Entrepreneur Advice from Maira Koutsoudakis: Find yourself a mentor

December 16, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Maira Koutsoudakis, founder of Life group of companies — **Maira Koutsoudakis**, founder of Life group of companies

Top business tip for women entrepreneurs....

"Find a mentor, someone you admire and trust."

- Maira Koutsoudakis is an internationally acclaimed interior architect and founder and CEO of the Life group of companies and Life Interiors, Architecture and Strategic Design. Maria’s garnered international acclaim for her firm’s multi-award winning work in the areas of luxury resort, boutique hotel, exclusive residential, restaurant projects and product design.

Entrepreneur Advice from Jenna Clifford: You need to stay the course

December 12, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Jenna Clifford, founder of Jenna Clifford Designs, South Africa — **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."

- Jenna Clifford is a world-renowned jewellery designer, known for her unique designs and superlative craftsmanship. Established in 1992, her company has steadily grown its clientele and improved its profile to institute itself as a powerful force in the jewellery industry. Her bold and dramatic designs are sought after by some of the most recognised business icons and celebrities from around the world. Today, Jenna Clifford Designs employs around 70 people, including some of the finest jewellery artisans and craftsmen in South Africa.

Entrepreneur Advice from Deola Sagoe: Do you have the right motives for starting up?

December 10, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Deola Sagoe, founder of Deola — **Deola Sagoe**, founder of Deola

Check your motives are right before you start your entrepreneurial journey....

“A lot of people’s motive of coming to fashion business is not clear. If you are passionate about the industry and you feel you have something to offer or to showcase, no matter how challenging it is, you will stick to it. A whole lot of them come around because of the glamour forgetting that it is a business."

- Deola Sagoe, founder of Deola is the leading lady of African haute couture fashion from Ondo State in Nigeria. Deola has been at the cutting edge of high fashion since 1989 and became the first black woman to present a collection at AltaRoma, Rome’s celebrated fashion week, back in 2004. Her globally appealing style has earned her an enviable clientèle that ranges from Africa's first ladies, to society girls like Lydia Hearst, top model Alek Wek, and famous personalities such as Oprah Winfrey and Will Smith.

Entrepreneur Advice from Ayomide Condotti: Be good at what you do and good things will find you

December 9, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Ayomide Condotti, founder of Africholidays Travel, Nigeria — **Ayomide Condotti,** founder of Africholidays Travel, Nigeria

"I believe that if you are good at what you do, good things will find you. Have integrity and make sure that the quality of your work speaks for itself. Find your passion and do what you love. Always remain focused and do not be distracted by the noise. Spirituality is also very important to my success – my spirituality is what keeps me going and grounded."

- Ayomide Condotti is founder of Africholidays Travel in Nigeria. This former banker and investment manager is a lady whose determination, hard-work and passion for the travel industry sets her apart from her competitors. Africholidays Travel works closely with its clients to tailor holiday packages that are not just about destinations, but rather provides clients with holiday experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

Entrepreneur Advice from Monif Clarke: Ask a lot of questions if you want to be a good leader

December 8, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Monif Clarke, founder of Monif C. Plus Sizes on 'Leadership for Entrepreneurs' — **Monif Clarke**, founder of Monif C. Plus Sizes on *'Leadership for Entrepreneurs'*

It's up to you to ask your employees questions about what areas they think need improving in order to make their jobs easier and help your company to keep growing....

“Leadership is asking a lot of questions. I've learned that between customers, employees and all our stakeholders, my number one job is asking [my team] a lot of questions so I can serve them. They are on the front lines dealing with customers or wearing our products and while I am steering the ship, they are the engine and the propellers. I have to be responsive to what they need and often people are too busy or bogged down to even articulate what they need.”

- Monif Clarke is an American entrepreneur who is founder and CEO of Monif C. Plus Sizes a business she conceived in 2005 out of sheer frustration with the lack of choices in the plus size fashion market. She has gone on to fantastic success and has been awarded “Best Plus Size Fashion Designer” by Full Figure Fashion Week, “Best Plus Size Clothing Store” by City Search, “Best Store For Plus Size Evening Wear” by Time Out New York and was featured in the October issue of Essence Magazine’s “Leaders Of The New School”. Her signature Monif C. collection is quintessentially the wardrobe for the young, contemporary, sexy plus size woman and she is the designer of choice for curvy celebrities like Jill Scott.

