Prossy Nalule is not just a successful entrepreneur; she’s also a community leader and an inspiration in Kampala, Uganda. But her path to economic independence was anything but easy. Fourteen years ago, as a single mother of two, she left her village determined to build a better future. With nothing but a chair, a litre of shampoo, and two jars of hair relaxer, Prossy set her sights on creating a beauty salon business. Most importantly, she carried with her an abundance of ambition.
When Prossy learned about FINCA, she saw an opportunity to turn her dreams into reality.
I told FINCA the truth, that I don’t have anything, but I want to start a business. FINCA welcomed me. I did not have any collateral or a guarantor. I got my first FINCA loan for 300,000 shillings [about $175 at the time].
That initial loan, secured through a Village Banking™ group of 50 members, allowed Prossy to open her first salon. Though modest in size—just 400 square feet in a cinderblock building with a tin roof—her salon quickly became a cornerstone of her community. It was a humble but promising start, equipped with garden chairs, a couple of standing hair dryers, and a wall of beauty products.
Growing Her Business and Empowering Others
Over the years, Prossy’s salon has steadily grown. She now employs two women from her community and provides training to young women, empowering them to launch their salons.
With continued support from FINCA, Prossy has also ventured into agriculture. She started a small cattle farm, which has grown into an exciting new chapter in her entrepreneurial journey. Today, she owns 20 cows and is working towards expanding her farm by purchasing additional land for growing corn and other crops.
In 2022, Prossy received her first individual loan of 15 million shillings (about $3,600) to help expand her farm. While she no longer relies on the Village Banking group for loans, she has remained an integral part of the group.
“The group asked me to stay on as Chairperson. They’re afraid it will collapse without me,” she says with a laugh. “I’m the motivator and disciplinarian.”
A Testament to Financial Empowerment
Prossy Nalule’s journey is a powerful example of how financial empowerment, fueled by ambition and support, can change lives. From her salon to her growing farm, Prossy is building a brighter future for her family and uplifting her community.
