Read: A Story of Young Persistence And Self-Dependence

Today’s character is Renad, a dynamic and passionate fourth-year student. Beyond her academic pursuits, Renad is an ambitious entrepreneur, a journey sparked by her love for online shopping and fashion, running her own online business. She also works with popular online retailers like Shein and plans to expand to Trendyol.

Balancing her studies and business didn’t prevent her from maintaining academic excellence while growing her brand. Renad's entrepreneurial journey which is just starting has significantly influenced her personal and professional growth, instilling strong leadership skills and sociability.

As she looks to the future, Renad aims to expand her business, build a strong brand image, and reach global markets, all while pursuing her career aspirations.

Join us as we delve deeper into Renad's inspiring story and insights!

Tell us more about yourself so the audience knows who Renad is

I am a fourth-year student in the Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management at Helwan University, specializing in Tourism Studies (English section). I am a passionate and dynamic individual who enjoys trying new things, working on various projects, and gaining experiences in diverse fields to discover a career that aligns with my passion. I am also a business owner of an online "Tendu store", for all girls' needs as clothes, makeup and everything. Besides, I work in shein and will begin to buy from trendyol also insha'Allah.

What inspired you to start your online store?

I am very passionate about online shopping and fashion. I thought to myself, "Why not start a small business where I can buy things for people and have something unique of my own alongside my studies? Even if it's just a small income, it's better than nothing." The idea came to me and in less than two days, I created the page and decided to start.

Your business is 2 years now, What challenges did you face during the early stages of building it & how did you manage them?

I've encountered numerous challenges:

 - Limited reach: My content doesn't always reach a wide audience, and my social media engagement is often quite low. However, I've been running paid ads and trying to publish posts on a regular schedule to increase my reach.

 - Customer issues: I've also encountered problems with customers, such as unfulfilled orders and unpleasant interactions, some customers refuse to receive the order and pay for it so, I've recently been making sure to collect a deposit from customers before confirming any orders to protect myself and ensure that they will receive their orders.

Despite these challenges, I remain committed to my business and strive to continuously improve. I still have challenges but consistency, persistence, and determination are my keys to overcoming any challenge.

How did you finance your startup’s costs?

I started my business with very little capital and initially only fulfilled orders upon request. This approach simplified operations and encouraged me to persevere despite the challenges.

How do you manage your time between your studies and running your business, specially when it needs time and concentration?

I've always strived to create a to-do list for my business alongside my studies. Thankfully, I maintain academic excellence, but balancing both can be challenging, especially during exam periods. However, I remind myself that setbacks are temporary, and I must persevere and regain my momentum.

Do you use any platforms other than Instagram? 

Of course, I have WhatsApp and Facebook groups, a Facebook page and a TikTok account.

What strategies have you found most effective for growing your customer base?

I have focused on building a strong local reputation, since my target audience is local, I prioritize establishing myself within the community. I have tried all the time to balance between price and quality to be unique and attract customers specially since I am not the only one in this business.

Can you share a story of a challenging customer interaction and how you resolved it?

While I've been fortunate to avoid major customer issues so far, one of the toughest situations I face is when a customer refuses to accept an order for various reasons. To address this, I promptly list the product at a discounted price, and thankfully, it usually sells. Of course, this isn't always the case, but as long as the product is of good quality and in demand, it generally finds a buyer.

How has running an online store influenced your personal and professional growth?

Actually, it significantly influenced my personality by making me more sociable and instilling strong leadership skills and self-reliance.

What advice would you give to other students who want to start their own business?

I advise aspiring entrepreneurs to confront their fears, and thoroughly research all aspects of their business, especially potential challenges and solutions. It's important to remember that success isn't linear; there will be setbacks. However, perseverance and consistency are the keys. As the saying goes, 'No risk, no fun.'

How do you stay motivated and overcome setbacks?

I stay motivated by the people around me who always encourage me to think about my success and cheer me up to fulfil my goals. I also overcome setbacks by taking a break to clear my head and then start planning again.

How has your definition of success changed since you started your business?

Before venturing into business, I equated success solely with academic achievement. However, running my own business has shown me that the true value of success is balancing education with practical experience. While academic credentials hold merit, real-world success is cultivated through developing and learning new skills, building a positive reputation, and thriving in the professional arena, be it entrepreneurship or employment.

What are the future plans for Renad and her business after graduation?

I'm still figuring out the specifics, but I'm set on growing my business and making it something truly unique. I also want to build a strong brand image and expand my reach beyond Egypt, to the global market. All this, while still pursuing my chosen career.