Nandera finds solace in making doormats

Juliet Nandera is a 27-year-old mother of two, upon graduating with a degree in business administration at Uganda Christian University (UCU) in 2012, she sought employment. It was her dream to get an office job.

She applied for several jobs, sat for interviews but she didn't get the employed.

"I got fade up, I decided to use the skills I got from school to create my employment," Nandera narrates her story.

Nandera said she took advantage of the internet. She watched YouTube videos on how to make doormats, crochet and how to weave among other things.

"This enlightened me on how to make neat doormats. With my little savings, in 2018, I started purchasing the materials required and started making doormats.

I have turned this into a full-time job. I do it with passion. The results have been overwhelming, "Nandera said.

She sells her doormats at sh60,000 to sh120,000 depending on the size.

Achievements

Nandera says she has been able to find the job satisfaction that she yarned. She works and then sells to her clients and gets paid just like those in office.

She says she is able to cater for her needs using the finances she gets from making doormats.

Giving back to the community

During the COVID-19 lockdown, most people lost their jobs while others remained idle at home after they were put on forced leave. It is during this period when she was approached by several women seeking skills in making doormats.

"I, therefore, decided to train whoever cared to learn at their own cost. They had to buy the materials required. All I did was show them how to make a doormat, "Nandera said.

When the number increased, Nandera started charging sh100,000 per person. The training could go for a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of four weeks.

Many of her students have also started making their doormats which makes her happy.

Nandera's advice to the youth

"It's wrong to think that happiness can only be got when you have an office job. Life is what you make it. With a simple skill, you can make money, if you use it well.