THE PAIN OF BECOMING SUCCESSFUL PT2 WITH MOMMY PDJ
- ojogwujustinaewele
- Jul 31
- 17 min read
Continuing with point number three: the pain of success. You need to have business knowledge. As a child of God, I will also address ABC under business knowledge. The question is, what do you understand?
In business, you must comprehend part A. What do you understand about demand and supply? To run a successful business, you must focus on demand. As a child of God, don't venture into any business until you have identified the demand surrounding it. The demand around the business will determine the profit it generates. If the business lacks high demand, you risk failure. How does this work? I'll use myself as an example, as I often do. You see, I'm currently in the fashion industry, selling clothes. Is it possible for people to go out without clothes? Is it possible? In the past, people might not have cared, but in today's generation, you must wear clothes, you must cover yourself. This means people genuinely want to buy clothes. The question I ask myself is, how do I increase this demand? Please listen carefully. How can I make this product in high demand?
First, I need to identify my target market. For this product to be valuable, I must determine who my target audience is. Should I aim for market women, working-class ladies, or the elite? Do you understand? Who are my intended customers? My expectations will guide my production. If I produce without a clear target, I might have a product, but I won't achieve sales. I can suggest you start this business, but the key question is: who is your target market when you begin? If my target market is the elite, I need to be connected to them. Without connections to the elite, selling products they would buy is challenging. Do you see the point? If you lack connections with the elite, don't try to sell them what they need. They won't know or trust you enough to purchase your products. Do you understand? Now, personally, how do I succeed in my business? I'm sharing this with you as your pastor to provide insight because you might do the same business and not succeed if you don't grasp this aspect. In my shop, I offer dresses suitable for successful market traders or businesses, whether small or large. We have dresses priced at 10,000, for example. If your business is thriving, you can afford the 10,000 dress. We also offer options for 15,000, 20,000, 35,000, 40,000, and up to 60,000 or 70,000. Why did I choose this range? Because I know people in my network can select based on their standards. Do you follow? Some people I know can afford 10,000, and they might pay it in one or two installments. That's the demand. So, I produce five or ten sets to meet these demands. If you visit our shop with a budget between 8,000 and 10,000, you'll likely find a dress. If your budget is between 30,000 and 50,000, you'll also find a dress. Sales shouldn't be difficult unless there's a negative influence affecting the business. Do you understand?
Nowadays, there are dresses priced at 2,000, 3,000, 5,000, or even 15,000. Unfortunately, I don't sell those. The quality of the dresses I offer is meant to be passed down through generations. You can wear this fabric and later pass it to your son, who might give it to his wife, and she can pass it to your children—it becomes an heirloom. This means I'm achieving something significant. Each time you wash this cloth, it appears cleaner. When you iron it, it looks brand new. What happens then? You'll stop wearing your other clothes. Why? Because this one makes you feel superior as it retains its color. Whether you wear it today, 10 days later, or even 3 years down the line, it still looks great. It's more than just clothing; it's a mindset. When you're invited to a special occasion, you'll sift through your closet full of clothes and choose this one. What does that mean? I'm not just selling an outfit; I'm shaping a mindset for my clients. Many have told me they've never worn a dress costing more than 5,000 before trying mine. Others have said they've never worn a 50,000 dress, wondering where they would wear it. They first experienced this at God's in PDJ collection. When they tried it, I didn't have to tell them it fit—they knew it did. This is about business acumen. You need to show your clients that you, the mind behind the business, have a vision. When you visit the shop, we already understand the demands. As the business owner, you should shape your business to match your vision. This mindset didn't start with fabric. I used to sell second-hand clothes, and if you bought from my shop, those clothes looked brand new. I only open cream bales, which you call cream bells here, and I don't buy my bales locally. They come exclusively from the US and UK. Do you see? If you've been buying second-hand clothes before and then try the ones I sell, you'll definitely notice the difference. Do you understand?
