Entrepreneur Advice from Chaymaa Rhou: We all fear taking risks

November 14, 2017 Melanie Hawken

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

We all fear taking risks....

"We all fear taking risks and we all experience failure. The only thing that makes you face the fear with courage is to take decisions and follow the journey with its good and bad. Among things that I've learned through this journey is that building confidence, courage and growing your skills in business happens only when you fail once, twice and even more times."

- Chaymaa Rhou is the founder of Nomadic Filmland Academy in Morocco, a new filmmaking platform dedicated for world nomads. Our mission is to help our participants experience adventure while filming it to share it with the world. Chaymaa holds a Bachelor degree in Mass media and Communication, and she was certifed as a wildlife filmmaker.

Quote of the Day by Njeri Rionge

November 13, 2017 Melanie Hawken

“Entrepreneurship is what is going to build Africa. Integrity is also going to build Africa.”

- 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 Tiguidanke Camara: Take time to learn

November 13, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Tiguidanke “Tigui” Camara, founder, Chairman & CEO of Tigui Mining Group — Tiguidanke “Tigui” Camara, founder, Chairman & CEO of Tigui Mining Group

Take time to learn....

"Do not let anyone discourage you. Take time to learn. Spend as much time as possible in the field. You may face discrimination sometimes, but always remain professional and persevere. Know that you represent yourself and those women who will follow your path. Find your path, work hard and let the universe do the rest."

- Tiguidanke “Tigui” Camara has had a remarkable career trajectory in Guinea, Africa. She is a former fashion model turned mining entrepreneur. As founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tigui Mining Group and Camara Diamond & Gold Trading Network, Tigui is one of the youngest women mining executives and one of the few women mine owners in Africa. A visionary and proactive businesswoman, she uses her entrepreneurial background to pursue her objective of creating a conglomerate of natural resources and innovative technology companies. Tigui is an active advocate of women’s role in the development of the mining industry. A member of Women in Mining International, she co-founded Women in Mining Guinée. Tigui has been featured in numerous high profile-media such as CNN, Mining Decisions and JeuneAfrique, to name just a few.

Essential Read: Rising from the Ashes by Miyanda Katiwa

November 12, 2017 Melanie Hawken

In her new book, Rising from the Ashes, successful serial entrepreneur and now author, Miyanda Katiwa, brilliantly draws life changing lessons from her experiences in life and business. She shares her moments of struggle, brokenness and hopelessness, and gives some invaluable lessons that will help any other woman entrepreneur to overcome their own challenges. Once broke, jobless and stateless, plus going through at the same time the heart wrenching experience of a painful divorce, Miyanda emerged as a successful entrepreneur and business consultant in her own right, building a strong human resource consultancy firm in Zambia. Today she is a serial entrepreneur, launching another highly successful agribusiness Pamushana Farm, specializing in growing seedlings for food production.

Zambia’s women entrepreneurs share, inspire and connect at the Lioness Lean In event in Lusaka

November 12, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Screen Shot 2017-11-12 at 3.19.05 PM.jpg

On 8 November, the Lioness Lean In roadshow returned to Zambia to showcase and empower women entrepreneurs in the city. The event was once again held in partnership with Stanbic Bank at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka, and brought around 80 women business owners from across the city from both the Stanbic Bank client list and also from the Lionesses of Africa network. Lionesses of Africa is one of the fastest growing networks of women entrepreneurs with over 450,000 women business and brand builders in 49 African countries and across the Diaspora.

Deborah Sawyerr, a Nigerian entrepreneur on a mission to educate kids on money literacy

November 12, 2017 Melanie Hawken

**Deborah Sawyerr, founder of Sawyerrs’ House (Nigeria)**

You are never too young to learn about money as a child, and never to old to learn how to manage your money better and create your future wealth as a woman, according to Sawyerrs’ House founder, Deborah Sawyerr. She is passionate about increasing money literacy amongst both children and adult women alike.

Nonhlanhla Khumalo, a South African entrepreneur bringing financial management and accounting solutions to its clients

November 12, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Nonhlanhla Khumalo, founder of LeHay Consulting (South Africa) — **Nonhlanhla Khumalo**, founder of LeHay Consulting (South Africa)

Businesses need access to specialist financial services advice and support, but often for start up companies, it can be a daunting process. Now help is at hand from experienced accountant and entrepreneur, Nonhlanhla Khumalo, founder of LeHay Consulting.

Entrepreneur Advice from Dorcas Muthoni: On the importance of cash-flow to the entrepreneur

November 10, 2017 Melanie Hawken

On the importance of maintaining cashflow for entrepreneurs...

"Rule number one, never run out of cash; rule number two, never run out of cash; rule number three, never run out of cash; rule number four, when in doubt, see the first three rules."

- 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. Dorcas is passionate about using technology to positively transform African society through the lives of its ordinary people, businesses and governments and is a co-founder of the regional organization LinuxChix Africa. In 2012 Dorcas was inducted by the Internet Society into the Internet Hall of Fame.

Read Dorcas's 100 Lionesses profile.

Quote of the Day by Kofo Akinkugbe

November 10, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Kofo Akinkugbe, founder & CEO of SecureID Nigeria Ltd (Nigeria) — Kofo Akinkugbe, founder & CEO of SecureID Nigeria Ltd (Nigeria)

"Once you have a good plan and a good concept and you work through it, the funds will always come."

- Kofo Akinkugbe is recognised globally for her entrepreneurial success story and strong business track record. She is founder & CEO of SecureID Nigeria Ltd a market leader in smart card technology and digital security in Africa. SecureID is a world-class manufacturing facility with the only smart card production plant in West Africa and one of only six on the continent. In January 2015 the company commissioned a new state-of-the-art EMV-certified smartcard manufacturing plant – the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa. The company serves 16 countries across Africa and is fully certified by VISA, Verve and MasterCard. In 2012, Kofo won the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship Mature Business Award.

Entrepreneur Advice from Angela Dick: Trust your inner instincts

November 9, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Angela Dick, founder of Transman, South Africa — **Angela Dick**, founder of Transman, South Africa

You need to trust your instincts....

"The most important thing is to trust your inner instincts. Look at what you respect; who you respect and who you believe in."

- Angela Dick is the co-founder and CEO of Transman the largest privately owned, temporary-employment service provider in South Africa. This one-time schoolteacher, who was the SA Business Women’s Association’s Entrepreneur of the Year in 2006, has grown her company’s revenue from a mere R85 000 back in 1983 to well over half a billion rand today. Angela also served as the first woman president and chairperson of Board of Directors of The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (Seifsa).

Setbacks are inevitable, it’s how you get back up that matters

November 8, 2017 Melanie Hawken

In my last few blogs, I focused on two of the key things you need to get right if you want to grow your business in 2017: setting your strategy and relentlessly executing your plan. But no matter how well we plan, no matter how hard our teams work, there will be setbacks along the way.

Own your calendar (Part 2)

November 8, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Our to-do list has started to become a guilt list constantly getting longer and a reminder of what we have not achieved. The problem with the to-do list is it has become a collection tool but does not provide any clarity in terms of order of importance of tasks and what truly needs our focus to achieve our goals.

Entrepreneur Advice from Christine Moraa: Consistency is key

November 8, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Consistency is key....

"I'd advise my fellow women to get over the fear that easily keeps us from meeting our destinies and when you get your foot in the door, remain persistent till you fulfill your destiny. While running your business, always remember consistency is key in whatever you do."

- Christine Moraa is the founder of Kenyan PR company, Tendai Communications, a boutique public relations firm that's customer centric and uses a mix of services including brand management, corporate communication and communication strategies in a bid to position brands to their target audiences as well as project the image that is pillared on the company values and culture.

Quote of the Day by Jennifer Riria

November 8, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Dr. Jennifer Riria (Right), founder & group chief executive of Kenya Women Holding — **Dr. Jennifer Riria** (Right), founder & group chief executive of Kenya Women Holding

“Leadership is not about you. It’s about us. I believe women are God-made leaders.”

- 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.

Quote of the Day by Adenike Ogunlesi

November 7, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Adenike Ogunlesi, founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble (Nigeria) — Adenike Ogunlesi, founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble (Nigeria)

“Success for me is a journey. It is not a place you would say you have reached. It is not only about money, it is not about awards or accolades. It is about what you stand for, what your values are. For me, there has to be a wholesome definition to success.”

- Adenike 'Nike' Ogunlesi is the founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble a leading designer, manufacturer and retailer of designer children's clothing in Nigeria. Nike started out modestly in 1996 selling the clothes she made from the boot of her car and in bazaars. Today, Ruff 'n' Tumble is an instantly recognisable brand in Nigeria and has a reputation for being one of the top manufacturers of children's clothing throughout West Africa. Ruff 'n' Tumble successfully caters to the unique fashion sense of today’s youngsters, from new born to age 16, happily mixing indigenous lifestyle trends with an international appeal.

