For most university students, the challenge of balancing academics and personal life is demanding enough. But for Makounga Jennyfer, a second-year student at East African University Rwanda (EAUR), those challenges extend beyond the classroom. In addition to attending lectures and preparing for exams, she runs an online fast-food business called “EnjoyYourMeal Rwanda“. Through determination, organization, and teamwork, she has found a way to thrive in both worlds.
Managing Time Between School and Business
Jennyfer’s journey as a student entrepreneur is not a solo effort. She runs EnjoyYourMeal Rwanda with the support of her brother and close friends, carefully balancing her schedule to ensure both her studies and business thrive.
“I manage the time between school and the food business through organization. I don’t work alone. I manage the business with my brother and often friends. Sometimes we work together, and other times each one works according to his free time. And since we are all students, if one of us is busy with exams, the others step in to keep the business running,” she explains.
This strategy highlights a key challenge faced by many student entrepreneurs; how to successfully manage both academics and business without one suffering.
Overcoming Challenges as a Student Entrepreneur
Starting and maintaining a business is never easy, especially for a student with limited resources. Jennyfer and her team initially struggled to find an affordable location near their school and home.
“One of our biggest challenges was finding a suitable place to work from. Rent prices were too high for our budget, so we had to adapt,” she explains.
To overcome this obstacle, they decided to operate from home, preparing meals in their own kitchen and delivering them to customers. However, this came with its own set of challenges, including fluctuating food prices and the constant need to satisfy customer demands.
“The price of ingredients changes almost daily, and we have to adjust accordingly to keep our customers happy,” she says.
Despite these hurdles, Jennyfer remains committed to providing quality meals and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Looking to the Future
Jennyfer hopes to expand her business after graduation, possibly reaching a wider market beyond the university community. With her determination and ability to adapt, she is well on her way to achieving that goal.
Her story serves as an inspiration to other students who are considering entrepreneurship. It shows that while the journey is challenging, proper planning, teamwork, and adaptability can lead to success.
For students who want to follow a similar path, Jennyfer’s advice is simple: “Stay organized, work with a team, and be ready to adapt to challenges. Success won’t come overnight, but with consistency, it is achievable.”
Jennyfer proves that with the right mindset, student entrepreneurship isn’t just possible. It is a recipe for success. Her journey is a reminder that with determination and adaptability, students can turn their business dreams into reality.
