Dear Ambitious African Woman, Start Where You Are

When we think of chasing our dreams, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the lack of resources, connections, or even confidence to begin. But here’s the truth: no one starts at the top, and every great journey begins with a single step. Dear ambitious African woman, you don’t need to have it all figured out to start—you just need to start where you are.

The Power of Starting Small

It can be difficult to take the first step when you feel you have little to work with. Maybe you don’t have enough money, time, or the perfect plan. But what you do have is intelligence, creativity, and resilience—the tools you need to begin. Starting small doesn’t mean settling; it means using what you have to create what you need.

Many African women who have achieved greatness began with almost nothing. For example, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, one of the world’s most celebrated authors, didn’t have a global platform when she started writing. She had a passion for storytelling and a commitment to honing her craft. Today, her work inspires millions.

Why It’s Hard to Start Where You Are

Let’s acknowledge the truth: it’s not easy. Starting where you are can feel like climbing a mountain with no map. You might doubt yourself, compare your progress to others, or feel stuck because you lack resources. But it’s in these challenging moments that your creativity and intelligence shine the brightest.

Starting where you are forces you to think outside the box, to find solutions where others see roadblocks, and to build a foundation that’s uniquely yours. This is how you grow, how you discover your potential, and how you lay the groundwork for success.

How to Start Where You Are

1. Leverage Your Skills: Take inventory of what you’re good at and find ways to use those skills to move forward. Maybe you’re great at networking, writing, or organizing—whatever it is, use it.

2. Set Small Goals: Break your dream into smaller, actionable steps. Focus on what you can achieve today, no matter how small it may seem.

3. Get Creative with Resources: Can’t afford a fancy office? Work from home. Don’t have money for a full course? Start with free online resources or borrow books. Use what you have to build what you need.

4. Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to reach out to mentors, friends, or family. Sometimes, help is closer than we think.

5. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: Your first attempt doesn’t have to be flawless. What matters is that you start and keep improving as you go.

Examples of Greatness That Began Small

There are countless stories of African women who started with little and achieved incredible things. Consider Esther Afua Ocloo, who founded a multi-million-dollar business empire with just a few pots and pans. Or Folorunsho Alakija, who began her career as a secretary before becoming one of the wealthiest women in Africa. These women didn’t wait for perfect conditions; they started where they were and built their way up.

Why Starting Small Leads to Growth

Starting small teaches you resilience and adaptability. It pushes you to learn, innovate, and appreciate the journey. Each step forward builds confidence and brings you closer to your dream. The more you persevere, the more opportunities you create for yourself.

Encouragement for the Journey

Dear ambitious African woman, your dreams are valid. Don’t let the fear of starting small hold you back. Take that first step, no matter how shaky it feels. Trust in your ability to grow, to adapt, and to succeed. Remember, greatness isn’t about how you start; it’s about how you keep going.

Your journey may not look like anyone else’s, and that’s okay. What matters is that you’re moving forward, creating a path that’s uniquely yours. So start where you are, use what you have, and trust that with time, effort, and faith, you’ll achieve your dreams.