Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: The Success Story of Fatmata Sarah Davies and Kaeman Events and Management Company
In a world where entrepreneurship often seems dominated by men, Fatmata Sarah Davies, CEO of Kaeman Events and Management Company, is breaking barriers and making her mark in Sierra Leone’s business landscape. Through her thriving hospitality venture, The View Guest House, she exemplifies resilience, determination, and the transformative power of support from initiatives like the Sierra Leone Economic Diversification Project (SLEDP), funded by the World Bank.
(A photo of Fatmata, CEO of The View Hotel)
Fatmata’s journey into entrepreneurship began with the establishment of Kaeman Events and Management Company, a dynamic event planning and management firm. However, it was the inception of The View Hotel, a vibrant hospitality hub encompassing a restaurant, rooftop venue, and a 10-bedroom hotel, that truly showcased her entrepreneurial spirit.
(Inquiry section of the View Hotel)
As a woman in business, she faced formidable challenges, battling gender biases and navigating the daunting landscape of securing contracts and accessing financial support. The initial stages of The View Guest House posed significant hurdles, from staffing shortages to management inefficiencies, threatening its viability in the competitive market.
One of the most significant challenges encountered was financial management and tracking. Without a robust system in place, they struggled to monitor expenditures, track revenues, and maintain accurate financial records. This lack of transparency and accountability hindered their ability to make informed decisions and plan effectively.
(Room view of a suite )
Through SLEDP’s program for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) like Fatmata’s, with a comprehensive blend of technical assistance and financial support, the program became a game-changer for her business. Through the intervention, Fatmata and her team received invaluable guidance in structural refinement, technical proficiency, staffing optimization, and financial management.
SLEDP provided technical support in the form of tailored pieces of training, equipping her staff with the necessary skills to address their challenges effectively. They received training in financial management, accounting software utilization, and customer service excellence, empowering them to overcome their previous hurdles and operate more efficiently.
Moreover, SLEDP offered financial support in the form of grants, which Fatmata utilized to upgrade the rooftop venue of The View Hotel. This investment not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of their establishment but also attracted more customers and increased revenue streams, further consolidating their financial stability.
(Rooftop of the View Hotel)
The impact of SLEDP on her business has been nothing short of transformative. Armed with newfound accounting acumen and innovative tech solutions, they streamlined their operations, enhanced customer service standards, and achieved remarkable financial stability. The implementation of cutting-edge software facilitated efficient booking management and guest services for the hotel, resulting in heightened customer satisfaction and improved ratings.
Beyond financial prosperity, her vision extends to empowering other women in business, urging them to shatter stereotypes and embrace their entrepreneurial aspirations with confidence. With a staff strength of 30, The View Guest Hotel and Restaurant stands as a testament to the potential of women-led enterprises in driving economic growth and social empowerment.
Looking ahead, she harbours ambitious plans for expansion and sustainability. With aspirations to transition from renting to ownership, she envisions a future where The View Hotel continues to flourish as a beacon of hospitality excellence. Through initiatives like SLEDP, she seeks to nurture talent, elevate standards, and create a space where women entrepreneurs thrive and redefine the norms of success.
Her journey exemplifies the transformative impact of empowerment initiatives like SLEDP, underscoring the pivotal role of support systems in fostering entrepreneurship and driving inclusive economic growth in Sierra Leone.
