Entrepreneur Advice from Gwendolyne Gosselin: Believe in yourself

January 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Gwendolyne Gosselin, founder of Mathilde & Co. (South Africa) — **Gwendolyne Gosselin**, founder of Mathilde & Co. (South Africa)

Believe in yourself…

“If you believe in your idea and you've done the research, do it. But don't expect it to happen over night and don't give up when times are tough, because they will be. It may sound as a cliche, but believe in yourself and never give up, it will happen.”

- Gwendolyne Gosselin is the founder of Mathilde & Co. in South Africa, a women’s empowerment project based in a small rural village in the Klein Karoo that makes high quality Shweshwe fabric toys and clothing for babies, children and adults. Back in 2010, with an old vintage sewing machine and $20 worth of fabrics, Gwendolyne started Mathilde & Co., teaching herself how to sew along the way. One thing led to another and 4 years later she now provides part time work for 5 ladies in her small community.

Entrepreneur Advice from Nicola Bokaba: Find an empathetic mentor

January 12, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Nicola Bokaba, founder of Earthy Cook (South Africa) — **Nicola Bokaba**, founder of Earthy Cook (South Africa)

Find an empathetic mentor…

“One of the most invaluable things to have is a knowledgeable, empathetic mentor who pushes you beyond your comfort zone… Almost every successful entrepreneur I’ve heard of has recounted experiences of rejection and even ridicule on their journey. A great mentor can act as a buffer during those and other challenging times.”

- Nicola Bokaba is the founder of Earthy Cook in South Africa, a company that makes hand-made, personalized and customer branded products for the home kitchen and the hospitality industry. She currently employs 4 people and plans to work with a local college to bring in qualifying students to help meet her expansion plans in exchange for work opportunities.

Entrepreneur Advice from Dené Carlile: Build a solid foundation

January 10, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Dené Carlile, founder of BluMallow Social & Design (South Africa) — **Dené Carlile**, founder of BluMallow Social & Design (South Africa)

Set up your foundation!…

“Do your research and do it well. Planning is so important. Take the time to give your business the best possible chance of success. Don't be afraid to ask questions, learn how to network, read articles, listen to podcasts, work late hours building up those first customers and give them a great experience! Without a solid foundation, you will simply be blown over.”

- Dené Carlile is the founder of BluMallow Social & Design in South Africa, a company providing social media management, marketing, advertising and design to companies of all sizes at affordable rates. Dené has over 7 years experience in Graphic design and Social Media Management and has worked for clients ranging from SMEs right up to Multi-national Corporates, and has been awarded several Service Excellence awards.

Entrepreneur Advice from Sihle Hlophe: Go for it!

January 9, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Sihle Hlophe is the founder of Passion Seed Communications in South Africa — **Sihle Hlophe** is the founder of Passion Seed Communications in South Africa

Go for it!…

“Do your research and just take the plunge. Believe in yourself and others will do the same. You are enough. Be diligent with your finances. Don’t be intimidated by the sales process. Don't allow anything or anyone to dim your light. Shine! Read about the journeys of other female entrepreneurs and draw strength and inspiration from them. Life is too short to turn your back on your dreams. Gratitude is the key to true happiness. Most importantly, as we always say at Passion Seed Communications, do it with passion or not at all.”

- Sihle Hlophe is the founder of Passion Seed Communications in South Africa, a film and television production company that is geared towards giving a platform to minority languages and minority groups. Sihle produces fiction and non-fiction content for theatrical release, live event coverage and corporate videos. Passion Seed has been commissioned by organizations such as the National Film & Video Foundation, the Foundation For Human Rights, SAB Miller, the Hot Docs Blue Ice Group Fund, and the New York Times.

Entrepreneur Advice from Que Lebatha: Build your brand

January 8, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Que Lebatha, founder of Que Lebatha Consulting (South Africa) — **Que Lebatha**, founder of Que Lebatha Consulting (South Africa)

Build your brand…

“… it’s very important to believe in what you have to offer in the world, and then to wear that on your sleeve and completely be about that thing. This means ensuring things like having a professional email address (Google Business, for example), a business card, cleaning up your LinkedIn profile, and setting up a website - these are all simple steps that tell the world that you are taking yourself seriously. Once that happens, any business you start from there already has a solid foundation on which to stand.”

- Que Lebatha is the founder of Que Lebatha Consulting in South Africa, an integrated Marketing Communications agency that provides companies with Public Relations, Social Media and Event Management services. Que specializes in strategy development and implementation in the marketing communication field. She has worked on a number of campaigns with brands such as Montecasino, Tsogo Sun, Absa, Tsheto Leadership and Coaching Academy and Three Ring Circus.

