Recycled Paper Scrapbooks/Journals Made in Zimbabwe
Though many question whether entrepreneurs are made or born, there is no doubt when it comes to Tich. He had always dreamed of owning a business. He’d tried once before in his native home of Zimbabwe and failed. But through Paradigm Shift he found the courage to try again. While attending the Paradigm Shift business training, Tich developed his idea for a new business. He then applied for a microloan, which he used to buy equipment to make items from recycled paper.
Now his business is thriving and Tich is poised for long-term success.
Though many question whether entrepreneurs are made or born, there is no doubt when it comes to Tich. He was born an entrepreneur. Originally from Zimbabwe, Tich long dreamed of running his own business. Through Paradigm Shift, that dream has come true. He now runs Innovative Enviro (I.E.) Creations – a business that makes and sells products made of recycled paper.
Worried about Zimbabwe’s declining economy, Tich and his wife came to South Africa in search of a better life for their family. When he joined the Paradigm Shift program, Tich was no stranger to business management principles. He had studied accounting while at university in Harare. And, after completing his studies, he had set up his own business: a printing company that fell apart after just one year.
When Tich joined the Paradigm Shift program at New Creation Family Church (link to South Africa Partners) he had knowledge and he had experience, but he didn’t have courage. He explains that, “When I got to Johannesburg, I was hesitant about trying [to start a] business, but [Paradigm Shift] gave me the encouragement and confidence to do it. They empowered us.”
And so he tried again
While attending the Paradigm Shift business training, Tich developed his idea for I.E. Creations. He then applied for a microloan, which he used to buy equipment to make cards from recycled paper. After successfully repaying the first loan and completing two more training cycles, he applied for a second microloan. He used that loan to expand his product line to include albums, gift boxes, bookmarks, notebooks and journals.
Now two years old, I.E. Creations shows no signs of falling apart. After completing three training cycles, Tich feels better equipped to manage a business. Tich explains that the Paradigm Shift business training works because, “Through mentors, we learnt the practical aspect along with theory. That sort of experience you never get anywhere. Learning through others helped me and prepared me for what was coming. And you can’t get that in a textbook!”
Learning and sharing with others produced growth not only for Tich’s business management skills, but for his spiritual life as well. Tich learned to open his heart and share with others. For the first time, he understood God’s vision and purpose behind community.
Like every entrepreneur, Tich is already thinking ahead. He is working on developing a website for I.E. Creations, and dreams that it will one day become an international brand.
Now you can make it possible for an entrepreneur like Tich to participate in the Paradigm Shift program. Click here.
