Entrepreneur Advice from Shikha Vincent: Seek out frank advice

December 10, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Shikha Vincent, founder of SHIKHAZURI (Kenya)

Seek out frank advice....

"There will be long days and nights, but if you want it to work, you’ve got to persevere. Find an experienced mentor within your industry who can guide you on your journey. Having the support of friends and family is wonderful, but more often than not they will tell you what you want to hear, and unless they have experience in your industry, they might not be able to give you the frank advice that you need."

Shikha Vincent, founder of SHIKHAZURI (Kenya)

Entrepreneur Advice from Bhatupe Mhango: Start with what you have

November 18, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Bhatupe Mhango, founder of Bha’s Fragrance Boutique (Malawi) — Bhatupe Mhango, founder of Bha’s Fragrance Boutique (Malawi)

Start with what you have....

"Start where you can, with what you have, right where you are. All these brands we see out here started off as little seeds, so we should do the same. Don't compete with those who are not in your lane."

Bhatupe Mhango, founder of Bha’s Fragrance Boutique (Malawi)

Entrepreneur Advice from Mo Abudu: Execution is everything

November 15, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Mo Abudu, founder and Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV — Mo Abudu, founder and Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV

A great business idea alone counts for nothing without execution....

"Anyone who wishes to be an entrepreneur must know that bright ideas are great, however, they are not even half of the work; execution is everything. Yes, as the saying goes, ‘there is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come’, but when that time comes, you must be prepared to bleed sweat, tears and blood to bring your ideas to life."

Mo Abudu founder and Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV (Nigeria)

Entrepreneur Advice from Bomanga Ngoi Longango: Believe in your dream

November 14, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Bomanga Ngoi Longango, founder of Evelea Foods — Bomanga Ngoi Longango, founder of Evelea Foods

Believe in your dream.....

"You are your own dream so every day must lead you to success. You have to believe in your dream and work hard for it."

Bomanga Ngoi Longango, founder of Evelea Foods (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Entrepreneur Advice from Mellisa Mazinga - Enjoy the journey

November 12, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Mellisa Mazingi, Managing Director of Gone Rural Swaziland — Mellisa Mazingi, Managing Director of Gone Rural Swaziland

Don't forget to enjoy your entrepreneurial journey....

"Build a support network so you can seek advice when needed, and be meticulous about planning and execution. But most importantly, enjoy the journey."

Mellisa Mazingi, Managing Director of Gone Rural Swaziland

Entrepreneur Advice from Kristine Pearson: You need a compass

November 7, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Kristine Pearson, founder of Lifeline Energy — Kristine Pearson, founder of Lifeline Energy

You need a compass….

“First, define and embrace your values and goals. They must align with those of your organization and you must stick to them. You cannot imagine the curve balls that will get thrown at you along the way - often when you least expect it. You need a compass and your values are just that.”

Kristine Pearson, Founder & Chief Executive of Lifeline Energy

Entrepreneur Advice from Chita Mumba Zulu: Focus on what you want to achieve

November 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Chita Mumba Zulu, founder of Eternal Jewellery Zambia

Focus on what you want to achieve…

“Determination and persistence are key to achieve anything in life, even when things don't seem to be working out, don't give up. Focus on what you want to achieve and with God by your side all things are possible.”

Chita Mumba Zulu, founder of Eternal Jewellery Zambia

Entrepreneur Advice from Londeka Mlawuza: Go Forth and Conquer

October 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Londeka Mlawuza, founder of LV & Co (South Africa) — Londeka Mlawuza, founder of LV & Co (South Africa)

Go Forth and Conquer….

“Start when you are ready, you'll know when you are. Don't Worry, you'll be fine. Don't wait for opportunities, create them for yourself. And Go Forth and Conquer!”

Londeka Mlawuza, founder of LV & Co (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Tammy Nott: Remember why you first started

October 17, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Tammy Nott, founder of Mbiri Natural Skincare (Namibia) — Tammy Nott, founder of Mbiri Natural Skincare (Namibia)

Remember why you first started....

".... when things seem dire just remember why you first started, because you will get criticized, so just remember the core of your passion and that for me is the Namibian desert and the Himba people. I think of this and it reminds me of how far I have come."

Tammy Nott, founder of Mbiri Natural Skincare (Namibia)

Entrepreneur Advice from Lilly Alfonso: Know yourself

October 11, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Lilly Alfonso, founder of Lilly Alfonso (Malawi)

Know yourself...

"... it is important to know yourself. Understand and believe in your dreams. Give yourself room to research and plan for whatever you are dreaming of venturing into. Giving up isn’t the only way if things get tough ahead. Challenges build you up, and so does criticism. Failures make you unique, so use them and turn them into positives."

