Entrepreneur Advice from Omoyemi Akerele: Purpose and passion are the most important things

November 4, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Omoyemi Akerele, founder of Lagos Fashion and Design Week — **Omoyemi Akerele**, founder of Lagos Fashion and Design Week

Find your purpose and passion....

"Life is a journey. Once you understand that some of the most important things are purpose and passion driven, combined with a deeper need to make a difference beyond self as well as contribute in some way to what is happening around you, it certainly makes waking up daily an easier task for me. When you earn a living this way, it is certainly more fulfilling."

- Omoyemi Akerele founded the Lagos Fashion and Design Week in 2011 and is also founder and artistic director of Style House Files, the organising body behind the annual four-day fashion showcase. Style House Files is a Creative Development Agency that primarily focuses on the advancement of the Nigerian and African Fashion Industry. Omoyemi is widely regarded as a driving force behind the burgeoning Nigerian fashion industry. She helps brands gain essential international exposure through presenting showcases at Pitti Immagine in Italy, and through Lagos Fashion and Design Week.

Quote of the Day by Tigui Traoré

November 4, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Tigui Traoré, founder of Cocostyle (Guinea) — **Tigui Traoré**, founder of Cocostyle (Guinea)

"Enter no existing mould, do what you love, and dream, because everything begins with a dream!"

- Tigui Traoré is the founder of the fashion and creative events label, Cocostyle in Guinea. Her companies organize thematic fashion events with a cultural character that represent the current Afropolitan trend. Tigui's Cocostyle universe is so much more than just a label, it is a unifying concept that breaks all the clichés and represents the more quirky and colourful side of fashion.

Entrepreneur Advice from Robyn Victor: It's a steep learning curve

November 3, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Robyn Victor, founder of August — **Robyn Victor**, founder of August

Starting your own company is always a big learning curve....

"It is a big learning curve when you first start out, and in fact, I still learn something new every week. Try and get a business oriented person or a financial planner involved in the early days for essential advice and guidance."

- Robyn Victor is a Cape Town-based designer, born in Plettenberg Bay. She moved to Cape Town in 2002 to study Graphic Design in Advertising and then Fashion Design. In 2009, after 3 years of working and designing for the retail industry, she launched her own collection under the August label. Robyn’s design philosophy is pure and sophisticated, inspired by both the resort and casual sides of the South African lifestyle, and appealing to the fashion-minded, modern woman.

Quote of the Day by Ola Orekunrin

November 3, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Dr. Ola Orekunrin, founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria — **Dr. Ola Orekunrin**, founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria

"We have to stop this habit of trying to aspire to whatever is in the West, a copy and paste model that doesn't fit into our situation in Africa."

- Dr. Ola Orekunrin is a medical doctor, helicopter pilot and the healthcare entrepreneur founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria, West Africa’s first Air Ambulance Service. She's dedicated to bringing trauma care to the most remote parts of Western Africa and her company, an air ambulance service based in Lagos, is doing just that. She was motivated to start the company after her younger sister tragically died whilst traveling in Nigeria as a consequence of their being no medical air service available to transport her to hospital. Ola graduated as a medical doctor from the University Of York in the UK and is a member of the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine.

Entrepreneur Advice from Sarah Munyiva: You need a team behind you

November 1, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Sarah Munyiva, founder of Royal Maids Cleaning Services (Kenya) — **Sarah Munyiva**, founder of Royal Maids Cleaning Services (Kenya)

You need a team behind you....

"Entrepreneurship requires self-trust and it is so important that you have a team behind you, because things are going to get rough at some point, and you need people who think differently than you in order to prosper and problem-solve."

- Sarah Munyiva is the founder of Royal Maids Cleaning Services in Kenya, a residential and commercial cleaning company in Kenya offering weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and one-time cleanings. Royal Maids gives busy individuals and families clean, comfortable homes to return to and enjoy each day. Sarah began at the Royal Maids alongside her mother and continued to build and grow the business over the past 2 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Project Planning and Management from The University of Nairobi.

Quote of the Day by Dr. Jennifer Riria

October 31, 2016 Melanie Hawken

“Growing up, I learnt a lot from my mother because she was a go-getter. She is my role model, my rock and my mentor. She encouraged me to believe in myself.”

- Dr. Jennifer Riria is the Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding and one of Africa's leading women entrepreneurs who has always been on a mission to transform the lives of women and their families in her native Kenya. She is distinguished as a microfinance banker and practitioner, researcher and gender specialist. She has served in many leadership roles for which she has been recognized locally and internationally. In 2013 she was awarded the Ernst & Young (EY) Entrepreneur of the year, East Africa 2013, and subsequently, the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2014, at which point she was admitted to EY’s Global Hall of Fame.

