Breaking through the glass ceiling

March 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Tatenda Rungisa, Human Resources Practitioner and co-founder of Twin Connect Solutions

Before I gained experience in my profession from the various sectors I had worked in, I frequently wondered why they were only a few successful women leaders and entrepreneurs. After working in different sectors I realized a few but huge hurdles have led to the demise of women leadership skills in the workplace. Women face challenges daily in their lives and for career women, the main one is that of penetrating into a male dominated sector or taking up roles that are societally termed “for men”.

Is Social Enterprise the new face of business?

March 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Over the last few years we’ve seen the theme of Social Entrepreneurship grow exponentially. From the 23 to 26 January, two awesome female social entrepreneurs from Cape Town returned from the World Economic Forum. They joined many other social entrepreneurs from around the world, ready to open the eyes of traditional business to new ways of using business principles to tackle major issues in our world, such as poverty, marginalization and climate change.

Keeping me sane! 5 ways I manage the demands of running my business

March 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

There are many things I do that seem selfish to many people; probably because they look like that; and also because behind them, these things are mine only. I have learned all these things are essential for me to stay alive, sane and motivated to complete all the great dreams our clients have. Running a custom-made business is seriously a mind boggler. You have over 300 clients; and have to remember each and every name; each design; each finish; each personality; each account, etc. It can drive you insane, especially at peak business time.

Quote of the Day by Stephina Zwane and Salamina Mosese

March 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken

"You will find strength you never knew you had. So, DO IT!”

- Stephina Zwane and Salamina Mosese, founders of Sorele Media (South Africa)

Maria Auma, a Ugandan entrepreneur helping startups to build sustainable businesses with impact

February 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Maria Auma, founder of Blue Luxury Investments (Uganda) — **Maria Auma**, founder of Blue Luxury Investments (Uganda)

For many startups, taking their businesses to the next level can be challenging. In Uganda, one woman entrepreneur is helping small business owners to increase their production capacity and access finance. Maria Auma, founder of Blue Luxury Investments, is bringing her expertise and investment community to help startups to fulfill their potential.

Quote of the Day by Ashley Heather

February 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken

"Entrepreneurship is intensely personal - it is your passions and your energies made manifest for the world to see and growing a business has been an amazing process of self-discovery and personal growth."

- Ashley Heather, founder of Ashley Heather Jewellery (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Jenna Clifford: Be frugal with your money

February 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Women need to be resourceful and frugal when starting up....

“It’s the same old banking story – if you have no money they won’t give it to you; if you have money, they want to throw more at you. Women are very resourceful but they need leaders and mentors like me and material to read to give them information about the facts.” ..... “I have always saved bits of money and lived very frugally and invested the little I have made back into the business and not spent it,”

- 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.

2018 Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards Africa finalists announced

February 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

L-R: Evelyn Namara, Audrey Cheng, Melissa Bime — L-R: Evelyn Namara, Audrey Cheng, Melissa Bime

The prestigious Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards, the international business plan competition created in 2006 to identify, support and encourage projects by women entrepreneurs, has just announced their finalists for Africa for 2018.

Finding your best expedition guide. How to select your business coach or financial advisor

February 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

I have wondered many times, if I am ever in the position to choose an expedition guide for a trip, who would it be? The likes of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Vin Diesel, Bear Grylls, or the steady hand of a game ranger? The most obvious question is ultimately who will die for me? Yes, it is that serious?

Quote of the Day by Gaceri Kirimi

February 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“You must start, however small or big. You must start and believe in your brand and dream!”

- Gaceri Kirimi, co-founder of Destello Laundry Cleaning Services (Kenya)

Entrepreneur Advice from Roxanne Edson: Persevere!

February 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Roxanne Edson, founder of Hidden Halos (South Africa) — **Roxanne Edson**, founder of Hidden Halos (South Africa)

Take a deep breath and persevere....

