Entrepreneur Advice from Thiitu Karega: Start as you intend to finish

July 25, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Thiitu Karega, founder Binti Naturals (Kenya) — **Thiitu Karega**, founder Binti Naturals (Kenya)

Start as you intend to finish....

"Start as you intend to finish. Too many times we cut corners in the beginning so that when we finally succeed we are embarrassed by things we did when we were just starting out. Register your company, pay your taxes, and leave nothing to chance."

- Thiitu Karega is the founder of Binti Naturals in Kenya, a beauty company that makes organic hair and body products from natural oils and extracts found on the African continent. Thiitu is trained in International Relations and Management and worked for 10 years in the corporate world before start her beauty company. Her goal is to become a premier organic beauty company built on the values that African beauty is historically known for.

Entrepreneur Advice from Tinyiko Mareane & Boitumelo Mogoai: Fight for your dreams

July 7, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Tinyiko Mareane & Boitumelo Mogoai, founders of Nik Muffins (South Africa) — **Tinyiko Mareane & Boitumelo Mogoai**, founders of Nik Muffins (South Africa)

Fight for your dreams....

"Do not give up no matter what. Fight for your dreams. When people can't do something, they want to tell you that you can't. Don't let them. You made a promise to yourself to succeed, so be a woman of your word to yourself."

- Tinyiko Mareane & Boitumelo Mogoai are the founders of Nik Muffins in South Africa, a social enterprise that sells muffins and customised cupcakes and cakes and uses the portion of profits to assist girls in Soweto by teaching them life skills, giving them access to mentorship, and providing them with information resources they are typically unable to access.

Entrepreneur Advice from Emma Tandoh: Don't let the fear stop you

June 30, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Emma Tandoh, founder and CEO of Outspoken Edge (Ghana) — **Emma Tandoh**, founder and CEO of Outspoken Edge (Ghana)

Don't let the fear stop you....

"Do it already! It's important to take the leap and make the mistakes early. Don't let the fear stop you; just jump and build your wings on the way down. As an entrepreneur, it’s important to be self-motivated and constantly create opportunities for yourself. In my career, I’ve had absolutely nothing handed out to me on a silver platter and there's no shortcut to the success you envision for your business."

- Emma Tandoh is the founder and CEO of Outspoken Edge in Ghana, a digital marketing and content development business that offers a tailor-made bouquet of e-marketing, social media and content marketing and web services for SMEs and women-led businesses in Ghana and across Africa. Emma is an ambitious, resourceful, multilingual writer, digital media and technology enthusiast. She studied Information Studies, Economics, and Geography at the University of Ghana, Legon, graduating in 2007 with a BA Honours in Geography and Resource Development.

Entrepreneur Advice from Rana Alaa: Don't hesitate in following your passions

June 24, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Rana Alaa, co-founder and technical director of SolarizEgypt — Rana Alaa, co-founder and technical director of SolarizEgypt

Don't hesitate in following your passions....

“My advice for female entrepreneurs is not to hesitate in following your passions and diving into the field. Being a female in a male dominated discipline is not as hard as it sounds, you gain a lot of respect and knowledge by being on the ground. You must also always have perseverance and flexibility in finding creative solutions to obstacles.”

- Rana Alaa is the co-founder and technical director of SolarizEgypt. This Egyptian entrepreneur and environmental engineer from Cairo had stints at both Intel and Shell before she co-founded her solar energy start-up which has developed solar innovative technologies with financial mechanisms to provide consumers with uninterrupted power at an affordable cost. Rana holds a BSc in Electronic Engineering and an MSc in Environmental Engineering from the American University in Cairo. She has grown the SolarizEgypt team to six professionals who grew the company at an average rate of 300% in the last two years. Her passion is to create a greener, cleaner Egypt.

