The Story of Kasmi, the 35-Year-Old Entrepreneur Who Found Gold in Waste
Money flows into and out of people’s lives are a weekly mystery for TNT. There will be spectacular stories and there will be tough stories. These stories never fail to teach us something new.
MoneyvsMe 15; She Makes Money From Packing People’s Poo. It’s quite surprising how I ended up being called the “Queen of Waste.” Having grown up in a small town, I’ve always been hard-working, but discovering the right path was a challenge. After high school, I tried my hand at various jobs, ranging from waitressing to retail, but none of them seemed to be a good fit for me. When I turned 25, I found myself in a state of confusion, lacking direction and unsure about the path to take in life. That’s when destiny, along with a peculiar circumstance, brought forth an unforeseen chance.
I lived in an urban community with many houses but very few modern sanitation systems. Some residents had poor plumbing or relied on septic tanks that frequently got clogged. One afternoon, my neighbour’s toilet overflowed, and panic ensued. Desperate for help, my neighbour offered to pay me ₦20,000 if I could clean the mess and figure out a solution to the problem.
With no prior experience, I hesitated but agreed. Armed with rubber gloves and a face mask, I handled the situation and fixed the immediate plumbing issue. That was my “aha” moment. I realised that while most people would shy away from such an unpleasant task, there was a real need for people willing to deal with waste management. Where there is a need, there is potential for financial gain.
After doing some research, I discovered that many households in low-income areas faced similar issues with their plumbing and septic tanks. I saw the gap in the market and came up with a bold business idea: a company that specialised in clearing out septic tanks, unclogging toilets, and managing waste disposal for residential areas that lacked access to modern sanitation.
I knew that the demand would be there, but I had to build a brand that could turn heads. With a small loan from my parents and some savings, I started my business. My services ranged from simple toilet fixes to large-scale septic tank clean-ups. What set me apart was my willingness to take on the dirty jobs no one else wanted to do, coupled with my exceptional customer service. I branded my business as a solution to a problem no one wanted to admit they had.
At first, I worked alone, hauling equipment in the back of my old second-hand van. I often felt embarrassed about my line of work but soon realised how appreciative my clients were. News started to circulate rapidly. “Call Kamsi; she’s the one to handle it,” became the go-to response whenever septic issues came up. As demand increased, I decided to expand my team and upgrade our tools. In just six months, I found myself handling over 50 homes every month, with prices ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 per job, depending on the level of difficulty. My business revenue skyrocketed to over ₦700,000 a month.
I gained recognition in the local community for both my service and my commitment to being open and honest. I would thoroughly guide my clients through each step of the process, ensuring they are well-informed and equipped to avoid any future complications. As a result, my business quickly expanded beyond its initial area, thanks to the strong loyalty it generated. I began offering my services to neighbouring towns, broadening my reach.
The beauty of my business was its ability to keep operational costs low while meeting high demand. The equipment costs were easily handled, and as my team grew, I was able to accommodate more clients without significantly raising expenses. In a short span of two years, my waste disposal-focused business was able to generate an impressive seven-figure annual revenue. However, I didn’t stop there. Recognising the potential of waste as a valuable resource, I embarked on a journey to find innovative methods of transforming septic tank waste into organic fertilisers.
After partnering with local farms, I launched a side business that sold organic compost and fertilizer. This enabled me to profit from the waste I had previously received payment for, thereby establishing a comprehensive approach to waste management. Though some people initially looked down on my profession, my success story quickly changed their perspective. I had built a thriving business, provided much-needed services to my community, and tapped into a lucrative niche no one else wanted to touch. My success didn’t just come from picking up people’s “poo.” It came from solving a vital problem and adding value in ways people hadn’t imagined.
By the time I turned 30, I had grown my business into a company worth over a million dollars, with a dedicated staff, a fleet of vehicles, and plans to expand into neighbouring states. I had also gained recognition as a savvy entrepreneur, invited to speak at business events and seminars about finding opportunity in unconventional spaces. The lesson from my story is a testament to how success can come from the most unexpected places. While most people avoided the “dirty” jobs, I embraced them, and in doing so, I built a financial empire. My message to others is simple: “There’s value where others see none. Never be afraid to get your hands dirty if it means building something meaningful.” In the end, I became a symbol of resilience and innovation, proving that even in the most unlikely circumstances, there’s always an opportunity to turn waste into wealth.
Money vs me, who is currently winning, i would comfortably say me. I mean this wouldn’t be possible few years ago but by the help and grace of God I did it. How would I rate my financial happiness on a scale of 1 to 10? On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate my financial happiness at 9!
