From Starting with RWF 300,000 to Owning a Factory: Goodluck’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Mutoni Goodluck is a young entrepreneur who owns a factory producing natural hair care products. She believes entrepreneurship is both rewarding and accessible, even for people who do not start with significant capital.

In an interview with Mamedecine.rw, Goodluck shared the story of how she built her business and transformed her life through determination and innovation.

“I own a factory called GOG, and our brand is known as KURA Hair Product. We manufacture natural hair oils made from ingredients such as avocado, garlic, onions, ginger, aloe vera, rice, and okra. Our products include hair-growth oils, anti-dandruff treatment oils, hair-thickening oils, softening oils that make hair easier to manage, as well as shampoo.” She says

She explained that her business idea was born out of a personal struggle with hair problems.

“My hair was in such poor condition that even my parents would tell me they preferred me with a shaved head because they thought I looked better that way. Later, while studying science in secondary school, I carried out research and came across the story of a woman who had successfully transformed her life through natural oils.” She says

Inspired by that discovery, Goodluck sought to learn more

“The woman who inspired me specialized in skincare oils. I contacted her and traveled to a neighboring country to learn from her directly. Since many of the ingredients they used were not available in Rwanda, I decided to develop products using locally available ingredients. I used  300,000 RWF for my outbound transport ticket. I used the remaining funds on my return journey to bring back equipment that helped me produce eight bottles of oil. After that trial, I realized it could become a viable business, and I immediately began working on it.” Adds Goodluck

She began the business alone, producing the oils from home before gradually expanding operations.

“I started on my own, working from home. As demand increased and I gained more customers and market opportunities, the business continued to grow until I was able to establish a small factory. Today, our factory operates in Ndera, Gasabo District, and employs 11 people.”

According to Goodluck, entrepreneurship has improved her life emotionally, physically, and financially.

“Before starting my own business, I lived under constant pressure. I lived far from work in an area with heavy traffic, and as a mother with a young child, balancing everything was exhausting. Despite doing my best, arriving late at work would sometimes create tension with my employer. Today, I no longer face that stress and I have peace of mind.” Says Goodluck

She also highlighted the financial progress she has made.

“The beginning was difficult, but because I had a clear vision and was working for myself, I stayed committed. Today, things are going well. I have even been able to buy a car, which I now use to deliver my products.”

Goodluck added that self-employment has also given her greater flexibility and improved well-being.

“Now, when I get tired, I can take a break and continue later. That freedom was impossible when I worked for someone else.”

She concluded by encouraging other women to pursue entrepreneurship and believe in their potential.

“I encourage fellow women to embrace self-employment. When you work for yourself, you gain opportunities to attend training programs, build knowledge, and grow both personally and professionally. Entrepreneurship broadens your mindset and allows you to shape your own future.”

According to a report by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), women entrepreneurs in Rwanda still remain fewer than men, although their numbers are steadily increasing. Female-owned businesses rose from 37% in 2020 to 39.5% in 2023, while male-owned businesses declined from 63% to 60.5% over the same period.