Entrepreneur Advice from Khanyi Dhlomo: You can't be everywhere at once

June 22, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Khanyi Dhlomo, founder and Managing Director of Ndalo Media (South Africa) — Khanyi Dhlomo, founder and Managing Director of Ndalo Media (South Africa)

When balancing career and family you need to get comfortable with the fact that you can't be everywhere at once....

"We have to be comfortable with the idea of not being able to be everywhere we are required. Be comfortable that wherever you are the most important thing is that you are giving that particular situation the best of you and the best of your time,"

- Khanyi Dhlomo is the founder and 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 Adenike Ogunlesi: Self development makes you know yourself

May 23, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Adenike 'Nike' Ogunlesi, founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble (Nigeria) — Adenike 'Nike' Ogunlesi, founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble (Nigeria)

Self development makes you know yourself....

“Be focused and clear in your mind about what you want to do. If you set out to do something, complete it. Don’t procrastinate. It is also important that you develop yourself. Finish your degree and then you start a whole way of learning. Self development makes you know yourself, your strengths and weaknesses.”

- 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 Janet Nkubana: My top advice to any woman starting up a business

May 20, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Top advice for women starting up?....

"They should know what they are best at rather than seeing what others are doing. They need to know who their competitors and clients are, and give their customers good value for their money."

- Janet Nkubana, co-founded Gahaya Links Cooperatives with her sister Joy Ndungutse shortly after the Rwandan genocide ended in 1994. These inspiring sisters had a vision to turn ancient basket weaving skills into a source of livelihood for thousands of rural women. Many of the women, like Janet and Joy themselves, were returning refugees or survivors of the genocide. The women started weaving baskets in exchange for food. Initially bringing together about twenty women, the sisters taught them how to weave and how to enhance their weaving skills with new design techniques. Today, Gahaya Links manages a network of over 4,000 weavers across the country, organised into around 52 cooperatives that help provide much needed income and stability. The sisters have successfully opened the business to international markets, partnering with the likes of Macy’s, Walmart, Oprah Magazine, and Kate Spade. Today, Gahaya Links "Peace Baskets” are sold and admired the world over.

Entrepreneur Advice from Basadi Ohimile: Implement your dreams

May 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Basadi Ohimile, founder of The Concept King (Botswana) — **Basadi Ohimile**, founder of The Concept King (Botswana)

Implement your dreams....

"As much as the lion is the King of the jungle, a lioness raises and builds the cohesiveness of the family. Rise the innate lioness in you and start building - the hustles will come - allow them to be the curve-balls that will help you to build your entrepreneurial journey. Extend your hands and hold on to other like minded people as you and go forward to implement your dreams."

- Basadi Ohimile is the founder of The Concept King in Botswana, a creative company specialising in communication and advertising services in its broad spectrum. After completing her studies and graduating in South Africa, Basadi was confronted by the all too common reality of not being able to find a job. She decided to take the entrepreneurial approach and opened her first venture in South Africa in 2014, subsequently also launching in Botswana.

Entrepreneur Advice from Baitse Phejane: Start small and network

May 16, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Baitse Phejane, founder of Akili Communications (South Africa) — **Baitse Phejane**, founder of Akili Communications (South Africa)

Start small and network....

"Do what you are good at and passionate about; understand the value you want to add; start small and network."

- Baitse Phejane is the founder of Akili Communications in South Africa, a full service communications and enterprise development company offering high-end solutions to the SME market. Baitse screens and segments SMEs and assists them to gain access to opportunities and markets. Prior to launching her own business Baitse was a Business Analyst for a large banking group in South Africa.

Entrepreneur Advice from Ruth Kwalanda: It's okay to ask for help

May 13, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Ruth Kwalanda, founder of CIAR Management Institute (Kenya) — **Ruth Kwalanda**, founder of CIAR Management Institute (Kenya)

It's okay to ask for help....

“If you are ever in doubt about anything, ask. There is always someone willing to help you. These days I ask a lot more questions as I run my business and know it’s OK to make mistakes as I go along.”

