Resilience In Crisis: Inspiring Story of Gayson, Brenda In Entrepreneurship In Conflict Zones

Gayson In Her Shop In Bamenda 

By Raymond Dingana 

In the troubled North West Region (NWR) of Cameroon, two young ladies, Gayson and Brenda, are fighting to survive amidst the Anglophone Crisis. Instead of giving in to the difficulties around them, or resorting to risky ways to make money, they decided to create a better future for themselves. With smart phones, data and a start-up capital, they brought the market to their communities, making shopping easier and safer.

Their efforts come at a time when many of their peers have turned to crime out desperation, engaging in dangerous activities like kidnapping for ransom, substance abuse, prostitution, robbery amongst others.

However, Gayson and Brenda shut the doors to crime, and chose a different path aiming for a life of a life of dignity and purpose.

Gayson, also known as Nanain, meaning mother of Nain, a mother of three who before engaging in entrepreneurship contemplated on embarrassing unethical practices just to survive.

She runs a provision store with an eatery attached to it. She feeds tens of people in her restaurant on a daily basis. Customers travel from afar to enjoy her famous cow skin, (canda), alongside boiled eggs, fried chicken, and some drinks to push them down.

"When the crisis erupted in 2016, I felt like my world was ending. I considered moving to Douala but didn't knock w where to start," 

she explained.

Staying out let her to consider entrepreneur which permitted her to be able to help her family.

"It wasn't easy at the beginning, but I was determined to succeed, and today, I am comfortable," 

said Gayson.

Today, Gayson is a proud mother of three, two boys and a girl. All of them are going to school thanks to Gayson's hard work to support her husband, Joseph, a driver by profession.

Another inspiring story is that or Teme Brenda, a Communication, and Development Studies student of the University of Bamenda (UBa). Very young and beautiful, one would have thought the hardship caused by the crisis would cause her to use her body to make money.

Tume used her smart phone, internet data, start-up, and a WhatsApp group where she advertise items for members of her platform to buy.She sells footwears and others, and customer have been able to buy without any difficulty.

Read her:

 "I reaI realized early on that relying solely on my parents was not sustainable,” 

Brenda said.

 “I needed to find a way to support myself while pursuing my education. With limited funds, a smartphone, and social media, I started promoting and selling footwear and bags online. This approach allowed me to reach customers safely during challenging times.”

Although her business grew slowly at first, Brenda's consistent hard work, honesty, and excellent customer service helped her gain trust. In February 2025, she opened her physical store, a significant milestone for her as a student entrepreneur.

“This business has helped cover my school expenses and personal needs, easing financial pressure on my family,” 

she shared.

 “It has also built my confidence and developed valuable skills like customer relations and time management. I’ve learned that even in uncertain times, opportunities exist for those who are willing to adapt.”

Brenda encourages young girls not to wait for perfect conditions.

 “Start with what you have. Use online platforms effectively and be consistent. Challenges will come, but determination and self-belief can turn tough situations into chances for success,” 

she said.

The stories of Gayson and Tume, inspire many young ladies around them. Their story are indication of the fact that, one can succeed even in tough times without compromising one's values. As the crisis persists, it's important for young people to understand that adversity doesn't have to lead to distraction. Instead, they can learn from the resilience of women like Gayson, and Brenda and forge their own path that success.