I had just returned from work, tired and hungry, when my phone rang. I reluctantly picked up my phone to check who was calling, only to see an unfamiliar number displayed on my screen.
With a little hesitation, I clicked on the receive button only and an unfamiliar voice greeted me from the other end of the phone, she was Ufedo a lady I had previously spoken to about upscaling her business.
Ufedo is a hardworking single mother of two, struggling to make ends meet. She had a dream of transforming her small tailoring business into a thriving fashion house, but finding reliable skilled workers to help her expand was a constant battle. Ufedo's story is not unique; it is the story of many Nigerians facing the same challenge.
One evening, as she was scrolling through her phone after another disappointing day with unreliable tailors, Ufedo stumbled upon an SMNK flier. Intrigued by their promise of connecting talented skilled workers with those in need, she decided to give it a try. Little did she know that this decision would be a turning point in her life, she said.
Ufedo recounted to me how she quickly registered on www.smnklimited.com and posted her requirements. Within hours, she received multiple responses from experienced tailors eager to collaborate. After 30 minutes of scanning through the profiles of tailors who had sent proposals, she chose Tunde, a young and passionate tailor with a portfolio that impressed her. The platform facilitated their communication, ensuring clear agreements and fair terms.
Tunde started working for Ufedo, and the transformation was immediate for her. With his skill and dedication, Ufedo's business began also to flourish. Orders were completed on time, and the quality of work exceeded her expectations. I could hear the excitement in her voice when she said, the stress of constant hiring and firing was replaced with the joy of seeing her business grow.
I listened patiently as she told me how, Tunde, who had been struggling to find consistent work, found a stable income through www.smnklimited.com and he has started to save up to support his family.
Ufedo also recounted how she recently received a large order for custom-made dresses for a wedding. It was the biggest order she had ever received, and she was both excited and nervous.
"SMNK Limited has been a game-changer for me," Ufedo said, in a heartfelt testimonial. "Not only did they help me find reliable skilled workers, but they also gave me the confidence to dream bigger. My business is thriving, and I couldn't have done it without them."
In the background, I heard Tunde’s voice as he echoed her sentiments, saying, "SMNK done really help me show my skills and my career done dey grow ooo(in the usual Nigerian pidgin English). I was smiling from ear to ear at that moment.
SMNK Limited is more than just a service platform, I said at the end. It’s also a community dedicated to uplifting each other, one skill at a time. The mission is to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, creating a ripple effect of positive change in the lives of individuals and the economy as a whole.
As she ended the call that evening, I was filled with a sense of fulfilment, even as my stomach rumbled in hunger protest.