Meet Julius Mbungo | Technology Entreprenuer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julius Mbungo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julius, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I chose to pursue entrepreneurship rather than accept a traditional job after receiving multiple job offers following my university graduation because I believed I could have a greater impact this way. I felt a strong desire to use my skills and abilities to address real-world challenges and make a meaningful difference. This led me to start Toolboksi, a platform that connects skilled workers in the informal sector with clients, providing job opportunities and enhancing skill development. The goal of Toolboksi is to create economic empowerment and community impact by leveraging technology to address the challenges faced by workers in the informal sector and by households and businesses seeking reliable service providers. My passion for technology and social entrepreneurship drives my commitment to offering scalable and sustainable solutions through collaborations with various stakeholders.

What should our readers know about your business?
At Toolboksi, we empower workers in the informal sector with technology solutions that create job opportunities and improve lives. Our platform connects blue-collar workers with job prospects and provides upskilling opportunities, thereby enhancing their prospects and livelihoods.

Currently, we support a network of about 2,000 skilled workers, and our ultimate goal is to establish a formal job fulfillment process, providing the underprivileged with access to jobs or at least hope for the future, thereby preventing feelings of abandonment and despair.

What sets us apart, and me personally, is the passion and love for what we do. This passion kept me going through tough times, especially in the beginning when money was scarce. I persevered because of a higher calling and the belief that our work would make a difference. My journey has been shaped by the grace of God and a continuous process of learning, unlearning, and relearning. Despite not using much of what I studied in college, I worked three times as hard to gain a competitive edge.

Was it easy? No, absolutely not.! But it was worth it. The failures, setbacks, and lessons have made us who we are today. Believing in myself and maintaining ultimate confidence that this would work led us to where we are now. The key lessons I’ve learned are: Never limit your imagination. Most people take the limits of their vision to be the limits of the world, but a few do not. Be one of those few. I want the world to know me as someone who doesn’t just think of himself, who never limits his imagination, and who strives to make the world a better place than it already is.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Week – Long Itinerary for My Best Friend’s Visit
Day 1: Kilimanjaro and Arusha regions
Morning:
– Coffee at the Foot of Kilimanjaro -Begin the day with a cup of fresh coffee, enjoying breathtaking views of Africa’s highest peak.
Afternoon:
– Explore Arusha: Wander through local markets and visit cultural sites, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.
Evening:
– Dinner at Gran Melia – Savor a fine dining experience with a diverse menu that includes both local and international cuisine.
Drinks: Try the famous local beer, Kilimanjaro, and the local gin, Konyagi (also known as Bapa), for a true taste of the region.
Day 2: Serengeti Safari
All Day:
– Safari in Serengeti National Park: Witness one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in the world, the wildebeest and zebra migration. Over 1.5 million wildebeest and 210,000 zebras migrate within the Serengeti and then to the Masai Mara in Kenya every year. This safari also offers the chance to see the Big Five.
Day 3: Tanzanite Shopping and Cultural Immersion
Morning:
– Tanzanite Shopping in Arusha: Find the perfect romantic gift with a rare Tanzanite gem, exclusively found in Tanzania.
Afternoon:
– Visit the Maasai Market: Discover unique crafts, jewelry, and textiles made by local artisans.
Evening:
– Cultural Show at the Bomas of Tanzania: Enjoy traditional music, dance, and performances that highlight the local culture.
Day 4: Journey to Zanzibar
Morning:
– Flight or Ferry to Zanzibar: Travel to the beautiful island of Zanzibar.
Afternoon:
– Beach Time at Nungwi Beach: Relax on pristine white sands, swim in the clear blue waters, and enjoy dolphin views.
Evening:
– Dinner at The Rock Restaurant: Dine at a unique restaurant located on a rock in the ocean, offering stunning views and fresh seafood.
Day 5: Historical Exploration in Zanzibar
Morning:
– Stone Town Tour: Walk through the narrow streets of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and learn about its rich history. Visit Prison Island, enjoy sandbanks, and savor local seafood.
Afternoon:
– Lunch at Emerson on Hurumzi: Enjoy a rooftop lunch with panoramic views of Stone Town.
Evening:
– Spice Tour: Visit a local spice farm and learn about the spices that Zanzibar is famous for and later enjoy variety of food at fordhani
Day 6: Wellness and Relaxation
Morning:
– Yoga and Wellness Retreat: Start the day with a peaceful yoga session and wellness activities.
Afternoon:
-Lunch at The Beach House: Enjoy a leisurely lunch with ocean views and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Day 7: Final Day of Relaxation
Morning:
– Explore Local Markets: Visit local markets to pick up souvenirs and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Afternoon:
– Relax at the Hotel Spa: Spend the afternoon unwinding with a spa treatment.
Evening:
– Farewell Dinner at The Rooftop Restaurant: Conclude the trip with a memorable dinner under the stars, reflecting on the amazing week.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my family, particularly my grandmother, my sisters, and my fiancée, for their unwavering support and belief in my vision, which has served as the bedrock of my journey. I would also like to extend my appreciation to the Toolboksi team, whose dedication and hard work have played a critical role in bringing our vision to fruition. A special thank you to the School of Business at Clark Atlanta University for their mentorship and encouragement, which have been pivotal in shaping my approach to leadership and social impact. And of course, thanks to platforms like this one and many others, who have helped keep our voices heard, and as a result, more people are recognizing the impact of our work in our communities back home. They are learning that we need to use our skills and knowledge to uplift others.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge the profound influence of the books “The Godfather” by Mario Puzo and “The 5am Club” by Robin Sharma on my entrepreneurial mindset and approach.

Website: https://toolboksi.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/007juelz?igsh=dGFsbW5qZ3Nzem1k

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julius-j-mbungo-ii-49a5b7a8/

Twitter: https://x.com/007juelz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/juliusmbungo

Yelp: https://spana.app/

Other: https://spana.app/