And Selby, who has now just turned 20, is also no stranger to media attention and has received a number of accolades.

Last year she was named a 2014 Anzisha Prize finalist, an award for African entrepreneurs between 15 and 22 who use entrepreneurship to solve problems in their communities. She has also been recognized as a 2014 Set Africa Fellow, and WEF Global Shaper.

Today, one of the company’s major challenges is keeping up with demand.

Ignoring the critics

Selby said one of the reasons there are not enough young Africans venturing into entrepreneurship is because they are often discouraged by others. And as a woman entrepreneur she has especially found this to be the case many times.

For example, when she and her partners first went to register her company, the officer handling the paperwork asked her about her initiative. But when she told him she planned to add value to bamboo by manufacturing bicycles, she was shocked by his response.

“He looked at me and said: ‘Young lady, are you sure you have the right frame of mind?’,” she recalled.

“I was thinking he was going to motivate me. But he really [tried to] discourage me instantly… as if thinking that turning bamboo into bicycles was the work of men.”

However, she believes it is important for entrepreneurs to draw inspiration and courage from their own dreams and passions, rather than simply rely on the support of others.

“There were so many friends who laughed when they heard about the bamboo bike idea. Some people will definitely discourage you, but one thing I’ve realized in life is that you have to be focused,” she added.

“People never understand your journey because it is not theirs to understand.”