The key to business success is generating demand. In my clothing business, I acquire clearance bales from boutiques in the US and UK to ensure freshness and quality, which draws in repeat customers. The strategy focuses on making products appealing and adjusting prices to boost demand. For instance, a dress priced at 20,000 in-store might be offered online for 18,000 or 15,000 to attract more buyers. This pricing approach increases demand, as in-store customers often appreciate the fabric and are willing to pay full price. Furthermore, opening our shop early enhances visibility and attracts customers before competitors. Understanding your target market and maintaining consistent engagement with them is vital for business success.
Another important consideration is the lifespan of the business you intend to pursue. Think about it. For success, if you're involved in the tomato business, you must sell quickly because tomatoes are perishable. You can't afford to delay; otherwise, the tomatoes will spoil and become unusable. Similarly, if you're selling ice cream, you need reliable electricity to keep it frozen; without it, the ice cream will melt, and you'll end up consuming it yourself. Therefore, the lifespan of a business is crucial. For example, if I'm selling clothes, I can wash them if they're dirty or repair them if they're torn. When starting a business, consider its longevity. How long can it last? This is essential for success.
Now, let's talk about risk in business. It's a critical factor where many people falter. For a long-term business, having a risk backup is vital. What do I mean by that? Every successful business typically takes at least six months to a year to establish itself, especially if it's new to you. You might have been introduced by someone or partnered with someone, but it will take six months to build a regular clientele. Initially, your customers will likely be friends and family supporting you. Over time, more acquaintances might visit, but it means the business won't sustain itself for those initial months. Yet, the business has a lifespan and isn't perishable.
As an investor, this indicates that you'll need to cover expenses like rent, staff salaries, and logistics during this period. This is where many struggle, as they don't have the resources to cover six months of expenses for a non-profitable business. During this time, the business is trying to establish itself because no business becomes successful overnight, especially those aiming for legacy. Consider well-known brands like Brookside; they took time to succeed, facing many challenges along the way. I, too, experienced losses before achieving success. Without business knowledge, I might have closed my shop due to risks, such as sourcing the right fabric to meet standards.
Secondly, the fashion aspect that involves designing my clothes is crucial. Without a skilled tailor, who will craft them properly? It's as if God tailored them to your body when you arrived on earth. Without this, I can't profit or compete effectively. So, I needed to address that. I face challenges with fabric and finding a reliable tailor. Additionally, I need to introduce my business to people who perceive me as a prophetess rather than a businesswoman. Online, I spoke extensively, and balancing these two roles is challenging. Recently, I even prophesied online. Sometimes, I feel so immersed in my role as a prophetess that it becomes difficult to present the business side without it overshadowing my work. Another issue is the clothes I rejected because they didn't meet my standards, even though I paid for them. I have about 200 pieces that I haven't sold because they don't match the quality I offer. If I did sell them, they'd go for 5,000 quickly, but I can't display them upfront because they fall short of my standards. Despite this, I have nearly 100 unsold pieces. I could sell them online for 5,000, and buyers would be satisfied, but they're not made of cotton and lack weight. I prefer selling quality items. Imagine holding onto 100 pieces that buyers don't complain about, but I, as the seller, am dissatisfied on their behalf, risking long-term business. If I sell them, I'd explain they're good materials but didn't meet my criteria. If a design doesn't appeal to me, I reject it because I want people to embody beauty and royalty. If it doesn't meet those standards, I say, "Remove this one." If you use this material to make the same design again, I won't accept it. This material can create three designs, not just one. I don't opt for long-term provisions that require more capital, making purchases more expensive. Mass production offers a better price, but individual pieces cost more due to wasted materials and design inconsistencies. I'm willing to pay more for elegance for myself and my clients. Investing in the long term is essential. There's someone who owes me 800K. I refused the clothes, and she hasn't transferred my money, but I stand by my decision not to accept them. This is the risk in business.
Business success depends on a well-planned lifespan strategy, not just opening it. Every business has growth potential but requires time to take off, much like an airplane. Many fail because they lack financial reserves to sustain the business during slow periods. It's crucial to plan for expenses, such as rent and salaries, even when sales are low. Some businesses closed during COVID-19, but those with reserves survived. Entrepreneurs starting businesses should plan for reserves to avoid closure and missed opportunities. Failure often stems from inadequate strategy or resources, not the business itself. Success involves risk and strategic planning.
