By: Ollus Ndomu
In the bustling town of Monze in Southern Zambia, amidst the tranquil setting of Rusangu University, a remarkable tale of courage and resilience unfolds. Esther Mayungo, a 28-year-old student, stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of a young woman determined to shape her destiny against all odds.
“Did you know that the sky is [never] a limit when it comes to success? Be as desperate as possible to fly above the sky because your success is a matter of Urgency,” Esther Mayungo passionately told The African International Magazine.
Esther’s journey is one of extraordinary determination and unwavering faith. A second-born child in a family of five, Esther’s pursuit of higher education seemed like an uphill battle. Undeterred by financial constraints, she embarked on a journey to obtain a Bachelor’s of Arts with Education in English Language and Literature. However, her story is far from ordinary, for Esther carries the titles of both student and mother, and she is also the visionary behind Essy Laundry and Cleaning Services as well as Essy Storage.
“It hit me so hard to see my baby sister starving, so I decided to look for something little just to sustain us,” Esther recalls. Her determination led her to start washing clothes to make some income, not knowing that this small step would lead to the birth of a laundry company.
Esther’s journey was anything but smooth. She recounts the challenges she faced, from a washing line mishap to tirelessly working multiple jobs to make ends meet. “I was broken,” she admits, remembering the incident when a line full of freshly washed clothes fell to the ground due to rain. But such setbacks didn’t deter her. Her commitment to self-sufficiency drove her to start a restaurant, feeding students and putting smiles on their faces. Her relentless work ethic led her to become a janitor through the university’s Work Program. Despite facing sickness and setbacks, Esther’s unyielding spirit prevailed.
The birth of her daughter marked a turning point. Esther’s dedication to her daughter’s future and her own dreams saw her pursuing a Psychosocial Counselling short course while heavily pregnant. “I used to go for class with my pregnancy, did my practicals at Lewanika General Hospital with a heavy pregnancy,” she recalls. Her resilience bore fruit when she graduated with distinction only three weeks after giving birth.
Supported by her father’s unwavering love, she returned to university with her daughter in tow, determined to achieve her goals. “Dad asked me if I can go back to school… a whole golden-hearted father,” Esther says, her voice tinged with gratitude.
The challenges Esther encountered in her entrepreneurship journey served as stepping stones to her growth. “Some clients would take time to pay and others would complain that the bill is too big,” she admits. Her hands bore the scars of hard work, getting burnt from different types of washing powder and paste she used. Yet, Esther’s unbreakable spirit pushed her forward.
Balancing studies, entrepreneurship, and motherhood is no easy feat, but Esther has mastered the art. Waking up at 4 AM to fulfill her janitorial duties, attending classes, and dedicating herself to her laundry business, Esther’s day always speaks discipline and time management.
Deeply religious, this young woman’s faith is the cornerstone of her success. Guided by the teachings of her Seventh Day Adventist beliefs, she approaches her work with humility, empathy, and gratitude.
“I interact with my clients in a peaceful way,” she explains, “I bring to their knowledge that without them I’m nothing, they are sent by God to make my dream come true.”
Esther’s story is a beacon of hope for students yearning to fulfill multiple roles while pursuing entrepreneurial dreams. Her personal quote, “Laziness, self-pity, shame, and pride [have] never brought food on the table, it is sacrifice, determination, and persistence,” encapsulates her tenacity.
As Esther continues her uphill climb, she envisions a future where her laundry hustle transforms into a full-fledged laundry company. With unwavering determination, she marches forward, challenging stereotypes and proving that hard work and integrity are the true paths to success.
This heart touching narrative is a tale of empowerment, an inspiration that transcends borders and ignites the flame of possibility in the hearts of all who hear it. The story of a young woman who turns adversity into opportunity, and through her unyielding spirit, she continues to redefine the limits of her potential.
