An open letter from a CEO to an aspiring entrepreneur

I am writing this letter for the students out there. Yes, I’m talking to you; the person who will one day become a business owner.

Your idea is worth it and you’re worthy of success and happiness. You’re more than worthy of a great life. That feeling that will get you thinking that there’s got to be more than just finding a well-paying job after graduation will start you on this journey. This journey may even make you question your worth. But let me tell you something, every “no” and every failure does not make your dream worthless.

I, myself, decided to motivate out of fear and embark on this journey of entrepreneurship ten years ago, I was 15 years old at that time; to get out of my comfort zone. Comfort makes me uncomfortable because every day is a new day; we all should always challenge ourselves for greatness.

GRAVITY STUDIOS Rwanda solves the challenge that most companies face in finding the right visual creatives to work on their project or contents. On the other part, our company is giving a platform to local visual creatives to showcase their talent to the public and earn a decent living through their art.

I have realized that in my business journey, the greatest blessing of it all is the ability to impact the lives of others, above all else. I think many of us are trapped in the “me” mentality too early in our lives; my motivation stems from the ability to help local visual creatives achieve more through my ability to create a space/platform for them to do so.

You might think that when I started my company, I had figured it all out! But let me tell you a secret: every successful entrepreneur does not start their business when they have figured out everything; He/she starts, runs it, and figures out during the implementation, it is what we call “prototyping”. During this period the business owner studies and understands what works and what doesn’t, so he/she adapts the business or pivots (completely changes) it to make it more appealing to his target market.

So far Gravity Studios Rwanda is doing great, our team and clients are amazing, even if we have some ups and downs but deep down the process is worth it and I am living my dream. Each morning I wake up excited for what’s next and I think everyone should have this feeling too.

Dear reader, by starting your own business, you will be contributing to the reduction of unemployment by being a job creator which will lead to the reduction of poverty and the economic growth of our great nation (Rwanda). During this journey learn to balance and enjoy every moment because if you love what you do, it is the secret to higher productivity, you will every day go that extra mile for your clients and business without complaining.

Finally, you cannot do it all on your own. I know you think you can do it all, but you need help. The entrepreneurship journey is hard and lonely but surrounds yourself with a great team and people that will support you to make the transition from consumer to producer.

I know you are feeling like you cannot do it but do not underestimate you; you can do it.

Get out there, and crush it.

Sincerely yours,

Shabani Bizimana