Entrepreneur Advice from Angela van Herzeele: How to negotiate the cash flow hurdle

April 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Angela van Herzeele, founder of Angel Rose Trading Company — **Angela van Herzeele**, founder of Angel Rose Trading Company

Managing cash flow is key to success….

"....cash flow is always a hurdle. If you are not a money or figures person, then get the right person to help you, because this can lead to the ruin of many small businesses starting up, and it doesn't have to be the case if done correctly! Personally, I have learned many a lesson in this department."

- Angela van Herzeele is a South African entrepreneur and founder of Angel Rose Trading Company a 'little company' she's grown to have many facets, including a retail shop selling vintage furniture, silverware, china, décor items, and soft furnishing products; she also markets a range of really interesting and aesthetically beautiful upcycled products made out of coffee bean hessian sacks, and this includes furniture, handbags, and soft furnishings. Angela also does interior decorating for clients, which goes hand-in-hand with her retail shop. Recently, she introduced a new element to the range of products that she designs and manufactures - this includes body scrubs, hand creams, lotions and soaps.

Entrepreneur Advice from Jenna Clifford: People always remember client service - make sure it's great!

April 15, 2016 Melanie Hawken

People always remember the client service you provide - good, or bad....

"People always remember service — whether it was exemplary or below standard, people will remember how they felt. As a brand — as part of our organisational culture — we have a strong desire to be known for our professionalism, memorable experiences and service excellence... we like to make people feel good! When I hear of a problem I try to sort it out immediately; customer service is so important to us. I often do cross-checks myself."

- 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 Tara Fela-Durotoye: Discover your unique purpose driven mission

April 13, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Discover your unique purpose driven mission....

"Find yourself, your purpose in life. Don’t just get a job, do something that is tied to a purpose. Even if you get a job, let it be tied to a purpose .... I am learning every day that this is not just about making money or turning a profit. There are people who need my call and my assignment and I need desperately to answer to their voices."

- 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 from Teta Isibo: Plan yes, but expect to be flexible

April 12, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Teta Isibo, founder of Inzuki (Rwanda) — **Teta Isibo**, founder of Inzuki (Rwanda)

Planning is important, but be flexible....

"Plan before you start and always leave room for change because things will most likely not go exactly the way you want them to."

- Teta Isibo is the creative mind behind Inzuki a dynamic young Rwandan brand specializing in jewelry, accessories and interior decor hand-made primarily from local materials. With no background in fashion or business, Teta quit her job as an urban planner with the city of Kigali to start her own business. Today Inzuki (bees in the local language) is part of a wider Rwandan cultural Renaissance.

Entrepreneur Advice from Carrol Boyes: Don't panic when your loan request is turned down

April 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken

How to respond when your loan application is turned down and funds are tight....

“In retrospect, that was most likely a good thing as it forced me to be extremely conservative. As far as materials and equipment were concerned, I bought only what I could afford. The initial expansion of the business was definitely curtailed by the fact that I did not have access to huge sums of money.”

- Carrol Boyes is an iconic South African designer who has built a global brand. She founded Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd in 1991 combining her artistic flair and talent in sculpture with her jewellery experience to create an extensive range of distinctive homeware, giftware, flatware and table top products. Today, her company designs and manufactures a meticulously crafted product range of well over 1000 items and sells over a million items every year. Products are always imbued with Carrol's trademark artistic flair and finesse. The brand is available through her 35 branded shops in South Africa and in over 30 other countries around the world.

Entrepreneur Advice from Adenike Ogunlesi: Work out what success means for you

April 8, 2016 Melanie Hawken

You need to be clear about what success means to you personally....

“First, success for me is a journey. It is not a place you would say you have reached. It is not only about money, it is not about awards or accolades. It is about what you stand for, what your values are. For me, there has to be a wholesome definition to success.”

- 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 Bushera Bashir - It's all about executing your vision

April 4, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Bushera Bashir, founder of Trebene (South Africa) — **Bushera Bashir**, founder of Trebene (South Africa)

Executing your vision is the true test for an entrepreneur....

