There’s a saying that goes, “In the darkest moments, you find your true light.” For Happy Julius Mwaipopo, those words have become her life’s truth, etched into her soul by the deepest sorrows.
Born and raised in Arusha, Tanzania, Happy’s life was marked by personal tragedies that would shape her destiny in unimaginable ways. In 2000 she lost her mother and younger brother and just as she began to find her footing, tragedy struck again in 2006 her father passed on too. Left without the strong family foundation most people take for granted, Happy’s early years were defined by a relentless drive to rise above adversity. But rather than succumb to the weight of her losses, she found her strength in entrepreneurship.
“It was difficult. I didn’t have anyone to depend on, and I was forced to learn how to fend for myself,” she reflects. “The loss of my parents taught me the importance of independence, of having something I could call my own. It made me want to build something strong for myself and my future.”
Her journey to success didn’t follow a conventional path. It began in the classrooms of Levolosi Primary School and Arusha Day Secondary School, before leading her to Kampala International University (KIU), where she earned a certificate in business administration. While in university, she took on a part-time job at a beauty salon, not just to make ends meet but to fuel her growing ambition.
“I worked at the salon to cover my university expenses, but also to understand the dynamics of running a business,” she says. “It was the first time I realized that business could give me the freedom I was craving.”
In 2012, after completing her studies, Happy took her first official job at Rivertrees Country Inn, a 3 star Hotel at that time located in Arusha. Starting as a gift shop attendant, she worked tirelessly, proving herself with each passing year. By the time she left in 2018, she had risen to the position of Reservation Manager.
“Rivertrees was my foundation for everything I know today,” Happy admits. “The work ethic I developed there, the skills I learned, and the experiences I had all shaped who I am now.”
Discovering Her Passion for Digital Marketing
It was her passion for digital marketing that truly ignited Happy’s entrepreneurial spirit. “I’ve always had a love for social media. I love everything related to digital marketing and I’m good at it,” she says. This passion led her to launch Cherry: She Got Styles, a fashion blog, in 2015. But that was just the beginning. In 2023, Happy’s vision for something bigger took shape with the official launch of Cherry Digital Solutions. This digital marketing agency, founded on the premise of helping businesses grow and thrive through innovation, quickly became her focus.
The Birth of Cherry Digital Solutions
Cherry Digital Solutions was officially registered in November 2023. It is a hospitality and digital marketing agency with over a decade of expertise, combining business management and digital marketing to support businesses in achieving sustainable growth. “We aim to streamline operations and revamp digital presence for businesses, especially those in the hospitality sector,” Happy explains.
The agency specializes in offering branding and digital marketing services for CEOs, business owners, career professionals, and Airbnb hosts. “We focus on enhancing their digital presence with innovative marketing strategies and bespoke solutions,” she says. “Whether it’s improving guest experiences or boosting a business’s reputation, we help clients increase their visibility and grow their customer base across East Africa.”
What sets Cherry Digital Solutions apart, is its unique combination of hospitality knowledge and digital marketing expertise. “With over a decade of experience in hospitality, we understand the nuances of guest relations and business operations. By blending that with cutting-edge digital marketing tactics, we’re able to transform challenges into milestones,” she explains.
The company aims to help businesses that may not have the resources to manage their operations or digital presence effectively. “Our goal is to create a seamless experience for businesses and make sure they stand out in the ever-evolving digital world,” she adds. “Our marketing strategies are tailored to each client’s specific needs, whether they’re an individual CEO or an established hotel looking to enhance its online reputation.”
Happy also emphasizes the importance of customer satisfaction. “Every satisfied guest is an ambassador for my business,” she says. “I always aim to deliver a top-notch service and go above my clients’ expectations. That’s the core of my business philosophy—authenticity and transparency.”
“We are based in Arusha and for now I’m working with 5 people (not hired we work as consultants) I pay them per job”
Despite the growing success, Happy remains grounded. “It’s not about building a business that’s just for profit, it’s about delivering value to people and helping them achieve their goals,” she notes.
Overcoming Obstacles and Building Relationships
But the road hasn’t been without its obstacles. “The biggest challenge I face is the lack of awareness about the importance of branding. Many business owners don’t realize how crucial it is to create a strong brand identity,” she reflects. Additionally, as a new business owner, being underestimated and unknown was another hurdle. To counteract this, Happy adopted a strategy of offering her services for free to potential clients. “I analyze the businesses I want to work with, and I offer my services for free,” she explains. “At the end of the project, they’re usually so impressed with the work that they recommend me to their circles.”
Outside of her digital marketing agency, Happy has also taken on the responsibility of running a daycare with her mother, aiming to offer a safe space for children from low-income families. Located in Kambi ya Pili, Maji ya Chai, Tanzania, the daycare provides affordable childcare services for parents who struggle to find a safe and dependable place for their children while they work. “This project is very close to my heart,” she shares. “We are doing our best to provide a nurturing environment for these kids, especially those whose parents can’t afford the high cost of daycare.”
As her business ventures expand, Happy’s focus is currently on managing three Airbnb properties. “This is going to be an exciting journey,” she says with a smile. “These projects are just beginning this February, and I’m excited to see where they take me.”
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Through her entrepreneurial journey, Happy has learned some crucial life lessons. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that fear of starting is what delayed my blessings,” she admits. “You can dream as big as you want, but you have to start with what you have at the moment. There will never be a perfect time to begin.” Another lesson that has shaped her approach is the importance of calmness in the face of uncertainty. “In the middle of chaos and not knowing what to do, master calmness and keep quiet. Calmness is key.”
Today, as Happy continues to expand her business and help others navigate the challenges of branding and digital marketing, she remains a beacon of resilience and determination. “It’s not about waiting for everything to be perfect,” she says. “Just start with what you have, and the rest will fall into place.”
Her journey from personal loss to entrepreneurial success is a testament to her strength and perseverance. From the beauty salon where she first learned the ropes of business, to the growth of Cherry Digital Solutions, Happy Julius Mwaipopo’s story is one of determination, innovation, and an unshakable belief in her potential. She’s not just building a business; she’s building a legacy—one that will inspire countless others to dream big, start small, and rise above the challenges life throws their way.
