By Josfyn Uba
When Gladys Adija Markus, 27, got admission into Plateau State University to study Accounting, her eyes were set on when she would round off her course and go for NYSC, but fate was to play a fast one on her. She got pregnant in her 400 level, faced enormous challenges and gave birth to her baby.
She faced adversities as a single parent in her neighbourhood. Friends deserted her. She became an object of ridicule for bringing shame to her family, as the first daughter. Life happened to her but, amid everything, Gladys was determined to rise above stereotypes, cultural inhibitions and mistakes. She picked courage from the ashes of societal ridicule, with her baby firmly strapped on her back, Gladys hit the road. She took to hawking tomatoes on the street and progressed into selling masa (a snack food made from rice) just to save money. She went back to finish her studies with her parents’ support, graduating in 2019.
Resolving not to let her past define her, Gladys, through hard work and resilience, grew from a small-scale tomato seller to owning a thriving business in Jos. From savings during her NYSC, she returned to establish her tomato business into a large-scale venture. Providence lent her the platform to turn her adversity into triumph. The rest is history.
In this interview with Daily Sun, Gladys said, irrespective, of society’s stance on having children out of wedlock, single mothers should find strength from within and unleash their potential for good.
How did you drop out of university and what followed afterwards?
I was still an undergraduate when I became pregnant and had a child out of wedlock. I used to be involved in modelling and beauty pageants because I was much prettier then. When I became pregnant, life became more challenging. I could no longer afford everything I needed due to my circumstances. Therefore, I needed to provide for my daughter. I started thinking about how to earn a living. Foodstuff was a major challenge in my area. It was a new layout, and people found it difficult to buy vegetables there.
I started buying vegetables and other food items to sell. I felt it was a good decision for me. In 2020, as I was finishing my service year, I started my food business. I started small, but I am grateful for the growth and progress. I can now sell my foodstuff in tons, bags, and large quantities.
What was your parents’ reaction when you to became pregnant?
Naturally, no parent would want their children to become pregnant out of wedlock. It was not an easy journey. Although my parents were somewhat disappointed initially, they would later support me with what they could.
How old were you when you got pregnant
I was 19 years old
How old is your daughter now?
She is eight years old now.
Where you not depressed or disappointed in yourself and what made you think that you still had a second chance?
It was one of the most depressing times of my life. I was not only disappointed in myself, but very sad that I had disappointed my parents and that was the guilt that almost ended it all for me.
They have given up a lot for me both physical, financially and emotionally, I knew I had to at least try not just for myself but for them too.
Can you recall your family and friends’ reaction when you took to hawking tomatoes on the street?
While I was hawking tomatoes, many people in my family asked me questions, especially my father. It wasn’t what they wanted for me, it wasn’t the life they had initially envisioned for me. They saw their daughter, who they believed had a great chance of achieving something significant, whose future seemed bright with dreams, hawking tomatoes. Despite feeling disappointed, they did their best in their small way not to discourage me or prevent me from pursuing what I was doing.
As for my peers and friends, it was a very disappointing situation. I began hawking in the same area where I had grown up. The same place where they had seen me participate in pageants and even win some crowns. I had been like a shining star to them. It was a sad turn of events. I was mocked by many people. There were numerous occasions when I walked with tomatoes on my head and people burst into laughter. It was a challenging phase, but I am grateful because it is part of my journey. I embrace it because it shaped who I am today, building my resilience and strengthening me.
What motivated you to bounce back and pursue entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurship was something I never saw myself doing, but I had responsibilities. I had a child whom I needed to provide for so I had to look for something to do as a means of survival. I did not grow up depending on anyone for anything, so it was a personal decision. I do not know how to ask anybody for help. Therefore, I felt that I needed to do what I could and do my best on my own.
At what point did you decide to pick up your bits and pieces after you left the university space?
When my parents sat me down and told me I had to take responsibility for my actions. They supported me all through my pregnancy and childbirth, but they felt the only way for me to grow was by letting me take full responsibility for my child. It was one of the most difficult things I have ever done. One of the most difficult phases of my life, but it was all that I needed to discipline me both financially and in other aspects.
What specific challenges did you face during your days of adversity, being out of school with a pregnancy and how did you overcome them?
I didn’t drop even while I was pregnant in school, but at some point I had to leave the school environment because I could no longer cope with the shame and the guilt. I could no longer cope with the societal judgment and finger-pointing, but I could not drop out completely because my parents, especially my mother, she was doing everything within her power to make sure I graduated with good grade. She would leave her work sometimes and come over the weekends with my siblings, just to ensure I didn’t feel rejected or depressed. It was a difficult phase but because of the love I was surrounded with I had no right to give up even if I wanted to.
What role did your family play in helping you navigate the difficulties and establish your business?
They supported me by being there for me all through my pregnancy and even after. My mom, for example, was the one who taught me how to save for the things I want. When I was saving my NYSC allowance, it was she who was in charge of my savings group. They have been a great source of encouragement from day one to today. Their prayers, advice, support and blessings have helped me navigate through life’s struggles.
What were peoples’ attitudes towards you in those dark moments?