"Focus on unraveling your passion, develop a compelling vision, and finally, and most importantly, create a thorough execution plan. A true test of an entrepreneur is not just creating the vision but executing it."

- Bushera Bashir is the founder of Trebene an ethical South African fashion label, designing, printing and handweaving luxury Cashmere scarves. Bushera combines the rich heritage of traditional Kashmiri textile weaving with contemporary designs creating truly unique products. At the heart of the business model lie the Kashmiri women weavers; the Trebene label invests up to 20% of its profits into the education of their children.

Entrepreneur Advice from Sonia Mugabo: Find that one thing that you are really passionate about and go for it

April 1, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Sonia Mugabo, founder of Sonia Mugabo (SM), Rwanda — **Sonia Mugabo**, founder of Sonia Mugabo (SM), Rwanda

Find that one thing that you are really passionate about....

"My advice would be to find that one thing that you are really passionate about and go for it, it won’t be easy and even when you succeed, stay humble and remember to use your talents to serve others. At the end of the day it is not about you, but what you are doing for your people and your community. For me it is about creating jobs, and building a successful Rwandan Brand."

- Sonia Mugabo is the founder of Sonia Mugabo (SM), Rwanda , a fashion brand established in 2013. It was born out of Sonia’s strong interest in design; and the desire to tap into the existing local artisan talent to make high quality men and womenswear. Sonia Mugabo develops 2 collections each year, and all year round makes bespoke items for its clientele. A pioneer of Rwanda’s fashion industry; Sonia is setting the standard for Rwandan fashion in global and local markets.

Entrepreneur Advice from Liz Forkin-Bohannon: It’s critical to build a team as you grow

March 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Liz Forkin-Bohannon, founder Sseko Designs, Uganda — **Liz Forkin-Bohannon**, founder Sseko Designs, Uganda

It’s critical to build a team as you grow....

"You need to be clear about what you are good at and find people who are awesome to do the rest and let them run with it. I don’t want to be the bottleneck that keeps our company from growing and flourishing. So I have really focused on sharing decision-making and building a team that will take ownership and challenge me. While I have a pretty specific vision for the way I want things to go, it’s crucial to create a culture where questions can be asked—the really hard questions—that might push and change and kind of mold your vision."

- Liz Forkin-Bohannon is an American social entrepreneur and founder of Sseko Designs, an ethical fashion brand based in Uganda. In addition to handbags and accessories, Sseko makes beautiful leather sandals with interchangeable fabric straps that can be styled in hundreds of ways. The line began as a way to generate income for high potential, talented young women to continue on to university. By creating an environment of dignity, honor and dedication, Sseko Designs provides the opportunity for marginalized women in East Africa to end the cycle of poverty and create a more equitable society.

Entrepreneur Advice from Sibongile Sambo: My top advice for any aspiring entrepreneur

March 17, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Sibongile Sambo, founder SRS Aviation Ltd., South Africa — **Sibongile Sambo**, founder SRS Aviation Ltd., South Africa

Top advice for any aspiring entrepreneur....

"Go into business with an open mind. Know you can have a very good business idea, but be prepared that sometimes the environment will not allow you to achieve it. Be flexible. Think out of the box. Think about ways to diversify. Think of ways to be profitable at all times. Once you are in business it does come down to profitability. It doesn't help to be so passionate about something that is not bringing in money for you. You should be able to realize profits. If you can’t make money from the initial idea, then alter it to help keep you afloat."

- 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 Evashnee Naidu: You'll learn as you go along

March 15, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Evashnee Naidu, founder of EnablED (South Africa) — **Evashnee Naidu**, founder of EnablED (South Africa)

You'll learn as you go along....

"If you feel you have it in you to start your own business, then follow that dream. It is not the easiest path to take. Being your own boss and a boss to other people takes a lot of passion and commitment. When you make the decision go all in, don't expect to know it all right from the start. You learn as you go along, no one can prepare you - its subject to change, your industry and your personality. But it is a journey that will provide you with the most satisfying results."

