From Nursing to Natural Juices: Aminata Saidykhan’s Inspiring Entrepreneurial Journey

Written by: Michaella Faith Wright

Born and raised in Jarra Suma in the Upper River Region, Aminata Saidykhan is a trained nurse who has turned her long-time passion for business into a thriving natural juice enterprise, inspiring many young Gambian women along the way.

In an interview conducted today at her residence by The Fatu Network’s Michaella Faith Wright, Aminata spoke about her journey from healthcare into entrepreneurship. She completed her junior and senior secondary education, as well as nursing school, in Jarra Suma before relocating to Kombo. She was previously posted at Basse Health Centre in the Upper River Region, but explained that business had always been her childhood passion.

“Growing up, business was my passion. Even when I was going to school, I was doing small small business,” she told The Fatu Network.

After moving to Kombo and living with her uncle’s family, Aminata ventured into online fashion sales, dealing in bags and abayas. Her interest in natural juice production was sparked in 2024 after she began following a Nigerian entrepreneur on TikTok. “I asked her questions about the business, but I had mixed feelings about whether it would work in The Gambia,” she told The Fatu Network.

Despite her doubts, she ordered machines through an online app and began production. Her breakthrough came in January this year when she received an order for an event opening. “When I delivered the juice myself, everyone was asking who made it. They were impressed with the packaging, and the drinks were nice and delicious. That’s how everything started,” she told The Fatu Network.

However, she faces several challenges, particularly the unavailability of cans locally. She explained that the packaging materials must be imported. “I import from China, and it takes up to three months to arrive by sea,” she told The Fatu Network, adding that she currently operates from home because renting a shop is too expensive. Aminata said she works from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. with her younger sister to keep the business running.

Today, the venture allows her to support her parents and siblings. Encouraging other women to pursue their ambitions, she said: “I thank Allah who brought me this far. Young Gambian women should not give up. It will not be easy at the beginning, but when you keep going, it gets better.”