Entrepreneur Advice from Emma Kaye: Choose your team very carefully

July 17, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Emma Kaye, founder of Bozza (South Africa) — **Emma Kaye**, founder of Bozza (South Africa)

Choose your team very carefully....

“You can see your company turn in a heartbeat from just a couple of bad people. So the most powerful thing for me is choose your team very carefully because your team is you. Always employ people who are far better than you at what you do, and empower them.”

- Emma Kaye is the founder of the Cape Town-based company, Bozza, a Pan-African digital music distribution platform that provides African artists a formal platform to promote and sell their work. Bozza offers a service that is trusted and transparent, enabling artists to connect with fans who want locally relevant content via their mobile devices or desktops. It is the platform to discover the next generation of talent. Emma Kaye has a number of other seminal and enduring business and industry ventures to her name.

Entrepreneur Advice from Judith Owigar: Do not stop

July 14, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Do not stop....

"Dream big, start small, start now. Just because you're not where you want to be does not mean you should give up. As long as you do not stop you will progress. I think this journey has developed some courage that I never thought I had within me."

- Judith Owigar is a coder, blogger and technologist; and the co-founder of Akirachix, a revolution for African women and technology. This social entrepreneur who uses technology as a tool to empower youth and young women, believes that exposure, education and use of technology can change the world. Through Akirachix she sought to increase the number of women who create technological solutions and in effect change the perception of technology by women. Judith is currently an ICT Advisor to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme.

Entrepreneur Advice from Deola Sagoe: Celebrate your cultural roots to build globally competitive products

July 12, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Deola Sagoe, haute couture fashion designer from Nigeria, on 'African Spirit' — **Deola Sagoe**, haute couture fashion designer from Nigeria, on *'African Spirit'*

African designers need to celebrate their cultural roots and fashion history in order to become globally competitive….

“When I started out, it was with a certain philosophy, because at that time it wasn’t cool to look African. Africa wasn’t on the map as it is now. … There was nothing really happening in terms of African fashion going global, or Africans being able to make a business of African fashion outside of the shore of Africa. So I went into it, sort of, to prove a point and to say ‘Listen. We can do this. We can add value.’ And to also bring the attention of the world to our own native abilities.”

- Deola Sagoe, leading lady of African fashion, is a haute couture fashion designer 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 Jacqueline Rogers: You need to adapt

July 11, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Jacqueline Rogers, founder of Label of Love (South Africa) — **Jacqueline Rogers**, founder of Label of Love (South Africa)

You have to be open to adapting....

".... you might have one plan in your head but your journey or business might have another plan for you. You need to adapt to where your business and journey goes. And just never, never, never give up. I still have to push and work hard to keep my business alive and push to the next level, and most of the time it's not easy, so its important to realize that. But when you hard work and effort comes together, it makes all the pain and sweat worthwhile. And ask for help, ask anyone and everyone that can help you - put yourself out there and talk about your business - you never know who might hear you or your story."

- Jacqueline Rogers is the founder of Label of Love, a South African company that designs feminine comfortable maternity wear. Jacqueline is on a mission to create the most beautiful clothes that make any mum-to-be feel special during this important time in their lives, whilst at the same time designing each garment to be comfortable, practical and long-lasting.

Entrepreneur Advice from Nikki Davies: Believe in yourself

July 6, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Nikki Davies, co-founder of Orchard Baby and Toddler Foods (South Africa) — **Nikki Davies**, co-founder of Orchard Baby and Toddler Foods (South Africa)

Believe in yourself....

"Just keep on believing in yourself and don’t take no for an answer. Pursue your dream and pursue your customers. Don’t ever let them down."

- Nikki Davies is the co-founder of Orchard Baby and Toddler Foods, a South African company that produces convenient yet healthy baby and toddler food from 100 percent natural ingredients, seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, with no preservatives. When Nikki, a teacher at the time, began cooking meals for babies at her school parents loved the taste profile and convenience of these meals that this service very quickly turned into a thriving business. Today, Nikki distributes nearly 6000 jars of this convenient real baby food each month.

