Doing Business in Tanzania. My Challenges.

[@Dan13Speed]

Been in business since age 16. My first business was to compete against my Dad and out perform him. I was getting tired of the old man doing things his way. He financed the entire venture. That business failed miserably. I have opened several businesses since then, with mixed successes. Some have been very successful and others not so successful. Here is the secret 🤫 You learn more from a business that fails . Those lessons cannot be taught in any school. If you learn from those lessons, you become wiser and stronger.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you for sharing Dan

[@MGMSACADEMIC]

Ashley this is not a failure its just like a first trimester in a pregnant woman. They don't terminate the pregnancy simply because there is a lot of challenges they face. Doing business in Africa in general takes a bit of time to start making a profit but as soon as that brand is known you will not believe the turnover it will bring to your business. One advice I would like throw, I would like to suggest you make small coffee sachets which can be afforded by any person on the streets and brand them with a catchy african name the one that everyone can relate to e.g "Hakuna Matata" lounge coffee. Just a thought Ashley.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you for sharing this perspective Musa. I appreciate your encouragement

[@JourneyWithUsMoveToAfrica]

Keeping going. It's only failure if you give up. As long as you're still refining and trying new things you didn't fail and cannot fail!

[@molefemokhine9557]

Your never die attitude is what will eventually make your business a success. Hang in there, it won't be easy as you already found out but it will come to fruition 💪🏾

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you Molefe. I appreciate your encouragement

[@marcbalthrop5025]

Thank You for being Transparent! The race is not given over to the swift, but to the one who endures! Keep pressing forward, it will all workout! Trials produces character! Yah Bless🙌🏾

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you Marc. I’m humbled to share

[@wodemaya7899]

Ashley look at the avocado exporting business .You will have to plant your avocados and export them . Do your research on THE one SPECIFIC AVOCADO VARIETY that is most in demand on the international market .

[@logueg]

I appreciate your vulnerability in sharing your struggles, however, the most important word you used was pivot. Best of luck to you in all your endeavors.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you for you encouraging words

[@sandramccoy45]

Sweet Unity Coffee growers and export in Tanzania. African American/Tanzanian family. Good Luck!

[@sthe_zar6341]

We're rooting for you Ashley,all the way from Durban,SA's playground 🇿🇦.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you 😊

[@shanellejohn]

Thank you for sharing this. It’s so rare to hear people talk about their struggles but this is what I need to hear so I know I’m not alone.

[@r-cdmx]

Perseverance. Slow but sure moves the might of the gods. All the best from Mexico.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you brother

[@Suetvvlogs]

It's good that you realize in time that you have the wrong mindset! Now change it! I know you went into the business with good intentions, but sadly to do good, you first have to become successful in the business, and later use that success to help others! For now, focus on helping your business succeed! And then later come up with solutions to help the farmers that are working with you! Coffee is definitely a business I am looking to go into, including other crops! Tanzania is definitely on my list as a possible country to relocate to and start my farm there! My intention is to export my produce to the Caribbean and Latin America, and possibly Europe!

[@miriayah5285]

We need more women like you. That never gives up. My mom before she past in December 2019. Had a restaurant it was like an inside out Cafe. We served British food and southern food. People came from all over and visited our restaurant. They even told friends and family about the location. They would send tea from all over the world to her. It was hard meeting their demands. But she always made it happen. Before she past years before she past she had made it into local magazines and was a 5 star restaurant. She made it work with the support of myself and strangers. You got this and we will keep you in prayer for you to succeed 🙏🏽.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

What a beautiful story and legacy your mom built. Thank you for sharing Mira’Yah

[@miriayah5285]

Yes ma'am, you are welcome. Keep the faith 🙏🏽

[@matthewolds3641]

My sister keep God first your business Is not gonna fail stay positive but again keep God first and put God in front of your business and what direction you need to take for everything not for some things everything and you’ll see your path clear

[@MyDaybyLori]

You’re a smart woman. You e got this!