Entrepreneur Advice from Bev Missing - Stay authentic and true to your brand

January 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Bev Missing, founder of RAIN (South Africa) — **Bev Missing**, founder of RAIN (South Africa)

You need to stay authentic....

"The challenge as a business is to stay authentic and true to your brand. How do we achieve this? By having formalized mission statements, clear vision and company ethos and by revisiting our values each time we make critical direction altering decisions."

- Bev Missing is the founder of South African body and bath product brand RAIN. Back in 1999 Bev saw a gap in the market to start making soap as it was labour intensive and all the lovely soap at that stage were imported. Bev started the project in her garage hoping to help solve unemployment in her hometown of Ladybrand, and to make a difference in the lives of the poor and jobless. Today, RAIN has eight stores across South Africa, two unique wellness spa's, and two stores in New York. Bev has recently signed two huge contracts to open a further 70 Rain stores in the USA and Canada and then 40 in the UK and Ireland.

Entrepreneur Advice from Anna Cole Ojukwu: Start small

January 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Anna Cole Ojukwu, founder of Pernia Couture (Ghana) — **Anna Cole Ojukwu**, founder of Pernia Couture (Ghana)

Start small....

"Start, no matter how small. Don’t sit down waiting for a very huge amount of capital because you might not have it, but starting small will rather let people around you see how determined you are and might push them to invest into your business. Also starting small minimizes your losses just in case the worst happens…"

- Anna Cole Ojukwu is the founder of Pernia Couture, an exciting fashion brand from Ghana using African beads to design and manufacture ladies’ accessories like neck pieces, bags, slippers and also transforms different African prints into beautiful ladies clothing. Anna's love for fashion began at an early age, originally inspired by her mother, Mrs. Mary Coleman, a seamstress who created rich and vibrant garments. She is passionate about growing her brand both locally and internationally and to promote African culture through her works.

Entrepreneur Advice from Terryanne Chebet: Tough times help us grow

January 3, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Terryanne Chebet, founder of Keyara Organics (Kenya) — **Terryanne Chebet**, founder of Keyara Organics (Kenya)

Tough times help us grow....

"When times are tough, and there are many such times, we are forced to think, be creative, and then for sure we can really grow from both a personal perspective and as a woman entrepreneur."

- Terryanne Chebet is a household name in Kenya, having worked as an actress, television news anchor, reporter and producer. Outside the glitz and glamour of television, Terryanne is also a successful entrepreneur having founded two businesses. Scarlet Digital is an advertising, communications and digital branding agency; and Keyara Organics, is a natural skin and hair care brand.

Entrepreneur Advice from Shereen Makhanye: Be the best of yourself

January 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Shereen Makhanye, founder of Nubian Nature (South Africa)

Be the best of yourself....

"If you have an idea you believe in, just start. There's no secret or trick to it. The universe is conspiring on your behalf, all you need to do is show up with the best of yourself."

- Shereen Makhanye is the founder of Nubian Nature, a natural hair care business she launched in South Africa in 2013. Her struggle to source local natural African hair care products was the driver to start Nubian Nature. Shereen's dream of sharing the experience and richness of Africa with Africans and the rest of world by putting together the best of Nature & Science brought Nubian Nature to life. Her love for hair and science stems from having grown up known as her local township’s resident stylist and her dream of one day becoming a Scientist.

Entrepreneur Advice from Ana Alecia Lyman: Be courageous

December 21, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Ana Alecia Lyman, founder of Bio Óleos de Miombo and Grupo Trichilia (Mozambique) — **Ana Alecia Lyman**, founder of Bio Óleos de Miombo and Grupo Trichilia (Mozambique)

Be courageous....

"Seek out mentors and skilled expertise. And, be courageous. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it."

- Ana Alecia Lyman is a specialist in value chain development for non-timber forest products. She is the founder and Managing Director of Bio Óleos de Miombo, a company producing high-quality, natural skin care products based in locally available ingredients from the Mozambican landscape. She is also a co-founder of Trichilia Group, a startup focused on bulk processing of indigenous oilseed species for the local and international markets. She has done extensive consulting work in the field, including market research, business plan development and supply chain planning for inclusive business models focused on engaging rural women. For the last three years, Ana Alecia has sat on the Board of Directors for PhytoTrade Africa, the Southern African natural products trade association. She is also a graphic designer with 20 years of professional experience.

