Start with what you have - Levis Chuwa

In this episode, our guest, Mr. Levis Chuwa, discusses his journey into the world of entrepreneurship, detailing his transition from student life to becoming a business owner and establishing a global brand in China.

1. From Stranded Student to Strategic Entrepreneur

Mr. Levi’s entrepreneurial journey began not in a boardroom or business incubator, but from a moment of desperation. Stranded as a student with limited funds, he made a decision that would shape his future—he began to sell what was around him.

Rather than wait for ideal conditions, he embraced what life had given him in the moment and turned it into an opportunity.

“I used the interests around me to actually create a sales business.”

His interest in business was long-standing, fueled by his father’s encouragement, despite cultural and familial preferences for engineering or medicine. Early on, he embraced risk, began learning, and started building.

💡 Insights:

• Start with what you have, where you are. Don’t wait for perfect resources—turn your limitations into leverage.

• Validate your instincts. Sometimes, family or culture may not see the vision, but that doesn’t mean you’re wrong.

• Get moving early. Delay often kills destiny. Begin learning and doing—even if imperfectly.

2. Partnerships: The Blessing and the Burden

Mr. Levi’s experience in business partnerships reveals both wisdom and warning. His most successful collaboration was with a trusted high school friend—a relationship built over time. In contrast, a venture with a less-known associate, though aligned in faith, ended in costly disappointment.

He emphasizes that shared beliefs are not enough. A partnership—like marriage—requires due diligence, mutual trust, and shared vision. Otherwise, even spiritual alignment won’t save the business from collapse.

💡 Insights:

• Partnership is like Marriage. Investigate history, values, integrity, and capacity—not just charisma or convenience.

• Familiarity over fantasy. Better to work with someone you know well than someone who seems impressive.

• Don’t spiritualize what needs verification. Faith must be paired with wisdom and background checks.

3. Navigating China: Language, Law, and “Guanxi”

Establishing a business in China came with unique requirements. Mr. Levi emphasized the necessity of having a Chinese partner—not just for legal compliance but also for cultural navigation.

Equally important is the concept of Guanxi—the Chinese word for trusted relationships. He explains that success in China is not about transactions but building long-term, mutual connections.

He advises newcomers to attend social events, gift thoughtfully, and show genuine interest in solving problems faced by their Chinese contacts.

💡 Insights:

• Relationships are currency. In some regions, who you know—and how they trust you—is more valuable than what you sell.

• Respect local wisdom. Entering a new territory means learning its laws, language, and logic.

• Focus on contribution, not extraction. People will open doors for those who offer solutions—not demands.

4. The Power of Tech: Think Global, Start Local

From AI tools to TikTok shops, Mr. Levi passionately underscores the role of technology in modern business expansion. He encourages entrepreneurs to use platforms that allow for global reach, customer interaction, and automated systems.

He believes social media and smart marketing tools should be embraced—not feared—especially in underdeveloped economies.

💡Insights:

• Don’t let ignorance cost you relevance. Learn the platforms that move your industry.

• Use digital tools to scale human impact. Social media is not vanity—it can be your visibility.

• Think global, even if you start from your backyard. Faith and innovation are not mutually exclusive.

5. Africa and China: A Two-Way Street

Mr. Levi challenges the traditional narrative of exporting from China to Africa. He flips the perspective, noting Africa’s rich resources and untapped potential in trade and tourism.

He highlights agriculture, minerals, and tourism as key sectors where African entrepreneurs can position themselves to attract Chinese partnerships and investment. Why can’t we create luxury African tourism for Chinese visitors?

💡 Insights:

• Challenge the dominant narrative. Just because everyone is doing it one way doesn’t mean it’s the only way.

• See yourself as a bridge. Where others see barriers, become a connector between nations, cultures, and opportunities.

• Identify overlooked industries. Sometimes the gold is in the fields nobody wants to till.

6. Business Meets Marriage

In one of the most heartfelt parts of the conversation, Mr. Levis discusses how marriage and business intertwine. A supportive spouse—whether they’re part of the business or not—creates a base of peace that fuels productivity.

He warns against secrecy in marriage, emphasizing transparency as non-negotiable. Hidden decisions in business can become seeds of distrust in the home.

💡 Insights:

• Choose a spouse who supports your assignment. Your vision may be personal, but it’s never private.

• Transparency is protection. Secrets kill trust. Keep your marriage free of silent sabotage.

• Peace at home is power at work. Don’t sacrifice your sanctuary for the spotlight.

Final Reflections: Anchoring Vision with Values

Mr. Levi’s story is one of courage, creativity, and conviction. His journey underscores a recurring truth: Success is not random—it is built through vision, value-aligned decisions, and relational wisdom. Whether in business or marriage, the path to flourishing is paved by clarity, character, and consistency.

If you’re a young entrepreneur or a visionary with cross-cultural dreams, these life-notes serve as both a compass and a caution. Start early, think deeply, build wisely, and never underestimate the power of relationships—both at work and at home.