Entrepreneur Advice from Rozanne Collings: Chase your dreams

November 8, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Rozanne Collings, founder of Chillalas (South Africa) — **Rozanne Collings**, founder of Chillalas (South Africa)

Chase your dreams....

"Don’t listen to logic. If you know that there is more to you than your 9-5, more to you than just being a mommy or a wife, then abandon logic and chase your dreams with all you have. Don’t let the naysayers kill your dreams!"

- Rozanne Collings is the founder of Chillalas in South Africa, a company that produces fresh, home-made and healthy chilli paste. Rozanne is a passionate and talented home cook who took her love of spice and turned it into a business that is inspiring other cooks who appreciate the culinary power of the chilli. Her new chilli paste brand Chillalas is livening up kitchens and meals across South Africa.

Entrepreneur advice for Eldari Visser: Never ever doubt yourself

November 7, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Eldari Visser, founder of Picketfence Life (South Africa) — **Eldari Visser**, founder of Picketfence Life (South Africa)

Never ever doubt yourself....

"Start as soon as possible - work on that dream. Never ever doubt yourself or listen to negative people. Don't let a bad economy stop you, but always keep your heart open for your customer. Without them you have nothing."

- Eldari Visser is the founder of Picketfence Life in South Africa, a one stop place for the consumer to find expert advice from financial coaches, lawyers, accountants and tax practitioners, life and business coaches, and even psychologists. Following a long and successful corporate career in training, lecturing and finance, Eldari decided to launch her company to support people by providing them with an avenue to easily reach expert advice.

Entrepreneur Advice from Omoyemi Akerele: Purpose and passion are the most important things

November 4, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Omoyemi Akerele, founder of Lagos Fashion and Design Week — **Omoyemi Akerele**, founder of Lagos Fashion and Design Week

Find your purpose and passion....

"Life is a journey. Once you understand that some of the most important things are purpose and passion driven, combined with a deeper need to make a difference beyond self as well as contribute in some way to what is happening around you, it certainly makes waking up daily an easier task for me. When you earn a living this way, it is certainly more fulfilling."

- Omoyemi Akerele founded the Lagos Fashion and Design Week in 2011 and is also founder and artistic director of Style House Files, the organising body behind the annual four-day fashion showcase. Style House Files is a Creative Development Agency that primarily focuses on the advancement of the Nigerian and African Fashion Industry. Omoyemi is widely regarded as a driving force behind the burgeoning Nigerian fashion industry. She helps brands gain essential international exposure through presenting showcases at Pitti Immagine in Italy, and through Lagos Fashion and Design Week.

Entrepreneur Advice from Robyn Victor: It's a steep learning curve

November 3, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Robyn Victor, founder of August — **Robyn Victor**, founder of August

Starting your own company is always a big learning curve....

"It is a big learning curve when you first start out, and in fact, I still learn something new every week. Try and get a business oriented person or a financial planner involved in the early days for essential advice and guidance."

- Robyn Victor is a Cape Town-based designer, born in Plettenberg Bay. She moved to Cape Town in 2002 to study Graphic Design in Advertising and then Fashion Design. In 2009, after 3 years of working and designing for the retail industry, she launched her own collection under the August label. Robyn’s design philosophy is pure and sophisticated, inspired by both the resort and casual sides of the South African lifestyle, and appealing to the fashion-minded, modern woman.

Entrepreneur Advice from Sarah Munyiva: You need a team behind you

November 1, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Sarah Munyiva, founder of Royal Maids Cleaning Services (Kenya) — **Sarah Munyiva**, founder of Royal Maids Cleaning Services (Kenya)

You need a team behind you....

"Entrepreneurship requires self-trust and it is so important that you have a team behind you, because things are going to get rough at some point, and you need people who think differently than you in order to prosper and problem-solve."

- Sarah Munyiva is the founder of Royal Maids Cleaning Services in Kenya, a residential and commercial cleaning company in Kenya offering weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and one-time cleanings. Royal Maids gives busy individuals and families clean, comfortable homes to return to and enjoy each day. Sarah began at the Royal Maids alongside her mother and continued to build and grow the business over the past 2 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Project Planning and Management from The University of Nairobi.

Entrepreneur Advice from Jenna Clifford: Perseverance is key

October 27, 2016 Melanie Hawken

You need passion, hard work and perseverance...

"Always have a passion for what you are doing or find something else to do. Dream, dream, dream and work hard! Results are only delivered on hours and hours of hard work. Always stay focused and resolute to your beliefs and value system. A belief in your market is imperative. Perseverance is key."