100 LIONESSES: Swaady Martin on developing strategies and tactics to expand an African global luxury brand

October 30, 2016 Melanie Hawken

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After an 11-year career at GE, Swaady Martin adopted many of the strategies and tactics instrumental to its successful African expansion to launch YSWARA, an African, global luxury brand.

Chaymaa Rhou, a Moroccan entrepreneur on a mission to encourage more digital nomads to explore the world of film

October 30, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Chaymaa Rhou, founder of Nomadic Filmland Academy (Morocco) — **Chaymaa Rhou**, founder of Nomadic Filmland Academy (Morocco)

For all those who love the idea of global travel and filming combined into one unique offering, then the Nomadic Filmland Academy has a great proposition. Entrepreneur Chaymaa Rhou and her film expert colleagues are providing the opportunity for travellers to experience not only fascinating trips to new places, but also the chance to record a film of their travels at the same time.

Finalists announced for the Appsafrica.com Innovation Awards 2016

October 30, 2016 Melanie Hawken

On 20th October in Cape Town, South Africa, the finalists for the AppsAfrica.com Innovation Awards 2016 were announced, with a shortlist featuring leading mobile and tech companies from across Africa. The annual awards attracted over 200 submissions from 25 countries, chosen by an independent panel of leading industry experts.

Understanding profitability, growth and sustainability

October 30, 2016 Melanie Hawken

It is my pleasure to embark on this profitability series which will touch on so many aspects of an organisation’s growth and sustainability. In these series, we shall deal with all issues around company profitability, from merely having an appreciation of what it means to understanding how a failing company can return to profitability.

Sarah Munyiva, a Kenyan entrepreneur on a mission to help busy people and companies with their cleaning needs

October 30, 2016 Melanie Hawken

For both homeowners and business owners alike, the challenge of keeping important living and work spaces clean and tidy is one that Kenya-based Royal Maids Cleaning Services is happy to deal with. Founder and CEO Sarah Munyiva is providing a useful and much-needed service to those requiring hassle-free cleaning solutions in their lives.

Rafiat Kasumu, a social entrepreneur passionate about celebrating the fine weaving craftsmanship of Ghana

October 29, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Rafiat Kasumu, founder of Kente Master (Ghana/USA)

For all those Ghanaian students who have proudly graduated from university or college and worn their official graduation stoles, the chances are they may be wearing the entrepreneurial success story that is Kente Master.

Life in the Driver's Seat: Women With Drive & Beyond by Molly Cantrell-Kraig

October 29, 2016 Melanie Hawken

The road of the entrepreneur is a bumpy one. Full of zigs and zags, detours and dead ends, building something from scratch takes someone with drive. Wouldn’t it be great if you had a friend along the way? ...Someone who had been where you are? Life in the Driver’s Seat: Women With Drive and Beyond is a slim volume filled with bite-sized wisdom you can fit in your pocket, and read whenever you need a bit of encouragement.

Entrepreneur Advice from Jenna Clifford: Perseverance is key

October 27, 2016 Melanie Hawken

You need passion, hard work and perseverance...

"Always have a passion for what you are doing or find something else to do. Dream, dream, dream and work hard! Results are only delivered on hours and hours of hard work. Always stay focused and resolute to your beliefs and value system. A belief in your market is imperative. Perseverance is key."

- Jenna Clifford is a world-renowned jewellery designer, known for her unique designs and superlative craftsmanship. Established in 1992, her company has steadily grown its clientele and improved its profile to institute itself as a powerful force in the jewellery industry. Her bold and dramatic designs are sought after by some of the most recognised business icons and celebrities from around the world. Today, Jenna Clifford Designs employs around 70 people, including some of the finest jewellery artisans and craftsmen in South Africa.

Quote of the Day by Susan Mashibe

October 27, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Susan Mashibe, founder of Via Aviation, Tanzania — **Susan Mashibe**, founder of Via Aviation, Tanzania

"As a successful female entrepreneur, I recognize that I have a responsibility to support those following in my footsteps, and to give back to the community."

- Susan Mashibe is founder and executive director of VIA Aviation, an international fixed-base aircraft services operation and the first company of its kind in Tanzania. Susan is also the first woman in Tanzania to hold both a FAA certified commercial pilot and an aircraft maintenance engineering qualification. This passionate aviator left Tanzania at the tender age of 19 to learn to fly jetliners in the United States, later returning home to help reshape African private air travel. Today, VIA Aviation provides logistical support for corporate, diplomatic and private jets. Her clients include heads of state, monarchs, Fortune 500 executives, celebrities, and military flights. VIA was the first company to offer such services in Tanzania and East Africa as a whole.

Quote of the Day Teta Isibo

October 26, 2016 Melanie Hawken

“Africa is trending, so made in Africa has a certain cache. It’s about building a brand.”

