Lucilla Blankenberg, a South African entrepreneur with a vision for harnessing the power of the media to make a difference

September 25, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Lucilla Blankenberg, founder of Off the Ground Media (South Africa) — **Lucilla Blankenberg**, founder of Off the Ground Media (South Africa)

Many small companies recognise that they need media and marketing support, but do not always have the time or money to develop these plans or produce the media to support their businesses. For entrepreneur Lucilla Blankenberg and her company Off the Ground Media, she is not only providing a great solution, but creating a company that makes a difference to the lives of others at the same time through those efforts.

Susan Granger, a proudly South African accessory manufacturer creating exclusive leather handbags from the heart of Johannesburg

September 25, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Susan Granger, founder of Nubian Queen on 101 (South Africa) — **Susan Granger**, founder of Nubian Queen on 101 (South Africa)

Nubian Queen on 101 is a disruptive new name on the leather accessory scene, creating exclusive, world-class, contemporary products that are both investments yet will not break the bank.

Essential Read: The Next Wave - Financing Women's Growth-Oriented Firms by Susan Coleman and Alicia Robb

September 25, 2016 Melanie Hawken

You may be familiar with the success stories of Spanx, GoldieBlox, and other women-owned businesses that have taken their markets by storm. But, today, only two percent of women-owned firms generate more than one million dollars annually. The Next Wave, a new book by Susan Coleman and Alicia Robb is here to help women drive up that number.

Quote of the Day by Njeri Rionge

September 23, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Njeri Rionge, serial entrepreneur — **Njeri Rionge**, serial entrepreneur

“I create companies serially because I believe that Africa is the next economic frontier and we must build indigenous organisations that will support this growth.”

- Njeri Rionge is one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurs and one of the very few women pioneers in the ICT sector on the African continent. She has co-founded internet service provider Wananchi Online, Ignite Consulting, Insite Limited, Business Lounge, and Njeri Rionge Business Consulting Inc. These days Njeri describes herself as a global citizen cross-pollinating her business interests in Africa, North America and Europe. She 'telecommutes' and regularly travels between her offices in Nairobi and Toronto.

Entrepreneur Advice from Natasha Sideris: Don't let a lack of money put you off

September 23, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Natasha Sideris, founder of Tashas (South Africa) — **Natasha Sideris**, founder of Tashas (South Africa)

Don't let a lack of money put you off....

"Money helps, but you can get very far with hard work, tenacity and ingenuity. Don't let money put you off. Too many entrepreneurs feel that they can't pursue their dreams because they don't have money. That's just not true. If you're willing to work extremely hard, you can make it happen,"

- Natasha Sideris is founder of the great entrepreneurial success story, Tashas, a chain of upmarket boutique cafes that can be found across South Africa and in Dubai. Natasha originally borrowed money from loan sharks to get her first restaurant started, and ended up working 14 hours a day for "four or five months" without a day off to repay them. But she knew after the first month the concept was a winner. Today, there are twelve highly popular restaurants in this passionate foodie's growing portfolio and she is well on her way to becoming a global restaurant group.

Quote of the Day by Carrol Boyes

September 22, 2016 Melanie Hawken

“Nineteen people may love your work, but the twentieth one will hate it and will tell you so; you cannot allow that to affect you. That may sound trite, but there is huge risk in letting criticism get you down.”

- Carrol Boyes is an iconic South African designer who has built a global brand. She founded Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd in 1991 combining her artistic flair and talent in sculpture with her jewellery experience to create an extensive range of distinctive homeware, giftware, flatware and table top products. Today, her company designs and manufactures a meticulously crafted product range of well over 1000 items and sells over a million items every year. Products are always imbued with Carrol's trademark artistic flair and finesse. The brand is available through her 35 branded shops in South Africa and in over 30 other countries around the world.

Quote of the Day by Mo Abudu

September 20, 2016 Melanie Hawken

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

"We can change the narrative about Africa with content."

- Mo Abudu is founder and Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV, Africa's first and fastest growing black entertainment and lifestyle network. This Nigerian media entrepreneur and talk show host is the first African woman to launch a Pan-African TV channel. The channel currently on DSTV Channel 165, as well as in the UK on the TalkTalk platform, providing premium, original and home-grown programming to its ever increasing viewership. She has received many awards in recognition of her outstanding work in media and her services to humanity, and was most recently honoured with an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Babcock University.