Entrepreneur Advice from Janet Rhys: You need to raise your game to get your product export ready

December 6, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Janet Rhys, co-founder of Charlotte Rhys, South Africa — **Janet Rhys**, co-founder of Charlotte Rhys, South Africa

You need to raise your game when expanding into international markets...

“...when you start competing internationally on a global playing field, you need to make a step-change. Customers are more discerning, particularly in the luxury goods sector. For us, getting export ready was largely about getting the quality spot-on.”

- Janet Rhys is co-founder and managing partner of Charlotte Rhys, a South African company started in 1999 that produces a sophisticated brand of luxurious bath, body and lifestyle products. The Charlotte Rhys brand has expanded from a single product 14 years back to over 100 luxury products, comparable to, or better than, the best international luxury brands. Today, Janet's company supplies leading hotels across the world and is firmly entrenched as a premier luxury brand.

Entrepreneur advice from Kelsey Ramsden: Don’t Start A Business Just For The Money

December 3, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Don’t start a business just for the money....

"We see plenty of entrepreneurs jump in the game of business ownership for one reason only — big dollar signs.... If you’re in the game solely for the money, you will end up disappointed. Yes — money is a way to keep score and it’s an important factor. But, most seasoned entrepreneurs will tell you money is usually the last thing to come."

- Kelsey Ramsden is one of Canada’s top female entrepreneurs and founder of kelseyramsden.com. This serial entrepreneur has founded and run businesses as diverse as construction and children’s toys. A formerly wayward student, Kelsey triumphed when she graduated with her MBA from the highly regarded Ivey School of Business. She credits that same grit and determination for helping her overcome a devastating cancer prognosis last year – a cancer she has since overcome. Kelsey is a select member of Ernst & Young’s Winning Women Entrepreneurs for 2013 and on the Richard Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship as a mentor.

Entrepreneur Advice from Sibongile Sambo: Positive attitude has been key to my success

November 23, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Positive attitude is key to success in business.....

"You need to have a good attitude. Running a business is never easy. You will meet people that will try to run you down. You will have cases where you will want to loose your temper. Always having a good attitude will help grow with your business."

- Sibongile Sambo is a pioneering woman of South African aviation. She is founder and Chief Executive Officer of SRS Aviation Ltd., the first 100 percent black, female-owned aviation services company in South Africa. Launched in 2004, SRS is an integrated provider of private aviation services offering South African and international clients professional and personalized flight options including VIP Charter, tourist charter and helicopter services, to destinations around the world. Today, the company also provides maintenance, sales and fleet management services to private jet owners.

Entrepreneur Advice from Danae Ringelmann: Be Your Authentic Self

November 21, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Danae Ringelmann co-founder of Indiegogo on 'Leadership for Entrepreneurs' — **Danae Ringelmann** co-founder of Indiegogo on *'Leadership for Entrepreneurs'*

People are more likely to follow you as a leader if you are your authentic self....

“Don’t be afraid to be you and own it. If you think being a leader is about having some agenda, it’s not. Being a leader is actually being completely with who you are and speaking from that place, giving feedback, sharing opinions from that place. That’s why people follow you .... It doesn’t come from any title or position … a true leader is someone who is wholeheartedly willing to be their authentic self.”

- Danae Ringelmann co-founded Indiegogo in 2007 with a mission to democratize fundraising and has since helped to propel the company into the world’s largest crowdfunding platform. Today, this inspiring American woman entrepreneur leads Indiegogo's industry development efforts, while steering the company’s employee culture and values initiatives. Danae was listed as one of Fortune Magazine's 40 under 40, as well as SF Business Times' 40 under 40 in 2014. ELLE Magazine named Danae to its Woman in Tech Power List in 2014; while Fast Company included her in its Top 50 Women Innovators in Technology in 2011.

Entrepreneur Advice from Tara Fela-Durotoye: You can build big things from small beginnings

November 11, 2014 Melanie Hawken

You can build a big business from small, humble beginnings....

