Entrepreneur Advice from Teta Isibo: Don't try be a perfectionist!

January 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Teta Isibo, founder of Inzuki (Rwanda)

Don't try to be a perfectionist....

"The problem with so many aspirant women entrepreneurs in Africa is that they are perfectionists and they are afraid of failure or starting too small. So instead they keep endlessly planning and striving for perfection but never actually get around to starting. So the advice is to just start, with baby steps at first, and then grow organically from there - but, ultimately, just start."

Teta Isibo founder of Inzuki (Rwanda)

Entrepreneur Advice from Janet Rhys: Grow organically

January 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Janet Rhys, co-founder of Charlotte Rhys (South Africa) — Janet Rhys, co-founder of Charlotte Rhys (South Africa)

Grow organically....

"When you are starting out, grow organically and take it slow. Don’t fall into the trap of taking out high interest loans and getting into unmanageable debt. Another thing I learnt is not to be seduced by big turnover. If the bottom line is not worth it, it is often better to walk away."

Janet Rhys, co-founder of Charlotte Rhys (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Tiguidanke Camara: Find your path

January 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Tiguidanke Mounir Camara, founder of TIGUI MINING GROUP TMG (Guinea)

Find your path…

“Do not let anyone discourage you. Take time to learn. Spend as much time as possible in the field. You may face discrimination sometimes, but always remain professional and persevere. Know that you represent yourself and those women who will follow your path. Find your path, work hard and let the universe do the rest.”

Tiguidanke Camara, founder of Tigui Mining Group (TMG) (Guinea)

Entrepreneur advice from Anna Richerby: Take yourself seriously

January 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Anna Richerby, Founder of Beloved Beadwork, South Africa — Anna Richerby, Founder of Beloved Beadwork, South Africa

You have to take yourself seriously....

"As women we are often taught to prioritize other people’s expectations and live up to other people’s perceptions of us, and that can be a very difficult space to navigate. So you have to take yourself seriously as an entrepreneur."

Anna Richerby, founder of Beloved Beadwork (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Masana Sangweni: Don’t get lonely

January 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Masana Sangweni, founder of Sanaandi Events & Hospitality (South Africa) — Masana Sangweni, founder of Sanaandi Events & Hospitality (South Africa)

Don’t get lonely….

“Being an entrepreneur can be lonely, especially in the beginning. Surround yourself with other entrepreneurs, those who are eager to share their experiences and cheer you on; they don't even have to be in the same industry you are in, as long as they have passion and drive for what they do.”

Masana Sangweni, founder of Sanaandi Events & Hospitality (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Lorna Scott: Be adaptable

January 21, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Lorna Scott, founder of Inverroche Distillery (South Africa) — Lorna Scott, founder of Inverroche Distillery (South Africa)

Be adaptable…

“Things change, sometimes overnight and often without warning – that’s the only thing you can be sure of - remain flexible and ready to adapt your strategies, but not your vision and goals - and get a good accountant right from the start to help you make informed financial decisions.”

Lorna Scott, founder of Inverroche Distillery (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Adedoyin Jaiyesimi: Focus on adding value

January 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, founder of The Sparkle Writer's Hub (Nigeria)

Focus on adding value....

"Let your focus be on adding value through your business and meeting the needs of your target market. That's what will ensure the long-term sustainability of your business."

Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, founder of The Sparkle Writer's Hub (Nigeria)

Entrepreneur Advice from Gloria Otieno: Just start

January 17, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Gloria Otieno, founder of Recours Four Kenya Consultants (Kenya) — Gloria Otieno, founder of Recours Four Kenya Consultants (Kenya)

Just start....

"I would advise any woman out there to explore their ideas, I mean what is the worst that could happen? Fear is often a hindrance for many, but the greatest thing is that success lies on the other side of fear. Let it all go and just START."

Gloria Otieno, founder of Recours Four Kenya Consultants (Kenya)

Entrepreneur Advice from Hanita Muthray: Educate yourself!

January 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Nish & Hanita Muthray, founder of Nt Shonalanga Valley Resort (South Africa) — Nish & Hanita Muthray, founder of Nt Shonalanga Valley Resort (South Africa)

Educate yourself....

"Educate yourself! Do your homework and don't be afraid to ask for help. But most importantly have faith in yourself and don't give up. You can do it!"

Hanita Muthray, founder of Nt Shonalanga Valley Resort (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Johanna Mukoki: Bring in smart people

January 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Johanna Mukoki, co-founder of Travel with Flair

Don’t be afraid to bring in smart people…

“… you need the courage to employ people who are smarter than you. During the early years, the founder is head of human resources, financial manager and the CEO, and has to come up with the right answers to every question. But, at some point you have to recognize that the business is bigger than you, and it is time to let go and appoint other people to lead these functions.”