Thirdly, maintain a positive mindset. Keep a positive attitude in your business. Stay optimistic. There was a month when I didn't make a single shilling in my business. It was very discouraging. You might feel like complaining or giving up, but don't. Understand this: giving up mentally or spiritually can shut down your business. When you're in your business and there are no customers, pray instead of complaining. Avoid saying things like "today again, tomorrow again." If you let fear take over, you might sabotage your business yourself. Remember, as a person thinks in their heart, so is their life. By eliminating fear and having faith, you can attract more clients. Walk around your shop, touch the clothes, and pray over them. My salesgirls can attest to this. One of my key salesgirls is here, and she knows what I'm saying is true. When business is slow, I tell her to act as if we're invisible. We use blessed salt, which she brings from her home, mix it with water, pray over it, and sprinkle it around the shop and on the clothes. Some people expect me to come and perform rituals, but I don't have time for that. People would call or text me, asking me to pray for their business. I tell them that as the shop owner or salesperson, they should pray themselves. Just because I'm a prophetess doesn't mean I have to come and pray for your shop. My faith is personal. I advise them to pray over their own issues. I've never gone to any of my shops to take charge; they handle it themselves. If you're new to this, you might feel frustrated. Instead of calling out for help, use anointing oil on your hands and pray over your desk. Whatever is hindering your visibility or favor, pray for it to be removed. Don't sit in frustration; it doesn't help. Your mindset should be positive and focused on change. Keep speaking positivity. One day, after realizing I wasn't coming to pray, my salesgirl decided to take action herself. She sold over 100 items to one client and was amazed. She thought it might be a trick, but we waited for the Mpesa confirmation, and everything was genuine. I use my own experiences because they are what I know best. Understand that business requires effort and prayer, whether or not clients are present. Declare success over your business and give it time to flourish. Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.
Number four, let's discuss self-awareness. Self-awareness is crucial to your success. I'll provide you with different aspects to help you understand it better.
The first part of self-awareness is understanding what you like about yourself. If you want to succeed, you need to love yourself. What do you appreciate about yourself? Many people struggle with self-acceptance. They look in the mirror and criticize their features, questioning why they look a certain way. Instead of admiring themselves, they focus on what they perceive as flaws. If you're short, embrace it. It's part of who you are, and there are people who will appreciate it. Stop comparing yourself to others. If you don't like yourself, you won't attract success. Confidence is key to pursuing success. Everyone has something unique to offer. If you lack confidence, it's time to change that. Recognize what you like about yourself because it builds your confidence. Some people exude confidence effortlessly, like a young man who confidently shared his testimony. He walked with pride and poise. Have you ever been grateful for your strengths? Knowing what you like about yourself is the foundation of your success.
Each person has unique qualities. Some people are confident in their height, while others enhance it with heels. What do you like about yourself? Your strengths are your marketing tools. Take Minister Leia, for example. She speaks with a soothing voice and tells stories in a captivating way, which makes her stand out. Everyone has something special. Some people walk with elegance, others dress impeccably, and some have distinct features. It's important to know what you like about yourself. If you haven't discovered it yet, make it a priority. Recognize the unique gifts God has given you and let them shine. They might be your greatest asset.
Do you love yourself, or do you depend on others for love? Many people feel incomplete without a relationship, seeking validation from others rather than themselves. Self-love is crucial because it empowers you to make decisions that align with your values and needs, rather than forcing yourself into situations that don't suit you. If you love yourself, you protect yourself from toxic relationships and situations. True self-awareness involves understanding your worth and not relying on others for validation. It's important to prioritize self-care and recognize that you are your own greatest asset. Life's challenges can be overcome by returning to yourself for comfort and strength, rather than seeking it externally. Relationships and friendships may come and go, but self-love remains constant. Embrace your individuality and make choices that reflect your true self. Cherish the moments and people that bring positivity into your life, and don't be afraid to let go of those who don't. Always remember, self-love is a journey, not a destination, and it requires strength and commitment to maintain.
