Passion is the starting point, not the destination
Many entrepreneurs start with passion, but passion alone doesn’t build a sustainable business. Aimable Ndizihiwe, founder of Izihirwe Arts, knows this firsthand. His journey from an artist to a business owner is a testament to the power of learning, adapting, and building strategically; with the right support system.
“I’ve always been an artist,” Aimable says, recalling his early love for creativity. He saw a gap in Rwanda’s interior design and furniture industry, there was little innovation, and he wanted to change that. In 2016, he launched Izihirwe Arts with the goal of producing high-quality, locally made furniture. However, he quickly realized that creativity alone wasn’t enough. “I thought my talent would carry the business, but I was wrong.”
Like many entrepreneurs, Aimable initially equated himself with his business. “I was the company, and the company was me,” he admits. He focused on creating and selling, without considering finances, structure, or growth strategies. When BPN reached out, he saw an opportunity to refine his approach.
Through business development training, he learned key business principles; bookkeeping, leadership, and financial planning. “It changed everything. I began to see my business as an enterprise, not just a personal project.”
He reflects that BPN didn’t just provide knowledge; it became a reliable partner in his journey. The program offered him the tools and coaching needed to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and take Izihirwe Arts to the next level.
Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs
- Creativity drives ideas, but structure and planning sustain a business.
- A business needs more than one person. Growth happens when you build a team and delegate responsibilities.
- Track your numbers – “Before, I didn’t know if I was making a profit or a loss. Now, I make decisions based on real data.”
- Think beyond yourself – Businesses should contribute to their respective industries and to the economy by creating jobs and improving standards.
- Keep learning – “The market changes, and so should we. I’ve learned to adapt and keep growing.”
- Seek the right support – “BPN helped me see what I was missing and gave me the guidance to grow my business the right way.”
The Right Strategy for Business Growth
Aimable’s story proves that passion must be paired with strategy. Entrepreneurs can learn from his experience, embrace creativity, but also focus on building a structured, scalable business.
“I love what I do, but now I understand that running a business is about more than just passion. It’s about creating impact, providing opportunities, and always improving.
For entrepreneurs looking to refine their businesses, BPN remains a steadfast partner, offering support through coaching, training, and other tools necessary for growth. Aimable’s success is proof that with the right support, big dreams can become reality that can impact a nation and beyond.
