For Ramsey Mwapanya, a veterinary entreprenuer, success did not come overnight. It was achieved through years of hard work, resilience and a passion for caring animal lives.
After graduating in 2012 from Mikolongwe College of Veterinary Science in Chiradzulu, Ramsey found himself facing the harsh reality of unemployment.
Dreams of launching his own veterinary business seemed distant as he took on various jobs just to make ends meet.
“I worked as a security guard at G4S, and also spent time at Nyama World and Pana Seed. But it was all just enough for survival,” he told ProjectM.
Everything changed in 2013 when Ramsey shared his vision with a close friend, Tamdani Kulemeka. Believing in Ramsey’s potential, Tamdani gave him K5,000, but that sparked a major shift.
“With that money, I printed posters advertising my veterinary services. I started getting clients, though meeting them was difficult because I had no transport. I had to walk everywhere,” he said.
Step by step, Ramsey pushed through the challenges. Eventually, he bought a bicycle, then in 2015, he made a breakthrough when bought his first car, a Toyota Vitz.
Today, Ramsey runs Careful Creatures Veterinary Company, a flourishing veterinary business based in Area 25, Sector 4, near New Prophet Mbale Church in Lilongwe.
The company offers a wide range of animal care services, from routine health checks, vaccinations and parasite control to grooming services like bathing, nail trimming and ear cleaning. They also sell veterinary medicines, food supplements and essential equipment.
Now 36 years old and originally from Chabe Village in Phalombe District’s Paramount Chief Kaduya, Ramsey looks back with pride at how far he has come from humble beginnings to owning three vehicles and even a mansion in Lilongwe.
“My dream was always to run my own company. It was not about quick money, but doing something meaningful,” he says.
Despite the success, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Running a veterinary business requires more than technical skills it takes discipline, financial planning, and constant learning. Fluctuating prices due to the unstable Kwacha and clients defaulting on payments, are ongoing obstacles.
Careful Creatures now employs four full-time staff members and continues to expand. Ramsey has his eyes set on opening new branches in Blantyre, Mzuzu, and underserved rural communities.
He also dreams of venturing into veterinary product manufacturing to broaden his company’s footprint.
“My goal is to open veterinary shops in every district. I want people to hear my story and feel inspired. Coming from a low-income background and now owning a successful business is something I’m proud of,” he said.
To aspiring entrepreneurs, especially youth, Ramsey offers simple yet powerful advice.
“Be passionate, practice daily. Stay hungry to learn. Every idea has potential if you commit fully. The road is tough, but the rewards are worth it,” he said.
