My Full Story
I grew up in Kampala, Uganda, in a humble home with parents who worked hard but often struggled to meet the financial demands of raising me and my two other siblings. When I finished high school, I knew that my parents could not afford my university education. If I wanted to go further, I would have to find a way to pay for it myself.
I had always dreamed of becoming a lawyer and a businesswoman. This challenge didn’t crush my dream — it lit a fire in me. I started looking for opportunities in my community, not by asking for a job, but by creating one so as to go through University. At just 18 years old, I noticed a large number of refugees — Sudanese, Eritreans, Somalis, Ethiopians — living in my area. Many struggled to communicate in English, making it hard for them to work, study, or integrate. I saw my chance.
How my journey started
Armed with my love for English and self-taught skills, I began knocking on doors, offering to teach English to anyone who needed it. Many doors closed in my face, but enough opened to keep me going. Soon, I was known as “the girl who teaches English,” and my one-on-one lessons grew into small group sessions.
My Entrepreneurial Journey
I ran my business and pursued two degrees at the same time — Law and Economics — at Makerere University and Kampala University respectively. Balancing two degrees and a growing business was no easy task, but resilience, hardwork, determination and kept me going. By graduation time, my business had impacted thousands of lives. There were so many challenges along the way but nothing beats a dedicated spirit.
Over time, I saw more needs among my community: travel, accommodation, and quality living spaces. That’s how Zenas Travel Agency and Zenas Estates were born in 2024— providing tours, accommodation, and real estate solutions. I also launched smaller ventures like Pum’s Perfume Collection and I have future plans of growing many more ventures.
That’s how my first business was born — UWASE School of Languages — in a tiny room that could fit just 10 to 12 people. Students who once couldn’t say “hello” in English began starting businesses, entering universities, and finding jobs. Demand grew so much that we moved to bigger spaces, hired teachers, and eventually evolved into Sandstone School of Languages & Computer Studies.
Beyond business, I serve as a community leader, coach, and mentor, using my story to inspire others to create opportunities and shape their own futures.
Today, all my ventures operate under Sandstone Investments, with one mission: to empower people and businesses to thrive holistically.