Keepsakes made with South-African wire and bead technique
Edwin is a skillful wire and bead craftsman. He moved to South Africa with the dream of growing his business––a dream that has come true thanks to the knowledge he has gained through participating in the Paradigm Shift program.
Edwin began selling his products in an African craft market. And with his mentor’s help, he reached an agreement with a leading hotel chain and now sells his products through its gift shops as well.
Edwin is an entrepreneur whose desire to succeed in business is matched only by the quality of his craftsmanship. He owns a company that designs, produces and sells high-quality, beaded products. With six full-time employees and four part-time workers, Edwin’s success has helped provide employment for others in his community. However, his business wasn’t always so prosperous.
When he first started his business 15 years ago, Edwin made simple products using wire. Gradually he improved the design of his products and added beads to enhance their appearance. Facing difficult economic circumstances in Zimbabwe, Edwin came to South Africa with the dream of growing his business. He began selling his products from a stall in an upscale African market that caters to tourists.
By the time he joined the Paradigm Shift program at New Creation Family Church (link to South Africa Partners), Edwin’s business was well-established; however, he wanted to expand his operations. With guidance from his mentor, Edwin successfully reached an agreement with a leading hotel chain to sell his products in their gift shops. He also formed a partnership with a media firm to design a website for him in exchange for a percentage of his sales through the site.
Edwin has learned the importance of good character and of being trustworthy. His many repeat customers are proof that he treats them fairly and honestly. Since placing his faith in Jesus Christ during the first discipleship course, Edwin has begun to pray, memorize scripture and tithe.
Recently, Edwin asked a group of other entrepreneurs in the Paradigm Shift program to pray that his two-year old son would be healed of a skin condition that had plagued him for almost a year. Miraculously, God answered their prayers and healed Edwin’s son!
Edwin explains that, “[Paradigm Shift] has been so helpful to me in both faith and business. I was taught to give tithes, to pray, read the Bible and memorize scripture verses. In business I know how to save money, how to keep records and to budget.” When graduating from the first training cycle, Edwin shared that he receives encouragement from Philippians 4:13, which reads, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Now you can make it possible for an entrepreneur like Edwin to participate in the Paradigm Shift program. Click here.
