Kekeli, a Ghanaian entrepreneur and founder of Jemima Insight Training Ventures (JIT Ventures), shared her inspiring journey on SVTV Africa’s Business Link Show with DJ Nyaami. Based in Ashongman Estate, Accra, Kekeli is a skincare chemist and also produces detergents, liquid soaps, and other household products.
She began her professional journey as a trained teacher, attending a teacher training college in Cologne. After completing secondary school, she taught for three years, then transitioned into fashion and tailoring. Eventually, she discovered a passion for skincare and detergent production, which she pursued by enrolling in training programs. Her interest was initially sparked by making products for her family — people noticed her glowing skin and began paying her to make skincare products for them.
While working as a restaurant hostess, she saved up money to fund her education and business. Launching a skincare brand wasn’t easy, especially in Ghana, where many customers prefer well-known or foreign brands — often with skin-lightening properties. “Many people didn’t want to use products from someone unknown,” she said. However, the detergent line gained traction more easily, especially after she began supplying restaurants with samples.
Kekeli registered her business officially and now supplies wholesalers at Makola Market, who then distribute her products further. Despite her success, she faces the challenge of limited staffing.
Currently, Kekeli is pursuing her dream career in Cybersecurity and Software Engineering, having developed an interest from watching investigative shows and researching online. She’s been studying for two years as part of a four-year program, attending classes three times a week. Her goal is to work remotely in tech while growing her business. “Rent is expensive in Accra. If not for school, I would’ve moved back to the village,” she noted.
She believes in self-reliance and says working for yourself offers more freedom and control. “There are jobs in Ghana, but many require connections. Meanwhile, people who learned skills like hairdressing or tailoring are thriving while some university graduates remain jobless.”
Kekeli has traveled to Ethiopia, South Africa, and Dubai, gaining exposure and business insight. She laments the lack of unity among Ghanaians, observing that locals often support foreigners more than their own people. Still, she’s proud that some of her products have reached the USA and Africa shops in Chicago. Her skincare products are in international markets, while her detergents are widely available in Ghana.
She also formulates products for people who want to start their own skincare or detergent lines. Though she doesn’t own a warehouse, she has rented spaces in Kumasi and Accra for production and storage. “When you make your own money, it’s fulfilling,” she shared.
Kekeli’s brands — JIT Cosmetics for skincare and Keli Detergents — offer worldwide delivery, and she actively promotes them on social media.
In her closing message, she said:
“Many people want a man to take care of them, but I didn’t wait for that. I work hard, make my own money, and take care of myself.”
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