Lilly Alfonso, founder of Lilly Alfonso (Malawi)

Entrepreneur Advice from Adenike Akinsemolu: Start now, start right, start proud and don’t stop!

October 8, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Start now, start right, start proud and don’t stop....

"Life is a journey, with problems to solve, lessons to learn, but most importantly, experiences to enjoy. All you need is a burning passion, an open mind and a compassionate heart. There will never be a perfect time to start a business. Start now, start right, start proud and don’t stop. I recommend reading People over Profit by Dale Partridge."

Adenike Akinsemolu, founder of the Green Campus Initiative (Nigeria)

Entrepreneur Advice from Lizl Naude: Pursue your dreams now

October 7, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa (South Africa) — Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa (South Africa)

Pursue your dreams now....

"Maybe some of us think it is too late to take on our dreams. We fear that too much time has passed, or we worry what others may think. We scurry around daily to make ends meet and put off our wild dreams for later. How about pursuing them now? How about forgetting the birth pains and scars of our entrepreneurial battles and venturing into new, innovative ground?"

Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Fidelis Wanjiku: Take care of yourself

October 1, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Fidelis Wanjiku, founder of Round Square Marketing Limited (Kenya) — Fidelis Wanjiku, founder of Round Square Marketing Limited (Kenya)

Take care of yourself....

"Take care of yourself, your health, and your relationships so that you don't lose yourself in the maze of start-up. Take the power - be responsive to the clients as you need them: be the best you can. Do not waste their time with false promises. Have a plan, just in case - for example a financial back-up for when things go wrong, as they likely will. Have structures in place and most of all, be passionate."

Fidelis Wanjiku, founder of Round Square Marketing Limited (Kenya)

Entrepreneur Advice from Rebecca Enonchong: Keep it all in perspective

September 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Rebecca Enonchong, founder and CEO of AppsTech (Cameroon) — Rebecca Enonchong, founder and CEO of AppsTech (Cameroon)

Keep it all in perspective....

"Work hard, think big and never give up. When you do experience success, stay humble. Success is not linear; you will experience ups and downs. Humility helps keep it all in perspective."

Rebecca Enonchong, founder and CEO of AppsTech (Cameroon)

Entrepreneur Advice from Vicki Bain: Follow your passion

September 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Vicki Bain, founder of Chocoloza (South Africa) — Vicki Bain, founder of Chocoloza (South Africa)

Follow your passion....

"Trust your instinct. Follow your passion - plan in detail but don't let anyone sway you from your plans."

Vicki Bain, founder of Chocoloza (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Divine Ndhlukula: Your people are key to success

September 13, 2019 Melanie Hawken

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

You need your people onside to succeed....

“Success depends on employees. For me knowing and connecting with my employees is very important.”

Divine Ndhlukula, founder of SECURICO (Zimbabwe)

Entrepreneur Advice from Phindile Ndlovu: Share your vision and go public

August 9, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Share your vision and go public….

“… sharing your goals can make you more accountable! Tell people you trust about your plans and ideas. Share your milestones. No one wants to look like a talker and not a doer.”

Phindile Ndlovu, founder of Bhekizenzo Foundation (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Carrie Leaver: Find your people

August 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Carrie Leaver, co-founder of Stoep Startup Co-Working & Stay (South Africa) — Carrie Leaver, co-founder of Stoep Startup Co-Working & Stay (South Africa)

Find your people.….

"As a start-up, support, understanding and some extra love make the difficult days much easier. Being an entrepreneur can be lonely and it's easy to doubt and question one’s decisions and journey. Being part of a community of like-minded people brings strength, new ideas and also an eco-system of services and potential clients. We're stronger together!”

Carrie Leaver, co-founder of Stoep Startup Co-Working & Stay (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Melanie Finch Keshwar and Ann Finch: Start small

July 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Melanie Finch Keshwar and Ann Finch, co-founders of The Chocolatiers (South Africa) — Melanie Finch Keshwar and Ann Finch, co-founders of The Chocolatiers (South Africa)

Start small…

“You don't need a loan - don't take one, if you can manage it. Start small on the side of whatever you currently do, and allow the sideline to grow to a point where it can sustain itself and later, sustain you. It is a good idea to carefully plan this route - any business takes a good few years to get onto its feet and be able to pay you a salary. Don't expect miracles, it’s many man hours and much trial and error.”

Melanie Finch Keshwar & Ann Finch, co-founders of The Chocolatiers (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Brigette Mashile: Make your business hours work for you and your clients

July 10, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko (South Africa) — Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko (South Africa)

Make your business hours work for you and your clients…

“When I started this business I tried to adhere to the rules of 9 to 5. It’s a lie. A whole scam. Your business hours are the ones that work in your business for you and your clients.”

Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko (South Africa)