- Ruth Kwalanda is the founder of CIAR Management Institute, a corporate training business and provider of Kenya’s first E-learning platform. Ruth has been a leading provider of human capital development solutions to professionals and business communities in Africa for more than 5 years, facilitating business knowledge and skills transfer through cutting edge conferences, training programmes and e-learning.

Entrepreneur Advice from Gabriella von Ille: Learn to handle the bad days

May 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken

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

Learn how to handle the bad days...

"Being an entrepreneur means dealing with constant ups and downs. There are great days, when everything goes right and you handle everything with such zeal, but then there are other days that aren't so good. It is all about how you handle the bad days."

- 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 Keri Muller: How can artists, makers & crafters get their creations to market?

May 10, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Keri Muller, founder of Simple Intrigue — **Keri Muller**, founder of Simple Intrigue

How can women start to market their products?....

"Just as I did, I would suggest that they start making things and then do the hard legwork of visiting shops, finding out who the buyers are and what they are buying. Knocking on people’s doors in the retail business and showing them samples of what they have produced, and they will learn as they go how to sell and market their own products and creations. It is hard work but it can pay off in the long run."

- Keri Muller is the founder and creative force behind Simple Intrigue, a Cape Town-based company that produces wonderfully creative art, installations and decor items. Keri is a treasure hunter, hoarder, maker of stuff, collector, browser, day dreamer, walker, and traveller. Simply put, Keri is a maker of stuff. She folds, glues and cuts paper and old books into artworks, traditional origami shapes and more abstract pieces. Popup books and cards, delicate paper mobiles and a humorous range of sketch prints are all part of her retail range of products. Keri also works on commissions for writing projects and publications, develops new products for corporates, functions, weddings or as special gifts.

Entrepreneur Advice from Nkemdilim Begho: It's OK to ask for help!

May 9, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Nkemdilim Begho, founder and Managing Director of Future Software Resources Limited, Nigeria — Nkemdilim Begho, founder and Managing Director of Future Software Resources Limited, Nigeria

Get help when you need it and never make the same mistake twice....

"One thing I always tell myself and made my philosophy is to admit when I need help and I always find somebody to help. It’s crucial to admit it when you are wrong and never make the same mistake again."

- 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.

Entrepreneur Advice from Leslie Okoye: Take administrative systems and procedures seriously

May 6, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Leslie Okoye, founder of L’Okoye Cosmetics Inc. — **Leslie Okoye**, founder of L’Okoye Cosmetics Inc.

Take administrative systems and procedures seriously....

"Follow due processes and take every business step and procedure as it concerns your industry seriously. As young entrepreneurs, start-ups or small businesses, we tend to take for granted the system and procedures that large organizations have gone through because we feel it does not apply to us yet. I was one of those people - I just wanted to start and saw all these due processes as unnecessary barriers to entry. However, every process I skipped came back to haunt my business later and also slowed business growth. Instead of focusing on business development, I was forced to adopt the systems and go through the procedures I ran away from initially in order to stay in business."

- Leslie Okoye is the founder of L’Okoye Cosmetics Inc. and the CookieSkin® brand. This inspiring Nigerian entrepreneur develops and distributes quality skin care products for women of colour, distributing them worldwide via online and physical stores, supermarkets and spas. Leslie's mission to simplify skin care for the African woman began back in 2010 when she first launched her business.

Entrepreneur Advice from Kristine Pearson: Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer

May 4, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Kristine Pearson, founder of Lifeline Energy — **Kristine Pearson**, founder of Lifeline Energy

Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer....

"Don’t take ‘no’ for an answer, and be persistent. There have been many times in my adult life when someone else has said “It can’t be done”, “It won’t work”, “You can't do that”. If I feel strongly about something, I am relentless in finding a way, sometimes an unconventional way, to make it happen. You have to have tenacity. The social enterprise sector is tough. Rejection is far more prevalent than success, and being tenacious is fundamental."

