In Malawi, many women entrepreneurs have not just one business, but several, working on the philosophy that it is better to both spread business risk and increase the chances of success. Wezi Moyo, founder of Benequity Consultancy and Hillside Lodge, is one such woman, demonstrating that it is indeed possible to be a successful serial entrepreneur in the country.
LoA met with Wezi in the northern city of Mzuzu, Malawi, this month to learn more about this tenacious entrepreneur.
What does your company do?
At my company, Benequity Consultancy, we provide specialist consultancy services in various areas of expertise, including Corporate Governance, Social Development and Capacity Building. My other business, Hillside Lodge, operates in the travel and tourism industry, and provides customized bed and breakfast services to travelers in Malawi.
"I started my businesses to be financially independent in my own right as a woman."
What inspired you to start your company?
I started my businesses to be financially independent in my own right as a woman, as well as to provide a service that enhances humanity, operating from an area that I am gifted in.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
We are professional and serve our customers with a track record that demonstrates our depth of experience. Our services are customized to meet our customers individual needs.
"I do not come from an entrepreneurial background, but life’s challenges and circumstances made me think outside the box and create my own path."
Tell us a little about your team
We have a small team in the Benequity Consultancy which consists of 5 people. At the Hillside Lodge business, we also have 5 people, all sharing common values of hard work, dedication, and importantly, customer service.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I do not come from an entrepreneurial background, and in fact I am the last born of 4 siblings, but life’s challenges and circumstances made me think outside the box and create my own path.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
To grow a national and international brand.
"We are professional and serve our customers with a track record that demonstrates our depth of experience."
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
My consultancy business is intellectually challenging. It gives me financial independence and gives me recognition for my work, while at the same time enabling me to meet new people, as well as apply innovation to new and exciting challenges.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
They have to believe in themselves and avail themselves to create business opportunities out of what seem to be their challenges.
Contact eMAIL: wezimoyo@yahoo.co.uk
Why LoA loves it….
In Malawi, there really is an exciting entrepreneurial spirit that is being driven by tenacious women entrepreneurs who want to forge their own path in life and business. Wezi Moyo is one of those women. She is building a series of businesses that not only give her financial independence, but also at a practical level, the ability to care for those around her in her family and community. She is an inspiration to a whole new generation of women in Malawi who look for role models of successful women who are showing that entrepreneurship is an empowering life choice in the country. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa