Joyce Accelerator

“Those fighting for the wellbeing of women – they are my customers”

May 30, 2016 - Interviews

Pumpkin soups, women’s empowerment and second chances! We had a chat with Joyce Kyalema, founder of JOSMAK, to hear what the near future holds for her.

Why did you apply for this program?

I first applied in 2014 and I didn’t go through. Maybe I was in your database, so I got an email about the application for 2016. I decided to give it another chance and applied.

Now that you have completed the first three weeks, what has your experience been like so far?

The experience has been good and I have learned a lot. I’ve learned more things about my business, that I didn’t know before, through Lena’s Gearup program.

What has been the biggest learning?

My customers. I didn’t know my customers. I thought my end-users are my customers, yet they are not. My customers are the NGOs that are fighting poverty, are fighting for the well-being of women. NGOs that help women get jobs and empower themselves – they are my customers.

What is the first thing you’re going to do when you get home?

I have a new product that I’ve been working on so I’m going to launch it when I get home. It’s a pumpkin soup.

What’s it been like working with people from different countries?

It’s been great, I’ve learned a lot from them and from their businesses.

What has your experience been of Sweden?

Sweden is beautiful, but the weather is not so good (laughs).