Stories Archives - Hustle Africa

Who Was Fahim Saleh? Here’s A Profile Of The Murdered Gokada Boss

Fahim Saleh was born in Saudi Arabia to Bangladeshi parents. He lived with his family in the Middle East for a while. Then, they started moving around. They later settled in New York as immigrants. It was in New York that Fahim Saleh schooled.

Fahim Saleh as a child

As a child, he spent hours alone playing video games. This soon boosted his interest in technology. Fahim built his first website, Salehfamily.com before age 15, and it was hosted on AOL Hometown.

While his parents held family parties, his father encouraged relatives to visit the website. And this helped young Fahim. He had an average of five visitors to his website monthly. Although this was far from a success, Fahim was encouraged.

But like most kids, Fahim was playful. He was involved in naughty acts. He was fond of scratching people’s cars with rocks. However, this act cost his parents a third of their savings to repair one of the cars. Fahim was broken when he saw his mum crying. He got to know that they had to go back to Bangladesh as a result. But, luck smiled on them as his father got a job the next day.

Fahim as an entrepreneur

Meanwhile, the incidence made him decide to earn money too. As a teenager, Fahim saw himself through school. Coding and building of apps were his means. He was happily developing them. At age 15, he built a social network, teen-hangout.com and made some pennies from it.

He also asked his friends to publish articles on it. Soon, it became a community-based blogging forum. It also allowed him to place ads and earn $2-$3 a month. Although it was through a trial and error approach, Fahim forged on.

Also, his first company in high school earned him over one million dollars. He created websites targeted at young demographics such as AIMdude.com and iconfun.com. And this fetched him $100k-$150k in profit. However, one of his websites was later sold on eBay for $2,000.

The Life of Fahim Saleh as an Innovator

Meanwhile, Fahim stayed up late at nights to work. He hid his passion from his dad. His dad thought this would hinder him from schoolwork. “But it didn’t!” Fahim once recounted. He got his first check of $500 from Google and showed his dad. The dad then encouraged him to open a bank account.

After college, he taught himself how to program and started KickBack Apps. He garnered over twenty-million downloads. Fahim studied Computer Science and Engineering (CSE). By the time he graduated from Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts, he created an app – PrankDial. The purpose was for making prank telephone calls. The app has a record of over 300 million prank calls since 2010.

He later realised how busy commercial cities in the world were. Fahim also knew workers needed to get to work in a hurry. Then, this fuelled his interest in starting a bike-hailing service.

In 2015, he co-founded Pathao with Hussain M Elius and Shifat Adnan. The company later turned to logistics and food deliveries. And it is valued to be worth over $100 million. This success also spurred Fahim into going solo and founded Gokada.

Gokada started in Lagos in 2017 and raised $5.3 million in venture capital in June 2019. This sum, Fahim had said, would help the company expand its fleet. Also, it would offer goods and services to its drivers. This service provided a source of income to many Nigerians. It also reduced the rate of unemployment in the country.

The company raised even more funding and was set to break even by January 2020. But the Lagos state government ban on bikes across many roads in the state affected its operations.

The 33-year-old entrepreneur had 15 years of experience, dating back to his teens. He was also a great investor.

His Sad End

Sadly, on July 14, 2020, the dismembered body of a young man was found in a luxury apartment in New York. But it was later confirmed that the body was that of Fahim. Investigations are still on to know the motive for his brutal murder.

According to friends, he was a simple man. He ran every morning and kept a busy schedule of meetings. He also collected tech gadgets and lived alone with Laila, his little dog.

Fahim Saleh was a great entrepreneur, tech expert and innovator. His inventions made life easier. He also provided sources of livelihood to many. He’ll surely be missed.

Culled: Nairametrics

Hip Hop Billionaire, Kanye West, Receives over $2M Loan from US Government

Kanye Omari West is a popular hip hop billionaire. He is a singer, musician and designer. Kanye West is also a music producer. So, we can call him an achiever. This may be why he ranked as number two on Forbes 2020 list of 100 highest paid celebrities in the world.

More About Kanye West

The 43 year old is a 21 time Grammy award-winning rapper. He was born in Atlanta Georgia, America. He is also the founder and head of the creative content company, DONDA. Kanye West is married to popular reality TV show hostess, Kim Kardashian.

Kanye also owns Yeezy clothing line and sneakers. But, Adidas produce both of them. The Yeezy Sneakers is a fashion collaboration between Adidas and Kanye West. They produced officially for the first time in February 2015, but started out in 2013.

Meanwhile, the joint venture has become notable for its sneakers. It is now one of the most popular sneaker brands in the world. Although mostly known for its sneakers, the collaboration has also started a clothing line.

Yeezy Sneakers Receives $2 million Loan

In 2019, Kanye’s Yeezy sneaker business was valued at $3 billion. The sneakers are produced and sold through agreements with Adidas. Recently, the brand told the public about a 10-year agreement with Gap Inc.

