Entrepreneur Advice from Lalita Anousha Purbho-Junggee: Make it happen

January 17, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Lalita Anousha Purbho-Junggee, founder of Nineteen Fifty Design & Print Co Ltd (Mauritius) — **Lalita Anousha Purbho-Junggee**, founder of Nineteen Fifty Design & Print Co Ltd (Mauritius)

Make it happen…

“Entrepreneurship for me is an art of hustling. If you want to make things happen, then you have to go out and make it happen. Nobody will do it for you, except you. Be patient, things won't happen overnight. It didn't happen for me at least. Stay focused and never give up.”

- Lalita Anousha Purbho-Junggee is the founder of Nineteen Fifty Design & Print Co Ltd in Mauritius, a company that provides vehicle branding, exhibition booth design, supermarket POS display, and billboard printing. Lalita takes pride in her company’s high quality printing output and fast delivery and after six years of local operations she is now planning on expanding her business in sub-Saharan Africa.

Quote of the Day by Nondumiso Pikashe

January 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“Listen to that 6th sense.”

- Nondumiso Pikashe, founder of Ses’fikile Wines (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Marie-Noelle Elissac-Foy: Be proud of what you’ve achieved

January 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken

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

Be proud of what you’ve achieved…

"As a woman, I feel that we often tend to belittle our achievements. I no longer want to give in to that trend. We must learn to be proud of ourselves. Let's pat our own backs!"

- 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 specializes 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 on the Island. As Chief Editor, she managed various publications and editorial teams and also created Essentielle, a glossy women's magazine.

Entrepreneur Advice from Gwendolyne Gosselin: Believe in yourself

January 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Gwendolyne Gosselin, founder of Mathilde & Co. (South Africa) — **Gwendolyne Gosselin**, founder of Mathilde & Co. (South Africa)

Believe in yourself…

“If you believe in your idea and you've done the research, do it. But don't expect it to happen over night and don't give up when times are tough, because they will be. It may sound as a cliche, but believe in yourself and never give up, it will happen.”

- Gwendolyne Gosselin is the founder of Mathilde & Co. in South Africa, a women’s empowerment project based in a small rural village in the Klein Karoo that makes high quality Shweshwe fabric toys and clothing for babies, children and adults. Back in 2010, with an old vintage sewing machine and $20 worth of fabrics, Gwendolyne started Mathilde & Co., teaching herself how to sew along the way. One thing led to another and 4 years later she now provides part time work for 5 ladies in her small community.

Quote of the Day by Marta Pinto Coelho Roff

January 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Marta Pinto Coelho Roff is the co-founder of Maputo Relocation Solutions (Mozambique)

“It’s all about work life balance. Entrepreneurship, just like motherhood, is not for me a 9-5 job. I also make time for myself.”

- Marta Pinto Coelho Roff, co-founder of Maputo Relocation Solutions (Mozambique)

Ntediseng Mwale, a South African culinary entrepreneur putting the love and passion into cooking for her clients

January 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Ntediseng Mwale (Teddy), founder of Excellere Foods (South Africa) — **Ntediseng Mwale (Teddy)**, founder of Excellere Foods (South Africa)

They say food is love, and when prepared by passionate chefs who have a love and respect for the ingredients they use, combined with a creative eye and hand, that love is passed on to the customer. South African chef and entrepreneur, Ntediseng Mwale (Teddy), founder of Excellere Foods, is passion personified in the kitchen.

Refilwe Sebothoma, a South African entrepreneur making her mark in the premium personal protective equipment business

January 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Refilwe Sebothoma, founder of PBM Creations (South Africa) — **Refilwe Sebothoma**, founder of PBM Creations (South Africa)

Creating safe working environments for employees in any industry sector is key, and that’s where specialist knowledge and equipment is essential. Refilwe Sebothoma, founder of PBM Creations, is helping companies and organisations to create those safe working environments through her provision of personal protective equipment.

Essential Read: 'The To-Be List' by Latesha Randall

January 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken

We live in a busy, fast paced world where we can easily place a higher priority on achieving goals than on enjoying each day, Because of this, it can sometimes seem as if we are more like human doings, than human beings. In her new book, The To-Be List, author Latesha Randall, shows us there is another way.

18 Women authors from Africa inspire on business and entrepreneurship

January 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Over the past year, as part of our regular weekly Essential Reads feature on Lionesses of Africa, we have been showcasing the books published by Africa’s leading women authors on the subject of business and entrepreneurship. Here are 18 of our favourite books featured and which are well worth another read going into 2018. Prepare to be inspired!

5 Top Tips for Selling More – Even If You Suck at Sales Right Now

January 13, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Julia Pimsleur, author, speaker and coach, and the founder of Little Pim

Many of us do not love selling, and may even avoid getting better at it, even though we also know it’s one of the most important – if not THE most important – keys to growing our companies. Very few businesses making under $1M in revenues can afford a senior sales team so for now anyway, you ARE the rainmaker. Whether you can find and close deals really, really matters.

Change management is everyone’s business

January 13, 2018 Melanie Hawken

By Leigh Ann Gowland, founder of Employee Driven Change

Imagine a sail boat, destined for a beautiful destination, equipped with state of the art navigation equipment, sleek design and immaculate engineering but never opening its sails to harness the energy of the wind. The scenario seems irrational. Why would an experienced Skipper embark on a remarkable journey without utilizing his most valuable resources?