- Kristine Pearson is the Chief Executive of Lifeline Energy, a pioneering social enterprise that designs, manufactures and distributes solar-powered and wind-up media players and radios for classrooms and community listening groups. Kristine has led Lifeline Energy strategically and operationally in the US and South Africa since 1999. Previously, she was an executive with a large South African banking group. Kristine is a fellow of the Schwab Foundation of the World Economic Forum, serves on the Women’s Leadership Board of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and was named a Hero of the Environment by Time magazine. She is the 2005 recipient of the James C. Morgan Global Humanitarian Award.

Entrepreneur Advice from Karin Rae Matthee: Designers must build their own brand and product authenticity

April 28, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Karin Rae Matthee, founder of Cape Town-based Dear Rae Jewellery — **Karin Rae Matthee**, founder of Cape Town-based Dear Rae Jewellery

Have the confidence to follow your own design instincts....

"I think there is a lot of copying and insecurity in the creative industry, so people often aren’t secure enough to follow what they have designed and be comfortable with who they individually are. I would advise them to stop looking at Pinterest and other people’s design blogs and actually focus on who they are as designers and creative people, and that is where the individuality and uniqueness lies. From there you can go on to create products that are needed in the world and that people can enjoy, and customers will appreciate the authenticity of your brand and your products."

- Karin Rae Matthee founded Cape Town-based Dear Rae Jewellery in 2010. She crafts jewellery that celebrates the beauty and ease of simplicity and this translates into functional jewellery that can be worn every day. Karin studied a BA fine Art (Jewellery and Metal Techniques) at Stellenbosch University and then advanced her studies at the Pforzheim Hochschule in Germany. All of Karin's pieces are lovingly hand-crafted in her in-store studio under the watchful gaze of customers.

Entrepreneur Advice from Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao: Get your business idea started

April 27, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao, founder of Malée Natural Science — Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao, founder of Malée Natural Science

Sometimes it's best to simply get started....

"Everyone starts from somewhere, so just start, get your business idea out there - it is better to have a product or business with feedback than a perfect one without."

- Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao is thefounder and owner of Malée Natural Science, a healthy luxury fragrance and body care range created in South Africa in 2010 inspired by the beauty and wealth of breath taking landscapes, wildlife, culture and history of Africa. Zeze combined her passion for pamper treats with her love for the African continent to create her business. She studied for a Masters in International Business at Grenoble graduate business school before launching her startup.

Entrepreneur Advice from Nkemdilim Begho: Here's how I got started with very little capital

April 25, 2016 Melanie Hawken

- Nkemdilim Begho, founder of Future Software Resources Limited (Nigeria) — - Nkemdilim Begho, founder of Future Software Resources Limited (Nigeria)

How to start up with limited capital....

"I started at the very basic and that is the module I have kept and practised over the years. We really never needed to raise capital. It’s been basically about re-investing in my business and not taking much money out…. we started very small and very basic and we only spent on things that were really necessary and not things we would like to have."

Entrepreneur Advice from Victoria Verbaan: Don’t be afraid of a 'NO' just keep going

April 22, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Victoria Verbaan, founder of Victoria Verbaan & the Smoking Daxi — **Victoria Verbaan**, founder of Victoria Verbaan & the Smoking Daxi

Follow your heart....

"Follow your heart, go with your gut, don’t be afraid of a NO, just keep going. Remember at all times to remain upbeat, that is my own personal mantra. Because it is difficult, and there are major struggles as an entrepreneur, but if you are passionate about what you do, and you are doing something that you love, then the money eventually comes."

- Victoria Verbaan the founder of Victoria Verbaan & the Smoking Daxi is an established designer, artist and illustrator. She works in a wide variety of artistic disciplines ranging from illustration and painting to the design of bespoke rugs, wallpaper, limited edition fine art prints, fabric and more recently, ceramics. Her commissioned artwork and fabric can be seen in local and international homes as well as restaurants and boutique hotels. Wallpaper Magazine recently named her as 1 of 20 reasons to visit South Africa.