When Mary Abena Mintah Mifetu started her journey, she didn’t have a fancy office, big capital, or even a clear roadmap.
What she had was a second-hand desktop computer, a simple printer and an unstoppable drive to make life better not just for herself, but for her family.
Today, she is the proud founder of Major Royal Ventures, a growing business based in Accra that specialises in printing, interior decoration and the sale of curtains and blinds.
But behind her quiet confidence is a story of resilience, sacrifice and deep life lessons.
From cleaning floors to chasing contracts
After completing computer school KAPS Computer College in Tema Community Two, Mary’s family hit hard times.
Her parents couldn’t afford to support everyone, so she stepped up. While most young people of her age were chasing dreams, she was cleaning offices at a printing press in Tema to help pay her sister’s school fees.
That’s where fate gave her a gentle nudge. As she worked, she found herself drawn to the work of a graphic designer. She watched, listened and learnt. It wasn’t long before her interest became a passion.
“I didn’t go to design school,” she admits. “But I observed everything; the way designs were laid out, how clients were handled and how jobs were printed. I just soaked it all in.”
Pushed out, but not knocked down
As her confidence grew, so did her ambitions. Mary started bringing clients to the printing press in exchange for a commission. But soon, the dream started to crack. Her commissions were slashed unfairly. And before she knew it, a disagreement with a friend’s family left her without a place to work.
It could have ended there but it didn’t.
Mary picked up her desktop and printer and walked out to find her own path. “I had no idea where I was going,” she says, “but I knew I couldn’t go back.”
Her first independent job was printing calendars. The contracts came from big names Senda Motors, Furniture City, Hollard Insurance and more.
She didn’t even own the equipment to print at that scale, so she outsourced the work to larger firms like Innolink and handled the logistics herself.
Those early jobs taught her more than any classroom could. She learned about tight deadlines, trust, the value of quality and the cost of mistakes.
Selling gari and learning from an apple seller
Mary’s entrepreneurial roots go deeper than printing. As a teenager, she sold gari and oranges on the roadside with her mother on weekends. On those occasions, she noticed a woman nearby selling apples always smiling, always respectful and often adding a few extras for good customers.
Another seller tried to copy everything that woman did her prices, her generosity, even her smile. But she couldn’t keep up and soon ran into debt. Why? Because the kind woman had one big advantage: she sourced her apples from her family’s friend.
Mary never forgot that lesson: don’t copy blindly; build on your own strengths!
Building a business, one lesson at a time
In January 2020, she registered Major Royal Ventures. With savings from her school days and support from her husband, she poured everything into growing her business. She faced challenges with some contracts delayed, some clients being demanding and some competitors trying to push her out.
But every setback made her smarter. Every difficult job sharpened her skills.
Today, Mary is a proud mother of five children and holds a first degree in Marketing. Balancing motherhood with her entrepreneurial journey, she has not only built a strong foundation for her family but also carved out a name for herself in the world of business.
Her academic background in Marketing has played a vital role in shaping her strategic thinking, helping her grow Major Royal Ventures into a trusted brand in printing, interior décor and business solutions.
Her brand is known for honesty, creativity and attention to detail. But more than that, she’s known for her integrity, a value she refuses to compromise.
Giving back and looking ahead
Mary is not just about business. She’s passionate about mentorship and community support. She makes time to speak with young women who want to start their own businesses. She shares her story openly – the struggles, the tears, the small wins and the bigger dreams.
In her quiet moments, she enjoys reading, networking and discovering new business ideas. Her dream is to see Major Royal Ventures become a household name in printing and interior décor across Ghana and beyond.
Her advice to the next generation?
“Start with what you have. Understand your strengths. Don’t just follow the crowd. Build something real.”
In a world where success is often measured in flashy lifestyles and quick wins, Mary Abena Mintah Mifetu stands out for her honesty, humility and hard-earned success.
Her story is proof that with a clear mind, a kind heart and a willing spirit, even the smallest beginnings can lead to something extraordinary.
