Upon completing her training, Beatrice was eager to begin her new journey as a professional hairdresser. However, the reality of starting her own business hit her hard. Beatrice had no salon space of her own and no initial capital to purchase essential equipment such as hairdryers, styling chairs, and other tools of the trade. She considered offering her services from home, but their small apartment in a crowded neighbourhood was far from ideal for operating a business. Beatrice realized that to make her dream a reality, she would need financial support. Her first thought was to approach a local bank for a small loan. After conducting some research, she learned that she could apply for a loan that would allow her to rent a small shop and buy the necessary equipment. However, the interest rates were high, and Beatrice feared that the three years it would take to pay back the loan would put her and her family under even more financial strain. With four children to take care of, the risk of not being able to meet the monthly loan repayments made her hesitant to pursue this option.

Just as Beatrice was beginning to lose hope, she heard about EOA Foundation; a local charity that provided grants to women who wanted to start their own businesses. EOA Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on empowering women in Ghana, offered financial support to women entrepreneurs, particularly those in underprivileged communities. Unlike a loan, the grant would not need to be repaid, giving Beatrice a chance to start her business without the burden of debt. Filled with renewed hope, Beatrice carefully prepared her application for the grant. She outlined her vision of opening a small salon in her neighbourhood, detailing the types of services she would offer, from basic haircuts to complex braiding and hair treatments. She also highlighted how the grant would not only help her family but also allow her to offer training and employment to other women in the community.

After weeks of waiting, Beatrice received a call from EOA Foundation. Her application had been approved! Overwhelmed with emotion, Beatrice could hardly believe her good fortune. The grant provided her with enough capital to rent a modest shop space, purchase equipment, and stock up on hair care products.

With the grant money in hand, Beatrice set up her small hair salon in a busy part of Kumasi. She named it “Bea’s Beauty Corner” and began offering services to friends, family, and neighbours. Beatrice has been able to manage her business while still caring for her children, as her flexible working hours allows her to be present for them when needed. Over time, Beatrice would like to hire an assistant and personally train them; Beatrice not only wants to provide financial stability for her family but also empower other women in her community to pursue their dreams.

Beatrice’s journey from a struggling mother to a successful businesswoman highlights the transformative power of opportunity and community support. The training she received and the grant from EOA Foundation were instrumental in helping her break free from the cycle of financial struggle. Beatrice’s story is an example of how access to education, skills training, and financial resources can empower individuals to change their circumstances and improve their lives. Today, Beatrice’s business is thriving, and she is no longer just contributing to her family’s income—she is building a legacy. Beatrice has plans to expand her salon and offer more beauty services, such as makeup and skincare treatments. Through perseverance, resourcefulness, and the support of her community, Beatrice has not only lifted her family out of financial hardship but also become a role model for other women in Kumasi.