the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs
LOA Financial Smarts for Women Entrepreneurs Series
In the first of a series of guest blogs that look at issues around financial management issues for women entrepreneurs, this week we get a better understanding of how Foreign Exchange works, particularly for those businesses that import and export - and importantly, how to get the best rates!
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Image credit: Centro de Artes Africana, Wooden Vessels - courtesy Deborah Mason for Aid to Artisans. Featured in Contemporary Design Africa, a book by Tapiwa Matsinde
Guest Blog by Clare Kagimu, interior architect and designer and founder of Phoenix Designs
This week, I wish to expand on the urgency of keeping our tabs on all things African, as interest for this market is generating worldwide buzz. I cannot emphasise the need to have shared vision and to stand together in order to see Africa become a viable destination for all things trend-setting.
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Have you ever wondered what distinguishes those successful entrepreneurs from everyone else who perhaps has an entrepreneurial idea or dream and aspires to be one, but never actually makes the transition to embarking on that entrepreneurial journey and making the dream a reality? Well, there is no point in having an idea and not putting it into action. Perhaps what is required is a change in approach and the adoption of some of those habits displayed by other successful entrepreneurs.
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Guest Post by: Karen Wessels, co-founder and COO of VA Connect
Being an entrepreneur, particularly a solopreneur, is not for the faint of heart. It takes a certain kind of persistence, determination and whole lot of caffeine to be a successful solopreneur! As a woman entrepreneur myself, I understand only too well the challenges faced by women in the business world, particularly those involving time management.
Guest Blog by Clare Kagimu, interior architect and designer and founder of Phoenix Design
In today's highly competitive marketplace, creating a unique differentiator in our businesses in order to get noticed, and doing what it takes to stand out from the crowd in the right way, has never been more important. This month, we share a few helpful tips on how to get your business to stand out from the crowd and get into new markets.
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Galerie Arte - commode podor camille. Image courtesy © Joëlle le Bussy
Mariem Besbes – Echantillons. Image © courtesy Henry Del Olmo for Mariem Besbes
Tekura - Image © courtesy David Ross for Amaridian
Tintsaba - Image © courtesy Patrick Stubbs for Tintsaba
TNBW - Tall Porcupine Basket. Image © courtesy Geoff George for Snob
Yeleen - Tapis Babemba. Image © courtesy Olivier Marchetti for Yéleen Design
ZENZULU. Image © Angela Buckland for ZENZULU™
An emerging industry, design from Africa, is drawing increased global attention, and with it the success stories of women across the continent taking leading roles in the industry's development; from women-run cooperatives bringing together several hundred women, to university graduates taking their futures into their own hands by creating jobs for themselves and others.
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One Roof Co-working spaces for women entrepreneurs, Venice Beach, CA, United States
There is a real global buzz about co-working spaces providing a great launchpad for young entrepreneurs who want to hit the ground running, stay lean and fast, and keep operational costs to a minimum. So, will the creation of dynamic new women co-working spaces in Africa help to drive a new and empowering era for women entrepreneurs on the continent? This month, Lionesses of Africa speaks to two young pioneering women entrepreneurs from the US and Australia who are globally rolling out these women co-working spaces, and who are looking at Africa as a possible next destination.
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Perfect moment? I am not really sure if there is such. As an entrepreneur, there is no time like the present to make your dream a reality. It might take you a while to dive in at the deep end, but just know that you are delaying your destiny. A minute, a week, a month is way too long to have your dream deterred. Take a leap of faith and get on with realising your entrepreneurial dream.
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Guest Blog by Clare Kagimu, a Ugandan-born, but now UK resident, this talented Interior Architect and Designer shares her insights on the challenges facing women entrepreneurs both at home and abroad.
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Love it or Hate it, social media is here to stay. As a smart entrepreneur you know the power that social media platforms carry. Combine all the social media platforms available, and you have an instant powerhouse of brand recognition, digital marketing and a 24/7 sales rep on your side. The downside? Great social media takes time and we all know time is a precious resource!
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Guest Blog: by Lireko Dorothy Ncube
Over the years the business world has drastically changed. With the rapid developments and significant improvements in the technology we use each day, we have the world literally at our fingertips 24/7, and what we do with it is what will help us make it in business, or not. It also means that they way we network has changed dramatically too.
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Guest Post by: Karen Wessels, co-founder and COO of VA Connect
Even a superhero needs an assistant, and in the world of entrepreneurship, that is certainly the case. Having that key person by your side to assist you as part of your support team will free you up to do the more important things when it comes to growing your business.
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Guest Post by: Karen Wessels, co-founder and COO of VA Connect
What is one of the many traits of a highly successful business person? Having the power to let go! That’s right, I know that delegating is an art and it is a skill that you need to develop and hone.
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Guest Blog by Georgie Polkinghorne, LoA Cape Town City Reporter
Classic architectural design met innovation and handcrafted creativity at the KAMERS Autumn 2015 Cape Town showcase at the majestic Cape Town City Hall in South Africa this month.
Read moreGuest Blog by Clare Kagimu, a talented Ugandan-born, Interior Architect and Designer, now resident in the UK shares her insights on the new creative force of women in design.
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Guest Post by: Karen Wessels, co-founder and COO of VA Connect
“Grow your business without growing your staff” – now wouldn’t that be the ideal way to build and grow your amazing start-up. And the best part? With the help of a Virtual Assistant, or as we are more fondly known as - VA’s, it is now completely possible and within reach.
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Guest Post by: Karen Wessels, co-founder and COO of VA Connect
I know how busy you get during the day, tying up loose ends and making sure the boat is still floating at the end of the day. The key to saving valuable hours in the day as a busy entrepreneur is quite clear – get the help you need by hiring a Virtual Assistant.
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Ngyenzi 'Nunu' Mugyenyi, co-founder and director of award-winning Ugandan fashion retail outlet, BOLD Kampala, gives her thoughts on the opportunities presented to the African fashion industry through the recent global interest in African print fabrics.
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Guest Blog: by Lireko Dorothy Ncube
It is sometimes hard to stay motivated when the business environment is looking gloomy, compounded by the fact that the regional economy is having its share of ups and downs, ultimately driving most solopreneurs crazy.
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The reality is that behind every successful entrepreneur is one person who takes care of these must-do’s for them. And, a Virtual Assistant is the perfect solution for this. Now you may be wondering how do I go about finding this perfect Virtual Assistant?
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