Entrepreneur Advice from Deidrè Akaloo and Lynnette Murua: Believe!

December 20, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Deidrè Akaloo and Lynnette Murua, founders of Earth Elements (South Africa) — **Deidrè Akaloo and Lynnette Murua**, founders of Earth Elements (South Africa)

Believe!...

"Believe in what you do and the rest will follow. Live fearlessly with the vision only to succeed, in any way or form which positively contributes to all."

- Deidrè Akaloo and Lynnette Murua are the founders of Earth Elements in South Africa, a company that hand-makes organic and natural body products. This family business established in 2016 by sisters, Deidrè Akaloo and Lynnette Murua is on a journey to create environmentally friendly products. They are passionate about creating products that are handcrafted, organic and chemical-free using only the best quality natural, raw ingredients that are ethically sourced from fair community trade.

Entrepreneur Advice from Agata Karolina: Follow your intuition

December 19, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Agata Karolina, founder of House of Gozdawa (South Africa) — **Agata Karolina**, founder of House of Gozdawa (South Africa)

Follow your intuition.....

"It is the strength of women that puts us in a much better position than a lot of men - we are more sensitive towards our work, which means that we really understand our market spaces. So it is all about believing in what you do, not being afraid to stand out, standing up for what you want, and following your intuition."

- Agata Karolina is the founder of House of Gozdawa, a small batch perfumery company founded in Cape Town in 2015, dedicated to creating high quality epicene scents, following a strict production utilising only natural essential oils and carriers. Each scent is personally developed by Agata, a design initiator and curator who studied Contextual Design Masters at the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2009 before returning to Cape Town to pursue her passion for perfumery and natural scents.

Entrepreneur Advice from Raksha Mahabeer: Embrace collaboration

December 18, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Raksha Mahabeer (R) is the co-founder of SummerTime (South Africa) — Raksha Mahabeer (R) is the co-founder of SummerTime (South Africa)

Embrace collaboration....

"Embrace a stance of collaboration instead of competition. As women, we’ve got so much of work to do on this continent. Let’s work together, to learn new things, to welcome new entries into the market, to compliment and complement each other’s product and service offerings, and to hold each other up. Together, we can achieve so much more!"

- Raksha Mahabeer is a co-founder of SummerTime in South Africa, a vibrant creative design studio that specialises in fresh graphic design, comprehensive brand development and innovative marketing support services for both SMEs and corporate clients. Raksha is a connector, a communicator, a purpose-driven, inspired inspirer! She prides herself in partnering with SME’s in establishing new South African brands with a view to creating jobs in South Africa.

Entrepreneur Advice from Monica Musonda: Be innovative

December 15, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Monica Musonda, founder and CEO of Java Foods, Zambia — **Monica Musonda**, founder and CEO of Java Foods, Zambia

Be innovative....

"There is no such thing as a free lunch, and there is no substitute for hard work. Be open to new ideas, especially with marketing tools. Choose the best way to sell your business effectively and efficiently. Take advantage of social media as well."

- Monica Musonda is founder and Chief Executive Officer of Java Foods, a food processing company based in Zambia. Monica's vision is to revolutionize the eating habits of the youth market by offering them affordable and nutritious food options made from local products. Monica is a dual-qualified English solicitor and Zambian advocate with over 15 years of experience in legal practice and corporate management, including being corporate counsel at the International Finance Corporation and for Aliko Dangote of Dangote Industries Limited.

Entrepreneur Advice from Ancha Salvador: Pursue your idea

December 14, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Ancha Salvador, founder of Anchaa's Gluten Free (Mozambique) — **Ancha Salvador**, founder of Anchaa's Gluten Free (Mozambique)

Pursue your idea....

"If you think you have a good idea go after it, never give up, and try to get help from the right people."

- Ancha Salvador is the founder of Anchaa's Gluten Free in Mozambique, a company that produces a range of gluten free food products. Ancha's journey to building her health food business has followed a very personal quest to finding solutions and alternatives to overcoming her intolerance to gluten, lactose and sugar. Her deep understanding of the problem has led her to create a range of exciting food products for people with similar dietary needs to enjoy.

Entrepreneur Advice from Thokoza Mjo: Back yourself

December 13, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Thokoza Mjo, founder of Beyond the Lemonade Stand (South Africa) — **Thokoza Mjo**, founder of Beyond the Lemonade Stand (South Africa)

Back yourself....

"Starting a business, for me, is the best expression of backing yourself (taking a chance on you), believing that you have the ability to create value for yourself and for others. Don't put it off any longer, there's no better time than now."

