In a world where innovation meets resilience, Katongo Musongole Muke’s story is a profound tale of entrepreneurship rooted in passion, persistence, and purpose. Born and raised in Kitwe, Zambia, Katongo is not only a wife and mother to a beautiful daughter but also a self-made entrepreneur who has transformed her life through grit and creativity.
“I was born and raised in Kitwe,” Katongo begins, her voice carrying the confidence of someone who has faced challenges and emerged stronger. “My mother is late, and my dad lives here in Kitwe.”
Katongo’s journey into business began in the unlikeliest of places—her third year in college, where she was studying to become a clinical officer. Like many students, she faced financial constraints. “I started business in college, simply because I was broke,” she recounts with a chuckle. “The money that i started with, was some pocket money that i was given at home.” In 2018, Katongo began selling underwear to her college mates, turning a small side hustle into her first taste of entrepreneurial success.
What started as a necessity soon became a revelation. Katongo discovered an innate ability to identify opportunities and capitalize on them. After graduating, she decided to pursue her passion for fashion. “I saw the potential in myself and knew I would make a lot of money from business,” she explains. “So I decided to venture into fashion since I love fashion.”
From Fashion to Logistics: Building a Multi-Faceted Empire
Katongo’s first venture in 2020, 99-Fashion Closet, catered to the busy lifestyles of her customers through online sales. She had transitioned to selling online, leveraging digital platforms to cater to her growing customer base “When I opened the shop, it was more of online sales as most of my customers are busy people who struggle to do walk-ins due to various commitments,” she says.
Her next milestone came in 2021 when she opened a physical store to expand her presence and provide a more personalized shopping experience. “It was a big step for me,” she recalls. “Having a store gave my business more credibility and allowed me to serve my customers better.” However, the growing volume of stored parcels sparked a new idea. “We had a lot of parcels being stored, so I came up with the idea of having a courier service to deliver those parcels.”
This pivot marked the birth of 99-Courier Service under her business umbrella, a testament to her ability to adapt and diversify. But Katongo didn’t stop there. Her colorful wedding became the talk of Kitwe, drawing admiration and inquiries from friends and family. “For 99 Events, I had a colorful wedding, so people started asking me to plan their events,” she says. “That’s how I took it up as a business and did a short course in event management.”
Balancing Family, Work, and Business
Like any ambitious entrepreneur, Katongo faced the challenge of balancing her roles as a wife, mother, clinical officer, and businesswoman. “I was failing to balance married life, work, and business,” she admits. But with the unwavering support of her husband Godfrey Muke and family, she found ways to manage the load. “With the support from my family and husband, we put up measures to lessen the burden, as my husband is the one managing the courier.”
This teamwork underscores one of Katongo’s key principles: consistency. “Consistency in every business is the key,” she emphasizes. “Be passionate about what you do and advertise your business like your life depends on it.”
Creativity as a Competitive Edge
Katongo’s ventures have not been without challenges. The rise of Chinese manufacturers replicating trends has put pressure on her fashion business. “It’s a bit tricky with the coming in of the Chinese business competitors who are replicating every trend, leading to a lack of uniqueness and making many outfits look similar,” she says. But instead of retreating, Katongo is ready to diversify. “99-Fashion Closet is on the lookout and ready to diversify to other things. Now, I am planning on opening a wholesale for bags and accessories.”
Her creativity has also set 99 Events apart. “99 Events is unique. People see ideas from us, then they implement,” she proudly states. From introducing the kitchen party dummy cheque to pioneering the all-pink bridal brunch, Katongo has become a trendsetter. “I think my passion and creativity have contributed to it being a success,” she reflects.
Giving Back: Empowering Women and the Vulnerable
Beyond her business ventures, Katongo has taken on a leadership role in her community. She leads the CEO’s Corner, a club that empowers women around the Copperbelt to be self-sustaining. The group also donates to vulnerable populations, reinforcing Katongo’s belief in the power of giving back.
“Go for your dream,” she advises. “Don’t wait for employment from the government. Start up something that you like, and everything will fall in place.”
Navigating Challenges with Resilience
Katongo’s journey has not been without setbacks. Trusting the wrong people has been one of her biggest lessons. “Never trust people too much,” she warns. “I have two employees who have opened their own courier service and are getting support from my clients.”
Despite these challenges, Katongo remains undeterred. “Nevertheless, don’t stop being you,” she says. Her resilience is further demonstrated by her foray into acting, where she featured on a Zambian reality show for DStv’s Zambezi Magic channel.
Looking Ahead
As 2025 begins, Katongo’s vision for the future is as bold as her journey so far. “I want to build up my own events place,” she reveals. With bookings already lined up for the year, the path ahead looks promising.
Reflecting on her journey, Katongo muses, “I think I am doing everything I wanted and love.” Her story is a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship is not just about making money—it’s about finding purpose, overcoming obstacles, and leaving a legacy.
Lessons from Katongo’s Story
Katongo Musongole Muke’s entrepreneurial journey is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and adaptability. From her humble beginnings as a broke college student to becoming a multifaceted entrepreneur, she has shown that success is within reach for those willing to take risks and embrace change.
Her story also highlights the importance of family support, the power of consistency, and the value of giving back to the community. Above all, it is a testament to the belief that passion and perseverance can turn even the smallest ideas into thriving businesses.
In her own words: “Go for your dream. Don’t wait for employment from the government. Start up something that you like, and everything will fall in place.”