Startup Story
Many women in the Democratic Republic of Congo need to access key skills and resources in order to fulfil their potential, and that is where Cewon comes in. Founder Nana Lusevakweno Luyindadio is creating a platform which empowers women to make the change they need in their lives.
LoA chatted to Nana this month to find out more.
What does your company do?
Cewon is a platform that helps women create sustainable business with the desire of building a legacy. In order to make lasting change, women need the skills and resources to help them use their potential. Through workshops, conferences and our mentorship process, we assist women with their personal and business development.
“In order to make lasting change, women need the skills and resources to help them use their potential.”
What inspired you to start your company?
My inspiration comes from my mother's journey and from many women who are in the trading business. Growing up, my mother had a retail business - she was very strong, business-minded and focused. A few years after the economic system in my country changed, most of the things collapsed, including my mother's business. She tried by all means to relaunch and start something different but all in vain. The situation worsened; she couldn't do anything anymore. She had an opportunity to build something stronger and greater but because of a lack of business knowledge, she couldn't rise again. That was something that always struck me - she always wanted me and my sibling to study further, get a secure job and settle down. But the reason for the failure of her business was never addressed, as many women go through the same process not understanding the why, where, or how to build a legacy, therefore failure is inevitable.
In 2014, I started eventing and catering, with the desire to one of the best caterers and event planners in my community, and to open an African cuisine restaurant. in the beginning, everything was going well, I wanted to do more but I didn't know how to do it. One thing I knew was my services, but to reach my potential and live a purposeful life, I needed more. I spoke to my mum about my different plans to make my business succeed, but all in vain. I came to the realization that great products alone don’t make the business. I needed all the necessary business acumen to make it through. In 2016, I joined an incubator in Johannesburg where I learned all the basics of business. Upon completion, I told myself that if my mum knew or had access to all this information, things would be different and much more enjoyable. In 2017, I started to work on my project, and in 2018 I launched this organization to assist all women traders in building a sustainable business.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
The value-add and experience you gain during the process of learning and building your legacy. We are working with women to achieve this goal. Not everyone is in the same space. We take much into consideration as we approach the women. We are not just an organization that provides women with the ABCs of business, but we walk with them through each stage of business, as well as working on personal development.
“Many women go through the same process not understanding the why, where, or how to build a legacy, therefore failure is inevitable.”
Tell us a little about your team
Our team is very small. It is myself, my partner, and volunteers that assist in the operation and logistics work, fundraising, and marketing.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I was born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I grew up in Kinshasa until I was 21 years then I moved to South Africa to further my education. At the age of 14, during school holidays my father would give me money to sell fruits. When the school started, I sold popcorn and sweets to my classmates. My father wanted me to do Economics, but I was not interested. A year after I completed my matric, I moved to South Africa to further my studies, I decided to study Hospitality Management, after completing my Diploma, and I worked in a few companies. While working I went back to school to do my Bachelor’s degree. Finding a job as a foreigner was difficult, but with the help of my aunty, I started my event and catering business in 2014. Things were great until I realized that for my business to grow, I needed someone to help see things in another perspective. One of my friends, who is also my mentor, was hired at an incubation company. She came and told me that their company was looking for entrepreneurs to assist with business skills and coaching. Another friend encouraged me to go for it. I joined the organization as a learner and was trained in all aspect of a business. From then onwards, everything changed - my knowledge in business growth, as well as my confidence. That led me to start my non-profit company to assist other women to learn everything I have learned and to succeed.
“The future is bright for Cewon. We aspire to expand our services into other African countries, and to train many ambassadors that will assist other women in the rural areas.”
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
The future is bright for Cewon. We aspire to expand our services into other African countries, and to train many ambassadors that will assist other women in the rural areas.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
My greatest satisfaction is seeing a woman discovering her identity, her potential, and purpose, and influencing others.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
The courage, confidence, ideas, potential and purpose lies within yourself. Find it and don't be shy to ask for help.
Contact or follow Cewon
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL nana@cewon.org
Why LoA loves it….
There is something very powerful about creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs to fully realize their potential and thrive, and Nana is doing just that with her organization. She is passionate about creating the right tools and resources that provide women with the essential support structure and framework for action they need to succeed. Nana is a great example to others about how to see a need, develop a solution, and change lives. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa