How I began my own business

Thelma Naa Lamiley Mills is a Licensed Practice Nurse and a business woman. She is the Ceo Of Tee’s Hairline & Tee’s Makeup Artistry. She feels very accomplished running her own business.

Be inspired by her story.

An interview with David Nii Adjaye – Founder,Code 57

The Story Of Isidore Enyonam Togbedji

Growing up, what were some of your aspirations. Do you think you are becoming what you wanted to become or there has been a switch?

“Exactly who I wanted to be is who I am now. To Be a nurse and have my own business. I actually didn’t want to always work for others. I wanted to have mine and make my “own money too”.
I still have ideas untapped and as a young lady I know I have enough time to explore more. But I can’t deny the fact that what I am now is what I really wanted to become.”

What were some of the challenges you faced whilst growing up? From schooling through to family and friends.

Growing up wasn’t easy. I saw my mum selling groceries on a table in our family house and my dad was a taxi driver. My dad used to sell bread and egg on the road side to help cater for myself and other siblings.
I remember growing up with no television at home, we had to stand behind our neighbour’s house before we could watch Television. I used to wear tattered clothes, I used to sell oranges and run a space to space in front of our house. My friends used to troll at me et al.
I used to have a lot of friends but what I didn’t have was uncommon friends.
It was after an experience (thus when I entered nursing training) that I realised I needed to cut down on friendship. I noticed a lot of people rather took advantage of me than being there as good friends. Now I can count but a few friends in my life.

With reference to the point where you saw your parents struggling and helping put the family in order, how did you survive on such, especially when you saw people or say friends who were living good in school. What motivated you and why didn’t you give up during those moments?

I believe God prepared us for such moments. I remember we never used to play with toys though most of my friends then were having all that kids will need. But we were still content with what we had. I remember an experience when it rained heavily and we had to stay awake to clean out the drains because it was actually flooding our room.
Amidst all the hardship, my parents made sure we attended the best schools.
It was after my dad had gone through bible school and had found his purpose, planting churches in rural areas, that was when the story began to change for the family. It was another whole experience though.
“My passion for nursing actually started when I was 14years and it was during those moments we used to follow daddy to the rural areas.”

In the next 5 years, where do you see yourself to be?

I Just want to be A Phenomenal woman in Christ because trust me a lot of people look up to me and I have stories which will speak volumes to them and draw them to Christ.

How will you describe your life in one word?

Generally, I think I’m UNIQUE in my own way.

Tell us a bit about your business?

It’s all started when a friend threw me out of her house some months before winter. Barely had nowhere to lay my head that day, but God is so good I got a place for myself.
It was one Thursday when I was on my bed, I believe it was the Holy Spirit who gave me this thought. I have a passion for beauty so I decided to start with my hair business. I started with 4 bundles and one closure. I made my hairstylist design it for me, people actually admired it. I created a page on social media and that’s the beginning of my rise in business. I have three correspondents now; Ghana, Ukraine and USA and I have people buying across Europe and part of Africa.
I moved out of my comfort zone and I got my business.

You are full of thanksgiving, is that your secret?

Yes, that’s my secret. I’m so grateful to God and how far He’s brought me. I’m always glowing in His presence because I worship Him any moment I get. From times of uncertainties to moment when things are moving. My best advice to everybody is not to ignore the presence of God amidst any difficulties.

A lot of people give up easily, what captivates you to do what you do every day?

God has blessed me with few good people around. They are always there to help me with their advice if it’s above them I know God will be there, that factor I cannot relegate. In business if the money is coming, why give up.

What’s your favourite food and What do you love to do in your free time?

My Favorite food is Banku/ kenkey with Okro or with spicy fish & pepper (a special dish from Ghana)
My free time, I listen to worship songs a lot (I’m a fan of Joe Mettle) I go for swimming depending on the weather and I love taking pictures.

What advice do You have for the young ones who are now coming up?

In Christ, all things hold together.
The Bible says in Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

I will advise the young ones to seek God first in everything they do because God created us and he knows who we are far more than we know ourselves. He knows what’s best for us so it’s better we always allow him to take the lead and direct our path. Without Christ we are nothing.

Also, Philippians 3:8-9 (NIV)
What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.

They shouldn’t let anyone look down on them. There’s a purpose in them. They should find the purpose and work with it. Everything is possible.
“Everyone has inside them a piece of good news. The good news is you don’t know how great you can be! How much you can love! What you can accomplish! And what your potential is.”– Anne Frank

Much appreciation to my parents (Bishop Charles Nii Odartey Mills & Rev. Mrs Sophia Naa Chiche Mills) for being a blessing in my life, for believing in me, supporting me throughout my life & never giving up on me. They’ve been great mentors to me. Also, to all my true friends and family who really stood with me in all seasons of my life, I would like to say a very big thank you.

My name is Thelma Mills, this is my story.