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thanks Lori 😊

[@Langa0399]

I’m proud of you,just hang in there 🥺

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you 😊

[@los4520]

Packaging and branding could be a way forward. You should focus on exporting a processed coffee, it is more profitable. The cost of roasting outside Africa is quite high, therefore a small processing AA arabica quality coffee could be a way forward. Moreover, an online selling platform could be allow you to reach to a larger market. Securing a shelfing spaces into local supermarkets, amd to gift shops in tourist hotels, and other places could help to propel your sales. Just my advise to you😊

[@andilemabengu6314]

Hi Ashely we are behind you go.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you Andile. I appreciate your support

[@BucknerFamilyTravels]

Hey Ashley great video, love the transparency. This is Darren from Pydana Collection we have to figure out how we can hook up. I'll be in SA in September God willing. Don't forget MyKibo with Dr. Harnet check it out.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you Darren. My Kibo has been great

[@lindasibeko133]

😊✌🇺🇸🇿🇦 Dont put pressure on yourself ...

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you Linda. All is well and working in our favor ❤️

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

I appreciate your transparency. I know that you will have success because you have a good heart towards the people. ❤

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you for your thoughtful words

[@naturalgirldiy]

Thanks for being so transparent. No matter how you slice it, having your own business is a hard, steep learning curve. Especially in a totally unfamiliar business environment. Africa definitely has a unique business culture that varies from country to country. Networking and actively building relationships is a huge part of business success here. That takes time and a lot of patience. Especially if you're used to a more western business culture. There's a lot to navigate, unlearn and relearn. You're definitely not failing, you're learning and that's part of the journey. All the best.

[@sandrasgotvoice]

Love your transparency! My hats off to you; you had a huge learning curve, and you should be proud of yourself for taking it on. There's a work-around for everything, and you'll find it.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you Sandra

[@livingsimply68]

We're routing for you Ashley 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 get in touch with other coffee merchants and see how they've come through.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you Nola 😊

[@abeck0856]

I have faith in you Ashley. You know exactly what to do......refocus with a renewed vigor renewed strategy. Also not sure if you have a sounding board.....someone there to not only hear but listen and provide wise counsel. Very very important. I know you will hang in there. Be back in Dar in Oct/Nov and will reach out.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you Avery. I received your PayPal--thank you for supporting my content.

[@keithchivaura8632]

Remember your dream..is your only scheme..so keep on pushing...( Curtis Mayfield)...love what you're doing child...

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you Keith

[@MOOOOS]

Woow That was quite the sigh Looks like we’ll have to pay special attention to this clip 🤔

[@MOOOOS]

How are You doing with the biz btw?

[@feltondeonbrooks]

You go girl 🌻

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you Felton

[@Ndondakusuka]

You will overcome this Ashley, the Lord will be with you and won't disappoint you. May your business grow in the entire African continent from strength to strength.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you. I receive it ✨

[@williamwebbs1952]

Very valuable yeah business is business not emotional Africa is extremely wealthy in resources they can help us not the other way around 👊🏿👊🏿

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you William

[@philad1439]

Honesty is life and failure is not bad when u admit to it, because it is a setup a good come back. I hope the South African business you have started can flourish. All the best.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you Phila

[@blackelement4037]

You Will Win!

[@abdulkato1413]

Hi Ashley, the coffee business is huge , even if you do research in south Africa to know those companies in SA where they get their coffee you may find a gap there too though the profit may not be big but i believe there's a gap in SA market since that SA is a big coffee consumer and they are not big producers of coffee, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and others are big producers of coffee, just a thought

[@blackelement4037]

You are in the right place, keep it going, you're just getting started. Look for other ways to be innovative within your process.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you Black Element for your kind words

[@kabelothebe4350]

Dont give up bad or good things will get better in time

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you Kableo. I appreciate your encouragement

[@finchindustrial6401]

You got this🤞🏽💜

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you

[@cutonga9038]

You will make it, just look around not too far away. You already have a business in South Africa which can be used to market your products, coffee or any other. Just never give up....

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you for the encouragement Cuthbert

[@nathanandsopa]

Hi Ashley, thanks for the video but I really feel that you didn't share much about what happened. All through the video I was hoping to learn about exactly what went wrong, what you were trying to do and about why and how it didn't work but then it got to the end of the video and I was none the wiser. Why is it failing? What is failing? Was it the workers? Was it the product? Was it the export/import system costs? Was it your strategy for selling on the product? Pricing? What? I really want to know, so that I can learn in case I want to do something similar one day. You made the video all about your failure.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. This video was about sharing my feelings in the moment of evaluating my business growth. The questions you’re asking are valid, but that is not what I chose to share.

[@deew1160]

@@AshleyinAfrika Well, hopefully you can correctly identify the problem/problems so that you won't keep repeating your mistakes. You seem to have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, so it will all come together.

