Ruby juggling studies, work to drive business

By JACINTA COHLEE
Ruby Aluy has started a small business to help her pursue her studies.
The 26-year-old, whose parents are from East Sepik and Southern Highlands, has been juggling her time between studies and working.
She described it as challenging and complicated.
After leaving Lae Secondary School in 2017, she wanted to study business at the National Polytechnic Institute.
“Juggling work and business is very stressful and complicated,” she said.
“I have only an hour’s break. So I meet only a few customers who urgently need the items I sell. I meet them at a certain location, drop off their order and would go back to work,” she said.
Her customers are mainly working-class mothers and young women who could not leave work to go shopping.
“Female workers are one of my inspirations for the accomplishment of the Ganawi Sales business.”
She sells ladies’ bags, jewellery and meri blouse every weekend at the Lae Botanical Garden.
“It’s just two months and my business is doing well. I am thinking of expanding my sales to Wewak and Southern Highlands,” she said.
“Like every business-minded person, I want to provide customers with items needed for accessories.”
Her advice to young women is: “Find what you can do and do it.
“Don’t let negative people or words discourage you. Keep pushing forward.”