Entrepreneur Advice from Sheila Afari - Just start!

March 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Sheila Afari, founder of Sheila Afari Public Relations (South Africa) — **Sheila Afari**, founder of Sheila Afari Public Relations (South Africa)

Just start!...

"There will always be 100 reasons not to, but we can’t let 'what ifs' or fear, or lack of funding keep us from getting started. Failures are just building blocks to success. Mistakes are lessons you learn from that can only help you improve and do better. We need to be champions of our own dreams and surround ourselves with positive people and supportive people that keep us on track."

- Sheila Afari is the founder of Sheila Afari Public Relations, a bespoke PR agency operating from Johannesburg, South Africa. Sheila is passionate about showcasing the best of African brands to the rest of the world, and is differentiating herself and her company in the marketplace as a result.

Quote of the Day by Pascale Bukize

March 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken

"The right time to do what you like and are passionate about is today. Don't count on tomorrow, it's not yours. We have been given this life to live once. So, act today!"

- Pascale Bukize, founder of Nawel Company Ltd (Rwanda)

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 Samantha Rice: There comes a time when you just need to jump in

February 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Samantha Rice, founder of Creative Compass (South Africa) — **Samantha Rice**, founder of Creative Compass (South Africa)

There comes a time when you just need to jump in…

“It never feels as though it is the right time to take the leap - sometimes you cannot prepare any more, you just need to jump into the deep end and learn how to swim.”

Samantha Rice, the founder of Creative Compass, is a South African creative media expert with a passion for helping her clients to realize their business visions. She is a qualified journalist who has specialized in communication design and brand development. Samantha has traveled through the editorial space, as well as the advertising agency side, and has worked across many communication platforms. She has a passion for carving out the creative course for businesses. Read Samantha’s startup story.

Quote of the Day by Winnie Ochieng

February 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Winnie Ochieng (L), co-founder of Wipedo Ltd (Kenya) — **Winnie Ochieng** (L), co-founder of Wipedo Ltd (Kenya)

“Start with what you have to get to where you want.”

- Winnie Ochieng, co-founder of Wipedo Ltd (Kenya)

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.

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.

Entrepreneur Advice from Nkatha Gitonga: Entrepreneurship is best learnt by doing

January 23, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Entrepreneurship is best learnt by doing…

“You could always use more experience, more savings, better skills, but nothing teaches you entrepreneurship like actually having to ideate, test product-market fit, refine a value proposition, and run a startup.”

- Nkatha Gitonga is the founder of Yakutti, an online platform that curates uniquely elegant jewelry crafted by ethical, eco-conscious jewelry designers and brands that are contributing in significant ways to their local communities and industries. On Yakutti, you will find brands that are working with conservation organizations in Dar es Salaam and designing with upcycled metal in Nairobi; brands that are creating training and employment opportunities for local artisans.

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 Anna Cole Ojukwu: Start small

January 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Anna Cole Ojukwu, founder of Pernia Couture (Ghana) — **Anna Cole Ojukwu**, founder of Pernia Couture (Ghana)

Start small....

"Start, no matter how small. Don’t sit down waiting for a very huge amount of capital because you might not have it, but starting small will rather let people around you see how determined you are and might push them to invest into your business. Also starting small minimizes your losses just in case the worst happens…"

- Anna Cole Ojukwu is the founder of Pernia Couture, an exciting fashion brand from Ghana using African beads to design and manufacture ladies’ accessories like neck pieces, bags, slippers and also transforms different African prints into beautiful ladies clothing. Anna's love for fashion began at an early age, originally inspired by her mother, Mrs. Mary Coleman, a seamstress who created rich and vibrant garments. She is passionate about growing her brand both locally and internationally and to promote African culture through her works.

Entrepreneur Advice from Shereen Makhanye: Be the best of yourself

January 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Shereen Makhanye, founder of Nubian Nature (South Africa)

Be the best of yourself....

"If you have an idea you believe in, just start. There's no secret or trick to it. The universe is conspiring on your behalf, all you need to do is show up with the best of yourself."

- Shereen Makhanye is the founder of Nubian Nature, a natural hair care business she launched in South Africa in 2013. Her struggle to source local natural African hair care products was the driver to start Nubian Nature. Shereen's dream of sharing the experience and richness of Africa with Africans and the rest of world by putting together the best of Nature & Science brought Nubian Nature to life. Her love for hair and science stems from having grown up known as her local township’s resident stylist and her dream of one day becoming a Scientist.

Entrepreneur Advice from Paula Quinsee: Be realistic with your expectations

November 15, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Paula Quinsee, Author, Relationship Expert & Life Coach — **Paula Quinsee**, Author, Relationship Expert & Life Coach

Be realistic with your expectations....

"Being an entrepreneur is not for the fainthearted but you won't know how far you can fly if you don't give it a try. Be realistic with your expectations, surround yourself with a support structure, build part-time if you can and get the foundations in place before you take the leap and lastly network, network, network."

