kisumu in search of work. It was a difficult time, as I had no qualifications and opportunities were scarce.
It was
during this struggle that I encountered the Women Business Hub through their
Trade Over Aid (TOA) Initiative. At first, I was skeptical. What kept me
attending their meetings was something simple—tea and mandazi, which at least
gave me a meal. Over time, however, I became inspired by listening to others
share their stories of resilience and hope. I realized I, too, could build a
future for myself.
I chose a
simple idea: becoming a barber. What started as curiosity soon grew into
passion. The TOA team mentored me, arranged an attachment where I learned
professional shaving skills, and provided me with equipment to start my own
business. Through their guidance, I not only gained practical skills but also
the confidence to run a business.
Today, I operate my own barbershop (kinyozi) and continue to learn every day. Once I complete repaying my initial loan, I plan to apply for a larger one to expand my business. My dream is to grow this enterprise so that I can employ other young people like me—those who are struggling without jobs—and give them the same chance I was given to build a dignified life.
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