Entrepreneur Advice from Christine Buchanan - It can't be just about making money

November 7, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Louiza Rademan & Christine Buchanan, founders of oh-lief (South Africa) — **Louiza Rademan & Christine Buchanan**, founders of oh-lief (South Africa)

You should never embark upon an entrepreneurial venture with the aim just on making money....

"... it is essential to find something that you are really passionate about and that you understand. The danger is sometimes that you can have a great love for something, but if you are not fully conversant with everything it takes to make that passion turn into a business reality, then it is a problem. So you need to find a balance between your passion and the business side of things."

- Christine Buchanan is one half of a sister duo from South Africa who founded oh-lief Natural Products based on their love of all things natural and organic. They are capturing the imagination of customers looking for an alternative to the mass produced, chemically formulated skin and body care products on the market. The Oh-Lief Natural Products company is developing 100% natural and organic products that are truly world class.

Entrepreneur Advice from Marie-Noelle Elissac-Foy: Do not be afraid

November 6, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Marie-Noelle Elissac-Foy, founder of The Talent Factory (Mauritius) — **Marie-Noelle Elissac-Foy,** founder of The Talent Factory (Mauritius)

Do not be afraid...

"Do not be afraid to try. Do not be afraid to fail. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Find your added value and build your service offering on it. It is worth it!"

- Marie-Noelle Elissac-Foy is the founder of The Talent Factory, a boutique Public Relations consultancy in Mauritius. Marie-Noelle leads a consultancy business that specialises in crafting tailor-made Public relations & Communication solutions for businesses, SMEs, and start-ups. Before launching her company she worked in the media industry for over 10 years at La Sentinelle, one of the most important media groups of the Island. As Chief Editor, she managed various publications and editorial teams and also created Essentielle, a glossy women's magazine.

Quote of the Day from Mariéme Jamme

November 6, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Mariéme Jamme, founder Spotone Global Solutions — **Mariéme Jamme**, founder Spotone Global Solutions

“The growth of mobile technologies and internet access is now the backbone of any knowledge economy — we must learn that the more information we share, the more people will benefit.”

- Mariéme Jamme is a Senegalese born-British businesswoman, who runs a technology consultancy business, Spotone Global Solutions, that helps technology companies to identify a new markets, generate leads, increase revenue and set a foothold in Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa. Mariéme is best known for her role in promoting technology, good governance, transparency and a better education standard in Africa. She was recently named as one of the 100 most influential Africans of 2014 by the Africa Business Magazine and Forbes Magazine.

The Lioness Radio Show launches giving voice to Africa’s women entrepreneurs

November 5, 2017 Melanie Hawken

November sees the launch of an exciting new communication platform for women entrepreneurs across the Lionesses of Africa network, both on the continent and in the Diaspora. The Lioness Radio Show aims to inspire, inform and give voice to Africa's women entrepreneurs. This premier, weekly magazine show features the best of women's entrepreneurship on the African continent, hosted by Melanie Hawken, founder and ceo of Lionesses of Africa, and powered by Standard Bank.

“Entrepreneurship is what is going to build Africa. Integrity is also going to build Africa.”

"Rule number one, never run out of cash; rule number two, never run out of cash; rule number three, never run out of cash; rule number four, when in doubt, see the first three rules."

"Once you have a good plan and a good concept and you work through it, the funds will always come."

"The most important thing is to trust your inner instincts. Look at what you respect; who you respect and who you believe in."

"Choose to be visible, choose to be known – find mentors, find sponsors, and make sure the decision makers at all levels know who you are."

"I'd advise my fellow women to get over the fear that easily keeps us from meeting our destinies and when you get your foot in the door, remain persistent till you fulfill your destiny. While running your business, always remember consistency is key in whatever you do."

“Leadership is not about you. It’s about us. I believe women are God-made leaders.”

“Success for me is a journey. It is not a place you would say you have reached. It is not only about money, it is not about awards or accolades. It is about what you stand for, what your values are. For me, there has to be a wholesome definition to success.”

"Do not be afraid to try. Do not be afraid to fail. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Find your added value and build your service offering on it. It is worth it!"

“The growth of mobile technologies and internet access is now the backbone of any knowledge economy — we must learn that the more information we share, the more people will benefit.”

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