Entrepreneur Advice from Zainab Ashadu: Organic growth is what you want

October 31, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Zainab Ashadu, founder of Zashadu Bags, Nigeria — **Zainab Ashadu**, founder of Zashadu Bags, Nigeria

Growing your business organically is the way to go....

“In terms of expansion, I strongly believe in organic growth as there is nothing more motivating or satisfying… The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to dream big, but start small.”

Zainab Ashadu, founder of Zashadu (Nigeria)

Entrepreneur Advice from Hend El Sherbini: Trust your gut

October 24, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Hend El Sherbini, CEO of Integrated Diagnostics Holdings (IDH) (Egypt)

Trust your gut….

"Don’t listen to what people are saying, because they’re probably jealous. You have to have a lot of self-confidence…. You’re not a second-rate citizen. Trust your gut.”

Hend El Sherbini, founder & CEO of Integrated Diagnostics Holdings (IDH) (Egypt)

Entrepreneur Advice from Johanna Mukoki: Invest in your staff

October 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Johanna Mukoki, speaking at the Annual Lionesses of Africa Conference 2016

Happy staff are key to your success…

“We learnt that the best way for us to build a lasting business has been to invest in our staff, and in training them well so that they want to stay and grow within our business.”

Johanna Mukoki, co-founder of Travel with Flair (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Hazel Aggrey-Orleans: It can be a lonely journey

October 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, founder of Eki Orleans

It can be a lonely journey….

“Being an entrepreneur is without doubt one of the hardest roles to take on as you are your own boss and it can be a lonely journey as you do not have the structure of an establishment to support you. I always tell myself though, if being an entrepreneur were easy, every one would do it.”

Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, founder of Eki Orleans

Entrepreneur Advice from Charlotte Aubin: Believe in yourself

October 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Charlotte Aubin, co-founder of GreenWish Partners (Mauritius)

Believe in yourself….

“A quote of Marianne Williamson: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light not our Darkness, that most frightens us.” So my advice to women is believe in yourself and surround yourself with peers and mentors that will support you on your entrepreneurial journey.”

Charlotte Aubin, co-founder of GreenWish Partners

Entrepreneur Advice from Jennifer Riria: Expect to make mistakes

October 3, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Dr. Jennifer Riria, Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding — **Dr. Jennifer Riria**, Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding

“Have the humility to accept your failure so that you can use that as a basis as you move on. I never say I have a problem, I say I have a challenge. A challenge is like a pearl [which] grows in an oyster and it is an irritant to the oyster but when they come out they are precious. So you, as an entrepreneur, must find out what your pearls are. I use challenges as a basis to springboard to a better standard.”

Dr. Jennifer Riria, Group CEO of Echo Network Africa (ENA) & founding member of Kenya Women Holding and Kenya Women Finance Trust Microfinance Bank

Entrepreneur Advice from Monica Musonda: Love what you do

October 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Love what you do....

“It is the only thing that will keep you going in your new business venture. If you don’t, you might give up at the very first failure encountered if things don’t go your way.”

Monica Musonda, founder of Java Foods (Zambia)

Entrepreneur Advice from Teta Isibo: Get the ball rolling immediately

September 25, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Teta Isibo (centre) at a fashion event in Kigali. Photo by Gael R. Van de Weghe

Get the ball rolling immediately....

"Set a concrete deadline for when to start and begin working toward that deadline. We tend to keep procrastinating because we think we are not yet ready, but it’s very rare to get to that point where you feel you are 100% ready. So just plan well and start with what you’ve got."

Teta Isibo, founder of Inzuki (Rwanda)

Entrepreneur Advice from Carrol Boyes: Being first to market helps

September 24, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Being first to market helps....

“Being the first person to do something is a huge advantage. I was lucky in that I got to the market first with the kind of products I produce. If you can’t do something new, then you have to do the old very, very well.”

Carrol Boyes, founder of Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Rachel Phiri - Always do your best work

September 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Rachel Phiri, founder of Silverbox Jewellery (Zimbabwe) — **Rachel Phiri**, founder of Silverbox Jewellery (Zimbabwe)

Always do your best work, especially when no one is watching....

"Consistency in your work will speak for you louder and further than you ever can in words. And, remember to smile and believe in yourself - if you can dream it, you can do it."

