By: Sainabou Sambou
In a world where career paths often feel linear, Isatou Camara’s story stands out as a powerful testament to resilience, adaptability, and the courage to redefine success. Once a passionate aspiring journalist interning at online TV stations in The Gambia, she now thrives as an entrepreneur in the male-dominated tech accessories market, selling smartwatches, cameras, tripods, and other gadgets that keep modern life connected.
Her journey began with high hopes after high school. Eager to build a career in media, Isatou secured internships with various online television platforms while enrolling at the Media Academy for Journalism and Communication. She completed the foundation level, but financial hardships forced her to pause her studies before reaching the certificate stage. “It was tough,” she recalls. “I had to quit the internships because I couldn’t sustain myself financially.”
Undeterred, she took a part-time job as a saleslady, peddling microwaves and mosquito nets. During this period, she also pursued IT studies on the side—until her employer objected to her balancing work and education. Once again, circumstances compelled her to halt her learning.
Jobless and searching for direction, Isatou took a bold step into the tech world as an apprentice. For a full year, she immersed herself in repairing phones and laptops, gaining hands-on skills in a field far removed from her original passion. Then life brought another shift: marriage. For a time, she embraced the role of housewife, stepping away from paid work.
The turning point came when her husband proposed they launch a business together. Isatou embraced the idea wholeheartedly. They started small, sourcing smartwatches and promoting them through WhatsApp status updates. Orders trickled in at first, then grew steadily. Encouraged by the response, the couple opened a physical shop. Today, four years later, the business flourishes, enabling Isatou to support her family, care for herself, and even employ a young woman who now works alongside her.
Social media proved transformative. Platforms like TikTok turned their modest venture into a rapid success story. “My first TikTok live sale with my husband—we sold smartwatches and other items—brought in about forty thousand dalasis,” Isatou shares with pride. “After that, the orders kept pouring in.” The digital stage allowed her to reach customers nationwide and beyond, proving that entrepreneurship in the digital age rewards creativity and persistence.
Central to her success is an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. She insists on stocking quality products and treating every buyer with respect. When issues arise, she goes the extra mile to resolve them, building loyalty in a competitive market.
Yet, the journalist in her never fully faded. “I still have a strong passion for journalism,” she admits. “If I ever get the chance to study it again, I will—because it’s something I truly love.” Even as she navigates criticism—particularly on TikTok—she remains undaunted, channeling challenges into fuel for growth.
Isatou’s message to young people, especially women, is clear and empowering: Venture into business. Acquire skills. Embrace entrepreneurship. “These are the tools for a better future,” she says. In her own life, that pivot from newsroom dreams to tech innovation has not only brought financial stability but also a deeper sense of purpose and independence.
