A Moment in Time

The story behind the Blink Pen sales

I sold 7 dozens of a pen in 3 weeks at the rate of N150. When I commenced it was just an expression of creative play. Plus, I was ready to contain every emotion that comes with disappointment, if there was no sales at all. I was advertising on my WhatsApp status. It was not something I was very familiar with, even though, prior to that sharing flyers for a friend’s business converted into sales to my WhatsApp contacts. What made this very endeavour more unassuming was that it is a pen; and I had this preconception, who cares about purchasing a pen, let alone a fancy one like those I was selling. Regardless, the experience has nurtured this narrative, filled with little wonders.

The pen I sold photographed by Wuyep Nannim Vendip

Sometime in 2019, I came about a fellow standing by the entrance to a lecturer’s office in school. He wore a stern face, and written across his countenance were signs of displeasure. For what exactly, I could not guess correctly. Yet I was drawn to him and a conversation ensued between us. We discussed his sad look, which was caused by the unpleasantness of the red-tapism laced on the path for registration as a student of his department. We discussed varied issues including the ill state of our education system. By the end of that discussion, we learnt so much from a first meeting, about each other.

A month ago, this fellow would be the one who helped in reaching the milestone of the pen sales. Nannim, has become more than a trustworthy acquaintance over the years. He appreciates value and offers same with all gracefulness and cheer.

Two weeks into the sales of the pen, I thought of creating a video ad to help drive sales for the pen. I was deficient in terms of camera. In a meeting with Nannim, I shared the idea with him. Without pressuring him, he used his phone which had a good AI camera to record several footages which were used in producing the first ad for the sales of the pen. The ad converted into unprecedented sales; for I had no projection of how much sales it would bring about. I simply just shared an idea with someone who was willing to bask in the euphoria of such an endeavour without expecting any pay. Sales doubled with a little extra; in the preceding week, sales stood at 3 dozens over the course of two weeks. The sales following the ad was 4 dozens in less than a week.

The amusement doesn’t end there. I met another amazing individual through Nannim. Julcit is also a student in the University of Jos. She knew about the pen through Nannim. I had the privilege of meeting with her when she made a purchase. The ad was publicised the next day after Julcit’s purchase. After viewing the ad, she offered to sell a dozen at no cost. And she kept to her word.

This is a brief narrative of my recent momentous experience. All of these are products of creative play. I came about the pen at a store in my neighbourhood. The store owner simply trusted his judgement about my affinity for writing accessories when I visited the store on the day the pen arrived. ‘Wungakha, have you seen this pen before? I know you’d like to own these’, he remarked.

He wasn’t wrong after all. I have great affinity for accessories. But what amuses me is how he came about such conclusion about me. It simply means just one thing: he has observed me overtime to the little of my notice.

People are resources whose value always outruns your estimate, if allowed the opportunity to express the goodness which lies underneath. Do not despise your relationships; in them lies key determinants of your journey in life. Humans are relational beings.

If Nannim and Julcit were to charge me for the services rendered, I doubt if I’d be able to pay them proportionately. Yet without pay they offered their best with no reservation.

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In celebration of Nannim, Julcit, and other such gracious fellows who contribute meaningfully to our collective existence.