They probably thought it was my end but they were wrong. They wrote me off too quickly and I am glad I did not let their condemnation and judgment become my reality.
Do you have any regrets having a child?
I worked hard to become who I am today because of my child. If having her was all it took to make me a better person, a successful career woman, then I have no regrets whatsoever. If for nothing, I am grateful because my daughter became my greatest motivation.
What lessons have you learned from your experience?
It is always safer to do the right thing by staying away from premarital sex. It saves you from shame, pain and even depression and I hope that other teenagers out there will learn from my story.
How did you come up with the idea for your business, and what steps did you take to turn that idea into a reality?
When I started hawking tomatoes, it was a means of survival but, eventually, I fell in love with the business. I told myself, if I could realize N50 as my gain from hawking, it means I could make N50,000. So, I saved up to establish my biggest dream business, which was food business.
Were there some moments when you doubted yourself or faced setbacks? How did you stay motivated and come out stronger on the other side?
Of course, there were a lot of times I doubted my strength. There were lots of times I doubted if I was going to ever scale through. But each time I doubted myself, I reminded myself why I started in the first place. I reminded myself about the life I had before getting pregnant and I was not ready to give up and settle for what I became after my pregnancy. So, I fought so hard to prove to myself that I could do it. I would like to prove to the society that they were wrong to write me off and put a smile on my parents’ face and become a better parent to my daughter.
Is there any experience that you will never forget?
I remember this incident when a woman came to my parents’ house. She told them to my face that I would be better off getting married immediately because I was not going to find someone who would consider me worthy enough. She added that my dreams had come to an end because of my pregnancy.
How did you manage your NYSC allowance to invest in your business?
I was not doing what other people were doing, like hanging out with friends and living a social life. I completely cut them off to ensure that I could meet my needs. I deprived myself of pleasures to save money and made sacrifices.
Where did you serve?
I was posted to Ekiti State in 2019, but I redeployed back to Plateau State based on the medical report I presented during camping. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic, with lockdowns and restricted movements. I served at a Plateau hospital in the accounting department.
What kind of stuff do you currently sell?
I sell all kinds of grains in small and large quantities. I supply to companies and distribute to market women. I also sell various foodstuffs, vegetable oils, fish, stock fish, etc.
What advice would you give to other single mothers who are looking to start their own businesses?
I know the society is hard on us but do not allow your status as a single mother hinder you from achieving your dreams. Your worth as a person is not defined by being a single mother. Instead of living in guilt, pain and shame, channel that whole energy into something meaningful. Put your pain and anger into something productive. Get so busy developing yourself that you don’t have time to hear or listen to what anyone says about you. Lastly, do not judge yourself for the days you feel low, you are trying to heal. The most important thing however is what you tell yourself because we become what we say and what we believe.
How has your experience as a single mom influenced your business perspective and leadership style?
Certainly, I know I have no one to fall back to, no plan B at all, I have to give my all to make sure that my business succeed. I had to make allot of sacrifices to make sure I succeed and do not spend without a budget. I have learned to put my money in very good use.
Can you share any specific achievements that you are proud of in this journey?
First of all, I have healed past societal judgment. I have been able to proof to myself, to my parents and to the world or other teenage mothers that their mistakes should not be their end. I have become a source of inspiration to so many teenage mothers out there who truly felt their life was coming to an end. I have allot I am currently talking to and allot who are still reaching out to me. For that reason I have created a foundation called HER DREAMS AGENCY meant to help single and teenage mothers to understand that their dreams are still very valid even after getting pregnant out of wedlock by using my story as a practical guide.
Our dream is to be able to help those who had to drop out from school, go back to school and help them become financial independent by helping them learn and start up a trade so that they will not become vulnerable to the adversities or challenges the society throw at them. Our aim is to also help them realize that they are still worthy. To help them believe that they still have a chance. We would help rebuild their self -esteem that has been shattered after getting pregnant out of wedlock. This is one of the major reasons I share my story.
I have also written a book titled THE UNFINISHED STORY to encourage other teenagers of the need to abstain from premarital sex and to encourage single mothers that their story or present situation should not become their end. It should not define them because just like me, they are an UNFINISHED STORY.
What are some of the challenges you encountered in the local business ecosystem?
My business is capital intensive. Food business is one of the most lucrative businesses in Nigeria but it needs allot of funding. We have allot to do, but we are not there yet because of funding. The opportunity however is that we have been able to dominate other market in Nigeria successfully. Because food and vegetables aren’t something other people from other states have access to, we have been able to supply to over thirty states in Nigeria and we are looking to dominate the market in due time.
How do you maintain profitability and customer loyalty given the high cost of food?
The high cost of living in Nigeria makes it challenging for many people to afford basic necessities. Despite this, food remains a priority, even if other expenditures are reduced. I purchase most of my food in bulk during harvest seasons when prices are lower. This allows me to offer competitive prices to market traders and customers, enabling them to save money.
What are your aspirations for the future?
My aspiration is to dominate the market in Nigeria and to earn a seat among other great Nigerians like Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala and Alhaji Dangote. I will not rest until I am finally at a place that I can look back and pat myself on the back for my accomplishments