- Evashnee Naidu is the founder of EnablED in South Africa. After gaining more than a decades worth of marketing and advertising experience in the corporate world she was inspired to start her own company in the enterprise development space. Today, her company is playing a key role in managing enterprise and supplier development solutions for SMMEs.

Entrepreneur Advice from Khanyi Dhlomo: It's never to late to chase your dream

March 7, 2016 Melanie Hawken

It's never too late to start pursuing your dreams....

"The saddest thing is to die with your dreams inside you, never having pursued them. I think a lot of regrets come from not having done things we were meant to do. It's important to keep active and to try and achieve your goals. And there's a huge value in having gained experience in other things which you can then apply to what you decide to do. So no matter your age, go for it."

- Khanyi Dhlomo is the Managing Director of Ndalo Media, which she founded in 2007. She is also the founder of DestinyConnect and the founding editor of Destiny Magazine. Before starting her own media company, Khanyi was editor of True Love magazine for eight years. In 2013, Khanyi ventured in retail and launched Luminance, a high-end fashion and lifestyle department store. Khanyi was named most influential woman in South African Media by The Media Magazine in 2003 and made the 2011 Forbes list of 20 Young Power Women in Africa.

Entrepreneur Advice from Margaret Hirsch: You've got to learn to be tough

February 17, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa) — Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa)

You need to learn to be tough....

"If you want to get ahead‚ you have to be tough. Sometimes toughness goes against what you have been taught as a little girl‚ but if you aren’t tough‚ people will walk all over you.”

- Margaret Hirsch is one half of a dynamic husband and wife duo that founded Hirsch's Homestores. Back in 1979, as a secretary, together with her husband Allan, then an appliance repair man, they unwittingly became entrepreneurs who went on to build an appliance, electronics and furnishing retail empire. Today, Hirsch's Homestores is the largest independently owned appliance and electronics business in Southern Africa, with seventeen branches and concept stores spread throughout South Africa.

Entrepreneur Advice from Shona Macdonald: Get involved with an incubation program

February 9, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Shona Macdonald, founder of Thursdays Lingerie and Swimwear (South Africa) — **Shona Macdonald**, founder of Thursdays Lingerie and Swimwear (South Africa)

Get involved with an incubation program....

"My advice to you as a start-up entrepreneur would be to get involved with an incubation program. I am with the Awethu Project, and on top of increasing my business knowledge and giving me the practical tools to run a successful business, they have opened a lot of doors for me in terms of networking and just being more aware of the business world and opportunities around me. It is also comforting to know that you are not alone, and have a network of support around you."

- Shona Macdonald is the founder of Thursdays Lingerie and Swimwear in South Africa, a company that designs and manufactures lingerie and swimwear for girls C cup and up. Thursdays is not a plus size brand, as they understand that a woman can have big boobs, regardless of the size of her waist. Shona is intent on building a proudly South African brand, and all her operations are conducted locally.

Entrepreneur Advice from Irene Ochem: Try to learn from your mistakes

February 5, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Irene Ochem, founder of ICO Conferences & Events Limited — **Irene Ochem**, founder of ICO Conferences & Events Limited

Try to learn from your mistakes....

"When you come across the road blocks, for you surely will, do not turn back; persistence and resilience are key factors for success. And, yes, you can make mistakes, but try to learn from your mistakes."

- Irene Ochem is the founder of African Women Innovation and Enterprise Forum (AWIEF) and the Managing Director of ICO Conferences & Events Limited, a full-service professional conference producing, event management and training company that operates across Africa and globally. Irene holds an MBA from the University of London.

Entrepreneur Advice from Lizelle Coombs: You are the master of your own destiny

February 4, 2016 Melanie Hawken

You are the master of your own destiny....