- Thokoza Mjo is the founder of Beyond the Lemonade Stand in South Africa, a social venture that finds and accelerates teenage led enterprises. Thokoza is a finance graduate and worked in the investment field for 3 years before choosing to pursue her entrepreneurial aspirations. Her first entrepreneurial project was in high school where she and a friend sold sweets to their peers.

Entrepreneur Advice from Nthabiseng Mosia: You can be the change

December 12, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Nthabiseng Mosia, co-founder of Easy Solar (Sierra Leone) — **Nthabiseng Mosia**, co-founder of Easy Solar (Sierra Leone)

You can be the change....

"Never apologize for wanting a seat at the table and pursuing your dreams. For African women in particular, there will be times, in fact more often than not, when you look around a room (whether it’s of investors, fellow entrepreneurs, or potential partners) and wonder where your place is in this world of white men, this world that you want to be a part of, one of innovators, rebels, adventurers, game-changers. Don't let feeling like an outlier deter you from being the change in representation that you want to see in the world."

Nthabiseng Mosia is the co-founder of Easy Solar, a Sierra Leone based social venture, that makes clean energy affordable to those off-the-grid by offering solar-powered devices on a “rent-to-own” financing structure, enabled by embedded Pay-As-You-Go technology and mobile money. Nthabiseng is passionate about crafting solutions that address challenges at the nexus of energy and development. The idea for Easy Solar originally arose while pursuing her Masters Degree at Columbia University in the United States.

Entrepreneur Advice from Rahel Mwitula Williams: It can be done!

December 11, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Rahel Mwitula Williams, founder of ILAVA (Tanzania/Kenya) — **Rahel Mwitula William**s, founder of ILAVA (Tanzania/Kenya)

It can be done!...

"Go ahead, DREAM BIG but have an ACTION PLAN. Every day do something towards realizing that dream. But, be aware of dream killers. You will always have people that will give you millions of reasons as to why your dream will not happen, but you can always find millions of reasons as to how you can make it can happen. Therefore, choose your company wisely. You will work hard for what you believe in, and there will be times when you will doubt yourself and you will want to quit, but don’t give up - press forward - it can be done!"

- Rahel Mwitula Williams is the founder and lead designer of ILAVA. As a social entrepreneur, she was born and raised in Tanzania, East Africa. She migrated to the USA with her family when she was 12 years old and held her Tanzanian heritage near to her heart. She obtained her bachelor of science degree in psychology from Loyola University and went on to receive her Master’s of Science from DePaul University in Chicago, Il. Rahel believes that women entrepreneurs are key in enhancing both women’s and overall community development. She aims to incorporate her culture into fashion and give back to her native country every chance she gets. While popular culture may see African attire as a trend, Rahel sees it as a lifestyle.

Entrepreneur Advice from Anila Mussá: Plan, focus and persist

December 8, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Anila Mussá, founder of IZYSHOP (Mozambique) — **Anila Mussá**, founder of IZYSHOP (Mozambique)

Plan, focus and persist....

"Plan and prepare a small business plan (write your idea on paper, how you want to run the business, how much you will sell, who your audience is, etc.) and execute your plan. Do not overthink things, and do not be afraid of failure. Only the day-to-day operation of the business will tell you the needs, the problems, the positive aspects, etc. And with focus and persistence, it is possible to overcome or circumvent any obstacles."

- Anila Mussá is the founder of IZYSHOP in Mozambique, a multi-award winning online supermarket, connecting local small and medium size producers to consumer markets, giving producers access to a broader market and income increase, and consumers a more convenient shopping experience. Born in the small city of Inhambane in Mozambique, Anila learned from a young age the art of getting things done and the value of hard work. Her first business at the age of 12 years old was selling cookies at school so she could buy her school lunch.

Entrepreneur Advice from Helen Njoroge - Start innovating

December 7, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Helen Njoroge, founder of Tenders Kenya — **Helen Njoroge**, founder of Tenders Kenya

Start innovating....

"I encourage women, especially the young women, to come up with innovative products and services and deviate from engaging in "traditional" entrepreneurial opportunities."

- Helen Njoroge, is the founder of Tenders Kenya, Kenya’s Number 1 Tender Site, where she is in charge of overseeing the strategic growth, profitability and development of the business. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Moi University and a Masters degree in Population Studies from the University of Nairobi. She has extensive experience in the NGO sector and in particular, women economic empowerment, policy advocacy and lobbying.