Yswara, the luxury tea and lifestyle brand, celebrates the opening of its first store and tearoom in Johannesburg

September 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Luxury tea and lifestyle brand, Yswara, founded by the inspirational entrepreneur Swaady Martin, has just opened its first store and tearoom in Maboneng "Place of light", Johannesburg. Since its launch 3.5 years ago, it is the first time YSWARA has had the opportunity to share its vision and experience with customers directly. It is a proud milestone for the brand and the beginning of its direct retail journey.

Another packed Lioness Lean In event in Johannesburg celebrates the importance of finding your niche

September 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken

On 15 September 2016, around 85 of Johannesburg’s women entrepreneurs representing all sectors of business and industry, and at all stages of their business journeys, gathered for a morning of inspirational startup story sharing and great networking at the latest in the highly successful series of Lioness Lean In Breakfast events. As always in this popular Lioness Lean In destination, the event took place in the city’s Rosebank district at the Standard Bank Business Incubator where the surroundings create a great entrepreneurial vibe for all those attending.

Essential Read: Dear Female Founder: 66 Letters of Advice from Women Entrepreneurs Who Have Made $1 Billion in Revenue by Lu Li

September 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Lu Li, author and entrepreneur — Lu Li, author and entrepreneur

“Dear Female Founder” by author and entrepreneur Lu Li is a unique book based on one simple question: If successful female entrepreneurs and investors wrote a letter of advice to the next generation of female entrepreneurs – what would they write about? The book provides some invaluable insights from 66 inspirational women sharing the business advice they wished someone had told them when they started out.

Manyara Chigunduru, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur with a never give up attitude to business, and a great brand builder

September 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Manyara Chigunduru, Founder & Managing Partner Marianhill Capital (Pvt) Ltd & Marianhill Chartered Accountants (Zimbabwe) — **Manyara Chigunduru**, Founder & Managing Partner Marianhill Capital (Pvt) Ltd & Marianhill Chartered Accountants (Zimbabwe)

Integrity is everything in the fields of financial advisory services, auditing and accounting, and for the founder of Marianhill Capital (Pvt) Ltd & Marianhill Chartered Accountants, Manyara Chigunduru, she was driven by the desire to build a company with integrity at its foundation.

Mthuthukile Msibi, a South African entrepreneur transforming PVC into weather resistant trendy apparel and accessories

September 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Mthuthukile Msibi (L), founder of Rain Dear (South Africa) — **Mthuthukile Msibi (L)**, founder of Rain Dear (South Africa)

How many times looking back in history have great companies and brands been created as a result of necessity. In the case of Mthuthukile Msibi and her company Rain Dear, she saw opportunity in Cape Town’s bad weather, creating a range of rainproof clothing and accessories that is winning fans at home and abroad.

Charmaine Ngobeni, a South African entrepreneur with a passion for branding and supporting creatives in the industry

September 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Charmaine Ngobeni, co-founder of Conté Creatives (South Africa) — **Charmaine Ngobeni**, co-founder of Conté Creatives (South Africa)

In the world of branding and design, standing out from the crowd is always a good thing, and Conté Creatives the Agency, the brainchild of South African entrepreneur Charmaine Ngobeni and her business partner Amanda Sibiya, is certainly doing that. Their unique differentiator in the marketplace is not only a great service offering, but also a wonderful creative portfolio magazine showcasing some great work by highly talented designers.

Entrepreneur Advice from Lana de Klerk: Persevere!

September 16, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Lana de Klerk, founder of Prestige Marketing (South Africa) — **Lana de Klerk**, founder of Prestige Marketing (South Africa)

Perseverance is essential....

"See every challenge and hurdle along the way as an opportunity. Surround yourself with like-minded people who will cheer you on. Always remember the 4 P's: Persevere! Persevere! Persevere! Persevere!"

- Lana de Klerk is the founder of Prestige Marketing in South Africa, a company specialising in corporate gifts and clothing. Lana's passion has always been in marketing, and she's always loved stationery, gifts and clothing, so it seemed the perfect industry for her to launch her business in.Today, she is building a successful business and brand and with great ambitions for the future.

Quote of the Day by Magatte Wade

September 15, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Magatte Wade, founder of Tiossan (Senegal) — **Magatte Wade**, founder of Tiossan (Senegal)

"I’d like to think that I’m instead part of a new wave of conscious entrepreneurs, committed to social and environmental responsibility as we do business in Africa."