- 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 Lucy Kapkirwok: Never give up!

October 25, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Lucy Kapkirwok (L), founder and CEO of Sanpad Products (Kenya) — **Lucy Kapkirwok (L)**, founder and CEO of Sanpad Products (Kenya)

Never give up....

"Never give up, remain focused, seek support from like minded people, and never look back."

- Lucy Kapkirwok is a social entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Sanpad Products in Kenya. SANPAD is a sanitary pad-pant business, an innovative low cost initiative aimed at manufacturing affordable and accessible sanitary pads cum pants to address the needs of women and girls in resource poor settings. Lucy is committed to improving the lives of women and young girls in Africa, especially those from poor communities.

Entrepreneur Advice from Khanyi Dhlomo: Pursue your dreams passionately

October 24, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Don't try to emulate others - follow your own dreams....

"You shouldn’t set out to emulate anyone. Rather be the best you can be. Figure out what your passions are and get training and education to move forward in that field. Pursue your dreams passionately. Aim to be beautiful on the outside and the inside, and that way you’ll make a positive difference in people’s lives."

- 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 Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola: Build a great team for your start-up

October 21, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, founder of WeCyclers, Nigeria — **Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola**, founder of WeCyclers, Nigeria

The easiest way to get funding is to build a great team....

"You will be surprised at how quickly your idea will take off when you have a solid group of people that are equally passionate about it. Also, like our parents say, two or more heads are better than one. The diversity as well as the expanded network will amplify your chances of funding the venture."

- Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola is a Nigerian entrepreneur and innovator, and founder and CEO of WeCyclers. This Lagos-based company is focused on giving low-income communities in developing countries a chance to capture value from waste and clean up their neighborhoods through an incentive-based recycling program. Bilikiss holds an MBA from MIT and a Masters degree from Vanderbilt University. She is also a 2013 Echoing Green Fellow.

Entrepreneur Advice from Nkemdilim Begho: It takes sacrifice and hard work

October 20, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Nkemdilim Begho,  founder & Managing Director, Future Software Resources Limited (Nigeria) — Nkemdilim Begho, founder & Managing Director, Future Software Resources Limited (Nigeria)

It takes sacrifice and hard work....

"Be prepared to sacrifice, and to work harder than you’ve ever thought possible, Be prepared to work around the clock, to be laughed at and called a dreamer, and to be told several times that your ideas will not work."

- 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 Njeri Rionge: You need grit and determination to succeed as an entrepreneur

October 19, 2016 Melanie Hawken

You need grit and determination to succeed....

“Every single entrepreneur must have a backbone, if you don’t have the backbone and capacity to sustain and to be agile enough to organize your ideas and your business growth, then you’re probably not made up for business or entrepreneurship.”

- Njeri Rionge is one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurs and one of the very few women pioneers in the ICT sector on the African continent. She has co-founded internet service provider Wananchi Online, Ignite Consulting, Insite Limited, Business Lounge, and Njeri Rionge Business Consulting Inc. These days Njeri describes herself as a global citizen cross-pollinating her business interests in Africa, North America and Europe. She 'telecommutes' and regularly travels between her offices in Nairobi and Toronto.

Entrepreneur Advice from Angela Dick: Here's how to grow your business

October 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Angela Dick, founder and ceo of Transman, South Africa — **Angela Dick**, founder and ceo of Transman, South Africa

Top advice on how to grow your business....

"Think long-term and keep a steady focus. Take a hard look at your product and service offering and how it is performing in the market. Make sure you find ways of differentiating that product or service so that it is unique."

- Angela Dick is founder and CEO of Transman, the largest privately owned, temporary employment service provider in South Africa. Since the company’s inception in 1983, Angela and her team have been responsible for finding employment for and recruiting and placing between 7,000 to 10,000 temporary and contract staff daily into the workplace, with a focus on previously disadvantaged individuals. She has driven her company’s revenue from R85 000 in 1983 to R640 million today. Angela was the inaugural winner of the Business Woman of the Year Entrepreneurial category in 2006.

Entrepreneur Advice from Rapelang Rabana: Don’t try to be like others

October 17, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Rapelang Rabana, founder of Rekindle Learning (South Africa) — **Rapelang Rabana**, founder of Rekindle Learning (South Africa)

Learn to trust your intuition....

"... learn to trust your intuition and pursue the areas that interest you most. Software and technology is all about creating something from your imagination. Don’t try to be like others. Use your own unique perspective of the world to generate ideas and don’t be afraid to pursue those. You must be able to come up with an idea and trust yourself enough to pursue it."