Meanwhile, Yeezy LLC sneaker company just got over $2 million loan from the government. This is in line with the relief programmes for America’s small businesses. It is called the Paycheck Protection Program. The programme was created among the $2.2 trillion CARES Act signed by the American President.

This was in support of American businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. But, report has it that the loan is forgivable. The loan idea is to give economic relief to small businesses. Also, it is to help some other entities that are affected by the virus.

While employers can pay their staff, citizens can also keep their jobs. If Kanye West spent most of the loan on payroll, then he’d be able to retain his 106 employees. You’ll agree this is an obvious boost for the company.

Source: Nairametrics

“How I Quit My Job Without A Plan For Another” – Femi Fairchild Morgan

In a perfect world, the story of a startup would read like Harlequin romance. The business owner would say to the interviewer, “I got this money-spinning idea and I quit my job to pursue it. I had 5 million naira saved, and an investor gave me 100 million more.” That would be in a perfect world. But this world is far from perfect, and stories like the above are few. What’s probably more familiar is, “I quit my job with no savings, and no plan, but with a bit of luck, plenty of hard work, and several other factors, we’re not doing badly.”

Recently, author, poet and business owner Femi “Fairchild” Morgan shared a bit of his hustle story with me. With his permission, I’m sharing it too, because I think our experiences are ours to share. And as someone who also once quit a job with no savings or a plan, I know there are lots to learn from this narrative.

Femi Morgan Chief Hustler at Fairchild Media

Within Nigerian literati circles, Femi “Fairchild” Morgan is an established authority. The author and Chief Hustler At Baron’s Cafe is a celebrated poet and the CEO of a publishing firm, Fairchild Media. His company has published several works of art across the Nigerian literati circles.

Femi’s journey to business began with lessons from his Grandma, who sold provision in a store at Shomolu. Young Femi watched her until opportunity smiled at him.

“My first business was selling grounded biscuits, milk, and sugar in nylon sachets. I made good money but I blew it. I saved it with my mother who would claim ‘all the food you have been eating in this house.” The classic African parent’s response. But the young business owner was unstoppable. He sold poems to lovestruck boys in secondary school and sold books as a university undergrad. After uni, he kept up the business with his passions while he worked as a journalist.

Why Would Anyone Quit Their Job Without Savings Or A Plan?

Morgan and an associate

Morgan says his first publishing business with his partner went awry. With trust betrayed, he decided to walk away. But this was after he had worked as a journalist at Tell Magazine. He also worked at a state-owned broadcasting firm and a few other establishments all within the arts.

He had always been passionate about the arts. So when he met another writing enthusiast, they came together to set up WriteHouse Collective.

“It was a book publishing, distribution, and culture development organization. It was doing well. We published great books and hosted great authors, writers, and musicians. But the partner played a dubious one on me and the business crashed. I was left with the option of using the rest of my life to fight or starting afresh. I walked away from it and started afresh.”

Quitting couldn’t possibly have been easy, but it seemed there was nothing to stay for.

Starting Again After Quitting Your Job Is Harrrrrd!

“Starting afresh was depressing,” Femi writes.

“I had to travel out of Nigeria because of overwhelming suicidal thoughts. My aunty shipped me off to Dubai for a world media conference and exhibition. When I returned, I re-launched Fairchild Media and Baron’s Cafe.”

Fairchild Media is a creative enterprise that handles PR, Content Management, Creative Enterprise. Baron’s Cafe is his publishing firm that also handles publishing consulting.

“We are still here and are still doing fine. There are some assets and some money in the bank to show for it, but we are not there yet.”

Fairchild Morgan has worked with the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture; the Lagos Book and Arts Festival, The IREP Film Festival, Owanbe Collective, RezThaPoet, and has published 8 books.

This story leaves you with a beautiful taste in your mouth. It is one of hard work, loyalty to one’s passions, courage and tenacity. It is definitely not everyone’s story, but if you’re stuck at a job that sucks, this could be you. If this somehow inspires you to do something about your situation, we’ve got tips to help you take action. And if you feel like managing a job and a business, there’s something in it for you too.

How To Quit Your Job And Start Your Lifestyle Business

Young African woman using a laptop | Freepik

Leave Smart

It’s very important how you leave a job. You don’t want to leave with bad blood between you and your employer, or your team. If you’re going to start a lifestyle business, you’ll be building a team too. And if you’re going to a new job, you’ll be joining a new team. You need a clean slate. These relationships are important. If it turns out that you need something like a recommendation, they’ll be happy to give it if you kept the relationship. Do not leave like you don’t care. Show them that you care.

Be financially stable

Some people are absolute rockstars in the way they make something happen from nothing. We celebrate them, but it’s a really tough thing to do. Part of leaving smart is having a stash no matter how small. You’ll need money for your new business, and you’ll need money to keep body and soul together. Quitting a job without savings might work out in the end, but it’s not for the faint-hearted.

The rule of thumb is to make sure you have 3-6 months worth of your fixed-income saved up before leaving.