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

Entrepreneur Advice from Joycee Awojoodu: Never give up

January 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Joycee Awojoodu, founder ORÍKÌ (Nigeria) — Joycee Awojoodu, founder ORÍKÌ (Nigeria)

Never give up....

"Be relentless, never give up. Pursue your dreams with fervor and network. You would be surprised how far having faith coupled with action will take you!"

Joycee Awojoodu, founder of ORÍKÌ (Nigeria)

Entrepreneur Advice from Tania Tome: Don’t be afraid

January 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Tania Tome, founder of Ecokaya (Mozambique) — Tania Tome, founder of Ecokaya (Mozambique)

Don’t be afraid….

“Don’t be afraid to be afraid, have the courage to face fear, and jump - there are lots of great things that happen when we decide to take risks. Take small steps and actions, instead of waiting for the right moment, you only make this walk learning by doing.”

Tania Tome, founder of Ecokaya (Mozambique)

Entrepreneur Advice from Adetutu Adekunle: Learn the ropes well

January 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Adetutu Adekunle, founder Bibi’s GrillHouse and Bibi’s Cottage Catering (Nigeria)

Learn the ropes well….

“Believe in yourself. Know you can do it, learn the ropes of your business. You need it to succeed. Be dogged and consistent.”

Adetutu Adekunle, founder of Bibi’s GrillHouse and Bibi’s Cottage Catering (Nigeria)

Entrepreneur Advice from Lilly Alfonso: Stay focused on your dream

January 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Lilly Alfonso, founder of Lilly Alfonso fashion label, Malawi — Lilly Alfonso, founder of Lilly Alfonso fashion label, Malawi

It's not easy, but stay focused on your dream....

“It’s not an easy road. You will get people who will disappoint you… but you need to stay focused on your dream. We all learn and become better through our mistakes and challenges.”

Lilly Alfonso, founder of Lilly Alfonso (Malawi)

Entrepreneur Advice from Monica Musonda: Learn by doing

January 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Monica Musonda, founder and CEO of Java Foods (Zambia) — Monica Musonda, founder and CEO of Java Foods (Zambia)

It's often best for entrepreneurs to learn by doing....

“I think you have got to learn by doing. You may not have all the answers, you may not know the size of the market, you may not know how much the competition is selling. But if you get into the business, do your initial groundwork as much as you can – but get in there and then start gathering your own data.”

Monica Musonda, founder of Java Foods (Zambia)

Entrepreneur Advice from Brenda Katwesigye: Focus on your product

January 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Brenda Katwesigye, founder of Wazi Vision, Uganda — Brenda Katwesigye, founder of Wazi Vision, Uganda

Focus on the product....

"A lot of questions will come up about how you make money. But if you focus on creating a quality product that people will use to solve real life challenges, there will always be opportunities to monetize your solution."

Brenda Katwesigye, founder of Wazi Vision (Uganda)

Entrepreneur Advice from Banke Kuku: The key is perseverance

January 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Banke Kuku, founder and CEO of Banke Kuku Textiles — Banke Kuku, founder and CEO of Banke Kuku Textiles

“Talent, hard work and education definitely help but like with every start-up the key is perseverance and understanding your product and customer much of which is learnt along the way. Running a creative start-up is by no means an easy exercise at all. Success wasn’t instant. I tried several things many times and eventually things are starting to take shape,”

Banke Kuku, founder of Banke Kuku Textiles (UK/Nigeria)

Entrepreneur Advice from Marjon Meyer: Know yourself

January 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Marjon Meyer, founder of Marjon Meyer Training and HR Consulting (South Africa) — Marjon Meyer, founder of Marjon Meyer Training and HR Consulting (South Africa)

Know yourself….

“Know yourself and your talents well, to ensure that you can capitalize on these. Be aware of your development areas and surround yourself with a competent team of people who will be there for you.”

Marjon Meyer, founder of Marjon Meyer Training and HR Consulting (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Zainab Ashadu: I strongly believe in organic growth

December 19, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Zainab Ashadu, Founder and Creative Director of Zashadu Bags in Nigeria — Zainab Ashadu, Founder and Creative Director of Zashadu Bags in Nigeria

Starting small and growing organically is a plus....

“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 and Creative Director of Zashadu Bags (Nigeria)

Entrepreneur Advice from Sarah Collins: Follow your gut

December 17, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Sarah Collins, founder and CEO of Wonderbag — Sarah Collins, founder and CEO of Wonderbag

Follow your gut....

"Be careful of placing too much trust in others, and rather follow your gut. I spent too much money on what other people told me was going to be successful. Everytime I go against my gut because I believe that other people know better, it’s invariably wrong."

Sarah Collins, founder & CEO of Wonderbag (South Africa)