"Persevere - Even when it seems like there is no way forward, take a deep breath and remember how far you have already come!"

- Roxanne Edson is the founder of Hidden Halos, a South African non-profit organisation doing work around foster care advocacy and support and Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, as well as exit strategies for children currently in the State’s child welfare system. Roxanne has an educational background in Psychology, Criminology and Foundation Phase Education. She has also become extremely knowledgeable in Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and is passionate about creating awareness of this disorder.

Liesl Esau, a South African entrepreneur passionate about health, safety and environmental compliance

February 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Liesl Esau, founder of HSE Matters (South Africa) — **Liesl Esau**, founder of HSE Matters (South Africa)

Every company needs to ensure their workplace is safe and their employees are trained in best practice health, safety and environmental compliance, and that’s where Liesl Esau comes in. Her company HSE Matters is helping companies to get it right.

Five lessons from my journey as a change manager

February 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Leigh Ann Gowland, founder of Employee Driven Change

Have you ever considered the gifts you’ve gained while following your dreams? Despite the sometimes difficult journey as an entrepreneur we remain focused and inspired on creating successful businesses. Lessons from our journey provide personal growth to tackle the challenges of developing a business but also recognition of milestones achieved along the way.

Confidence toolkit: Positive Emotional Memory Database

February 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner: author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress

Forget what the glossy adverts are saying. Your number one essential is not whatever the media decides is this season’s must-have. Your number one essential is something deep within you. Your number one essential is your confidence.

Grow your business and keep your sense of humour at the same time

February 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Karen Wessels, co-founder of SnappSales and VA Connect

There’s an age old expression that goes “Laughter is the best medicine”. You’ve probably heard this expression a hundred times, if not more, in your lifetime. I enjoy a mischievous sense of humour and I get a great kick out of laughing. If you know me or have been in my company for more than 5 minutes, you’ll experience exactly what I mean.

Quote of the Day by Divine Ndhlukula

February 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken

"I always tell people: 'If you've got a product or a service that is required by the market, you can sell it'. It's not about the sciences. It's about the passion for the idea."

- Divine Ndhlukula, founder of SECURICO Security Services (Zimbabwe)

Entrepreneur Advice from Tara Fela-Durotoye: Go with your passion!

February 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Tara Fela-Durotoye, founder & ceo, House of Tara (Nigeria) — **Tara Fela-Durotoye**, founder & ceo, House of Tara (Nigeria)

Go with your passion when deciding what business to launch....

"Getting into the beauty industry was a decision to take what I had and what I was passionate about as a platform to build an enterprise. I am passionate about building a business that is sustainable and using beauty as its expression .... The focus was on doing what I loved, which is, making women beautiful."

- Tara Fela-Durotoye is a Nigerian-born lawyer turned Africa's leading beauty and makeup entrepreneur. She started House of Tara at the age of 20 from her living room whilst an undergraduate at university back in 1998. She's since gone on to launch Nigeria's first ever bridal directory in 1999, and in 2004 she opened the country's leading beauty academy. Today House of Tara has 19 studios in 11 states starting a chain reaction that has produced over 3,500 makeup artists. It has also empowered over 4000 young women in tertiary institutions with the Tara Orekelewa beauty representatives' initiative that makes them financially independent, improves their self esteem while building their marketing and entrepreneurial skills.

Extreme You: Stand Up, Stand Out, Kick Ass, Repeat! by Sarah Robb O’Hagan

February 24, 2018 Melanie Hawken

In every challenging situation, personal or professional, individuals face the pressure to play it safe and conform to the accepted norms. But doing so comes with heavy costs: passions stifled, talents ignored, and opportunities squelched. The bolder choice is to embrace what author and entrepreneur Sarah Robb O’Hagan calls Extreme You: to confidently bring all that is distinctive and relevant about yourself to everything you do. Inspiring, surprising, and practical, her new book Extreme You is her training program for becoming the best version of yourself.