We have all been there at some point in our entrepreneurial lives. That pivotal point when we need sound advice or reassurance from another woman entrepreneur who has been there, done it, got the T Shirt, and experienced all the business challenges and hurdles, emerging with the essential wisdom and experience we need to share. Learn, be inspired, and take comfort from those women who have blazed an entrepreneurial trail before you.
Read moreEntrepreneur Advice from Damilola Solesi: You need to maximise every opportunity when you startup
Damilola Solesi, founder of SMIDS Animation Studios, Nigeria
You need to go after every opportunity....
"As an entrepreneur, you need to be clever and go after every opportunity that presents itself to be able to grow, particularly when you are in a new and highly capitalised industry. At the beginning, it was hard to get people to put funds in an industry that had not been fully established."
- Damilola Solesi is founder, CEO and creative director of SMIDS Animation Studios Nigeria a company she founded in 2010. Smids animation studios is based in Lagos and creates 3D computer animation, 3D content production, motion graphics and visual effects. Damilola is also the pioneer of TechDivaz (now Women R.I.S.E), an initiative she started at the Co-Creation Hub. TechDivaz is a platform where women are inspired to expand their interests in technology through collaboration, networking, training, mentorship and funding to help them play a stronger role in growing the technology startup scene in Nigeria and Africa.
Read moreMireille Karera - The startup story of a Rwandan entrepreneur providing bespoke consulting and coaching services to clients around the world
Mireille Karera, founder of KORA Associates
Many entrepreneurs take a personal passion and turn it into a business. In the case of Mireille Karera, she had a passion to see people grow and progress in their lives in practical ways, and that led her to set up her company, KORA Associates, that encourages, coaches and advises individuals, businesses and communities in achieving their goals, visions and dreams.
Read moreQuote of the Day by Lydie Hakizimana
Lydie Hakizimana, co-founder and Managing Director of Drakkar Limited
“There are still many problems (in Rwanda), but I now see them as opportunities where entrepreneurs like me can thrive and rebuild the country,”
- Lydie Hakizimana is co-founder and Managing Director of Drakkar Limited, a specialist reseller and distributor of educational textbooks. It all started back in 2006 when this avid bookworm decided to follow her passion and opened a small bookshop. Before long, her entrepreneurial instincts had her developing relationships with numerous publishing companies. Eventually, she struck a deal that was to be the making of her company with UK publisher, Pearson Education. Drakkar rapidly evolved into a leading educational textbooks reseller in Rwanda, becoming an important enabler of her country's vision for building a knowledge-based economy. Today, Lydie manages 45 employees and thirty part-time distributors covering the five provinces of Rwanda. Lydie has also added exclusive distributor deals with Longman, Heinemann and Penguin to her Pearson contract.
Read moreMegan MacDonald - The startup story of an inspirational social entrepreneur giving independence and a bright entrepreneurial future to deaf women artisans
Megan MacDonald, founder of SASA Designs by the Deaf
For deaf women in Africa, life can be tough and the opportunities for employment and independence extremely limited. But one social entrepreneur, Megan MacDonald of SASA Designs by the Deaf, is making real and lasting change happen for these women by providing meaningful employment, training and a sense of community, plus the ability to support their children and their education.
Read moreBe your authentic self in business
According to Janet L. Stephenson “Authenticity requires a certain measure of vulnerability, transparency, and integrity.” But, what does it mean to be your authentic self? And, why is this so important in the business world?
Read moreEntrepreneur Advice from Wendy Ackerman: Expect to work very hard
Wendy Ackerman, co-founder and Executive Director of Pick n Pay
You are entitled to nothing.... expect to work hard....
"I’m afraid there are no short cuts, you’ve just jolly well got to work - that’s all there is to it."
- Wendy Ackerman is one of the founders and an Executive Director of Pick n Pay Stores. Together with husband Raymond Ackerman she helped build up one of South Africa’s pre-eminent FMCG retailers, consisting of over 450 stores including 121 supermarkets and 14 hypermarkets. Operations are in food, clothing, and general merchandise sectors as well as financial services. The company operates throughout South Africa, southern Africa and Australia and employs around 49,000 people. Today, much of Wendy's boundless energy is devoted to her family's philanthropic endeavours and her personal work for the underprivileged.
Read moreMeet 17 inspiring US women social entrepreneurs who have built game changing enterprises impacting Africa positively
As part of Lionesses of Africa's month-long celebration of social entrepreneurs who are making a real difference in Africa, we are profiling some of the women social entrepreneurs from the US who have stood out for us over the last year. Their passion for the continent, combined with their desire to solve some of the biggest challenges in Africa, can be seen in the real impact that these women social entrepreneurs are making. Often collaborating with inspirational women on the ground in countries across the African continent, they are creating new and exciting business opportunities for women artisans, stimulating micro-entrepreneurship ventures that empower women in local communities, and improving and uplifting people's lives. We salute all these inspirational social change-makers and the women they collaborate with!
Read moreEntrepreneur Advice from Gabriella von Ille - No questions are stupid questions
Gabriella von Ille, founder of Lifa Communications (South Africa)
No questions are stupid questions....
"Never be afraid to ask for help and to give the same help in return. No questions are stupid questions. It is not a competition, and not knowing everything is not a weakness. Working together helps you get more out of being an entrepreneur."
- Gabriella von Ille is the founder of Lifa Communications in South Africa, a boutique consultancy firm focused on Africa and Natural Resources. Lifa specializes in PR & Strategic Communication, Digital Design and Marketing & Branding. Gabriella has a double degree in Political Science and Communications from Sweden and the US.
Read moreQuote of the Day by Mame Khary Diene
“I want to show young people that it is possible to succeed in Africa, it is not necessary to take boats, there is hope, but yes, you have to work hard.”