- Paula Quinsee is a Relationship Expert & Life Coach in South Africa, working with individuals and organisations on EQ skills, conflict management and more. Paula is author of the book 'Embracing Conflict - a self-help guide filled with practical tools to help you navigate conflict and challenges in your life'. As a competitive athlete and adventure seeker, Paula knows from experience what it takes to set goals, overcome obstacles and achieve success, and she has a passion for mentoring the individuals and groups she works with.

Entrepreneur Advice from Lucy Worsley: Do it! No one else will do it for you

October 19, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Lucy Worsley, founder of Empire Experiential Marketing (South Africa) — **Lucy Worsley**, founder of Empire Experiential Marketing (South Africa)

Do it! No one else will do it for you....

"If you are really serious and passionate about something - do it! no one else will do it for you. Remember these wise words: “IN ORDER TO BE IRREPLACEABLE, ONE MUST ALWAYS BE DIFFERENT”. ― Coco Chanel"

- Lucy Worsley is the founder of Empire Experiential Marketing in South Africa, a female driven experiential agency that prides itself in creating unforgettable and flawless experiences that resonate with women of all ages and races. They achieve this through specially curated events that start the conversation between brands and the female market. Lucy is a 26 year-old creative, a lover of food, an under cover nerd , a fashion fundi, and an experiential extraordinaire.

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 Mumbi Muturi-Muli: Just start!

September 8, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Mumbi Muturi-Muli, founder of Harvest of Sunshine (Kenya) — **Mumbi Muturi-Muli**, founder of Harvest of Sunshine (Kenya)

Take that first step....

"Just start! Small, big or in-between, that does not matter at all, what matters the most is that first step out into the unknown."

- Mumbi Muturi-Muli is the founder of Harvest of Sunshine in Kenya, a company that creates hair and body products with butters and oils from the trees and bushes that grow under our African sun. Mumbi was inspired by her kitchen which was full of sunshine, warmth and light. It was a place where she cooked, baked and later on started to whip up butters and oils that were to become the Harvest of Sunshine range of hair and body products.

Entrepreneur Advice from Susan Granger: Get up and start up!

July 28, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Susan Granger, founder of Nubian Queen on 101 (South Africa) — **Susan Granger**, founder of Nubian Queen on 101 (South Africa)

Get up and start up!...

"Don't waste time thinking about your dream or talking about it. Get up and start up - if you fail once, try again, because tomorrow is a different day."

- Susan Granger is the founder of Nubian Queen on 101, a niche, quality, and exclusive boutique store, specialising in top-end, genuine leather handbags and accessories, all made in the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa. Susan is a fashionista, image consultant, blogger, and disruptor, seeking to bring her clients an exclusive range of contemporary products that bridge the gap between High Street and Luxury Brands.

Entrepreneur Advice from Kendi Sapepa: Get the ball rolling

July 4, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Kendi Sapepa, founder of Barbara McKenzie (South Africa) — **Kendi Sapepa**, founder of Barbara McKenzie (South Africa)

Get the ball rolling....

"There is no perfect time to start. Just do it. Don't wait for anything, just get the ball rolling."

- Kendi Sapepa is the founder of Barbara McKenzie in South Africa, a Johannesburg-based clothing brand that provides classic-inspired yet modern and fashion-forward clothing for stylish and fashionable women, through offering: consulting for bespoke orders, seasonal ready-to-wear collections, and styling service. Established in 2013, Barbara McKenzie has been catering for all women of all ages, races, shapes and sizes, all over the country.

Entrepreneur Advice from Manyara Chigunduru: Look for problems to solve

June 28, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Manyara Chigunduru, Founder & Managing Partner Marianhill Capital (Pvt) Ltd & Marianhill Chartered Accountants (Zimbabwe) — **Manyara Chigunduru**, Founder & Managing Partner Marianhill Capital (Pvt) Ltd & Marianhill Chartered Accountants (Zimbabwe)

Look for problems to solve....

"You don't need a lot of money to start. Just look at what is in your hands and start with that. What's in your hands can be a hobby that you are passionate about, or a qualification which you can use to make money. Look for problems in your country or your area and provide the solutions to those problems, that is the beginning of a fruitful business."

- Manyara Chigunduru is the Founder and Managing Partner of Marianhill Capital (Pvt) Ltd & Marianhill Chartered Accountants in Zimbabwe, offering financial advisory services, corporate finance, entrepreneurship development, and project finance to companies and individuals. Manyara, who is a Chartered Accountant (Zimbabwe) and a Registered Public Auditor has over 15 years’ experience in financial management, accounting, auditing and taxation.

Entrepreneur Advice from Liz Atukunda & Bunda Anne Katende: Just start!

June 15, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Liz Atukunda & Bunda Anne Katende, founders of BIIKA (Uganda) — **Liz Atukunda & Bunda Anne Katende**, founders of BIIKA (Uganda)