Eva Tito Biyela, is a business woman who has created over 10 businesses since she was in her youth. Eva runs a travel agency, IT and electric business. She also runs businesses in the hospitality industry. In addition to that, Eva is known for her philanthropy work. She has been involved in charity work for many years and has found herself assisting in housing, feeding, building, offering and volunteering. Many call her Eva, mother of many.
What inspired you to get into business?
After I matriculated I went straight into business. I was already seeing various opportunities which I could provide solutions to, and needs/gaps which I could fulfill.
I discovered early on that I am the type of person who gets tired or easily bored when I have to keep doing the same work. So it became a habit for me to venture into something else while I keep another business running.
Over the years I tried many different things as a passionate entrepreneur. I was always finding ways to resolve challenges and find solutions to societal needs. My life revolved around business. I have been in business for the past 26 years.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Tanzania. In my book I speak a lot about my experience growing up caught in-between my mother who was a Muslim, and my father who was a Christian.
My brother, sister and I were raised to adopt and to practice both religions, and it worked very well. We were happy even whilst experiencing poverty and various challenges. One of my favourite experiences growing up, which I mention briefly in my book, is the relationship between my brother and I.
What were the challenges you faced as a young business woman and mother?
When I began in business I faced a lot of stress. But, the hardships I went through growing up and being a young entrepreneur lead me to this understanding:
- Don’t let the stress of life take away the joy of your day
- Tell the truth always about your situation
- Be real to yourself
- Separate yourself form the negativity that life brings
I learnt not to take business too seriously, to take things as they come, and to work hard, yet not to try change things I cannot change.
Tell us about your family
I have four beautiful children, a girl, 24; twins (a girls and a boy) 22; and my youngest girl, 21. They are much like their mother, full of life, business driven, and very much involved in community building and charity work.
Two of my children have already taken after me. When they completed varsity they wanted to get straight into business, so that they took over the managing of my IT and electricity business.
What led you to talking and writing about your life and business experiences?
I have failed many times in my life. I’ve failed in business and in resolving some life issues, but, I wouldn’t change any of that, because it gave me the life experience I have; and I have no problem sharing my experiences.
Over the years it has become easier to open up to people and share my story. Through my sharing, I have assisted people to resolve their own issues.
From sharing my story with people, I would find myself addressing groups of people, and in turn being asked to speak at church events. As my business grew, this demand followed me everywhere. Eventually I had to answer that call.
What led you to write a book?
Besides being asked many times by various people to write a book, I never thought I would actually write a book.
During my encounters with people, especially woman in conferences and during projects I have been involved in, I would be asked to have on record what I speak about or to package it in a book. Then unexpectedly, the time came when I felt the conviction and urge to write, and that is how the book came together.
What is the book about?
The book is about the harsh challenges people face, and the how to exercise faith during these challenges. I reference a lot of my own journey and the experiences of getting to a point where all I had was faith to get through my challenges. This faith has been all I have been talking and teaching about the past few years.
What projects are you currently working on?
- Luxury and leisure vacations and cruise ship packages
- Continuing with my charity work with different organisation; and also my office supports various initiatives
- Being a speaker at various events and outreach programs
- Finding solutions and assisting in programs which help women to rise above their challenges and beyond victimization
- We will soon be launching a magazine for woman in the African continent
What did you love about Eva’s story?
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