Entrepreneur Advice from Kendi Sapepa: Get the ball rolling

July 4, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Kendi Sapepa, founder of Barbara McKenzie (South Africa) — **Kendi Sapepa**, founder of Barbara McKenzie (South Africa)

Get the ball rolling....

"There is no perfect time to start. Just do it. Don't wait for anything, just get the ball rolling."

- Kendi Sapepa is the founder of Barbara McKenzie in South Africa, a Johannesburg-based clothing brand that provides classic-inspired yet modern and fashion-forward clothing for stylish and fashionable women, through offering: consulting for bespoke orders, seasonal ready-to-wear collections, and styling service. Established in 2013, Barbara McKenzie has been catering for all women of all ages, races, shapes and sizes, all over the country.

Entrepreneur Advice from Megan Richards: Collaboration is powerful

July 3, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Megan Richards, founder of The Authentic Girl (South Africa) — **Megan Richards**, founder of The Authentic Girl (South Africa)

Collaboration is powerful....

"Just start! So many times we delay projects for fear of being judged or not having a perfect product. When I started blogging, I didn't have a perfect product but I learnt as I moved along. I am a firm believer in supporting other women entrepreneurs, there's so much power when women collaborate!"

- Megan Richards is the founder of The Authentic Girl in South Africa, a lifestyle blog that aims to inspire women through 3 lifestyle products namely fashion, beauty, food and wine. Megan started the blog in 2014 as a platform to share the things she loves. She is currently furthering her studies in Industrial Psychology.

Entrepreneur Advice from Manyara Chigunduru: Look for problems to solve

June 28, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Manyara Chigunduru, Founder & Managing Partner Marianhill Capital (Pvt) Ltd & Marianhill Chartered Accountants (Zimbabwe) — **Manyara Chigunduru**, Founder & Managing Partner Marianhill Capital (Pvt) Ltd & Marianhill Chartered Accountants (Zimbabwe)

Look for problems to solve....

"You don't need a lot of money to start. Just look at what is in your hands and start with that. What's in your hands can be a hobby that you are passionate about, or a qualification which you can use to make money. Look for problems in your country or your area and provide the solutions to those problems, that is the beginning of a fruitful business."

- Manyara Chigunduru is the Founder and Managing Partner of Marianhill Capital (Pvt) Ltd & Marianhill Chartered Accountants in Zimbabwe, offering financial advisory services, corporate finance, entrepreneurship development, and project finance to companies and individuals. Manyara, who is a Chartered Accountant (Zimbabwe) and a Registered Public Auditor has over 15 years’ experience in financial management, accounting, auditing and taxation.

Entrepreneur Advice from Mary Njoki: Discover your passion

June 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Mary Njoki, founder of Glass House PR (Kenya) — **Mary Njoki**, founder of Glass House PR (Kenya)

Discover your passion....

"Each woman has something to offer to the world, they just need to discover what they can do easily or what they are passionate about - they will then be able to create an authentic solution to a specific world problem that comes from who they are and what they can do."

- Mary Njoki is the founder of Glass House PR in Kenya, a communications and PR company that delivers professional communications strategy and support to their clients so they can reach their business and communication goals. Mary is on a mission to build a new kind of company; one that seeks to re-define Public Relations in Africa. Mary is providing the expertise, industry experience and the network needed to effectively manage today's corporate reputations.

Entrepreneur Advice from Stella Langat: Be ready to embrace opportunities

June 21, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Stella Langat, co-founder of Double Dee's (Kenya) — **Stella Langat**, co-founder of Double Dee's (Kenya)

Embrace opportunities....

"... be ready to embrace opportunities that will propel you a step further to fulfilling your entrepreneurial dream. And those opportunities sometimes come in the form of a disappointment or failure - for instance, an investor who says no might be the best person to approach as a mentor to help you make improvements on your business plan."

