Mustapha was shortlisted
in the 2009 YBI Entrepreneur of the Year competition.
More on the competition.
"Self-employment has enabled
me to free myself from a life of hardship, provide basic comforts
to my family and given me the confidence and strength to further
enhance my business venture."
Mustapha Mohamadu
Mustapha Mohamadu:
Murshida Gift and Fashion Company, Sri Lanka
Supported by: Youth Business Sri Lanka
Mustapha Mohamadu was forced to rebuild his life from nothing
when the 2004 Asian tsunami destroyed his business and his
home.
Instead of letting the catastrophe ruin his entrepreneurial
dreams, with Youth Business Sri Lanka’s financing and expertise he
established a new enterprise - Murshida Gift and Fashion Company,
which creates beautiful bags and purses from scrap leather and
other scrap materials.
Since establishing the business in April 2007 it has gone from
strength to strength. Currently, he employs ten people and markets
his products across the whole country, with further expansion
planned for the future.
A unique element of Mustapha’s business is that the main raw
material would usually be considered waste. He accesses scrap
leather discarded by large scale leather industries and turns them
into high quality, long-lasting bags and purses.
Mustapha is keen to share his experiences of Youth Business Sri
Lanka with others. Through his business Mustapha has been able to
employ other disadvantaged people and help his community, which is
incredibly important after the devastation of the tsunami.
Staff receive on the job training from Mustapha, allowing them
to become highly skilled in producing and finishing fashion
goods. He provides good working conditions as well as meals and
accommodation when necessary. Mustapha also provides medicines for
employees and has set up a sick pay scheme.
More about the Entrepreneur of the
Year Award 2009