WRAPPING UP SUCCESS How a Student Turned Surprise Packages Into a Growing Business
By Tabe Glory Ama
At 22, Charline Mballa, a student at the Advanced School of Mass Communication (ASMAC) in Yaoundé, is already running a small online gifting business focused on curated bags and surprise packages for events such as birthdays.What began as a side activity to support her education has gradually developed into a steady source of income.“I started because I needed to cover my personal expenses,” she says. “Over time, more people became interested in what I was doing.”Mballa promotes her products mainly through social media, particularly Instagram, where she shares images and videos of her packages. According to her, most of her customers come through referrals and online engagement. She handles orders remotely and manages deliveries herself.Balancing business with academics remains a challenge, as she continues her studies in one of the country’s competitive communication schools.For Mballa, the business also serves as practical experience. Her academic training in communication informs how she presents her products and interacts with clients.Her case reflects a broader trend among students seeking alternative ways to finance their education amid rising costs.