- Stella Langat is the co-founder of Double Dee's in Kenya, a company that produces elegant lingerie pieces for the busty Kenyan woman. Stella, who is presently studying economics at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs in the U.S., plans to return to Kenya after completing her degree. Together with her three women business partners she plans to open a lingerie store in the capital city of Nairobi. It will be the first such store in the country.

Entrepreneur Advice from Bilikiss Adebiyi: Get networking

June 20, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Get networking....

"Network! Network! Network! I cannot stress the importance of networking. It is very vital to growing yourself and your business."

- Bilikiss Adebiyi 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 a 2013 Echoing Green Fellow and WeCyclers were a Sustainia100 Company Award winner in 2014.

Entrepreneur Advice from Winnifred Selby: Motivation must come from within, not from others

June 16, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Winnifred Selby, co-founder of Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiative — **Winnifred Selby**, co-founder of Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiative

Draw inspiration and courage from your own dreams and passions....

"There were so many friends who laughed when they heard about the bamboo bike idea. Some people will definitely discourage you, but one thing I've realised in life is that you have to be focused. People never understand your journey because it is not theirs to understand."

- Winnifred Selby was just 17 years old when she co-founded Afrocentric Bamboo, a company that manufactures and markets bicycles made from bamboo under the brand Ghana Bamboo Bikes Initiative. Her company produces bikes that are both eco-friendly and affordable – US$100 for the local market – and made for the high terrain and rough roads of rural Ghana. Winnifred was selected as a finalist in the 2014 Edition of the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards.

Entrepreneur Advice from Liz Atukunda & Bunda Anne Katende: Just start!

June 15, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Liz Atukunda & Bunda Anne Katende, founders of BIIKA (Uganda) — **Liz Atukunda & Bunda Anne Katende**, founders of BIIKA (Uganda)

Just start!...

"Don’t wait for approval from someone else. Allow yourselves the opportunity to be vulnerable - after all, it’s a vulnerable place where you make something and launch it in public, not knowing if people will buy it or not, or if people will approve of it or not, or if your venture will be a continuous labor of love. So, just allow yourselves to be vulnerable and do it - from that place, wondrous things are born."

- Liz Atukunda & Bunda Anne Katende, founders of BIIKA, a brand that celebrates Africa Rising by harnessing local creative talent and materials to create its uniquely Ugandan range of authentic handbags and accessories. Liz is a lawyer and a banker with a great appreciation for beautiful things. Bunda is a childcare specialist who runs a preschool in Kampala and is also a mother of three beautiful children.

Entrepreneur Advice from Divine Ndhlukula: Keep investing in your business

June 14, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Divine Ndhlukula, founder of SECURICO Security Services (Zimbabwe) — **Divine Ndhlukula**, founder of SECURICO Security Services (Zimbabwe)

Keep investing in your business and watch it grow....

"I always say there is no easy road to anywhere worth going. One's got to apply themselves. One's got to put in that extra effort. One's got to have the discipline to be able to say: Look, I've made a bit of money, invest back the money into the business so that it grows.”

- Divine Ndhlukula founded SECURICO Security Services from humble beginnings in Zimbabwe in 1998. Divine identified a need in the market for a quality oriented security company and she has driven SECURICO to become the market leader in Zimbabwe. She has tackled a previously male-dominated industry head on and her business success story is nothing short of remarkable - marking her as one of Africa's most tenacious and inspiring women entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneur Advice from Rianke Chapman: Define your standards and your values

June 13, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Rianke Chapman, founder of Tutor For The Future (South Africa) — **Rianke Chapman**, founder of Tutor For The Future (South Africa)

Define your standards and your values....

"If you are about to start a business, it is important to define your standards and your values very early on. When challenges arise, it is important to not compromise on what you believe in and the quality of the product or service that you offer. Be consistent in your character and in the way that you do business. Have integrity and respect others. Get to know yourself better because there may be times when the only source of motivations comes from within. It is important to think positively, because the battle to overcome is first won in the mind."