".... As an undergraduate, while I was still in school I started a business. I started with just fifteen thousand Naira. It is less than the cost of a Blackberry phone. Today, House of Tara has over 3,000 Sales Representatives across Nigeria. House of Tara has offices in 25 States in this country. In Abuja alone, we have two branches. We are in Kaduna, Kano, Ilorin, Port Harcourt, Abuja, etc. My company is big."

- Tara Fela-Durotoye is a Nigerian-born lawyer turned Africa's leading beauty and makeup entrepreneur. She started House of Tara at the age of 20, from her living room, whilst an undergraduate at university back in 1998. She's since gone on to launch Nigeria's first ever bridal directory in 1999, and in 2004 she opened the country's leading beauty academy. Today, Tara has over 3,000 reps spread across Nigeria and 14 stores to her name and she is steadfastly dedicated to realising her vision of building a globally respected beauty company of African origin. Tara remains an inspirational role-model and mentor to make-up artists and aspiring beauty business owners across Africa.

Entrepreneur Advice for Julian Omalla: Don't rush into borrowing money for your business

November 7, 2014 Melanie Hawken

You should consider banks as the last resort when looking for sources of funds ....

"First establish yourself then think of borrowing. When I borrowed, I noticed that my business was not growing as fast as I thought—it slowed me down, .... I started with personal savings and I think that is the best way.”

- Julian Adyeri Omalla is one of Uganda's top female entrepreneurs. She is founder, chairperson and managing director of Delight Uganda Limited, producing the country's most popular fruit drink sold under the brand name 'Cheers'. Julian has diversified into a range of other business activities, including egg and poultry farming, maize-feed production, a flour mill and bakery, a student hostel for 400, as well as coordinating women’s farmer cooperatives that provide food aid into Sudan. Today, Julian employs over 1,000 Ugandans and exports to countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan and Zaire.

Entrepreneur Advice from Aissa Dione: Entrepreneurs often have to swim against the tide to realise their dreams

November 6, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Reviving an industry; creating jobs; starting a new venture - sometimes this means you have to swim against the tide of conventional thinking....

"I do realize that I am swimming against the economic tide .... But at the same time, I know that this is the only way you can develop. We are showing the way forward."

- Aïssa Dione, a renowned Senegalese painter and textile designer, founded the company that bears her name, Aissa Dione Tissus back in 1992. Her mission: to revive Senegal's traditional and unique fabric weaving craftsmanship and build a production chain that is truly '100% Made in Senegal'. Her approach is to combine unique design, know-how and artisan craftsmanship to transform African grown cotton into a valuable product. She has succeeded in this, building a high-end fabric brand underpinned by centuries old cotton processing and weaving skills. Today, Aissa has more than 100 employees whose traditional handwoven fabrics are delivered to the absolute top-end interior design brands across Africa, Europe and the United States. Aissa's designs and fabrics grace major design salons and brands such as Hermés, Fendi, Christian Liaigre and Peter Marino.

Entrepreneur Advice from Adenike Ogunlesi: Get people to believe in your dream

November 5, 2014 Melanie Hawken

The challenge is getting people to believe in your dream....

“The typical challenges that most start-ups would face would be definitely finance and getting people to believe in your dream. But being able to articulate this in a business plan is one of the ways you can overcome that challenge.”

- Adenike 'Nike' Ogunlesi is the founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble a leading designer, manufacturer and retailer of designer children's clothing in Nigeria. Nike started out modestly in 1996 selling the clothes she made from the boot of her car and in bazaars. Today, Ruff 'n' Tumble is an instantly recognisable brand in Nigeria and has a reputation for being one of the top manufacturers of children's clothing throughout West Africa. Ruff 'n' Tumble successfully caters to the unique fashion sense of today’s youngsters, from new born to age 16, happily mixing indigenous lifestyle trends with an international appeal.

Entrepreneur Advice from Aissa Dione: Big things can be achieved from humble beginnings

October 23, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Remember, you can achieve big things from the most humble of beginnings....

