We have all been there at some point in our entrepreneurial lives. That pivotal point when we need sound advice or reassurance from another woman entrepreneur who has been there, done it, got the T Shirt, and experienced all the business challenges and hurdles, emerging with the essential wisdom and experience we need to share. Learn, be inspired, and take comfort from those women who have blazed an entrepreneurial trail before you.
Here our our picks of the 50 best pieces of advice we featured in 2015 from some of Africa's leading women entrepreneurs. We hope they help to inspire and motivate your personal entrepreneurial journey....
Margaret Hirsch, co-founder Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa)
Persistence will get you there....
"You can make all your dreams come true with passion, hard work, focus and the drive to persist until you get to where you want to be - and then when you get there, do that little bit more that will make a huge difference."
Tabitha Karanja, founder of Keroche Breweries (Kenya)
Always treat your customer as king....
"For me the customer is always king. They are and always will be my number one priority. I am up at night wanting to make sure they are happy and satisfied with the products we produce for them.”
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu is founder and Managing Director of soleRebels (Ethiopia)
You must have a never-say-die attitude....
"There will be many times every single day while you are creating or running your business where it will be easy to stop rather than continue. But do just that — continue. And as you continue, focus on making your product or service the absolute best and then deliver that product or service inside the most amazing experience for your customers. Do that and repeat relentlessly, but always with a smile."
Divine Ndhlukula, founder of SECURICO (Zimbabwe)
Always keep on learning....
"I believe in learning all the time, I’m a life-long learner… I also believe in re-learning, because there are always new things coming out. My kids are teaching me things today.”
Mo Abudu, founder of EbonyLife TV (Nigeria)
A great business idea alone counts for nothing without execution....
"Anyone who wishes to be an entrepreneur must know that bright ideas are great, however, they are not even half of the work; execution is everything. Yes, as the saying goes, ‘there is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come’, but when that time comes, you must be prepared to bleed sweat, tears and blood to bring your ideas to life."
Adenike 'Nike' Ogunlesi, founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble (Nigeria)
Dream big....
"The size and clarity of a person’s vision are very important. It is very important to dream big and be single-minded about the dream. Also, you must love this dream and be passionate about it."
Tara Fela-Durotoye, founder House of Tara (Nigeria)
You must find people who fit and add value to your business ....
".... you need to attract people that will add value at a sustained level. In terms of people again, not everyone is going to be with you from start to finish. As the business grows, seasons will come where some people don’t fit for the new season. It is not an easy exercise but it must happen."
Monica Musonda, founder of Java Foods (Zambia)
Love what you do....
“It is the only thing that will keep you going in your new business venture. If you don’t, you might give up at the very first failure encountered if things don’t go your way.”
Wendy Ackerman, co-founder of Pick n Pay Stores (South Africa)
Take it one step at a time....
"Anything is within anyone's reach. You have to stand up to take it. It is within yourself. Set achievable goals and do it one step at a time.”
Dr. Jennifer Riria, Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding
Expect to make mistakes....
“Have the humility to accept your failure so that you can use that as a basis as you move on. I never say I have a problem, I say I have a challenge. A challenge is like a pearl [which] grows in an oyster and it is an irritant to the oyster but when they come out they are precious. So you, as an entrepreneur, must find out what your pearls are. I use challenges as a basis to springboard to a better standard.”
Jenna Clifford, founder of Jenna Clifford Designs (South Africa)
You must keep on trying....
"Try, try and try again. Once you’ve picked something that you’ve isolated as your passion, it must be all-encompassing. You have to stick to it. You will be met with challenges, good and bad, but the thing is to stay the course."
Susan Mashibe, founder of VIA Aviation (Tanzania)
What I learnt being mentored by Marissa Mayer, the CEO of Yahoo....
“What Marissa taught me is to hire smart people who get things done. I saw how important it was to have a healthy team, but to be willing to dismiss bad apples before they contaminate the team. You also have to nurture your team well.”
Teta Isibo is the creative mind behind Inzuki (Rwanda)
Don't try to be a perfectionist....
"The problem with so many aspirant women entrepreneurs in Africa is that they are perfectionists and they are afraid of failure or starting too small. So instead they keep endlessly planning and striving for perfection but never actually get around to starting. So the advice is to just start, with baby steps at first, and then grow organically from there - but, ultimately, just start."
Ethel Cofie, is a Ghanaian-born entrepreneur and founder of Edel Technologies
Stop second guessing yourself and just jump....
"Remember the mistakes you make are all part of learning, so instead of overthinking things just do it, and on your way down you will figure it out."
Angela Dick, co-founder of Transman (South Africa)
Women need to find their purpose....
"You need to ask the question of what am I actually here for? What can I actually do that will make a positive difference? What ever it is, do it. Keep doing it and be steady and determined to make it happen in your own environment. Trust yourself and instincts. And don’t let anyone tell you – you are not good enough because you are."
Swaady Martin, founder of YSWARA (South Africa)
It's all about execution....
"You need to become an execution machine. Building a venture from scratch is not for the faint-hearted, you need to be courageous, tenacious, have perseverance and resilience. Never take no for an answer and be solution-oriented, constantly."
Sarah Collins, founder of Wonderbag (South Africa)
There is NO rulebook....
"There is NO rulebook and it will be challenging at times, but if you have a passion for what you do and the determination to succeed then you can take on anything and conquer the world. It’s exhausting and relentless at times, but there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the fruits of your hard labour pay off."
Deola Sagoe, founder of The House of Deola Sagoe (Nigeria)
Nothing beats a CAN-DO spirit....
“I just had this can-do spirit. I was just so convinced that my product was so genuine and would no doubt conquer the world."
Joanne Mwangi, founder of Professional Marketing Services Group (Kenya)
You need a game plan to handle success and money....
“I don’t think there is anything more difficult to handle than success. I think success is harder to handle than failure. In failure you wallow, you just cry and life goes on. Success has to be sustained and it is harder to sustain than to get it. So when you get your money, what is your game plan?”
Carrol Boyes, founder of Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)
Get word-of-mouth advertising working for your business....
“People went to the shop to see what was hot and because my products were displayed there, they were immediately given the stamp of approval. It really all came about by word of mouth. To this day, I believe that is the strongest marketing tool available.”
Judith Owigar, co-founder of Akirachix (Kenya)
Do not stop....
"Dream big, start small, start now. Just because you're not where you want to be does not mean you should give up. As long as you do not stop you will progress. I think this journey has developed some courage that I never thought I had within me."
Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, co-founder of WeCyclers (Nigeria)
Don't be put off by rejection. Persist....
"Push more! You have to grab things and be persistent. Don’t take things personally. Rejection is part of the game, just keep pushing. Don’t give up. Push more!"
Basetsana Kumalo, founder of Basetsana Woman Investment Holdings (South Africa)
You can only learn from failure ....
"It will be tough, and you must not be afraid of failing. Know that you can only learn from failure."
Suzie Wokabi, founder of SuzieBeauty (Kenya)
Patience and persistence are key....
"I have learnt to be patient. It took a long time to undertake research and develop the product range. I have also learnt to never say die. I have met people who thought I was crazy to imagine a project like this, but the passion I have keeps me going. I have never stopped believing in my dreams."
Uche Pedro, founder of BellaNaija.com (Nigeria)
Find your passion as an up and coming woman entrepreneur....
“There is no fixed career path. My advice is to look inwards, find your passion, find your niche and go for it! Don’t over-think it. While you are ‘thinking’ someone might launch your idea.”
Penny Mpanza, founder of Let’s Build Our Country Fund NPC (LBOC Fund) (South Africa)
Find your sense of purpose and pursue it....
"We all come to this world with a PURPOSE for our lives; look within yourself first of all and then look around you; you will find what it is that you were brought into this world to do. Then, pursue it with every fibre of your BEING!"
Zainab Ashadu, founder of Zashadu Bags (Nigeria)
Starting small and growing organically is a plus....
“In terms of expansion, I strongly believe in organic growth as there is nothing more motivating or satisfying… The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to dream big, but start small.”
Joy Ndungutse, co-founder of Gahaya Links Cooperatives (Rwanda)
You need to be passionate about what you're doing....
“Something small can create an impact, .... You don’t have to have a lot of money to start a business. You can start small, but you must have a passion for what you’re doing.”
Omoyemi Akerele founder of Lagos Fashion and Design Week (Nigeria)
Find your purpose and passion....
"Life is a journey. Once you understand that some of the most important things are purpose and passion driven, combined with a deeper need to make a difference beyond self as well as contribute in some way to what is happening around you, it certainly makes waking up daily an easier task for me. When you earn a living this way, it is certainly more fulfilling."
Dr Christel Coetzee, founder of ADVIT Animal Nutrition (South Africa)
Don't play the 'female' card....
"I started a business in a totally male dominated industry, and it was very hard in the beginning. But I persisted, and stayed focused. Integrity is very important, so do not play the "female" card if you do not want to be treated in a sexist way. I am just a person doing a job, I am not male or female, I am the best person to do the job. Now I am the face of my company, and we have loyal customers that support us. I am blessed."
Eva Muraya, founder of Brand Strategy and Design (Kenya)
It's all about working hard....
"We need to quit this ‘microwave results’ mentality. Media has not reminded us enough of the value of working hard. There is nothing you will gain from not working hard. If you want to be successful, then you have to work hard and whilst at it, it would also help a lot if you work smart!"
Ngyenzi ‘Nunu’Mugyenyi, cofounder BOLD Kampala (Uganda)
Stay focused on your own business....
