The Female Coconut Seller Captivating Customers with an Exceptional Service
- Home
- The Female Coconut Seller Captivating Customers with an Exceptional Service
The Female Coconut Seller Captivating Customers with an Exceptional Service
On the morning of November 28, 2022, a friend studying in the US took a screenshot of a Facebook post and sent it to me via WhatsApp. The picture was a female coconut seller, and the post read: ‘The amazing coconut seller at Korle-Bu. Her name is Enyonam. Her customer care and smile will captivate you! Simply unbeatable!'”
My friend then messaged me, “Do you know where this woman is at Korle-Bu? I need her pictures.” As a Wikipedia volunteer, I aim to document the contributions of people like Enyonam, who excel in fields outside their usual scope.
Selling coconuts in Ghana has remained a preserve of men.
I passed through Korle-Bu the following week and found the coconut seller at the Korle-Bu bus stop.
I showed her the screenshot my friend had sent me and explained how I had learned her name and my intention to see her. She became excited, gave me her number, and asked me to call her when I was ready to take pictures for Wikipedia documentation. I later decided to interview her and learn more about her rather than just taking photos.
Thus, I arranged both the photo session and the interview. On the day of the interview at her stand, a few customers praised her for her excellent customer service and personability.
Enyonam was born in Coaltar, Ayensuano, in the Eastern Region of Ghana. She is a single mother of five and has previous experience in the coconut business. She has been working at the Korle-Bu stand for six months under someone else while saving money to start her own business. She had previously been involved in trading but found it less profitable.
She mentioned that many customers are surprised to see a woman in this traditionally male-dominated role and commend her bravery. “It’s hard work I’ve taken on to provide for my children,” she said.
Although Enyonam acknowledged there is money to be made in the coconut business, she earns less while working under someone. “There’s money in this job, but unlike working for myself, I don’t earn enough,” she explained, believing that ownership would allow her to earn better.
At the time of the interview, she was working for someone else. However, a few months later, when I passed through Korle-Bu to check on her, I found she was now working for herself.
She makes daily sales ranging from Gh¢400 to 800. Enyonam’s unique approach to customer service ensures that people are always drawn to buy from her. “I have a style of getting customers’ attention. If you don’t have that style, customers will walk away with your money,” she said.
She also mentioned that customers sometimes ask if she ever gets angry because of her warm reception.
Throughout the interview, it was clear that Enyonam handles customers in a way that ensures they return for service. She is seeking funding to expand her business, care for her children, and invest in other trading endeavors.
She encouraged other women to find jobs, believing that opportunities exist for everyone willing to work. She also advised women expecting quick profits from starting a business to be patient, as success requires time and perseverance.
Looking at Enyonam, you cannot help but admire her audacity and resolve. While coconut selling in Ghana has traditionally been male-dominated, women like Enyonam are now breaking barriers, embodying the saying, “What men can do, women can do better.”
By Francis Quasie
- Share
Classic Ghana
Classic Ghana brings you into a fun world of arts, entertainment, fashion, beauty, photography, culture and all things in between. Let’s explore these together!