Beware the contractual agreement

Contracts and agreements are very important. Before resigning, go back to the agreement you signed with the company to confirm the details.

In Nigeria for instance, some employers state in your contract that if you desire to leave the company, you can neither set up a similar company or work for a competitor for up to one year. You need to know what’s in your contract so you don’t breach it.

Can you start all by yourself?

If you are unable to confidently answer this question, then go back to the drawing boards. Consider your ability, availability, and resources. Will there be a need for a partner and a third party? Resigning your job might want to put you off the balance if you are not prepared.

Be committed

This is no joke. Resigning your job for a business requires careful planning. Think it through, but most importantly, plan well.

Good luck!

Also read: Set Up Your New Lifestyle Business In 10 Simple Steps

Read How Leaving A Job Can Save Your Life

Let’s face it, adulting is HARD. You have to think for yourself what to eat, what to do, who to date, how to make money. As if that’s not enough, you have to figure out the decision of whether to leave your job or stay there. Clearly this is for people who have a love-hate relationship with their jobs. But it’s not just them. There’s another class of people who have great jobs, but their side hustles have become greater than their jobs in terms of what it brings to the table. Both scenarios are probably why you would hear a person say, “quitting my job saved my life.

Recently, I had the honour of interviewing a number of very courageous persons who in reality have said that quitting their jobs saved their lives. I’m going to be sharing my findings in this article. But let me say here that taking risks is risky, obviously. And it is hard because a risk is the younger sister of adulting. And all of them are hard in their family. But sometimes, risk-taking can be rewarding as you’ll soon find out. Read their experiences below.

Quitting My Job Saved My Life…According To These People

The Gift Of Independence

Shot of a young businessman experiencing stress during a late night at work

“I grew up with the default pattern of African children – go to school, get a good job, marry, give birth, and die. But I hated it, so I planned to be different. Studied Cybersecurity in India, and returned to the country and got a good job by most people’s standards.

After two years, I felt stifled and my life was not really what I had pictured it would be. So I quit, and I couldn’t have taken a better decision.

Now I work when I want, and travel any time I feel like it. This freedom of independence saved my life; and I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t quit. Oh, and my business is doing awesomely by the way.

Victor O, Lagos

Quitting My Job Saved My Life From A Violent Boss

Upset depressed black woman | Getty Images

After 6 months working at a phone shop, it became clear to me that if I didn’t leave I would probably be beaten to death. From verbal insults to violence and aggression, the place was toxic.

One beautiful morning, I came to work and the boss slapped me because I was an hour late. Slapped my head to the wall. My life flashed before my eyes. I calmly packed my bag and walked out into the shining sun. The sun gave me hope that things would turn out okay and my life would shine.

And my life is shining right now. Not by financial standards, but I’m truly happy. I make liquid soap and supply my neighbourhood. Hopefully one day my soap will go global.

Tomide A, Akure

Quitting Preserved My Sanity, Literally

Unhappy young woman | Shutterstock

“Quitting my job was a matter of life and death. Every day, I had to struggle between maintaining my sanity and pleasing my bosses. After graduation from high school, I got paid employment as the Personal Assistant to my boss. The pay was attractive. I could pay her bills, take care of a few things.

“But there was a clause. My boss was not very demanding, she only nags a lot. The screams and shout were becoming an everyday dosage. I could not take it anymore. On the day I quit, I was crying, I did not want to leave because I liked my boss. However, to remain mentally stable, I had to do it. And I did.

Today, I run and own my own laundry and dry cleaning business. I go to work at will since I now have a manager that answers to me every day. It wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t brave it and leave.”

Pelumi A, Ikeja

Young businessman stressed out while working late in an office | Google

My Job took My Life, Music Gave it Back

After working three years with a company, the management offered me a promotion with benefits. I’m talking salary increase, and all that. But it didn’t make me as happy as music did. Work took all of my time. So I left to pursue my music. Before then I could only sing at church. Now, I have two albums, and very soon the world will be screaming my name. You’ll agree that leaving my job saved my life.

S.D. Abuja

Owning My Happiness

Parry is a close accomplice who grew to become a brother. In his own words, “A few months back, I was working in a job I had grown to hate. The environment there was toxic and employees were treated really badly. It made me sink into a funk, so I decided to change my situation. I knew I was the only person responsible for my own happiness, and only I had the power to change my circumstances.”

Today, he is the proud owner of his fashion outlet.

These Tips Will Help You Leave A Job You Hate

Give two weeks notice, if possible. It is standard to give at least two weeks’ notice to your boss when you want to quit.
Tell your boss in person.
Have a plan for what to do after
Keep it positive, or neutral.
Keep it brief.
Offer to help with the transition.
Write a resignation letter.
Say goodbye to coworkers.

You might wonder why I’m not advising you to just pick up your bag and walk out the door. After all, this is a job you hate. The truth is, no matter how you’re feeling you must do the right thing. And the right thing is to follow due process. You want a clean break, and a fresh start. So leave on a positive note.

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