"I began with this company in 1992. I was working from home with a single weaver. Before too long, there were 15 working with me and I moved to an area specifically designed for small and medium enterprises. I wanted to re-launch textile production – but in a different way."

Entrepreneur Advice from Julian Omalla: Is it possible to start and manage multiple businesses?

October 22, 2014 Melanie Hawken

How do you manage all your businesses?....

"I love challenges, work and starting new businesses. I like employing people. So I work until late in the night. When I am writing business proposals and starting a new business, I sleep at midnight. When I'm launching a new product, I sleep at 10:00pm and get up at 2:00am to work and sleep again at 5:00am."

Entrepreneur Advice from Julian Omalla: Find that gap in the market

October 20, 2014 Melanie Hawken

You need to identify a gap in the market....

“My aim was to start a juice processing business, not just small scale like the market vendors, but a real factory. My mother had taught us to process local fruit and I’d done a certificate course in food science, so I had the technical background. I could see there was a gap in the market.”

Entrepreneur Advice from Julian Omalla: Don't put all your eggs in one basket

October 20, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Never put all your eggs in one basket....

“As a woman I wanted to show I could have my own business, too. I was doing well until I became too trusting… I transferred all my funds to my business partner to purchase stock and he just disappeared from his place of business. I was back to square zero .... I learnt the hard way not to put all my eggs in one basket."

- Julian Adyeri Omalla is one of Uganda's top female entrepreneurs. She is founder, chairperson and managing director of Delight Uganda Limited, producing the country's most popular fruit drink sold under the brand name 'Cheers'. Julian has diversified into a range of other business activities, including egg and poultry farming, maize-feed production, a flour mill and bakery, a student hostel for 400, as well as coordinating women’s farmer cooperatives that provide food aid into Sudan. Today, Julian employs over 1,000 Ugandans and exports to countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan and Zaire.

Entrepreneur Advice from Jenna Clifford: What does it take to succeed as a woman entrepreneur?

October 16, 2014 Melanie Hawken

What personal characteristics does one need to succeed as a woman entrepreneur? ....

"I'm a pacifist by nature, but I recognise the need for perseverance, dedication and a killer instinct. I always say: don't miss the target or the dream. Trials, tribulations and a challenging economic environment will always be with us, but you can overcome these hurdles by being single-minded and totally focused on what you want to achieve. Sometimes 'balance' has to go out the door. If you're serious about chasing a dream, sometimes something has to give. During recessionary times one has to focus more on necessities and less on personal needs - what I refer to as "I-me-my" needs."

Entrepreneur Advice from Anne Githuku-Shongwe: Your content must be locally relevant

October 13, 2014 Melanie Hawken

What’s the secret to your company's success in tapping the youth market in Africa? ....

"You need to make a combination of on the one hand creating locally relevant content that delivers a message, but also make it fun and attractive. If you make a game that’s boring, you’re dead in the water. We also co-designed the games with the youth users themselves through community based Design Labs to ensure that the games are relevant for the local market."

- Anne Githuku-Shongwe is founder and Chief Executive Officer of Afroes Transformational Games - a company that builds mobile game-based learning platforms out of South Africa and Kenya. Anne's vision is to revolutionise learning in Africa with a focus on delivering positive Africa-focused mobile phone entertainment to the youth market across the continent.

Entrepreneur Advice from Nkemdilim Begho: It takes lots of belief and willpower to get ahead as an entrepreneur

October 8, 2014 Melanie Hawken

What does it take to make it as a female IT entrepreneur?....

"It takes a lot of will power. In anything you want to do, you must know what you want. I knew what I wanted to do.You need to want anything that you want to do in life. When you want it, it will happen, if you don’t really want it, it won’t happen. Most times I didn’t have any money and people just offered me jobs. They would say just come and take this job, but those were the days I needed to decide what I wanted. I asked myself if I wanted to build a brand or be an employee."

- Nkemdilim Begho is founder and Managing Director of Future Software Resources Limited, an IT solutions provider focused on online solutions, e-learning and IT security. As one of a few Nigerian women in the industry, her success is founded on a passion for driving innovative thinking, building a globally recognized technology brand and setting trends in the Nigerian Technology space.