- Rapelang Rabana is a South African technology entrepreneur and founder of Rekindle Learning, a company looking to improve education in Africa by turning people’s compulsion to check their phones into an opportunity to learn. Rapelang is a Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum, was chosen by Forbes as one of Africa’s Best Young Entrepreneurs, and listed on the ‘O Power List’ by The Oprah Magazine.

Entrepreneur Advice from Swaady Martin: Building a luxury brand from scratch is not for the faint hearted

October 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Swaady Martin, founder of YSWARA — **Swaady Martin**, founder of YSWARA

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.

Entrepreneur Advice from Margaret Hirsch: There is nothing you cannot do

October 10, 2016 Melanie Hawken

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

There is nothing you cannot do....

"You have to know that there is absolutely nothing you cannot do. You have endless potential, and opportunities present themselves all the time. You have to grab every one that comes your way. You have to wake up every day and say 'Thank you God for sparing me for this day'."

- 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 Bryony Parr: Don't be afraid

October 5, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Bryony Parr, founder of Oh So Organised (South Africa) — **Bryony Parr**, founder of Oh So Organised (South Africa)

Don't be afraid....

"Network! join as many groups as you can! Understand your business or product as well as you can so that when you talk about your business you are confident! Talk about your business to anyone and everyone. Don't be AFRAID!"

- Bryony Parr is the founder of Oh So Organised in South Africa, a company that offers a professional organising service to get your home or office space clean and organised. This professional organiser finds it truly rewarding to de-clutter and organise a space whether it be as small as a closet or a whole house or office. Bryony believes a tidy workspace is a tidy mind and and organised home is a happy heart.

Entrepreneur Advice from Adenike Ogunlesi: Learn from your mistakes and move on

September 30, 2016 Melanie Hawken

“And when you think you have made a mistake… take the learnings from it, dust yourself off and move on. Don’t stay in that place, just move on. But, if you hold onto your vision and what it is you want to create, the universe will align. It always does.”

- 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 Devotha Ntuke Minzi: It takes hard work

September 29, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Devotha Ntuke Minzi, founder of K-finance Limited (Tanzania) — **Devotha Ntuke Minzi**, founder of K-finance Limited (Tanzania)

It takes hard work....

"Hard Work - It is a sacrifice that you have to make. You have to be completely committed to your work, and enjoy it."

- Devotha Ntuke Minzi is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of K-finance Limited, a microfinance company providing financial services and business mentoring to small and medium scale entrepreneurs in Tanzania. Devotha holds a Masters in Economics from Youngstown State University, Ohio, USA, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Poverty Analysis from the International Institute of Social Studies of Erasmus University Rotterdam in The Hague, Netherlands. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Devotha worked in the policy and research department at the Central Bank of Tanzania for more than 20 years.

Entrepreneur Advice from Lucilla Blankenberg: Failure's a chance to learn

September 28, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Lucilla Blankenberg, founder of Off the Ground Media (South Africa) — **Lucilla Blankenberg**, founder of Off the Ground Media (South Africa)

Failure's a chance to learn....

"There is no such thing as failure, only learning for next time."

- Lucilla Blankenberg is the founder of Off the Ground Media, a South African media company focused on television, radio, print, outdoor and media campaign management and development for brands and companies. Lucilla is experienced in directing and producing all forms of media. Her television projects have included the coming of age youth drama series, Amaza, featured on SABC 1; and a documentary project, A Country for my Daughter, which won her a Gender and Media Award for best documentary.

Entrepreneur Advice from Natasha Sideris: Don't let a lack of money put you off

September 23, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Natasha Sideris, founder of Tashas (South Africa) — **Natasha Sideris**, founder of Tashas (South Africa)

Don't let a lack of money put you off....

"Money helps, but you can get very far with hard work, tenacity and ingenuity. Don't let money put you off. Too many entrepreneurs feel that they can't pursue their dreams because they don't have money. That's just not true. If you're willing to work extremely hard, you can make it happen,"

- Natasha Sideris is founder of the great entrepreneurial success story, Tashas, a chain of upmarket boutique cafes that can be found across South Africa and in Dubai. Natasha originally borrowed money from loan sharks to get her first restaurant started, and ended up working 14 hours a day for "four or five months" without a day off to repay them. But she knew after the first month the concept was a winner. Today, there are twelve highly popular restaurants in this passionate foodie's growing portfolio and she is well on her way to becoming a global restaurant group.