Are you a wicked person? Reflect on yourself. Examine your heart. Is there any wickedness within you? Search your heart, because the Bible states there is no peace for the wicked. If you harbor wickedness, you will struggle to find success. You and success will often clash. Never let wickedness reside in your heart. Some people possess it unknowingly. Here’s how to identify if you are wicked: you are wicked if you dislike seeing others succeed. You feel wrongly challenged when others are making progress. That is wickedness. You may not realize that God can bless you on one day and bless someone else on another. There is no reason to be envious of their blessings. If you frequently speak negatively about people, that signifies a wicked heart. You may act friendly in their presence but gossip about them behind their backs. That is a wicked spirit. If someone has wronged you and you can reach them, confront them directly and say, "This is what I noticed you did, and it is troubling me. Please help me understand." If they are willing to explain, accept it; don’t assume you know their reasons, as many suffer from assumptions.
Wickedness arises from assumptions. Many people engage in wrongdoing because they assume. They believe they are hated, despised, or disrespected in various ways. When you continue to make assumptions, you also continue to gossip. You gossip because your actions are based on what? Assumptions. You assume that someone acted a certain way because of you. Why do you think someone would focus on you and act because of you? How significant are you? How important are you? You speak negatively about people behind their backs but smile at them in person. Another sign of wickedness is being a pretender. Pretenders act as if they love you while secretly hating you. They are disgusted by your presence and feel like they want to vomit, yet they greet you with compliments like "beautiful" or "gorgeous," all the while harboring harmful intentions. They pretend to like you, but inside, they are filled with accusations and constantly finding faults. In their hearts, they hold numerous grievances against you, yet when they see you, they hug you and offer you food. But their hearts are distant. I thank God for my spirituality, which helps me quickly sense these things and know when to withdraw. But what about those who are unaware? A wicked heart reveals itself through such actions. If you recognize these behaviors in yourself, you are being wicked. No one should be forced to be around you. If you don't want to be someone's friend, don't stay near them and pretend.
Practicing wickedness involves deceit and betrayal. When you partake in someone's generosity, like sharing food or water, and then speak ill of them, it is wickedness. If someone helps you, such as taking you to the hospital when you're sick, and you later disparage them, you are being ungrateful and wicked. Confiding in someone about personal struggles, only for them to spread your secrets, is a betrayal of trust and is wicked. Refusing to help those in need, despite having the means, is also wicked. If your husband is unfaithful and you blame the other woman instead of addressing the issue with him, that too is wicked. True wickedness is failing to uphold kindness, gratitude, and integrity in your actions and relationships.
You should never look down on a child who didn't ask to be born, brought into this world by two consenting adults, just because you want to hide the shame of not having children like your friends whose husbands do. If you claim to be a Christian, be genuine. Do not harbor resentment towards those children; they haven't wronged you. If you have the means, offer them the same opportunities your own children have. When your wife or son introduces a girl for marriage, and she isn't your choice, don't pretend and subject her to unnecessary tasks like staying for three days, washing dishes, or fetching water. If you don't want her, don't string her along. It's cruel. Many mothers-in-law today manipulate emotions this way. Don't start something you can't finish. Correct your son, saying, "Before bringing a girl home, make sure you're serious." Don't tell me you were just considering. Why let your son bring different women home just because he gives you money monthly? Selling your conscience for 5,000 is heartless. One son, ten girlfriends—if I were the mother, I'd confront them both because they're bringing unknown influences into the home. You should have only one partner, and together, we will oversee the relationship. If you're not ready for marriage, restrain yourself. A pastor should not have a wicked heart. If God has called you to lead a ministry, and people serve tirelessly, remember them when blessings come your way. Don't forget those who supported you when you couldn't do everything yourself. Some have dedicated their lives to the church out of love. I discussed this with Minister Leah, surprising her with a list of people who will receive cars during our fifth anniversary, God willing. She asked how I knew these details about their contributions, and I said, "I'm a prophet; I know who is genuine and who isn't." During our anniversary, you'll see the gifts we give. I've promised to build houses for widows and buy homes for others, not to boast, but as a commitment to God. In the church, there are people who have served faithfully. When the church prospers, remember to bless them. Some rely on the church for school fees, business support, or medical care. A church that doesn't extend charity is heartless. A true church shares in its members' struggles and joys. If a church becomes globally recognized but doesn't help its members, it isn't a true church of God, as charity is essential to love. A church must have a reward system. If someone dedicates years to following you, don't neglect them when you're blessed. If you're a church leader and there's no reward system, leave that church. We're already planning for our 20-year celebration, ensuring we save enough to make it memorable. God manifests through our kindness. Praise Jesus. Never let anyone serve you closely without rewarding them with something meaningful. Even if they leave, your gift should be a lasting reminder in their life.
