Launch Namibia

The longer you wait, the longer it takes. Just start. You can learn along the way. Let me explain why this is crucial. Back in December 2017, I had a stable job, my own place, and a circle of "friends". However, I experienced a significant setback and lost everything. I found myself unemployed for seven months. During that period of unemployment, I did my best to ensure I could pay for the hosting of the DONLU Africa website, which cost N$ 258 at the time. Without WIFI access, I had to rely on the Happy Hour service provided by @MTCNamibia, which only cost N$ 10. During the day, I took care of daily chores like cooking, cleaning, laundry and whatever else I could to earn some cash and at night from midnight to 6 a.m., I dedicated my time to teaching myself coding and graphic design. I utilized resources like YouTube and other available means to acquire these skills. Concurrently, I worked on developing the DONLU website. In August 2018, I received a call for an interview at @megatechnam for a job I had applied to almost six months earlier. Determined, I gave it my all during the interviews and eventually secured the position. Despite returning to full-time work, I still spent countless nights striving to perfect the website. I made sure to give my employer my best, which resulted in a promotion in August 2020. During 2020, I was deeply honored and grateful to be recognized with the #BestNewcomer award at the @LaunchNamibia #StartupAwards for the work I had done with @donluafrica_ In 2021, I was also inducted into the Namibian Business Hall of Fame as an emerging entrepreneur, primarily for my contributions with DONLU. These accomplishments were made possible by the collective efforts of every artist, who not only promoted their music but also the platform itself. In 2022, I embarked on my second startup venture called BY LU Cosmetics, with a focus on male grooming. Later that year, I launched my third startup, aimed at bringing together aspiring and established entrepreneurs to provide guidance on their entrepreneurial journeys. In 2023, I received a nomination for the Entrepreneur of the Year award at the @Scream_Awards in Nigeria While juggling these side hustles, I continued to excel in my full-time job, leading to a promotion to the position of Trade & Digital Marketing Manager at @megatechnam in early 2023. Reflecting on my journey, I firmly believe that the challenges I faced made me stronger. That belief is what fuels my refusal to give up on the platform. I genuinely believe that DONLU has already positively impacted the lives of Namibian artists and will continue to do so, fulfilling its initial purpose. It is important to note that I am by no means an expert. I am still learning as I go, but I am proud of how far I have come in developing the platform as well as my other startups. While I still require assistance, I remain dedicated and persevere daily. Ultimately, it is my unwavering determination to persist, even in the face of losing everything, that has carried me through these challenges. I draw strength from the words of Philippians 4:13 - "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."