- Teta Isibo is the founder and creative force behind Inzuki Designs a young Rwandan brand specializing in jewelry, accessories and interior decor. Teta's creations are hand-made using local craft skills and materials - she works with numerous local women's cooperatives to create vibrant, quality pieces. With no background in fashion or business, Teta quit her job as an urban planner in Kigali to launch Inzuki, which means 'bees' in the local language. This has grown into a popular Rwandan brand with a boutique located in the Heart of Kigali City. Teta is now targeting international markets including the rest of Africa, Europe, Asia and North America through distributors and an online store.

Quote of the Day by Judith Owigar

October 25, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Judith Owigar, co-founder and executive director of Akirachix — Judith Owigar, co-founder and executive director of Akirachix

"Innovation is simply finding better ways to do things. Don't stress about tech, use what you have to improve lives – that is real innovation.”

- Judith Owigar is co-founder and executive director of Akirachix, an organisation centred around building, supporting, and inspiring African women in technology. Judith is passionate about all things women and all things tech. She believes that exposure, education and use of technology can increase the quality of life and as such change the world. Apart from Akirachix, Judith is the founder of JuaKali, an online micro jobs site for skilled manual workers. Through the Akirachix activities she seeks to increase the number of women who are creators of technological solutions and in effect change the perception of women in technology.

Entrepreneur Advice from Lucy Kapkirwok: Never give up!

October 25, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Lucy Kapkirwok (L), founder and CEO of Sanpad Products (Kenya) — **Lucy Kapkirwok (L)**, founder and CEO of Sanpad Products (Kenya)

Never give up....

"Never give up, remain focused, seek support from like minded people, and never look back."

- Lucy Kapkirwok is a social entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Sanpad Products in Kenya. SANPAD is a sanitary pad-pant business, an innovative low cost initiative aimed at manufacturing affordable and accessible sanitary pads cum pants to address the needs of women and girls in resource poor settings. Lucy is committed to improving the lives of women and young girls in Africa, especially those from poor communities.

Entrepreneur Advice from Khanyi Dhlomo: Pursue your dreams passionately

October 24, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Don't try to emulate others - follow your own dreams....

"You shouldn’t set out to emulate anyone. Rather be the best you can be. Figure out what your passions are and get training and education to move forward in that field. Pursue your dreams passionately. Aim to be beautiful on the outside and the inside, and that way you’ll make a positive difference in people’s lives."

- Khanyi Dhlomo is the Managing Director of Ndalo Media, which she founded in 2007. She is also the founder of DestinyConnect and the founding editor of Destiny Magazine. Before starting her own media company, Khanyi was editor of True Love magazine for eight years. In 2013, Khanyi ventured in retail and launched Luminance, a high-end fashion and lifestyle department store. Khanyi was named most influential woman in South African Media by The Media Magazine in 2003 and made the 2011 Forbes list of 20 Young Power Women in Africa.

Mapeka Polane, creates one of a kind cakes and children's party experiences in Lesotho

October 22, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Mapeka Polane, founder of Spegelicious Cakery And Party Rentals (Lesotho) — **Mapeka Polane**, founder of Spegelicious Cakery And Party Rentals (Lesotho)

Children’s birthday parties are synonymous with special cakes and in Lesotho, one company, Spegelicious Cakery And Party Rentals, created by entrepreneur Mapeka Polane, is making a name for itself by creating fun celebratory cakes to remember.

"Enter no existing mould, do what you love, and dream, because everything begins with a dream!"

"It is a big learning curve when you first start out, and in fact, I still learn something new every week. Try and get a business oriented person or a financial planner involved in the early days for essential advice and guidance."

"We have to stop this habit of trying to aspire to whatever is in the West, a copy and paste model that doesn't fit into our situation in Africa."

"Entrepreneurship requires self-trust and it is so important that you have a team behind you, because things are going to get rough at some point, and you need people who think differently than you in order to prosper and problem-solve."

“Growing up, I learnt a lot from my mother because she was a go-getter. She is my role model, my rock and my mentor. She encouraged me to believe in myself.”

"Always have a passion for what you are doing or find something else to do. Dream, dream, dream and work hard! Results are only delivered on hours and hours of hard work. Always stay focused and resolute to your beliefs and value system. A belief in your market is imperative. Perseverance is key."

"As a successful female entrepreneur, I recognize that I have a responsibility to support those following in my footsteps, and to give back to the community."

“Africa is trending, so made in Africa has a certain cache. It’s about building a brand.”

"Innovation is simply finding better ways to do things. Don't stress about tech, use what you have to improve lives – that is real innovation.”

"Never give up, remain focused, seek support from like minded people, and never look back."

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