Meet Miss Tesy Anawo, a young graduate of English Studies now a professional shoemaker

MEET MISS TESY ANAWO, A YOUNG GRADUATE OF ENGLISH STUDIES, NOW A PROFESSIONAL SHOE MAKER

NIGERIANS ARE TALENTED

Her name is Tessy Ene Anawo, she is from Benue state, a graduate of English from Benue State University, Makurdi.

She's the third child of a family of four. Her hubby is teaching and reading.

Her journey into the professional shoe making business started in 2017 at Legacy Bootcamp, a program organized every Year by the then pastor in charge of the Redeemed christian church of God Region 5, Pst. Belemina Obonge. 

The boot camp then was a seven days camping program for teenagers from  different provinces under the Region.

In her words, "On the third day of the camp, we were informed that there was going to be skills acquisition for all teenagers at the camp and it was going to start by 4pm. We were all happy when they mentioned bead and bag making. But when I got to the venue and saw that almost all the girls went for bead and bag making, I changed my mind and moved towards the shoemaking stand that had few people. It was obvious that most of them didn't like shoemaking so I seized that opportunity because I knew I was going to learn fast since it was not crowded. 

We learnt the skills for three days and on the third day we did practical. After the practical, i participated very well right from that moment, I developed interest for shoe making.

Immediately after the camp same year, I got admission into Benue State University, so I had to relocate to Benue for my studies." She said.

When I got to Otukpo my home town, I saw that there was opportunity for me to learn shoe making properly, because it was more like a regular skill there.

I related my new found passion with my brother, but he in one way or the other tried to discourage me that shoemaking is a masculine skill and I should go for tailoring but I refused and stood my ground on it; shoemaking or nothing else.

When he saw the zeal, he took me to one of his friends where i registered.

I worked as an apprentice till my school resumed, anytime there was holiday, i will come back and continue for the period of one year.

After that one year, I started taking my personal work to school for sales.

My first contract came from Port Harcourt, after that contract, my boss shook me and said: "i had gained proficiency in the work."

I have never had any reason to regret why I choose shoemaking, I had use it to clear so many bills while I was in school and I'm proud today that I made that decision at Legacy Bootcamp.

Thank God for Pst Belemina Obunge.

My advise to every young person is that they should go for their dreams, follow their passion and be consistent at it; with hard work and God's help, a bright future is certain.

Today, Tesy is a professional shoe maker, she can make any type of footwear, getting orders from different states in Nigeria.

You can call or whatsApp her at 09030075328 and make orders to encourage and support her.