Collins “Showboy”: From Lotto Clerk to Successful African Slippers Entrepreneur
Collins, popularly known as Showboy, is a Ghanaian businessman based in Kumasi. He lives at Meduma, while his business operates around the Kumasi Stadium area. He specializes in African-made slippers and chacha ahenema, a trade he started three years ago.
Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Collins worked at a lotto office, where his duties included submitting lotto papers on time and paying winners. The work was demanding, as late submission meant the company would not pay winners. During this period, he used a company motorbike to move around and carry out his duties.
While working at the lotto office, Collins developed interest in business through a friend who was already selling slippers online. He asked the friend to send him pictures so he could post them on his status and sell “small small.” However, issues later arose, and the friendship turned sour. That experience pushed Collins to learn a trade instead of relying on others.
He began learning how to prepare slipper uppers, combining training with his lotto job. In the evenings, he focused on production, while during the day he worked to meet lotto deadlines. Over time, he gained confidence in his skills and decided to take his business seriously.
“If you are selling something, sell it well and brand yourself. Tomorrow, it can take you far.”
Despite facing opposition and discouragement from people around him, Collins remained focused. At one point, he was informed that the lotto owner intended to sack him. Rather than wait, he resigned voluntarily and returned the company motorbike, choosing to fully commit to his business.
Through discipline and consistency, Collins began saving GHC 200 daily from his business. As the last-born in his family, he still shoulders major responsibilities, supporting his child, mother, and siblings.
Collins believes that while education is important, skilled jobs are the real key to survival and success in Ghana.
“Here, there are no jobs unless you find your own way.”
He leveraged TikTok to market his slippers, posting customer reviews and operating mainly on pre-orders. His products are delivered nationwide from Monday to Sunday, and through social media exposure, several prominent individuals have patronized his brand.
Currently, Collins produces up to 100 pairs of slippers weekly, selling each pair at around GHC 300. He credits his success to creativity, consistency, and embracing digital marketing.
He also shared a painful experience of trying to travel abroad, where connection men duped him of his money. That setback reinforced his belief in skilled work.
“Learning a skill has helped me. Today, I can save GHC 200 every day.”
Collins’ story is a powerful reminder that hard work, skill acquisition, and smart branding—not shortcuts—are what build sustainable success.
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