[@ntobekomtimkulu239]

Hey Ashley. How’ve you been? How you feeling after the surgery? I hope you’ll be back in 🇿🇦 soon. I’m coming home later this month after 2 and a half years away due to travel restrictions. I’ve been in 🇰🇷 as an expat (English teacher) and, since I got hip to your channel, I always consider business opportunities for you out here because Koreans consume A LOT of coffee, but I’m not sure how much of it comes from Africa. I’ve also just been curious how and why companies like Starbucks have set themselves so far apart from competitors. Mostly because I’m not a coffee drinker much, so I kinda don’t get the hype. But I reckon their brand position is to coffee as Apple is to tech - I stand corrected. But yeah, I really hope your business picks up. I’m trying to come home and get entrepreneurial myself so you’re an inspiration even if you didn’t know it. Take care 😊

[@live.life.on.purpose]

Keep up the amazing work Ashley 👏🏽 👏🏽

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thanks Cassandra

[@destinedforgreatnessinshallah]

Hi Ashley. My wife is in data here in Johannesburg. Let us know when you get back.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

I sure will

[@tsatsimahlatsi3127]

Hi Ashley, thanks for sharing. Would you be interested in exporting and marketing bush tea, what we call Rooibos Tea. It’s a very healthy tea. Let me know if this could be of interest to you.

[@timmabotha4596]

O oooouch askies Ash💪🏾🇿🇦

[@AshleyinAfrika]

😊

[@georgyporgy7252]

You tried coffee.......why not have a go at the chocolate market

[@les4lb]

Are you going thru the program agoa?

[@AshleyinAfrika]

No, I’m not familiar

[@ditsepusegerane7942]

Hi trust you well, recently qualified as a holistic massage therapist. My problem is marketing.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Congratulations on your recent qualification. Do a little bit of marketing every day. It will pay off!

[@cynthiapierre7906]

See if you can have your coffee shops stores hotels. See it can be made into instant coffee in Tanzania get a business consultant. Network with people. Social media. I pray that your business becomes profitable you learn from your mistakes.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you for sharing those ideas Cynthia. I appreciate your positive support

[@walterhunter3353]

Try spices since you are in Tanzania

[@nevertrustsonofman.kingjam5233]

NEVER GIVE UP, CHANGE STRATEGIES, MAYBE OPEN A 😉 SMALL COFFEE ☕️ SHOP ON PREMISES, I CHOOSE FARMING

[@tumiledimo2248]

Take it as tuition fee you need to pay in order to understand business trading in Africa

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Taking it on the chin Tumi 💪🏾

[@tumiledimo2248]

@@AshleyinAfrika come back stronger you've paid your dues,maybe hair care goods perhaps its a big market in SA

[@greencityfarms7717]

hey :)My name is Mario , i’m based in south africa and would love to get in touch with you i feel we have much in common and i could help with agricultural insight and value to the mission in Tanzania and South Africa :)

[@lstoryrecords_]

Hey Ashley do you happen to have a business mentor at all ? Reason I say is because big ups to you being transparent to us your subscribers and all and I think its healthy you are doing this confessional rather than feeding into maybe (maybe) a narcissism in coming off like all is well when it necessarily isn't but I'd just like to say we obviously like your content , there's much you teach us and you are eye candy 😀 😉😍 while on a more genuine note I hope you have business mentor type individuals in your circle to also confess to like you have here and for them to help you because being as visible as you are brings an array of multi intentional individuals (friend ,foe and otherwise) until or unless you can say your subscribers are like a truly supportive collaborative system for your ambitions and plans.(maybe some already are)..anyway..hope this helps in a real way

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you James. All of my friends are entrepreneurs. We encourage each other and share our ups and downs. I have tried a formal mentor in the past and I’m not opposed to that. Thank you again for your thoughtful message.

[@lstoryrecords_]

@@AshleyinAfrika yeah no problem you're welcome..it doesn't have to be a formal mentor as such and its nice your friends are entrepreneurial and you share your ups and downs with them. I think when you alluded to business operating differently in Africa than in the west and other things you said I feel you projected more how the business should have went than understood it as it is in the new environment..part of this I'm sure is abit painful and humbling 🤔 but you're adaptive and pivoting which is amazing. I think and would suggest the perspective that part of you becoming successful in Africa may call for developing in your circle and network connection with Africans whether SA or TZ who are successful themselves (if these aren't in your circle..im assuming your closest circle is mostly American residing than in TZ or SA proper -forgive if my assumptions are wrong) and who are 40, 45 years old plus. Surrogate auntie and uncle types if you can come across them and cherish them in informing you on ways to move and navigate business socially since Africa can be less about individualistic success like the UK or the US is. Wisdom

[@rosahacketts1668]

Are Tanzanians coffee drinkers there though. It's one thing people growing the beans but its another thing having a customer base.