"Always remember, YOU are the master of your own destiny and only YOUR passion, commitment and dedication will bring you the rewards YOU desire."

- Lizelle Coombs is passionate about developing and empowering people. As a professional facilitator she works closely with both entrepreneurs and employers in South Africa. As an active networker, she focuses on connecting people, creating opportunities and sharing information whilst also building a network of reliable and trusted entrepreneurial service providers. She is involved in growing business entities, all dedicated to uplift and empower people through various facilitation and engagement methods.

Entrepreneur Advice from Damilola Solesi: You need to maximise every opportunity when you startup

January 29, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Damilola Solesi, founder of SMIDS Animation Studios, Nigeria — **Damilola Solesi**, founder of SMIDS Animation Studios, Nigeria

You need to go after every opportunity....

"As an entrepreneur, you need to be clever and go after every opportunity that presents itself to be able to grow, particularly when you are in a new and highly capitalised industry. At the beginning, it was hard to get people to put funds in an industry that had not been fully established."

- Damilola Solesi is founder, CEO and creative director of SMIDS Animation Studios Nigeria a company she founded in 2010. Smids animation studios is based in Lagos and creates 3D computer animation, 3D content production, motion graphics and visual effects. Damilola is also the pioneer of TechDivaz (now Women R.I.S.E), an initiative she started at the Co-Creation Hub. TechDivaz is a platform where women are inspired to expand their interests in technology through collaboration, networking, training, mentorship and funding to help them play a stronger role in growing the technology startup scene in Nigeria and Africa.

Entrepreneur Advice from Wendy Ackerman: Expect to work very hard

January 27, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Wendy Ackerman, co-founder and Executive Director of Pick n Pay — **Wendy Ackerman**, co-founder and Executive Director of Pick n Pay

You are entitled to nothing.... expect to work hard....

"I’m afraid there are no short cuts, you’ve just jolly well got to work - that’s all there is to it."

- Wendy Ackerman is one of the founders and an Executive Director of Pick n Pay Stores. Together with husband Raymond Ackerman she helped build up one of South Africa’s pre-eminent FMCG retailers, consisting of over 450 stores including 121 supermarkets and 14 hypermarkets. Operations are in food, clothing, and general merchandise sectors as well as financial services. The company operates throughout South Africa, southern Africa and Australia and employs around 49,000 people. Today, much of Wendy's boundless energy is devoted to her family's philanthropic endeavours and her personal work for the underprivileged.

Entrepreneur Advice from Gabriella von Ille - No questions are stupid questions

January 26, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Gabriella von Ille, founder of Lifa Communications (South Africa) — **Gabriella von Ille**, founder of Lifa Communications (South Africa)

No questions are stupid questions....

"Never be afraid to ask for help and to give the same help in return. No questions are stupid questions. It is not a competition, and not knowing everything is not a weakness. Working together helps you get more out of being an entrepreneur."

- Gabriella von Ille is the founder of Lifa Communications in South Africa, a boutique consultancy firm focused on Africa and Natural Resources. Lifa specializes in PR & Strategic Communication, Digital Design and Marketing & Branding. Gabriella has a double degree in Political Science and Communications from Sweden and the US.

Entrepreneur Advice from Kynaro Kinnear - You will find a way to be successful

January 25, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Kynaro Kinnear, founder of K2 PR and Events (South Africa) — **Kynaro Kinnear**, founder of K2 PR and Events (South Africa)

You will find a way to be successful....

"My advice to women wanting to start up a business is to ‘go for it’. Women are the strongest species in all ways - lionesses hunt, human females work, we look after the children, run a household and still have energy to go to a soccer match - if we can give birth to life, than we can do anything, no matter how difficult or challenging it may look. So take a breath and jump in because you will find a way to be successful."

- Kynaro Kinnear is the founder of K2 PR and Events, an event management and PR company in Johannesburg, South Africa. Kynaro is passionate about helping people, and today her company is centred around helping people, whether it be to help plan a wedding or help an NGO to launch a campaign.