Quote of the Day by Lydie Hakizimana

October 17, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Lydie Hakizimana, co-founder of Drakkar Limited (Rwanda) — Lydie Hakizimana, co-founder of Drakkar Limited (Rwanda)

"When you have the interests of people at heart, you can do anything."

- 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. Today, Lydie manages 45 employees and thirty part-time distributors covering the five provinces of Rwanda, with exclusive distributor deals with Longman, Heinemann, Penguin and Pearson.

Entrepreneur Advice from Gérsia Sequeira: Passion, Confidence & Patience

October 17, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Gérsia Sequeira, co-founder of Instituto de Tecnologias, Inovação e Serviços - ITIS (Mozambique) — **Gérsia Sequeira**, co-founder of Instituto de Tecnologias, Inovação e Serviços - ITIS (Mozambique)

Essential advice....

"Wherever you go never forget to take with you the 3 faithful friends: Passion, Confidence and Patience"

- Gércia Sequeira is the founder and Executive Director of ITIS, the Institute of Technology Innovation and Services. The company is a real innovator in Mozambique and has won an SME Innovation Award for its products and business solutions, which run in 8 higher education institutions in the country and which have graduated more than 15 000 students.

Entrepreneur Advice from Adiam Emnay & Anne-Sophie Wass: If you have an idea and dream then just realise it

October 16, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Adiam Emnay & Anne-Sophie Wass, founders of DUBARUBA — **Adiam Emnay & Anne-Sophie Wass**, founders of DUBARUBA

If you have an idea and dream then just realise it....

"Do not be afraid to fail. You will learn many things on the go. Only calculate your risks - it pays off to lose time and money in order to realise your dreams. Do not start a business only for the money, because you will lose your motivation easily if you experience failure."

- Adiam Emnay & Anne-Sophie Wass are the co-founders of DUBARUBA, an eCommerce platform based in Austria showcasing the work of some of Africa’s most talented designers and brands to a discerning European marketplace. The name DUBARUBA comes from a village located a few miles south of the Eritrean capital of Asmera and the company is a celebration of the vast and diverse universe of African designers, artists, and brands. It pays tribute to the creativity of young talented designers and artists, most of whom are undiscovered by the world at large. The products presented on DUBARUBA are carefully selected by the team and most are unique handmade items that come from small producers.

Lesotho’s leading women entrepreneurs come together for the launch of Lionesses of Africa in the country

October 15, 2017 Melanie Hawken

On a glorious, sunshine filled morning, over 100 leading women entrepreneurs representing a wide variety of business and industry sectors gathered together for a morning of inspiration and celebration at the launch of Lionesses of Africa in Maseru, Lesotho. Cohosted by Standard Lesotho Bank, this unique event aimed to acknowledge the game-changing women entrepreneurs who have built some of the country’s most successful businesses, and to inspire a new generation of young women entrepreneurs who aspire to follow in their footsteps.

Essential Read: She’s On Her Toes - How I Started a Business, Expanded It, Almost Lost It, and Got Back On My Toes by Carolyn Hern

October 15, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Entrepreneur Carolyn Hern owns and operates two fitness studios, and these businesses have given her plenty of insight into the mistakes many entrepreneurs make when starting their own operations. In her new book, She’s On Her Toes, Carolyn uses her own personal story of success to inspire and guide you on your journey, steering you away from the pitfalls that ensnare many new business owners.

100 LIONESSES: Featuring Dorcas Muthoni, a passionate techpreneur transforming lives

October 15, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Dorcas Muthoni is founder and Chief Executive Officer of Openworld Ltd, a specialist computer software company she established in Kenya when she was just 24 years old. Today, Openworld is a leading e-Government and business software services firm involved in the delivery of some of the most widely used Web and Cloud applications in Africa, such as ARIS, an African Union reporting application used by all 54 member states; and the Performance Management System for the Government of Kenya, automating performance contracting in the public sector.

Benji Coetzee, a South African entrepreneur on a mission to make cargo transportation more eco and cost efficient

October 15, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Benji Coetzee, founder of Empty Trips (South Africa) — **Benji Coetzee**, founder of Empty Trips (South Africa)

How many times a day whilst we are travelling on the highways, railways and flightpaths of countries across the African continent do we see underutilized freight carriers. This results in more expense and a bigger environmental impact. But that is about to change with the entry into the marketplace of EmptyTrips. This innovative, digital company is a game-changer in the logistics and freight transportation business.

Outsourcing 102 – The best ways to outsource your admin

October 13, 2017 Melanie Hawken

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The moment you learn to embrace the beauty of outsourcing, is the moment your world will change. And for the better, believe me! You only have so many hours in the day and a myriad of tasks to deal with besides being an example to your team, the strategic hub for growth, the face of the company and the decision maker on all things. So, after reading all of that and being reminded what a super human you are, let’s breathe and really take in how outsourcing your admin makes sound business sense.

Own your attitude

October 13, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Your attitude is the way you view the world. What attitude did you choose to bring with you today? We all have a choice. We can choose an inner dialogue of self-encouragement and self-motivation, or we can choose one of self-defeat and self-pity. It’s a power each of us has. We all go through times of hardship; it can’t always be smooth sailing. The key is to realise it’s not what happens to you that matters; but as we’re sure you’ve heard before, it’s how you choose to respond.

Quote of the Day by Olajumoke Olufunmilola Adenowo

October 13, 2017 Melanie Hawken

“We are done teaching women how to fish,... We want to give them the whole lake.”

- Olajumoke Olufunmilola Adenowo is an award-winning Nigerian architect, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, as well as a speaker, radio host, and author. She is the founder and Principal Partner of AD Consulting, a leading architecture and interior design company based in Lagos. Olajumoke Adenowo has received numerous Architecture awards and has been called the “Face of Architecture” in Nigeria. She was featured on CNN African Voices, and profiled on CNN as Africa’s 'Starchitect', and has been featured in the world’s leading Architectural Publications such as America’s Architectural Record Magazine.

