Entrepreneur Advice from Tracey Gilmore: Overcome your doubts

February 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Overcome your doubts…

“When I feel self-doubt creeping in I consciously try to remain open and in the moment and if that doesn’t work I practice self-talk and reflect on positive past experiences that made me feel comforted and secure. It is these feelings that help brace my vulnerabilities.”

- Tracey Gilmore is the co-founder of The Clothing Bank, a high impact social enterprise on a mission to upskill and empower unemployed people in South Africa. Her work enables other women to not only learn the craft of entrepreneurship, but also to grow in self esteem and confidence. Tracey started her career in Deloitte, PWC and SAP before moving to Woolworths in the position of Head of Finance in South Africa. She is a chartered accountant and has been widely recognized as an outstanding business leader and social entrepreneur in South Africa.

Quote of the Day by Tumi Moitse

February 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“Align yourself with female orientated incubation programmes to build your confidence.”

- Tumi Moitse, founder of BlakSaffron Boutique (South Africa)

Kickstart your financial freedom in 2018!

February 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Sylvia Walker, author of SmartWoman

I am not a great believer in New Year’s resolutions, as they generally tend to be forgotten within a week or so! But what each new year does bring us, is a time of reflection, and from a financial point of view, a desire to perhaps improve ourselves over the next twelve months.

Wezi Moyo, a Malawian serial entrepreneur growing multiple businesses and a reputation for success

February 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Wezi Moyo, founder of Benequity Consultancy and Hillside Lodge (Malawi) — **Wezi Moyo**, founder of Benequity Consultancy and Hillside Lodge (Malawi)

In Malawi, many women entrepreneurs have not just one business, but several, working on the philosophy that it is better to both spread business risk and increase the chances of success. Wezi Moyo, founder of Benequity Consultancy and Hillside Lodge, is one such woman, demonstrating that it is indeed possible to be a successful serial entrepreneur in the country.

Quote of the Day by Tracey Gilmore

January 29, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“Learn to trust your instincts and quieten the fear.”

- Tracey Gilmore, co-founder of The Clothing Bank (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Emma Maame Efua Tandoh: Keep at it every day

January 29, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Emma Maame Efua Tandoh, founder of Love Ankara (Ghana) — **Emma Maame Efua Tandoh**, founder of Love Ankara (Ghana)

Keep at it every day…

“You will make some mistakes, but heck, start, go ahead and begin that dream and keep at it every day. Play up your strengths and use them to your advantage and whatever you feel you're not good at, hire someone who is great at it and keep going.”

- Emma Maame Efua Tandoh is the founder of Love Ankara in Ghana, a brand that is re-defining what authentic African fabric stands for. Emma is passionate about building a footwear and accessories brand that seeks to promote authentic African prints, empower women and preserve local textile industries. Love Ankara shoes and accessories are worn by powerful, outspoken, daring and empowered women the world over.

We are always Becoming….

January 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Nokubonga Mbanga, founder of Self Insights

Every January magazines (online and hard copies) have an article about the new year it usually reads: “New year, New You/Me”. So, naturally I am thinking about what I think this year should achieve, aka: New Year’s resolutions….

The holiday season has come and gone, it sucked and now what?

January 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Paula Quinsee, Relationship Expert and Author

December can either have a positive (or negative) impact on relationships but what can you do if the holiday season hasn’t gone so well on that front? Relationships are a constant challenge. No matter who you are, or who your partner is, for relationships to work, both parties need to put in some good effort to keep them going, and to keep both partners engaged, interested, and happy.

Power Up: How Smart Women Win in the New Economy by Magdalena Yesil

January 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

With empowering insights to help women entrepreneurs navigate the narrowest corridors of sexism, tech-industry pioneer Magdalena Yesil shares on-the-ground business advice that is as powerful as any MBA, in her new book Power-UP.

Sonia Paiva, a Swaziland serial entrepreneur making an impact in the agribusiness and food processing sectors in her country

January 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Sonia Paiva, founder of Woman Farmer Foundation & Eswatini Kitchen (Swaziland) — **Sonia Paiva**, founder of Woman Farmer Foundation & Eswatini Kitchen (Swaziland)

Building one business is tough enough, but creating and running two successful, high impact businesses that both positively impact on society and the lives of those working in the agricultural sector is impressive. Sonia Paiva, founder of the Woman Farmer Foundation & Eswatini Kitchen (Pty) Ltd is proof positive that it can be done.

Nancy Munderu, a Kenyan entrepreneur turning her passion for travel into the foundation of a successful business

January 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Nancy Munderu, founder of Travel Shore Africa (Kenya) — **Nancy Munderu**, founder of Travel Shore Africa (Kenya)

For many people, organising their corporate and personal travel arrangements can be a real chore, and often a logistical nightmare. That’s where specialist travel agencies come in to help make the process easier. Nancy Munderu, founder of Travel Shore Africa, is making it her personal mission to help people better navigate their travel arrangements.

DON’T BE DECAF! 5 Steps to living your colourful truth in a grey cardboard cut-out world

January 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Don’t be Decaf. Don’t water yourself down so that you don’t offend others. Don’t act in a way that is out of integrity with who you are, just so that you can “fit in”. People can spot a fake a mile away. And I don’t mean a good Louis Vuitton knock-off bag, here. I mean a fake person.

Quote of the Day by Refilwe Sebothoma

January 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“Success is a process, we have to learn to celebrate every milestone, no matter how small it might look!”

- Refilwe Sebothoma, founder of PBM Creations (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Tumi Moitse: Have a clear vision

January 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Have a clear vision…

“Have a clear vision about what solutions your brand has to achieve and be clear of your target market. Learn the industry that you would like to tap into carefully, backed up with detailed market research. Align yourself with female orientated incubation programmes to build your confidence.”

- Tumi Moitse is the founder of BlakSaffron Boutique, an online flower and gifting boutique store in South Africa specialising in luxury gifting experiences. Tumi offers modern fresh and long lasting flower gift boxes, beautifully designed with love. She aims to create an effortless experience for clients looking for a statement gifting experience.

100 LIONESSES: Featuring Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of Hirsch's Homestores, a powerhouse of appliance and electronic retailing

January 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Margaret Hirsch has become a leading example to business women in Southern Africa – coming from a humble background, to co-founding and running the multi million rand Appliance and Electronic retail organisation, Hirsch’s. Margaret has been recognised through her efforts in building a successful business, and her determination to give back to the community by, over the last four years, winning a multitude of business awards, including two Lifetime Achievement Awards in business and entrepreneurship.

4 Signs that you don’t have work-life balance

January 25, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Abigail Klopper, founder of Abigail K Photography

Today I want to share with you 4 signs that your life is not in balance, because if you are not in balance you won’t feel confident. We’re continuing the theme of “Get a balanced life month”, because that’s what January is it about – Getting your life in balance.

Quote of the Day by Beatha Shitemba

January 25, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“Take that first step, it’s really what counts.”

- Beatha Shitemba, founder of Nels Babies (Namibia)

Entrepreneur Advice from Ntediseng Mwale: Do what you know and love

January 24, 2018 Melanie Hawken

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

Do what you know and love…

“Your business has to be something which is second nature to you. It gives you the tenacity to weather the inevitable storms.”

- Ntediseng Mwale (Chef Teddy) is the founder of Excellere Foods in South Africa, a company specialising in catering and confectionery. This passionate chef has plans to open a culinary institute to train youngsters to become chefs and is also in the process of commercializing her frozen, healthy dessert range which will be exported to various countries.