Poor beginnings never defines the future of any man or woman. It only shows the reality of their starting point, highlights the type of efforts they’d need to put in, and shows them, through the story of others likewise, that a man or woman’s life accomplishments not only lies in his or her decision to try, but in their ability to position their minds for success, no matter what setbacks they face.
This is the success story of Fomba Trawally, a Liberian who lost his parents, traded in a wheel barrow, fled his country because of a war, came back years later, started a petty business with just $200, and ended up building a million dollar company in the process.
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Here’s how he did it:
The Early Life And Education Of Fomba Trawally
Fomba Trawally was born in 1971 to poor parents in Liberia. Growing up, he attended the Voinjama Public School in 1975 and subsequently the Kakata Islamic Training School in 1981.
In a bid to successfully have a formal education, his mother, Kumba Beindu, toiled day and night to sell peppers and aubergines, so she could feed her children and try the little she could to pay for their education.
His Trials
His dreams of someday becoming a college graduate came crashing when his mother died sometime in the 1980s. Fomba Trawally, devastated and confused, had no choice but to drop out of school. Being the eldest son, he had to fend for the family by selling shower slippers in a wheelbarrow.
Another travail struck again, but this time it was a civil war, and he and his family had no choice but to flee Liberia for The Gambia as refugees in the year 1989.
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The Start And Growth Of Kumba Beindu And Sons
After living and hustling in The Gambia for two years, Fomba Trawally returned to Liberia in the year 1991. He arrived his home country with $200 he had partly saved, and borrowed during his time in Liberia.
Upon his return, Fomba Trawally realised there was an urgent need for rubber flip-flops in the capital city, Monrovia, because a lot of people largely walked barefooted since the war had passed. Immediately, he capitalised on this business opportunity and started selling affordable flip-flops to the populace.
He used the $200 he had gotten to start a business called Kumba Beindu and Sons, which he named after his late mother who did everything she could to see her children have a better life before passing away.
In one year, his business grew exponentially from $200 to $3,000 dollars, which was a substantial sum at the time.
Fomba Trawally grew his revenues steadily, and by the year 2005, he had three retail stores in Liberia selling items like paper and cosmetics imported from various countries around the world like China, The United States, Turkey, and Ivory Coast.
See Also: How This Female African Entrepreneur Built A Million Dollar Business From A Small Shed
His Business Today
Today, Kumba Beindu and Sons has a factory called National Toiletries Incorporated, which is Liberia’s first paper and toiletry products manufacturing factory.
His factory supplies products to over 1,500 businesses within Liberia, exports to neighbouring countries like Guinea and Sierra Leone, and rakes in an excess of $600,000 yearly in revenues.
To Sum It All Up
In a country of about just 4 million people, Fomba Trawally’s success is remarkable. His accomplishments despite the poor upbringing he had and the travails he faced through his life, is a sign that anyone going through any form of disappointments or challenges in life can find success if they’re smart, hardworking, and prepared to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves.
What are your thoughts on this success story of Fomba Trawally? Let me know by leaving a comment below.
Nice
Thank you for the comment Emma.
Dear Sir./ Madame
I’m Armand Amoussou Base in Lagos Nigeria, I humbly applying for a grant to enable me Establish catering training Center.
my business was not yet been registered but I am an experience Caterer and a good chef, who is willing to have his own Training Center, my idea is to trains Others how to cook especially women because most of them don’t know how cook I believe having a training center will be a great idea also it will help them to keep their husbands house normally like they say to win a man heart is through his stomach. We will also Partner with others company who are looking for chef or steward. Our work is base on training after finish if you are interested of work we will help you get one through our contact. Thanks for taking the time to Read my idea. I will be grateful if your reputable company can grant me the fund, I will also partner with the local Farmer to help them sell their farm products and employ the youth that can deliver to the Economic through your grant. also known that your donation to my life will also change many people who are living the same situation as mine.
Yours faithfully,
Armand Amoussou
Email: [email protected]
+2347066882059
Hi Armand,
Do apply to the AYEEN competition for funding. 500 businesses will get loans from the BOI through them.
Thank you for the comment.
wow, that’s great
Thank you for the comment Chinonso.
I think this story is truly inspirational.
Thank you for the comment Viona.
Amazing experience, it show hardwork, persistence in the midst of discouragement and sincerity of purpose. He knew what he wanted and worked tenaciously to achieve his goals.
Thank you for the contribution Ezekiel.
Have a great time!
This is an inspiring story for those who think that success in life is limited by their backgrounds.
As long as an individual has the right attitude and is active in the pursuit of his or her goals, the sky is the limit.
This is so inspiring. Hardwork is the key.
How do I start up?
Patience is a virtue. With God, Patience & Hardwork, you can soar past your greatest imaginations
I think from perspective that “no one should despise a little beginning
The young guy started as a wheel barrow pusher and look at him today
He is already established with very many international relations.
It feels really great to know that hardwork pays
Please I will like to know how much it will cost to invest in such a business.
We wish you happy new year in advance from here.
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This is so inspiring. Hardwork is the key
Good effort
Thanks for the inspiration
I really enjoyed this article
hmmmm…mehn this is a wonderful thing you knw
Success stories like these keeps me going. it motivates me a lot.
Keep telling us the success stories, its motivating.
This is an incredible story. I am really motivated by this.
Thanks for reading, Chisom.
Wow, awesome story, you take your take to write all this?? Bro I swear you are a guru.. I respect
Thanks for reading.
Amazing story, quite motivational
Thank you for reading, Sandra.
I am really motivated by this.