Entrepreneur Advice from Shola Ade-Okafor: Talk to as many people as possible

October 13, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Shola Ade-Okafor, founder of BlushinGirl Tools (Kenya) — **Shola Ade-Okafor**, founder of BlushinGirl Tools (Kenya)

Talk to as many people as possible....

"Just do it! Be sure you are passionate about the business you intend to start, and talk to as many people as possible within your target market to get an idea of how viable your business idea is."

- Shola Ade-Okafor is the founder of BlushinGirl Tools in Kenya, a cosmetic company that provides top quality makeup and professional makeup tools primarily for the African woman. After completing her MBA at the University of Sunderland in the UK, Shola knew she wanted to work in the beauty industry and worked at House of Tara in Nigeria for one year where she gained valuable industry experience. Shola then moved to Nairobi with her spouse and set up her own makeup business providing professional makeup classes and producing a line of makeup specifically formulated for African women.

Entrepreneur Advice from Teta Isibo: Never stifle your dreams and aspirations

October 12, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Dream big and don't be scared....

“Never stifle your dreams and aspirations; if they don’t scare you, they are not big enough.”

- Teta Isibo is the creative mind behind Inzuki a dynamic young Rwandan brand specializing in jewelry, accessories and interior decor hand-made primarily from local materials. With no background in fashion or business, Teta quit her job as an urban planner with the city of Kigali to start her own business. Today Inzuki (bees in the local language) is part of a wider Rwandan cultural Renaissance. The company’s product design philosophy is a fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary style, which has helped Teta gain a pool of clients from South Africa to the USA.

Quote of the Day by Winnifred Selby

October 12, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Winnifred Selby, co-founder of Ghana Bamboo Bikes — **Winnifred Selby**, co-founder of Ghana Bamboo Bikes

"Ultimately being an entrepreneur allows me to be in charge of my own destiny. And there’s nothing better."

– Winnifred Selby was just 15 when she co-founded Afrocentric Bamboo, a company that manufactures and markets bicycles made from bamboo. Today, she is heading what has become a growing brand that is struggling to keep up with demand. Designed in-house, Afrocentric Bamboo bikes are sturdy, affordable – US$100 for the local market – and made for the high terrain and rough roads of rural Ghana. The frames are built in one piece, making them stronger and more economically viable.

Entrepreneur Advice from Linda Gieskes Mwamba: Start small and let it grow organically

October 11, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Linda Gieskes Mwamba, founder of Suki Suki Naturals. Image by Michael Griffin — **Linda Gieskes Mwamba**, founder of Suki Suki Naturals. Image by Michael Griffin

Start small and let it grow organically....

"Start your business for the love and passion for what you do, because that is what is going to drive you and make you want to wake up in the morning when things are difficult. And don’t try and do too much too soon, take things one step at a time and remember that you will get there, it’s just a matter of evolving your business - start small and let it grow organically."

- Linda Gieskes Mwamba is the founder of Suki Suki Naturals, an Indie, Natural, and African Hair Care Brand. She is a lawyer with a passion for being an entrepreneur who identified a gap in the market for hair products specifically formulated with black women in mind.

Quote of the Day by Dr. Ola Orekunrin

October 11, 2017 Melanie Hawken

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

"Your background does not determine your destiny."

- Dr. Ola Orekunrin is a physician, helicopter pilot and entrepreneur founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria, West Africa’s first Air Ambulance Service. She was motivated to start the company after her younger sister tragically died whilst traveling in Nigeria as a consequence of there being no medical air service available to transport her to hospital. Flying Doctors Nigeria today provides just such urgent helicopter, airplane ambulance and evacuation services in Nigeria and other countries across West Africa. Ola graduated from the University Of York in Britain and is a member of the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and holds their board certification.

Entrepreneur Advice from Eva Sonaike: You really have to stand out and be persistent

October 10, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Eva Sonaike, founder of Eva Sonaike — **Eva Sonaike**, founder of Eva Sonaike

You have to find a way to stand out....

"... you have to have a great product, idea or service. The market is over-flooded with so much these days, that you really have to stand out! Then be persistent and don't be discouraged if there is a 'no' or some doors won't open. You have to have a lot of stamina and keep going. It is an ongoing journey, which can be very frustrating sometimes, but if you stay positive and focused, unexpected things may happen!"

- Eva Sonaike is a talented Nigerian interior designer and lifestyle brand creator. Her London-based company, Eva Sonaike, creates luxurious textiles, home-décor and accessories with a distinctive and vibrant West-African aesthetic. Eva's products are are carried by many of London's top stores such as Selfridges, Liberty and Fenwick of Bond Street.

Quote of the Day by Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu

October 10, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu is founder and Managing Director of soleRebels (Ethiopia) — **Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu** is founder and Managing Director of soleRebels (Ethiopia)

"... we have embraced the idea that tradition and innovation go hand in hand, so that yesterday's hand loomer of fabrics is tomorrow’s textile innovator; yesterdays cobbler is tomorrow’s added value shoe artisan,"

- Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu is founder and Managing Director of soleRebels, the world's fastest-growing African footwear brand and the only Fair Trade-certified footwear company in the world. Growing up in a poor suburb of Addis Ababa, Bethlehem decided that there was only one way to defeat poverty – use local craftsmanship to make products that can compete in the global marketplace. She decided on footwear and today 70,000 pairs of shoes leave her factory every year. soleRebels has been expanding rapidly and today exports to no fewer than 45 countries and is targeting 50 stand alone soleRebels retail stores across the United States by 2018 and 500 worldwide by 2022.