Jaquelin Kaonde, a mother of three based at Nakambala Market in Mazabuka, started her business in 2012 selling second-hand clothing bales. Each bale cost K6,000. However, the high cost of the bales, combined with many items not matching customer preferences, resulted in low sales and accumulation of unsold stock. This led to financial strain ultimately led to the collapse of her business.

“There is high investment in bales and they take long time to sell as some of the items do not meet the clients’ fashion preferences. So I made little profit. Sustaining the business was difficult and the high capital required restricted my growth,” she said.

Jaquelin decided to shift her business approach.

“When my business collapsed, I started buying second-hand clothes from DAPP with just K300. This became a turning point, as I could buy according to my budget, and the better-quality clothes sold faster,” she said.

Today, she is able to invest K5,000 and make a profit of over K5,000, achieving a 100% return.

“I now support my children’s education, including one in college, have built a house, furnished it, and plan to buy land for a shop. I have also expanded into selling Chitenge, baby clothes and running a salon,” she added.

Jaquelin now saves money and says access to the DAPP shop has been life-changing for her.