- Rianke Chapman is the founder of Tutor For The Future in South Africa, a company that creates interactive learning material and runs programs to help learners strengthen the foundation of their education. Rianke's content and programs focus primarily on Maths and caters to school learners from Gr 4 to Gr 7, with programmes implemented in various needy communities and rural areas. This educational developer and entrepreneur cares for each and every learner she empowers and is passionate about ensuring a successful future for them.

Entrepreneur Advice from Tara Fela-Durotoye: How do you handle competition?

June 9, 2017 Melanie Hawken

How do you handle competition? ....

"For House of Tara, our drive has never been to be number one out of a thousand, we never aspired to be better than anyone else, we have always aspired to be us and stay true to who we are. I believe that as long as we are tied to our overall purpose, it will determine how successful we have become and how successful we are."

- 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 5,000 representatives spread across Nigeria and 14 makeup schools 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 Michelle Ntalami: Filter the noise

June 7, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Michelle Ntalami, founder of Marini Naturals (Kenya) — Michelle Ntalami, founder of Marini Naturals (Kenya)

Filter the noise....

"Do not second guess your capabilities. Believe in yourself and do not listen to background noise. Fear of the unknown is never from you, but those around you. Filter the noise, brush the dirt off your shoulders, and move on."

- Michelle Ntalami is the founder of Marini Naturals Kenya, a company that produces 100% natural and organic quality hair-care products, afro wigs and accessories for all natural-haired beauties. Michelle called her company "Marini Naturals" as it is a Swahili word for "Naturally Beautiful" or "Naturally Charming," just like a natural-haired woman, and just like her products. She is naturally a creative and artistic person and has a background in creative design, previously having worked with companies such as Safaricom, Coca Cola , and ScanGroup.

Entrepreneur Advice from Stephina Zwane and Salamina Mosese: It's a journey of a lifetime

June 6, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Stephina Zwane and Salamina Mosese, founders of Sorele Media (South Africa) — **Stephina Zwane and Salamina Mosese**, founders of Sorele Media (South Africa)

It's a journey of a lifetime....

"Be prepared to go on a roller coaster ride if you are looking to start up. It's one of the best journeys you will take in your life because you will learn things you never even knew you needed to know and you will meet the most amazing people while you are at it. You will find strength you never knew you had. So, DO IT!"

- Stephina Zwane and Salamina Mosese are the founders of Sorele Media, a TV and Film Production company that uses video to tell stories. They launched their online TV station in 2015, called AzaTV, which means Powerful in Swahili. The TV station is available online as well as on android and iOS app stores. These business partners are both media naturals, having grown up working on kid's TV as presenters and actresses.

Entrepreneur Advice from Divine Ndhlukula: Never stop learning

June 5, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Always keep on learning....

"I believe in learning all the time, I’m a life-long learner… I also believe in re-learning, because there are always new things coming out. My kids are teaching me things today.”

– Divine Ndhlukula founded SECURICO Security Services from humble beginnings in Zimbabwe in 1998. Divine identified a need in the market for a quality oriented security company and she has driven SECURICO to become the market leader in Zimbabwe. She has tackled a previously male-dominated industry head on and her business success story is nothing short of remarkable - marking her as one of Africa's most tenacious and inspiring women entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneur Advice from Lorna Rutto: Don't restrict yourself to 'typical' startup industries

June 2, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Lorna Rutto, founder of EcoPost, Kenya — **Lorna Rutto**, founder of EcoPost, Kenya

Women should consider a broader range of industries when starting businesses....

"I set up a business in the waste manufacturing industry, which is not a common type of business sector that women choose to venture into. Women should be courageous to start their businesses in a broader and more competitive range of sectors."

- Lorna Rutto is a Kenyan eco-preneur, and the inspiring founder of EcoPost, a social enterprise created in response to the need to find alternative waste management solutions to Kenya's huge plastic waste problem. In 2009 she founded her company, which collects plastic waste and manufactures commercially viable, highly durable, and importantly environmentally friendly fencing posts, used widely across Kenya. In 2011, Lorna was recognised by the prestigious Cartier Women's Initiative Awards as their laureate for sub-Saharan Africa.