- Mame Khary Diene is the founder and CEO of the Bioessence Laboratories, a Senegalese natural beauty brand founded in Dakar in 2007. Bioessence Laboratories produces a range of "luxury" age-defying shea butter skin care products that are marketed around the world. Mame has a Masters of Information Systems degree from the University and was awarded a Cartier Women's Initiative Award in 2008; and the United Nations IFAD award for Diaspora Entrepreneurship in 2015.
Read moreEntrepreneur Advice from Kynaro Kinnear - You will find a way to be successful
Kynaro Kinnear, founder of K2 PR and Events (South Africa)
You will find a way to be successful....
"My advice to women wanting to start up a business is to ‘go for it’. Women are the strongest species in all ways - lionesses hunt, human females work, we look after the children, run a household and still have energy to go to a soccer match - if we can give birth to life, than we can do anything, no matter how difficult or challenging it may look. So take a breath and jump in because you will find a way to be successful."
- Kynaro Kinnear is the founder of K2 PR and Events, an event management and PR company in Johannesburg, South Africa. Kynaro is passionate about helping people, and today her company is centred around helping people, whether it be to help plan a wedding or help an NGO to launch a campaign.
Read moreQuote of the Day by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi
“African heritage plays a huge role in my work. It’s time for African fashion to really shine and show our culture.”
- Akosua Afriyie-Kumi is a Ghanaian designer and founder of the Accra-based label AAKS who create uniquely hand-crafted bags in styles that maintain the spirit and durability of ancient traditions characterised by bright exuberant colours. Akosua started the company with the goal of introducing the world to her favourite weaving techniques done by the women of Ghana while also creating and igniting sustainable jobs within Africa.
Read moreSusan Barnes - The startup story of a social entrepreneur providing South African girls with dignity and education
Susan Barnes, founder of Subz Pads (South Africa)
The Subz Pants and Pads - Project Dignity social entrepreneurship venture was born out of one woman’s desire to address a major problem amongst young rural girls in South Africa - the lack of access to sanitary pads, meaning loss of education and dignity. Susan Barnes is addressing this challenge head-on through her company, Subz Pants and Pads, manufacturing and distributing packs of sustainable, reusable panties and pads to girls.
Read moreEssential Read: Success is a Journey for Startups by Olivia ‘Moy” Fung
Olivia ‘Moy’ Fung, author and founder of You Inspire Me Women
In Success is a Journey for Startups, author Olivia ‘Moy’ Fung has taken her personal experiences of being an entrepreneur and created a practical self-analysis handbook. It helps any startup entrepreneur to identify underlying setbacks, realise their talents and passions, and learn how to monetize them to build a successful business. The book also provides a source of inspiration from someone who has been there, got the T-Shirt, overcome all the hurdles and obstacles in life and business, and emerged as an entrepreneurial success story.
Read moreRuth Mwanzia - The startup story of a Kenyan entrepreneur bringing pure drinking water to the country
Ruth Mwanzia, founder of Koola Waters (Kenya)
The challenge of water scarcity and improving access to clean, safe drinking water in Africa is one that entrepreneur Ruth Mwanzia understood only too well growing up in Kenya. That experience was the inspiration behind her company, Koola Waters, a business venture which manufactures and distributes pure water to the country’s citizens.
Read moreGabriella von Ille - The startup story of a South African-based boutique consultancy with a passion for Africa and its natural resources
Gabriella von Ille, founder of Lifa Communications (South Africa)
Lifa Communications is a specialist consulting firm servicing the traditionally male dominated industry sectors such as mining, agriculture, oil, gas, energy and technology, and is the brainchild of founder Gabriella von Ille. The company prides itself on its global experience and expertise, combined with unique African industry insight - a powerful combination.
Read moreVIDEO: Thato Kgatlhanye, founder of Rethaka Repurpose Schoolbags, is turning plastic waste into a solar-powered school bag
South African entrepreneur Thato Kgatlhanye, founder of Rethaka Repurpose Schoolbags, explains how her innovative company designs and manufactures school bags from recycled plastic bags in South Africa.
Read moreEntrepreneur Advice from Innocentia Maine - Never let fear get in your way
Innocentia Maine, founder of MIS Poultry Farm (South Africa)
Never let fear get in your way....
"Never let fear get in your way, its just there to hold you back. Women are capable of doing anything they set their minds on, so they must never be afraid of challenges. We just need to think positive, always dream big, and leave no room for negativity."
- Innocentia Maine is the founder of MIS Poultry Farm in South Africa. She is taking her love of farming and building a poultry business that she sees as the first step in creating a multi-faceted successful agribusiness of the future, and one that will hopefully inspire other aspirant women agripreneurs to follow in her footsteps.
Read moreQuote of the Day by Ruth Kwalanda
Ruth Kwalanda, founder of CIAR Management Institute (Kenya)
“Whatever it is you do, it’s got to be something you’re passionate about. There comes a time when all you have is the passion and nothing else and you need to be able to count on your passion to see you through the tough times.”
- Ruth Kwalanda is the founder of CIAR Management Institute, a corporate training business and provider of Kenya’s first E-learning platform. Ruth has been a leading provider of human capital development solutions to professionals and business communities in Africa for more than 5 years, facilitating business knowledge and skills transfer through cutting edge conferences, training programmes and e-learning.
Read moreEntrepreneur Smarts: Don't be Shoemakers' Children!
“I must have made a mistake”, I thought, “this company has been written up in the Wall Street Journal as one of the most exciting startups in audio technology. This cannot be their website”. But it was their site. A site that looked like one created in the 1990’s. Doing damage to their image every day.
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