- Magatte Wade is the Senegalese-born founder of Tiossan, an all-natural, artisan skin care brand inspired by the traditional Sufi healers of Senegal. At the heart of this growing global brand are the proud tradition of ancient Senegalese recipes from which Tiossan draws inspiration. Magatte is a passionate champion of entrepreneurial education in Senegal and 50% of Tiossan profits are dedicated to the creation of innovative schools.

Entrepreneur Advice from Julie Cassidy: The rewards far outweigh the efforts

September 14, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Julie Cassidy, co-founder of ProFlex People (South Africa) — **Julie Cassidy**, co-founder of ProFlex People (South Africa)

The rewards will far outweigh your efforts....

"Don't give up! As hard as the struggle seems to get your business off the ground and become your own boss, the rewards far outweigh the efforts."

- Julie Cassidy is the co-founder of ProFlex People in South Africa, a company that provides a flexible solution to small businesses by allowing them to choose and buy-in the skills they need, for as long as they need, with no additional overheads, employment challenges or excessive rates - all via an online platform. Julie worked in the corporate world for over 20 years building a strong foundation of business knowledge and skills in the transformation and change management fields before launching her own entrepreneurial journey.

Quote of the Day by Ally Angula

September 13, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia) — **Ally Angula**, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia)

"People must understand that only hard work brings desired results. Work ethic is something that we must really cultivate in this country, but I am sure we will get there."

- Ally Angula is a qualified charted accountant and co-founder of Leap Holdings, a group of companies involved in the growing of fresh produce, garment manufacturing and retail in Namibia. She is also the founder of My Republik Brand, Namibia’s first locally designed, manufactured and retailed clothing brand with a flagship store situated in the Grove Mall in Windhoek's Kleine Kuppe suburb. She currently serves as non-executive director for Old Mutual Life Assurance (Namibia) and Rio Tinto's Rossing Uranium mine in Namibia. Ally was chosen as a Desmond Tutu Fellowship programme Associate in April 2013 and was one of two Namibian entrepreneurs selected to attend the 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Summit hosted by US President Barack Obama in Kenya.

Johannesburg Furniture Designer Lizl Naude pushes the boundaries by transforming rubbish into beautiful furniture

September 12, 2016 Melanie Hawken

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

Johannesburg Furniture Designer and Entrepreneur, Lizl Naude, has recently launched her new “Rubbish Range” of furniture made with discarded, waste material. Lizl Naude, owner of Lilly Loompa, a Johannesburg based Furniture Company, is a self taught Designer. She started designing and making furniture roughly six years ago, mostly because she couldn’t afford to buy new pieces to furnish her home. She started to scout and source for budget material and quickly realised that most people discard of very usable materials. This led to her building and designing beautiful furniture items that she used in her home.

Quote of the Day by Adenah Bayoh

September 12, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Adenah Bayoh, serial entrepreneur (United States)

“Adversity puts you at a crossroads — you can allow it to victimize you or propel you. Escaping the war made me hungry for opportunity. I figured out that there was no problem for which I could not find a solution if I dedicated all of my efforts and smarts to it. So, I bring that tenacity, work ethic and commitment to everything I do.”

- Adenah Bayoh is a very successful real estate entrepreneur in the United States. She embodies the American dream. At age 13, she escaped the civil war in her native country of Liberia, immigrated to the United States and is now one of the most successful entrepreneurs in her home state of New Jersey. Adenah is the founder and CEO of Adenah Bayoh and Companies, which is the parent corporation that owns IHOP franchises in Paterson and Irvington, New Jersey and a real estate development portfolio with over $225 million in urban redevelopment projects. Because of the success of her flagship IHOP in Irvington, she is the second largest employer in the area. Next year, Adenah will launch Cornbread, her signature line of fast casual, farm-to-table, soul food restaurants.

Jennifer Riria set to address the 4th Athens Democracy Forum on September 14-18

September 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Jennifer Riria, Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding Company — **Jennifer Riria**, Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding Company

Is democracy good for business? Is liberal democracy compatible with religion? Should the major institutions of global governance be reformed, or scrapped? Do terrorist attacks justify giving greater powers to security forces? These and many more questions will be raised and discussed during the 4th Athens Democracy Forum, which will be held in the Greek capital on September 14-18. Organized by The New York Times this illustrious gathering is set to bring together individuals leading the way in their respective fields, including Jennifer Riria, Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding Company.