Why Graduates Should Hold On to Women’s Businesses: A Real Story
Graduating from school is a huge milestone. You finish your studies, get your certificate, and suddenly the world expects you to “make it.” But what does that really mean? Many graduates feel lost, unsure where to start, especially in places where formal jobs are scarce and competition is tough.
If you’re a graduate reading this, let me share something important that I’ve learned:
Businesses like bakery, restaurants, and egg production — often called “women’s businesses” — are actually some of the best and most reliable ways to build a steady income and secure your future.
At first, that might not sound like the kind of big, glamorous business everyone talks about. But let me explain why it deserves your attention.
Starting Small and Building Slowly
When I graduated, was unsure what to do.I knew didn’t want to wait around for a job that might never come. So notice around and saw what people were already doing in their communities — baking bread, running small restaurants, raising chickens for eggs.
noticed realized that these were steady businesses. They didn’t need a lot of startup capital, but they provided daily income. More importantly, they met real, constant demand. People need food every day. Eggs are used in every household, bakery goods sell fast, and small restaurants feed hungry workers and families.
With a small budget saved over time, I bought a few hens. That was my starting point. I didn’t have fancy equipment or a big farm — just a small space and a lot of hope. My goal was simple:
Produce fresh eggs and sell them consistently.
At first, it wasn’t easy. Hens need care, food, and the right environment. I had to learn everything by trial and error. But slowly, the hens began laying eggs regularly, and customers started trusting me.
The Value of Trust and Consistency
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that business isn’t just about money — it’s about trust.
When you’re selling eggs, bread, or meals, people want to know they can count on you. Will the eggs be fresh? Will the bread be ready on time? Will the restaurant have clean and tasty food?
That trust builds your reputation. And when people trust you, they keep coming back. Even if prices change a little, loyal customers stay because they value your quality and honesty.
For me, that meant I had to be consistent.
No skipping days.
No lowering standards.
Just steady, reliable service.
Pricing: Understanding the Market and Value
But as years passed, the cost of feed, maintenance, and fuel for other equipment increased. By 2025, I had to raise the price to ₦200 per egg.
That’s a big jump, but it reflected reality. It wasn’t greed; it was survival and growth.
Some customers complained at first, but most understood. They valued the eggs and knew I couldn’t provide good quality at old prices anymore.
This taught me a crucial business lesson:
Your price must reflect your costs and the value you deliver.
Don’t underprice yourself just to keep customers — if you do, you won’t last long. Be honest with your customers, and they’ll respect you for it.
Combining Businesses for Greater Success
Egg production alone brought me steady income, but I didn’t stop there.
I started baking small pastries and bread that used my own eggs. That gave me control over quality and costs.
Later, I opened a small restaurant at home. Because I had fresh eggs and baked goods on hand, I could offer better meals without relying on outside suppliers.
Combining these businesses created a cycle that fed itself. The restaurant attracted more customers, the bakery got more orders, and egg production increased to meet demand.
For graduates, this is important — you don’t need to stick to one thing. Starting small with what you know and expanding step by step is the best way to grow.
Women’s Businesses Are Real Opportunities
Sometimes, society labels bakery, restaurants, and egg production as “women’s work,” and young people think they’re not important or profitable enough.
But these businesses are the backbone of many families and communities. They provide steady jobs, income, and dignity.
As a graduate, holding on to these businesses means you’re stepping into something real, tangible, and profitable.
You don’t have to chase every “big opportunity” to succeed. Often, steady, honest work right at home can be the greenest pasture.
Practical Advice for Graduates Thinking of Starting
If you’re thinking about starting a business after graduation, here’s what I suggest:
Start with a budget you have: Even a small amount can get you a few hens, baking supplies, or ingredients for a restaurant.
Keep track of every naira: Know what you spend and earn. Treat your business like a bank account.
Build trust with your customers: Deliver quality and be reliable. Word of mouth is your best marketing.
Don’t be afraid to raise prices: As your costs grow, your prices should too. Be transparent about why.
Reinvest your profits: Use the money you make to grow your business, not just to spend.
Combine related businesses: Baking and egg production, or farming and a small restaurant, can create more value together.
Trust Yourself and Your Journey
Graduation doesn’t mean you have to have everything figured out. It’s a step, not a finish line.
If you decide to build a business around bakery, restaurants, or egg production, trust yourself. Trust that small steps can lead to big results. Trust that steady work and smart choices will pay off.
You don’t need to wait for a perfect moment or a fancy job. You can start now — with what you have, where you are.
Final Thoughts
Graduates, don’t underestimate the power of these businesses. They may not seem glamorous, but they are profitable, steady, and real.
Hold on to them. Work hard. Build trust. Be smart about pricing. And grow steadily.
Because sometimes, the easiest and most reliable path to success is right in your own hands — in the bakery oven, the restaurant kitchen, or the backyard chicken coop.
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