Quote of the Day by Nondumiso Pikashe

January 12, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“I want to change the stereotype that indigenous brands don't work in the wine industry.”

- Nondumiso Pikashe, founder of Ses’fikile Wines (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Nicola Bokaba: Find an empathetic mentor

January 12, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Nicola Bokaba, founder of Earthy Cook (South Africa) — **Nicola Bokaba**, founder of Earthy Cook (South Africa)

Find an empathetic mentor…

“One of the most invaluable things to have is a knowledgeable, empathetic mentor who pushes you beyond your comfort zone… Almost every successful entrepreneur I’ve heard of has recounted experiences of rejection and even ridicule on their journey. A great mentor can act as a buffer during those and other challenging times.”

- Nicola Bokaba is the founder of Earthy Cook in South Africa, a company that makes hand-made, personalized and customer branded products for the home kitchen and the hospitality industry. She currently employs 4 people and plans to work with a local college to bring in qualifying students to help meet her expansion plans in exchange for work opportunities.

Quote of the Day by Ngwana Matloa

January 11, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Ngwana Matloa, co-founder of ABOT Technology (South Africa)

“There’s no need to stab others in the back. Our journeys are different, even if you are in the same industry as millions of other women.”

- Ngwana Matloa is the co-founder of ABOT Technology (South Africa)

Quote of the Day from Cristina Margarida Rocha

January 10, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“Start small, dream big, do it with passion and be resilient.”

- Cristina Margarida Rocha, founder of Daisy Social (Mozambique)

Entrepreneur Advice from Dené Carlile: Build a solid foundation

January 10, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Dené Carlile, founder of BluMallow Social & Design (South Africa) — **Dené Carlile**, founder of BluMallow Social & Design (South Africa)

Set up your foundation!…

“Do your research and do it well. Planning is so important. Take the time to give your business the best possible chance of success. Don't be afraid to ask questions, learn how to network, read articles, listen to podcasts, work late hours building up those first customers and give them a great experience! Without a solid foundation, you will simply be blown over.”

- Dené Carlile is the founder of BluMallow Social & Design in South Africa, a company providing social media management, marketing, advertising and design to companies of all sizes at affordable rates. Dené has over 7 years experience in Graphic design and Social Media Management and has worked for clients ranging from SMEs right up to Multi-national Corporates, and has been awarded several Service Excellence awards.

Quote of the Day by Monica Musonda

January 10, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Monica Musonda, founder and CEO of Java Foods, Zambia — **Monica Musonda**, founder and CEO of Java Foods, Zambia

“Have a vision and passion. Be courageous, focused and disciplined. Lastly, persist… it’s definitely not easy.”

- Monica Musonda is founder and Chief Executive Officer of Java Foods, a food processing company based in Zambia. Monica's vision is to revolutionize the eating habits of the youth market by offering them affordable and nutritious food options made from local products. Monica is a dual-qualified English solicitor and Zambian advocate with over 15 years of experience in legal practice and corporate management, including being corporate counsel at the International Finance Corporation and for Aliko Dangote of Dangote Industries Limited.

Quote of the Day by Ntsoaki Mabejane

January 9, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“Align yourself with people on the same mission as you and never be afraid to ask a winner how to win.”

- Ntsoaki Mabejane, founder of Botanical Wares (Lesotho)

Entrepreneur Advice from Sihle Hlophe: Go for it!

January 9, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Sihle Hlophe is the founder of Passion Seed Communications in South Africa — **Sihle Hlophe** is the founder of Passion Seed Communications in South Africa

Go for it!…

“Do your research and just take the plunge. Believe in yourself and others will do the same. You are enough. Be diligent with your finances. Don’t be intimidated by the sales process. Don't allow anything or anyone to dim your light. Shine! Read about the journeys of other female entrepreneurs and draw strength and inspiration from them. Life is too short to turn your back on your dreams. Gratitude is the key to true happiness. Most importantly, as we always say at Passion Seed Communications, do it with passion or not at all.”

- Sihle Hlophe is the founder of Passion Seed Communications in South Africa, a film and television production company that is geared towards giving a platform to minority languages and minority groups. Sihle produces fiction and non-fiction content for theatrical release, live event coverage and corporate videos. Passion Seed has been commissioned by organizations such as the National Film & Video Foundation, the Foundation For Human Rights, SAB Miller, the Hot Docs Blue Ice Group Fund, and the New York Times.

Entrepreneur Advice from Que Lebatha: Build your brand

January 8, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Que Lebatha, founder of Que Lebatha Consulting (South Africa) — **Que Lebatha**, founder of Que Lebatha Consulting (South Africa)

Build your brand…

“… it’s very important to believe in what you have to offer in the world, and then to wear that on your sleeve and completely be about that thing. This means ensuring things like having a professional email address (Google Business, for example), a business card, cleaning up your LinkedIn profile, and setting up a website - these are all simple steps that tell the world that you are taking yourself seriously. Once that happens, any business you start from there already has a solid foundation on which to stand.”

- Que Lebatha is the founder of Que Lebatha Consulting in South Africa, an integrated Marketing Communications agency that provides companies with Public Relations, Social Media and Event Management services. Que specializes in strategy development and implementation in the marketing communication field. She has worked on a number of campaigns with brands such as Montecasino, Tsogo Sun, Absa, Tsheto Leadership and Coaching Academy and Three Ring Circus.