By Sodiq Lawal
Do you know you can begin laundry business with less than a thousand naira? You wonder how. This story of a UNIOSUN Student who has stepped on the ladder of profitability through laundry business will motivate you.
Starting a laundry business has become an in-thing among young entrepreneurs. It is as a profitable venture for smart and hard-working young people willing to make money.
With the growing busy and demanding lifestyle in Osun State, more people are becoming increasingly willing to have others handle their laundry for them.
From workers to traders, students to artisans, many people wish to look cute but rarely find time to take care of their used clothes among others.
The situation provides an opportunity for Olayinka Popoola, a Part 4 student of the department of Political Science and International Relations, Osun State University, Okuku Campus, who started the laundry and cleaning service with just 1000 naira and now earns thousands of naira from it while still in school.
While many of his mates look to mums and dads for money, Popoola runs his own company, Olagoldwash Laundry and Cleaning Services, providing laundry services to students, lecturers and others living in Okuku and many parts in Osun State.
According to Popoola, his company is not just about providing freshly cleaned clothes but is also creating wealth and employment for other Nigerians.
For Popoola, washing people’s clothes could be more fulfilling than washing a car as it affords one the opportunity to play an important part in human hygiene, dignity, and respect.
Speaking on how he started the business despite the huge capital involved, Popoola said, “I started during my 100 level days in my room (one room apartment). I was laying down on my bed and I was thinking of what I can start doing and the idea came into my mind to start a dry cleaning business. I posted the advert on my WhatsApp status and students started calling me to come pick up their clothes.
“Well, it has not be easy, since I started with just 1000 naira and no one to assist, I have been struggling with determination just to arrive with the little I am now.”
Popoola said he has a positive feeling about his laundry business.
“I see this business moving forward because my clientele has increased over the month. I do not have a precise number of clientele. Everybody deserves a good laundry, including the average person. This is what I can offer. I pick up clothes and also deliver within two days. With this I am making life easier for those who don’t have time to do their laundry and even those who do not want stress,” he said.
Speaking about the challenges he encounters in the course of the business, he said, “There are series of challenges. Less capital, credit patronage are major challenges. Some tudents patronize without paying or paying half and refusing to complete their payments. There is also a challenge with cost of fuel, but we are pulling through.”
In spite of the challenges, Popoola hopes business will become bigger in a few years.
“I see it becoming a big company in two years to come. By the grace of God I will have had two outlets by then,” he stated.
He urged young people to wake up and do something to create wealth and employment.
“I think it is time for people to realise that they are not too young to do something. There are 17-year-olds who are making millions, so, if you think you are too young to work, then you are not living,” he added.
