Joy’s journey from journalism to business

By SONYA KILAGI
TRANSITIONING from life in a newspaper newsroom to running a small business from home maybe a struggle for some, but Joy Gwendalyn Olali is taking it all in her stride.
“I saw that my fortnightly income was not enough to progress the dream I had. Later, I would like to venture into real estate and the business arena. But for now, I want to establish something small first. It’s a small business but I have big dreams.”
Joy, 23, is the fifth eldest in a family of seven born to Jimmy Olali, a secondary school teacher, and Lorris Lesley Olali, a pre-school teacher, originally from Wosera and Maprik in East Sepik.
But Joy and her siblings were born and raised in West New Britain after her grandparents had moved there in the 1970s to work in the oil palm plantation under the Government Settlement Scheme.
“My parents were raised, met and married in WNB. Hence, we also grew up there and call it home.”
Her education journey began at the Kimbe Christian Academy in 2006 from pre-school to Grade Seven. She attended Buvussi Primary School for Grade Eight.
She continued her education at Hoskins Secondary where she was selected to take up a Bachelor of Arts in Communication for Development degree programme at the University of Technology from 2019 to 2022. She graduated in 2023.
Joy joined The National newspaper in March 2023 as a cadet reporter. She described her life in the newsroom as “an eye-opening experience into leadership at the national and grassroots level”.
“I love writing about other people, that’s what I am passionate about. I loved my first job and I am grateful for the people behind my experience in the newsroom, who gave me the opportunity to share with the country their stories from my perspective. My take-away from the job is the network connection I established.”
Although she wanted to write only about what other people are doing, she also decided to tell her own story on the importance of making well-thought-out decisions on one’s future while still young. In her case, pursuing a dream of becoming a businesswoman after eight months working in the newsroom.
“I wanted to progress financially while young and with not too many responsibilities, as well as taking into account the current status of the country as a whole.”

“ I saw that my fortnightly income was not enough to progress the dream I had. Later, I would like to venture into real estate and the business arena. But for now, I want to establish something small first. It’s a small business but I have big dreams.”

Joy registered her small home-based business called QM Boutique Sales specialising in tailoring, cosmetic and personal care (make-up, hair), and thrifting.
She sees “intimidation” as her biggest challenge so far.
“I am always intimidated by the big brands. Sometimes, I’m afraid I wouldn’t have any customers. But I’ve since learnt that it’s not true. Once you start, you will find your customers or they will find you.
“I remind myself that the big brands too also started small like me, which pushes me to march on and be at my best at all times.”
Joy encourages young people, especially women, to be bold when they are still young with not too many responsibilities.
“Do something that you love, monetise a skill you’re good at. Create a plan that you are certain of. Take the risk, because that is what entrepreneurship is all about.”
A note to remind her of her goal reads: “I speak the Holy Name of Jesus over business activities throughout this week. May you experience the goodness of God.”
Yes, Joy trusts and puts everything in God’s hands.
“Most important to put God first in everything we do and He will crown our efforts with success.”
Joy and her QM Boutique Sales are just slowly starting to gain a foothold in the world of business. And it feels good to pursue a life-goal while still young.
In the words of the late world-renowned businessman Steve Jobs: “(Young) people who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who actually do.”