What does it take to make it as a high-end luxury producer and brand?....

"First of all, you need to truly understand the industry. There is a big difference between aspiring to the luxury industry and actually understanding it. It is a very specific industry like any other. As an entrepreneur, you need to be able to create a compelling vision and passionately own the vision. Define the road map to execution and relentlessly drive the energy, talent and values necessary to ensure success. You need to become an execution machine. Building a venture from scratch is not for the faint hearted, you need to be courageous, tenacious and resilient. Never take no for an answer and be solution-oriented, constantly. You need to be passionate promoter for the development of global African luxury."

- Swaady Martin-Leke, an Ivorian entrepreneur, is founder of YSWARA, a growing African luxury brand. YSWARA creates elegant, high-end products using the continent’s natural resources, all produced by African artisans. Products include gourmet tea, chocolates and home and accessories collections such as homeware, spoons, home fragrances and artisan jewellery. Swaady aims to capture a true spirit of African luxury by reviving Africa’s endangered cultural heritage and unique ancestral craftsmanship. YSWARA is present in 4 countries -- South Africa, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and France -- with 15 different direct and indirect retail points.