Rachel Phiri, founder of Silverbox Jewellery (Zimbabwe)

Entrepreneur Advice from Thokozile Mangwiro: Focus on your vision

September 10, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Thokozile Mangwiro, founder of Nyla Naturals (South Africa) — **Thokozile Mangwiro**, founder of Nyla Naturals (South Africa)

Focus on your vision....

"A start-up can be challenging to women who do not have a vision of what they are trying to accomplish. My advice to fellow entrepreneurs is to focus on their vision. Focusing on a strong vision will pull you through the emotional roller-coaster; it will pull you through the fear and doubt that will surely come. A strong vision will lead to the success of your business."

Thokozile Mangwiro, founder of Nyla Naturals (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Eva Muraya: You have to work hard

September 7, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Eva Muraya, founder and CEO of Brand Strategy and Design (Kenya)

You have to work hard....

"We need to quit this ‘microwave results’ mentality. Media has not reminded us enough of the value of working hard. There is nothing you will gain from not working hard. If you want to be successful, then you have to work hard and whilst at it, it would also help a lot if you work smart!"

Eva Muraya, founder and CEO of Brand Strategy and Design (Kenya)

Entrepreneur Advice from Yvonne Manyiki: Face your fears

September 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Yvonne Manyiki, founder of Dimzique Enterprise (South Africa) — **Yvonne Manyiki**, founder of Dimzique Enterprise (South Africa)

Face your fears....

"We all have dreams and talents, but fear always stands in the way of many people. My advice is to take the first move by starting small, face your fears, believe in God and in yourself and you will succeed."

Yvonne Manyiki, founder of Dimzique Enterprise (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Divine Ndhlukula: Keep reinvesting in your business

September 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Divine Ndhlukula, founder of Securico, Zimbabwe — **Divine Ndhlukula**, founder of Securico, Zimbabwe

Keep reinvesting in your business…

"...I think that is the folly of many of our people. You make a bit of money and you think you've arrived. You start spending the money and the business does not grow."

Divine Ndhlukula, founder of Securico, Zimbabwe

Entrepreneur Advice from Leigh-Ann Gowland: Everyone's journey is unique

September 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Leigh-Ann Gowland, founder of Employee Driven Change (South Africa) — **Leigh-Ann Gowland, founder of Employee Driven Change (South Africa)**

Everyone's journey is unique....

"There is no perfect formula for success. Everyone's journey is unique. Recognize that all your experiences have equipped you uniquely to make your mark in the world."

Leigh-Ann Gowland, founder of Employee Driven Change (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Louise Bijleveld: The advice that helped me most

September 3, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Louise Bijleveld, co-founder of LONO (Cote d’Ivoire) — **Louise Bijleveld,** co-founder of LONO (Cote d’Ivoire)

My top advice...

“The two pieces of advice that helped me most were to surround yourself with the right people and to not give up. It sounds cheesy but it turned out to be so true for me. Firstly, the right people help you to be in the right mindset, to challenge your ideas and to make you grow stronger. And secondly, there will be highs and lows and your idea will adjust along the way but giving up shouldn't be an option. Successful companies have one thing in common; they didn't give up otherwise they wouldn't exist. I think about that very regularly.”

Louise Bijleveld, co-founder of LONO (Cote d’Ivoire)

Entrepreneur Advice from Shirley Hayes: Determine your own path

August 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Shirley Hayes, founder of SHiP Copper Company (South Africa) — **Shirley Hayes,** founder of SHiP Copper Company (South Africa)

Determine your own path…

“Realize your strength. Never play the victim card - the world owes you nothing. You and you alone will determine your path.”

Shirley Hayes, founder of SHiP Copper Company (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Eldari Visser: Learn and grow together

July 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken

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

Learn and grow together…

“Find a pack that you can belong to as an entrepreneur and as an individual. Understand the power of the collective. Learn and grow together, support and build. Don’t be out in the wild and cold alone. Learn from each other…”

- Eldari Visser and her unique company, Picketfence Life, provide access to information, advice and a powerful network of experts to help consumers find solutions to various serious issues. The company focuses mostly on easy blogs written by financial coaches, lawyers, accountants and tax practitioners, life and business coaches, and even psychologists. Read Eldari's startup story.