[@kikalarashid9003]

We drink yes! But not western style coffee. We got no mocha or cappuccinos here.......but we do drink!

[@tloutlou2655]

What s your company name in SA?

[@AshleyinAfrika]

BrandUp Global

[@MOOOOS]

Oh nah You said Game plan must go with the righteous intentions You had; Oh You said it @3:003:3:15 Had that happened We get it Totally get it

[@MOOOOS]

I apologize @ Ms Ashley I don’t even know what I said there. Guess I used the text to speech feature

[@KatlegoMasego]

Please consider wine business.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Love the wine business. Thank you for the suggestion

[@KatlegoMasego]

@@AshleyinAfrika Always a pleasure.

[@yonaavraham9594]

Did you take your coffee business online?

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Yes www.AnasaCoffee.com

[@yonaavraham9594]

Thanks.

[@kel6357]

It always baffles me how ppl want to get into agricultural business w/o no mention of the value or supply chain and what that means. Exporting Is international trade encompasses many rules under the WTO. Additionally, you are trading from the EAC rec, which encompasses another level of rules. AfCFTA is still developing sps and food safety standards. Keep it going.. just do it all correctly. Make sure seed quality is good and farmers know GAP. E.g. harvest, post-harvest, Pesticide, and mycotoxin info.. Ashley, which labs are yall using before export???

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Hi Kel. Thank you for sharing.

[@tracywalker244]

You asked her a question she didn’t reply back, I guess she’s not interested in getting help.😑

[@kel6357]

@@tracywalker244 an answer isn’t required… just topics that she knows she must have right in order to export even intra-regionally. It’s all fun and games until exports get rejected. Ashley knows what I’m talking about if she’s at that stage in production.. she will make it through..

[@rosahacketts1668]

I heard recently by an African on KZbin is this: where there are complaints that is where a business area is.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you Rosa

[@tomthumb2226]

Ashley white people love coffee ☕️ I really think you should move to South Africa 🇿🇦 where coffee is drunk more and you have thousands of businesses you can approach to sell your coffee ☕️ all the best 👍

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you Tom. I’m on my way. South Africa and Tanzania are both in my future

[@palesamogorosi8939]

I don't understand why you had to bring up white people. The love of coffee isn't exclusive to them.

[@Gemini3K]

Why not export coffee to the U.S.? To Black restaurateurs out there? Or start a black Starbucks out there in America where your specialty is African coffee drinks. Set up trade in Europe too. Black Americans need to do what whites do. Export stuff to sell to black Americans or import stuff to sell to black Africans. The media space is a huge opportunity for black Americans. Especially with advertising, music and film. Think like Europeans in Africa. Cultural exchange programs, Business exchange initiatives....Americans can do what white people did n America but in Africa and own it because you guys have already set yourselves up as the global standard and pace makers. But you need white companies to push your stuff. You won't have that problem here. You just need to think outside the box of...business can only be done locally. You can open a black American/ African business trade channel (as in pipeline). You yourself can start a thriving consulting company if you research business opportunities for Small to medium business owners in America looking to expand here. Black entrepreneurs and workers looking to come here. There's money in that too. Even for starting black art schools. There are so many things that African Americans have to offer that they can import to South Africa and Africa as a result. I have lots of ideas but I'm rambling at this point.

[@wtphonkisthis3243]

Amazing comment !!!!!!

[@shawneedee8501]

I was thinking the same thing. Act as a wholesaler for those of us in the states.

[@AshleyinAfrika]

Thank you for sharing your perspective

[@shawneedee8501]

@@AshleyinAfrika , I would love to support your business in this capacity. I'm not sure how, but I follow someone who is doing this in various ways. This sent his business skyrocketing. He wholesales gold, silver, coffee, beauty, and home goods through monthly subscriptions. I can forward the details if you want to check into them just to understand his process. You could reverse engineer his process, and who knows where this would lead you.