"Mind your own business. Focus your energy on how you can better your business, rather than on how the businesses of others are better than yours. There are enough entrepreneurial journeys to go around."
Bev Missing, founder of RAIN (South Africa)
Best advice for women considering starting business....
"Start at the bottom. You need 100% passion, 100% guts and a total belief in your vision and your determination to succeed. Be prepared to put in crazy work hours and all kinds of sacrifices, but most important... NEVER GIVE UP."
Sibongile Sambo founder of SRS Aviation Ltd. (South Africa)
Fear nothing....
"I’m a risk taker. I fear nothing. When I apply my mind to do something, I go for it. The worst answer I can ever get is a ‘NO,’ but NO will never kill me. I wake-up the following day and do something different. For me it is the positive attitude I have in life. It has carried me to today."
Abai Schulze, founder of ZAAF (Ethiopia)
Think big, but start small....
"Find something that you are truly passionate about and build a vision for it – think big, but start small. Surround yourself with people who can challenge you and hold you accountable for your actions and progress."
Chinwe Ohajuruka, founder of Comprehensive Design Services (Nigeria)
Doing what is right....
"To all social entrepreneurs who are looking to make a difference, whether they are in Africa or in the rest of the world, your work is very important. Social entrepreneurship is needed to take care of a lot of the challenges that we have in developing countries. Social entrepreneurs are patient, sensitive and they have a strong sense of doing what is right to fix the problem. So, hang in there, your work is needed."
Emma Kaye, founder of Bozza (South Africa)
Choose your team very carefully....
“You can see your company turn in a heartbeat from just a couple of bad people. So the most powerful thing for me is choose your team very carefully because your team is you. Always employ people who are far better than you at what you do, and empower them.”
Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, founder of AAKS, Ghana
Begin NOW!...
"It is really easy to get wrapped up in the planning of your business but sometimes you have to know what you want and just go for it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin now!"
Hanneli Rupert, founder of 'Merchants on Long' & Okapi (South Africa)
You need to have the confidence to trust your gut....
"Soak up as much advice as possible from as many people as possible - but trust your gut at the end of the day"
Nkemdilim Begho, founder of Future Software Resources Limited (Nigeria)
Share your vision with the world....
"Believe in your vision, share it with the world and never give up. Put aside all your fears - if your dreams don’t scare you they aren’t big enough!"
Lorna Rutto, founder of EcoPost (Kenya)
Find those people who will help and encourage you....
"Women entrepreneurs should network and look for mentors who will advise, encourage and help them in setting up the business and to also provide them with the visibility that they really need. Surrounding ourselves with people who promote our ideas, rather than killing them, goes a long way."
Rapelang Rabana, founder of Rekindle Learning (South Africa)
Learn to trust your intuition....
"... learn to trust your intuition and pursue the areas that interest you most. Software and technology is all about creating something from your imagination. Don’t try to be like others. Use your own unique perspective of the world to generate ideas and don’t be afraid to pursue those. You must be able to come up with an idea and trust yourself enough to pursue it."
Diana Opoti, founder of Diana Opoti PR (Kenya)
Find your niche....
"Find a niche. Turn what you like into a business. Passion fuels business."
Tumi Frazier, founder of Tumi Frazier International (South Africa)
Everything begins with preparation....
"Never underestimate the importance of the preparation. Everything begins with preparation, whether going on a journey, performing on stage, or attending a business meeting. Preparation positions you correctly and is often the differentiating factor between losing and succeeding."
Agata Karolina, founder of House of Gozdawa (South Africa)
Follow your intuition.....
"It is the strength of women that puts us in a much better position than a lot of men - we are more sensitive towards our work, which means that we really understand our market spaces. So it is all about believing in what you do, not being afraid to stand out, standing up for what you want, and following your intuition."
Helen Njoroge, founder of Tenders Kenya (Kenya)
Start innovating....
"I encourage women, especially the young women, to come up with innovative products and services and deviate from engaging in 'traditional' entrepreneurial opportunities."
Karen Wessels, co-founder of VA Connect (South Africa)
Seize your opportunity and go for it!....
"Just do it, and never stop, no matter what is thrown at you. Be relentlessly creative and always be on your toes, ready to take action, solve a problem and seize an opportunity!"
Shingai Nyagweta, founder of KuNa Kids (South Africa)
Persistence pays off....
"Keep at it. Stay on your toes, and if it isn't working in one direction, then look into doing it slightly differently."
Anna Richerby, founder of Beloved Beadwork (South Africa)
You have to take yourself seriously....
"As women we are often taught to prioritize other people’s expectations and live up to other people’s perceptions of us, and that can be a very difficult space to navigate. So you have to take yourself seriously as an entrepreneur."
Teresa Nanjala Lubano, founder of The Nanjala Company (Kenya)
Passion, drive and persistence turn desires into reality....