Entrepreneur Advice from Viviane Assogba Tsogbaley: We can positively impact our society

June 22, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Viviane Assogba Tsogbaley, founder of Génial Wok (Togo) — **Viviane Assogba Tsogbaley,** founder of Génial Wok (Togo)

We can positively impact our society...

“My advice to my young brothers and sisters is that it is good for one to work for themselves. At first, it might not be profitable, but it is important not to focus on money. The most important thing rather is to realize that we are an example for others, it is to know that we can positively impact our society, to know that we create opportunities for others who will follow in our footsteps and that our lives will not be in vain.”

- Viviane Assogba Tsogbaley is founder of Génial Wok in Togo, a business that specializes in vegan and vegetarian food, and produces a range of natural fruit cocktails. Viviane was recently hailed by Ocean News as one of the five leading Togolese women-entrepreneurs. Her fruit cocktail range is not only super healthy, but also features exciting fruit flavor combinations such as pineapple-grapefruit; pineapple-banana-melon; pineapple-melon-passion fruit; pineapple-sugar beet-orange; and tamarind. More about Viviane.

Entrepreneur Advice from Tepsii Tshikororo: Give yourself a chance

April 24, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Tepsii Tshikororo, founder of Tepsii (South Africa) — **Tepsii Tshikororo**, founder of Tepsii (South Africa)

Give yourself a chance....

"Stop analyzing, criticizing, and giving reasons why this won't work. Give yourself a chance and just go for it. Any mistakes you make are opportunities for improvement!"

- Tepsii Tshikororo is the founder of Tepsii in South Africa, a company providing education and training in copywriting and online entrepreneurship as well as offering business coaching. Tepsii was previously a sought after professional writer in the corporate space for 12 years using her bachelor’s of science from a top university in New England to write scientific, engineering, aviation, and other technical documentation. Today, she is passionate about putting her copywriting and coaching skills to use for clients so that you can bring in maximum profit.

Download your FREE copy of the latest Playbook: Financing Business Growth

25 leading African women entrepreneurs share practical strategies, real experiences and advice. Playbook link

Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

LATEST PODCASTS

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys Podcast features Melanie Hawken, founder & CEO, Lionesses of Africa and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, who share insights on creating greater access to finance and economic growth opportunities for women business builders in Africa. Also in conversation are three women entrepreneurs building sustainable, impact-driven businesses - Anne Rweyora, founder of Smart Havens Africa in Uganda, an enterprise creating affordable, climate-smart homes for women; and Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, co-founders of Mo’s Crib in South Africa, a high-growth, sustainable handmade decor manufacturing business.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys Podcast focuses on women entrepreneurs in the agribusiness sector who are in growth mode. In conversation with host Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, are Yvette Dickson-Tetteh, co-founder of Pure and Just Food in Ghana, a high-impact business transforming fresh fruit into premium tropical dried fruit products; and Hadija Jabiri, founder of GBRI Business Solutions in Tanzania, which specialises in growing, processing and selling premium fruits and vegetables for local and export markets.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys Podcast co-hosted by Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, focuses on the important topic of how to advance smart, inclusive investment in WSMES for sustainable economic development on the African continent. Guests in conversation and sharing their considerable insights include: Dipuo Phakathi, founder of Denic Cabinets in South Africa, Mariam Zein, MD of MAFCI in Mauritania, and Aniela Koffi, SME/SMI Manager, Commercial Banking Division, Ecobank.

Lioness Radio Show: Five Mozambican women entrepreneurs share their experiences of building successful green businesses and creating green jobs for local people. From an environmentally-friendly, high-impact skincare brand, to an innovative green transportation business transforming marine waste into bicycles, these Lionesses are making waves in Mozambique. Listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and be inspired by their tenacity.

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY

Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Pleroma Patch, a South African innovative wellness brand creating plant-based patches to support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health.

Vanessa Mhlom is the founder and CEO of Pleroma Patch and is a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. Pleroma Patch is a modern wellness brand pioneering a simpler, smarter way to care for your body, through transdermal vitamin patches. Pleroma’s discreet, plant-based patches support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health. Driven by her belief that dignified self-care should be a right, not a luxury, she is developing the ‘Patch It Forward’ initiative, a give-back model that channels a portion of each purchase toward expanding access to wellness essentials like menstrual and sleep support for underserved women and girls.

Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Mo’s Crib, a premium sustainable homeware brand founded by sisters Morongwe and Michelle Mokone in Pretoria, South Africa. From humble beginnings making origami at local markets, the company has grown into one of Africa’s leading exporters of handcrafted décor. Using recycled PVC waterpipes and natural materials such as banana bark, cane, and sisal, Mo’s Crib creates globally sought-after baskets, planters, furniture, and ornaments. Today, the brand supplies major international retailers including Crate & Barrel, Target, and Woolworths Home. Committed to social impact, Mo’s Crib empowers over 85 artisans, creating jobs while advancing environmental sustainability and African design innovation. The business was launched in 2019 and today employs 280 people.

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Hazile Group, a South African agribusiness focused on sustainable food systems, renewable energy, and water stewardship

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi is a social entrepreneur and thought leader in climate resilience, and a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. She leads Hazile Group, a black woman-led enterprise driving climate-smart solutions in agriculture, energy, and water. The company’s core mission is to address food insecurity, water scarcity, and energy transition while uplifting marginalised communities. Hazile's focus on rural development, empowering farmers, and integrating climate-smart technologies directly supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals, notably zero hunger, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and climate action. She also runs Acumind Consulting, guiding organisations toward inclusive, values-driven leadership and ESG strategies.

Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Setšong Tea Crafters, an agri-business specialising in the crafting of speciality indigenous teas from the natural flora found in South Africa’s rural Limpopo

A former quantity surveyor turned social entrepreneur, Retang Phaahla is the co-founder and CEO of Setšong Tea Crafters in South Africa, and the winner of the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award. Her business celebrates indigenous tea knowledge while driving rural development. Based in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, the majority women-owned social enterprise collaborates with communities to produce a range of health-promoting teas (known for calming nerves, relieving tension, and supporting balanced blood pressure), and hosts cultural tours to promote eco-tourism and preserve heritage. Setšong’s business model has created sustainable income streams for rural women while reviving ancient botanical traditions. The business was launched in 2017 and has created 30 jobs for local people.

Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise promoting literacy through children’s storybook publishing and capacity building

Dr Margaret Kemigisha is the founder and CEO of Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise that promotes literacy through the publishing of children’s storybooks, offers social research consulting, and builds capacity among fresh graduates. Her work bridges development and applied research, supporting governments, development organizations, and the private sector with evidence-based solutions and creative tools for impact.

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza-

Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat

Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f

Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma

Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene

Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured

Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range

Startup Story

Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger are co-founders of Twenty 4 Skin, a unique South African medical-grade skincare brand. Juanri is a medical doctor with a special interest in regenerative medicine, so you could say she is a holistic regenerative GP, and Bernadette is a somatologist. The brand focuses on hormone optimization, aesthetic medicine, as well as skincare formulations.

Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment

Startup Story

Gillian Holl, founder of VELD Architects in South Africa, has built a business renowned for creating spaces that serve not as statements but as sanctuaries. It’s an architecture deeply connected to the African landscape, fostering a sense of belonging and calm.

Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management

Startup Story

Júlia Silota is the founder and CEO of J&G Environment Ltda, a Mozambican company operating in the environmental field, focused on the purchase and sale of solid waste, and providing solid waste collection services, solid waste management training, and environmental project evaluation. It was founded in August 2020 and began operations in 2023. It employs four people, two full-time and two part-time.

Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses

Startup Story

Cláudia Machaieie is the founder of Sea Glasses in Mozambique. She is a 28-year-old with a degree in Marine Biology, a postgraduate degree in Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Biology and Conservation Ecology. She has completed several technical courses in monitoring and project management. She began her activity as a volunteer and social activist at the age of 14 and is currently a founding volunteer of SOA Mozambique and a volunteer with Solo Adventures. She has worked in public (IIP), private (SEPPA, Centro Terra Viva), and international organizations (Girl Move Academy, UN - World Food Programme) developing activities in administration, monitoring, and management of humanitarian and environmental programs. Currently, she is the social responsibility coordinator at TOPACK Mozambique.

Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country

Startup Story

Matilde Mawelele Rungo is a digital transformation consultant, cybersecurity specialist, and founder of RealityTech Advisory in Mozambique, where she leads technology-driven projects for businesses and startups. She is also an evangelist and the creator of MTI – A Triad of Hope for Children, an initiative that integrates Evangelism, Technology, and Innovation to empower young people and communities. With a global vision, Matilde is committed to advancing individuals, organizations, and ecosystems through technology, faith, and meaningful social impact. The business was launched in 2024 and today has created jobs for 6 people.

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured

Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore

Book Review

Successful entrepreneur Betsy Fore, in her new book Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams, shows how, by practicing a manifesting mindset, you can discover your deepest purpose. She calls this an “inner why” and believes finding it can unlock your greatest potential as a creator, founder, and builder of great products.

The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant

Book Review

The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur by Mary Grant is a transformative guide for high-achieving women entrepreneurs, business owners, and coaches who are ready to amplify their influence, impact, and income. Written by Mary Grant, a seasoned entrepreneur and innovation expert with over 30 years in the fashion industry, this book unpacks the art of empowered presence, bold confidence, and defining success on your own terms. Through insights, strategies, and a fresh perspective on success, the author empowers women to harness their unique strengths, navigate challenges, and rise to their next level with clarity and unstoppable momentum.

Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter

Book Review

Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter is not just another business book. Most focus on strategies and tactics. This one rewires the woman behind the business—so your growth is aligned, sustainable, and actually feels good.

Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting

Book Review

In the book, Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business, author Liz Elting, one of the most celebrated and successful women in America, has created a guide for how to not only dream big, but also win―both in business and in life.

After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

Book Review

In her new book, After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup, entrepreneurship expert Julia Austin shares battle-tested strategies to help founders and startup joiners build their venture from the ground up.

“In terms of expansion, I strongly believe in organic growth as there is nothing more motivating or satisfying… The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to dream big, but start small.”

"Don’t listen to what people are saying, because they’re probably jealous. You have to have a lot of self-confidence…. You’re not a second-rate citizen. Trust your gut.”

“We learnt that the best way for us to build a lasting business has been to invest in our staff, and in training them well so that they want to stay and grow within our business.”

“Being an entrepreneur is without doubt one of the hardest roles to take on as you are your own boss and it can be a lonely journey as you do not have the structure of an establishment to support you. I always tell myself though, if being an entrepreneur were easy, every one would do it.”

“It is the only thing that will keep you going in your new business venture. If you don’t, you might give up at the very first failure encountered if things don’t go your way.”

"Set a concrete deadline for when to start and begin working toward that deadline. We tend to keep procrastinating because we think we are not yet ready, but it’s very rare to get to that point where you feel you are 100% ready. So just plan well and start with what you’ve got."

“Being the first person to do something is a huge advantage. I was lucky in that I got to the market first with the kind of products I produce. If you can’t do something new, then you have to do the old very, very well.”

"Consistency in your work will speak for you louder and further than you ever can in words. And, remember to smile and believe in yourself - if you can dream it, you can do it."

"We need to quit this ‘microwave results’ mentality. Media has not reminded us enough of the value of working hard. There is nothing you will gain from not working hard. If you want to be successful, then you have to work hard and whilst at it, it would also help a lot if you work smart!"

"We all have dreams and talents, but fear always stands in the way of many people. My advice is to take the first move by starting small, face your fears, believe in God and in yourself and you will succeed."

"...I think that is the folly of many of our people. You make a bit of money and you think you've arrived. You start spending the money and the business does not grow."

"There is no perfect formula for success. Everyone's journey is unique. Recognize that all your experiences have equipped you uniquely to make your mark in the world."

“Realize your strength. Never play the victim card - the world owes you nothing. You and you alone will determine your path.”

“Find a pack that you can belong to as an entrepreneur and as an individual. Understand the power of the collective. Learn and grow together, support and build. Don’t be out in the wild and cold alone. Learn from each other…”

"Stop analyzing, criticizing, and giving reasons why this won't work. Give yourself a chance and just go for it. Any mistakes you make are opportunities for improvement!"

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