Defying Social Stereotypes
Somalia Drive, Monrovia – In a country where about 6 out of 10 Liberians live in extreme poverty, young people are caught between the economic survival trade-off, forcing them to choose between basic survival and social fulfilment due to harsh economic conditions.
Given the prevailing economic woes, limited job opportunities, and a highly foreign-dominated business sector, the struggle to make ends meet becomes the only and best choice, weighed against economic reality for enterprising young Liberians.
Princess Nettey, a passionate and promising young Liberian woman, is challenging social norms and reshaping the public perception of young people through her local charcoal business. Princess sells charcoal, also known as “fire coal,” to pay her school fees to enroll back at a tailoring school and to cover basic personal needs and wants.
“My inspiration stemmed from my desire to earn something for myself and not depend on my parents to take care of my basic needs,” Princess explained.
With LRD10,000.00 from her personal savings and the help of some family, relatives and friends, the young entrepreneur constructed a mini zinc-shack storage facility or warehouse to store goods brought from out of town. According to her, she sought to credit an additional two hundred United States Dollars (US$200.00) from her brother-in-law, who jokingly questioned her ability to succeed in the coal business since she was a novice, to purchase the first batch of fifty (50) bags of charcoal from Kakata, Margibi County, to start her business. The story of Princess Nettey is synonymous with many young Liberian women who dare to make a difference, drifting away from society’s perception to breaking limits and reaching the zenith of making a positive impact in their community. It demonstrates the resolve of a strong, resourceful, and illustrious young woman stepping out of her comfort zone to build a sustainable future. Breaking Social Stereotype Despite making some progress in starting up her enterprise and gaining the admiration from the public, Princess Nettey often faces criticism from some friends who believe selling charcoal does not suit her as a young lady of her caliber. They often encourage her to discontinue the business, calling it “old school market” with more risk and less profit.
She said, “Sometimes my own friends will tell me, this coal business will reduce your color.”
But these criticisms and negative remarks have not stopped Princess from achieving her goals.
For her, condemnation from some friends is a source of motivation to remain focused and continue selling. “Most often when people say negative things to me, I use them as a motivation,” she emphasized. “It is better to sell my coal and support myself than to beg or wait for people’s money to support me.”
Princess’ statement underscores her unflinching desire to be an independent woman who relies on her hard work to earn money.
A Bright Future
Beyond selling Charcoal
Ms Nettey aspires to become a fashion designer with a deep passion to design her family’s clothes.
In addition, she is a student of Business Administration at the University of Liberia, balancing school, business and pleasures.