YOUNG OBSERVER | Young women encouraged to dream beyond borders

Patience Makwele Young Namibian women have been encouraged to pursue entrepreneurship, embrace uncertainty and create opportunities for themselves after the founder of Lazilia Travels shared how she built a growing travel business despite having no background in the tourism industry. Lazilia Travels founder and registered quantity surveyor Lidiinikeni Ndapewoshali said she was only 22 when the idea of organising trips for Namibians first came to her. “Honestly, there’s no dramatic or ‘wow’ story,” she said. “After completing my studies, I worked as a vacation assistant at my university residence and was exposed to the idea of organising group trips. I thought, ‘Why not do something similar for Namibians?’” Although the idea came to her soon after graduating, she waited another two years before taking the leap. “I started with no experience in the tourism industry,” she said. “I was working full-time in construction when I launched. Looking back, I believe it was God-ordained.” Her first trip to Cape Town was launched in April 2019 with just ten clients. “God bless those first ten clients because I had no idea what I was doing,” she said with a laugh. What started as an idea centred around budget trips to Cape Town soon grew into something much bigger. By the end of its first year, the company had hosted about 70 travellers across four trips and clients were already asking to visit other destinations. “What started as a small idea turned into something beautiful,” she said. “I like to think of it as a blank canvas that became a masterpiece, even if I was winging it in the beginning.” For many young Namibians, her story reflects a growing shift towards entrepreneurship and unconventional career paths. Twenty-four-year-old university graduate Alinautoni Ndeunyema said stories like Ndapewoshali’s are encouraging because they show young people that they do not need to have everything figured out before starting. “A lot of young people are afraid of failing or starting without experience,” she said. “But hearing someone admit that they started without knowing everything and still succeeded is inspiring.” Beyond tourism, Ndapewoshali has also established herself in the construction industry, a field where women remain underrepresented. “In construction, which is still a male-dominated industry, I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome and often felt like the odd one out,” she said. “Being in the minority is tough, but I’ve learned to show up anyway. I keep reminding myself that I belong in every room God places me in.” Twenty-six-year-old entrepreneur Selma Kamutjindo said many young women continue to doubt their abilities when entering spaces traditionally occupied by men. “Imposter syndrome is something many young women experience,” she said. “You walk into certain rooms and automatically feel like you need to prove yourself. Hearing successful women speak honestly about those feelings reminds others that confidence is a journey.” Ndapewoshali believes confidence is not about always having the answers. “Confidence is having the quiet assurance that who you are and what you carry is enough,” she said. “It doesn’t mean I always know what I’m doing. Most days, I’m a mess. But I show up anyway.” She said she draws confidence from her faith and from intentionally supporting other women. “I encourage people to shine, not just with words, but by showing up with presence, support and love,” she said. Through Lazilia Travels, she said she has discovered that travel is about much more than simply visiting new places. “Travel is meant to be transformational,” she said. “We don’t just book trips; we curate meaningful experiences that stay with you long after you return home.” The company has become known for creating opportunities for people to build friendships and networks through travel. “When we say, ‘Come alone and meet your tribe,’ we truly mean it,” she said. “You don’t just come back with photos; you come back with friendships that leave a lasting impact.” Looking back on her entrepreneurial journey, Ndapewoshali said there are still moments when she cannot believe how far she has come. “Every time I host a trip, the day before is incredibly emotional,” she said. “I always find a quiet place to sit, cry and thank God. It’s such a surreal moment of reflection, like wow, this is really happening.” For young Namibian women who dream of starting businesses or entering male-dominated spaces, she has one piece of advice. “Just start,” she said. “Start where you are and with what you have. You will never feel fully ready, so don’t wait.” She said entrepreneurship is often messy and lonely but worth pursuing. “You jump in, you fail, you learn and do better the next time,” she said. “Be prepared to walk alone sometimes. People will promise you support and many won’t follow through. You will be alone, my sister, and that is okay. Just keep going.” Above all, she urged young people to dream bigger than their circumstances. “Dream big, work hard, pray consistently and keep going sis,” she said. “I am rooting for you.” ]]>