Are you with me? Self-awareness. Now, let's discuss health awareness. As the saying goes, health is wealth. It's crucial to prioritize your fitness and not neglect yourself. Routine checkups are important, even if you have faith and believe in healing. I recently mentioned to a minister about some elderly women in our church who lack resources for medical care. We need to organize a program for medical professionals to check their blood pressure, sugar, bones, and pains. Some may need supplements or medication. Health issues aren't always spiritual; the body wears out. Being a Christian doesn't exempt you from health checks. Know your health capacity and avoid recklessness. We plan to have a professional service day where doctors and specialists will educate us on health, hygiene, and other important topics. This includes cancer checks and legal advice. Health is a vital part of life, and succeeding without it is frustrating. Let's ensure our success is meaningful by maintaining good health. Praise the Lord. Always remember, health is part of life.
Now, let's conclude with insights on marriage. Marriage is a cornerstone of a thriving society and life itself. It is crucial because the nature of our marriages shapes the society we create.
When considering marriage, the first question is: what kind of marriage do you want to establish if you're not yet married? Would you prefer a peaceful, understanding, or responsible marriage? Complete peace in marriage is unrealistic, as disagreements between spouses are inevitable. These exchanges are not battles but rather normal interactions that help the marriage evolve. So, what kind of marriage do you wish to build? A responsible one, where both partners are accountable for their actions and decisions, without resorting to blame games. If you are a father unable to provide for your family, the Bible advises you to address this with your family. Don't let misunderstandings or irresponsibility ruin your marriage. Many young men plan for marriage but not for fatherhood, and many young women plan to be wives but not mothers. Marriage is incomplete without these roles. If your sole ambition is to be a husband, reconsider marriage, as fatherhood will soon follow. One of a father's duties is to assist in caring for the child. If you're not ready to change diapers, wait until you are. Your wife will not do everything while you claim to be the man, especially if you're financially unstable. That will strain the marriage. So, prepare for fatherhood as you prepare for marriage. A good husband is also a father. Don't distance yourself from your responsibilities as a parent. If I ask you to pray for our child and you refuse, I'll make sure you can't sleep peacefully. We are jointly responsible for our child. The Bible says one can chase a thousand, but two can chase ten thousand. A true father understands this and will join his wife in praying for their children. Doing so helps children thrive. I've encouraged many families to pray together, and they have seen positive results. If you're not ready to be a true father, reconsider. You can't be an absent figure at home and expect to be a good father. That will harm your children and spouse. A father figure should be well-established within you to provide balanced parenting. Plan for success by preparing yourself for marriage. May God grant you the wisdom to handle these responsibilities.
Number B. Are you ready for marriage? Those with mood swings or a temper, consider waiting before marrying. Marriage involves daily challenges and requires patience. Your spouse may do things differently, like moving your belongings or altering routines. If you're easily angered, pray for patience before marrying. Marriage is about communication and compromise. Unlike being single, you must consider your partner's opinions and inform them of your whereabouts. Miscommunication can lead to misunderstandings. Marriage isn't child's play; it requires maturity. You might need to adapt to new activities, like swimming or dining preferences, for harmony. Forgiveness is crucial; without it, bitterness can harm your relationship. Apply these principles for success in marriage and life. May you find success and transformation through these truths. Rise on your feet.
Comments