Toss a coin. That’s opportunities and setbacks in front of your eyes.

While the global economy suffered a significant setback since the beginning of 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic turned life upside down, numerous people across the world have discovered ways to capitalise on the lockdown imposed by governments and come up with innovative ideas.

People with a strong business spirit found a way to keep the flame burning. For them, it was a watershed point in their lives and careers.

One of the things that have propelled this enterprising spirit has been social networking. People of all ages and genders found a way to earn and establish themselves. People found a way to interact without having to travel, thanks to blogs and vlogs. The world of technology has surely changed the way people think about their employment options and business chances.

Many people questioned Fatema Begum’s decision to add a business to their existing transport business. Fatema, on the other hand, was tenacious. She desired to contribute to the household income in some way. Fatema, a mother of two, was a homemaker. Her husband owned a car rental business.

Every day, after her teenage son went to school and her husband went to work, Fatema was left behind with her young daughter. Her day and energies would be consumed with caring for the household and her daughter. Even though life was generally rewarding, Fatema felt a void. A void created by a strong desire to achieve something, start her own business and become financially self-reliant.

This ambition led Fatema, like hundreds of customers, to the Ariadaha branch of Village Financial Services. Soon, armed with a loan, she had started a grocery. She stocked the shop with products ranging from packaged food to bottled cold drinks. Her son helped with setting it up and arranging the products on display. Her husband helped her get in touch with dealers and distributors of the products she stocked. Her little daughter did the most important job: she kept her motivated with her cheerfulness.

All of this occurred before March 2020.

Fatema was in her shop when the lockdown was declared. Her husband arrived and informed her of his situation. He would have to garage his fleet of cars till the lockdown lasted. Fatema exhaled a breath of relief. At least one source of revenue was not disrupted. Her shop!

Fatema realised that it wasn’t just the money she made from her shop that provided her peace of mind. It was also a protective shield around her family. People who had mocked her idea to open a shop suddenly regretted it. They saw the value of having a backup plan, a second source of income that provides security.

Adhering to all COVID-19 requirements, Fatema and her son created chalk circles in front of her shop to preserve the physical distance between her customers. She kept one hand-sanitiser near the door. Every time a customer came in, she asked them to sanitise. If a customer was not wearing a mask properly, she would instantly ask them to do so. Meanwhile, her husband took command of the household, keeping an eye on their son’s online lessons and their daughter’s playtime.

Fatema’s shop is still as bustling as it was two years ago when she first opened it. She expresses her gratitude to the Almighty for providing her with the courage to pursue her aspirations. Fatema’s success was not purely coincidental. Her venture turned a setback into an opportunity.