Twenty-five-year-old Mutoni Raissa is building a future through Fresh Root Produce, a  business based at Kimironko Market, where she sells fresh fruit. A 2024 graduate of Construction Engineering, Mutoni did not begin her entrepreneurial journey with everything figured out. Her decision to start a business grew from her experience as an employee and the example she saw in her own family. 

Before becoming a business owner, Mutoni worked in construction-related jobs. During that time, she began thinking about starting something of her own rather than working for others. She was also inspired by her mother, who ran a similar fruit business. Growing up and watching her mother run the business made Mutoni believe that she could also build something of her own. It planted an important question in her mind: “Why can’t I do this too?”

That question encouraged Mutoni to start Fresh Root Produce at Kimironko Market in Kigali, using the little money she had earned from her work and hoping to build something of her own. However, the journey was not easy. After about a year in operation, the business began to struggle, and faced challenges she had not anticipated. 

One of her biggest challenges was financial management. She was mixing her personal money with business finances, making it difficult to know exactly how much the business was earning, spending, or growing. Without a clear understanding of her finances, managing the business became increasingly difficult.

It was at this point that Mutoni got the opportunity to join SheCreates, a Friends Career Center program that supports young women entrepreneurs through practical business training, mentorship, and seed funding to help them strengthen and grow their businesses.

The program gave her practical knowledge that helped her look at her business differently. Among the different training sessions she attended under SheCreates, budgeting and financial management was one of her favourite sessions. Through the session, Mutoni learned how to separate her personal and business finances, track her money, and make better decisions based on what was actually happening in her business. She also gained knowledge that helped her improve how she interacts with customers and manages her day-to-day business activities. 

These lessons became an important turning point. Rather than simply running a business, Mutoni began developing a clearer understanding of how to manage it, identify challenges, and make decisions for its future.

Today, Fresh Root Produce has one employee, and Mutoni continues to generate income from the business. As the business continues to grow, she plans to hire another employee. 

“I started with the desire to build something of my own. Today, I am focused on growing Fresh Root Produce, expanding to different branches, and creating opportunities for others,”  said Raissa.

Mutoni hopes to expand Fresh Root Produce into different branches and eventually build a larger business where customers can find a wider range of products in one place. She envisions making the business more accessible and convenient while creating additional employment opportunities.

For Mutoni, the journey has been about more than starting a business. It has been about learning from challenges, adapting, and finding better ways to move forward. The practical skills she gained through SheCreates have helped her build a stronger foundation and approach her business with greater confidence.

“The SheCreates Fellowship played a big role in helping me improve and grow Fresh Root Produce. Beyond the practical, it helped me grow personally and develop a true entrepreneurial mindset. I am deeply grateful to Friends Career Center for this opportunity and the ongoing support,” said Raissa.

Her message to other young women is simple:

“Do not be afraid to start. Take the first step, learn along the way, and keep working toward your goals.”