Entrepreneur Advice from Shingai Nyagweta: Persistence pays off

April 12, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Shingai Nyagweta, founder of KuNa Kids — **Shingai Nyagweta**, founder of KuNa Kids

Persistence pays off....

"Keep at it. Stay on your toes, and if it isn't working in one direction, then look into doing it slightly differently."

- Shingai Nyagweta is the founder of KuNa Kids a South African children’s clothing company that embraces the uniquely local shweshwe fabrics. Shingai's children’s clothing range is bright and bold with a distinctive African twist. Read Shingai's startup story.

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.

Persistence makes great entrepreneurs! 24 Women entrepreneurs from Africa share their secret for mastering the art of persistence

February 20, 2018 Melanie Hawken

If you have ever wondered what separates those who launch and grow a successful business from those who fall by the wayside, it's this - persistence. Persistence is the ability to keep pushing when everyone tells you to give up. It's the momentum that drives you towards the finish line, even if the finish line seems scarily out of reach. So what is persistence? Some call it grit, others call it determination, for many it's a never give up attitude. Call it what you like, persistence is about battling your way through difficult times and challenging obstacles. And, for many entrepreneurs who have reached the top, persistence has been the key determining factor of their success.

Quote of the Day by Tracy Mulei

February 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“… there will be lots of sleepless nights, tears, prayers while you are stuck in the traffic jams and experiencing long working hours, but at the end of the journey it's all worth it.”

- Tracy Mulei, founder of Shujaa Delivery (Kenya)

Entrepreneur Advice from Eugénia Langa: You can achieve what you want

February 9, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Eugénia Langa, founder of Nweba (Mozambique) — **Eugénia Langa**, founder of Nweba (Mozambique)

You can achieve what you want…

“Find your passion and make it your day-to-day. No dream is impossible to realize. With faith, determination and persistence, anyone can achieve what they want.”

- Eugénia Langa is the founder of Nweba, the first Mozambican company dedicated to Procurement and Logistics for Construction. Her main service areas cover Project Management, Contract Management, Material Supply or Service Provision, Permits Consulting, Logistics, and Procurement Training. From a young age Eugénia was enthralled by the idea of seeing man form structures larger than himself on the basis of using calculation and science. This fascination with science led her to study Civil Engineering at the Polytechnic University. She went on to work in the construction sector for 10 years before launching Nweba (which means Persistence in Zulu) in 2015.Read Eugénia's startup story.

Entrepreneur Advice from Jess Binns: Keep moving forward

February 7, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Jess Binns, founder of Hector & Bailey (South Africa) — **Jess Binns**, founder of Hector & Bailey (South Africa)

Keep moving forward…

“There will be good days and there will be bad days. Try and stay in the moment, accept each day and keep moving towards your goal.”

- Jess Binns is the founder of Hector & Bailey in South Africa, a niche Interior & Exterior Design business. She established Hector & Bailey back in 2009 in the UK before moving over to Durban, South Africa where the company has continued to expand. Jess is currently breaking ground with other African countries, such as Mozambique, designing interior spaces that connect with those who use them, and beautiful exterior spaces for those that view them.Read Jess’s startup story.

Entrepreneur Advice from Terryanne Chebet: Tough times help us grow

January 3, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Terryanne Chebet, founder of Keyara Organics (Kenya) — **Terryanne Chebet**, founder of Keyara Organics (Kenya)

Tough times help us grow....

"When times are tough, and there are many such times, we are forced to think, be creative, and then for sure we can really grow from both a personal perspective and as a woman entrepreneur."

- Terryanne Chebet is a household name in Kenya, having worked as an actress, television news anchor, reporter and producer. Outside the glitz and glamour of television, Terryanne is also a successful entrepreneur having founded two businesses. Scarlet Digital is an advertising, communications and digital branding agency; and Keyara Organics, is a natural skin and hair care brand.

Quote of the Day by Binta Coudy Dé

December 18, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Binta Coudy Dé, vice president & co-founder of Jjiguene Tech Hub — **Binta Coudy Dé**, vice president & co-founder of Jjiguene Tech Hub

“It’s in the most difficult times that we discover our capabilities. When you are passionate, you do not give up.”

- Binta Coudy Dé co-founder Jjiguene Tech Hub (Senegal)

Quote of the Day by Maria Koutsoudakis

December 15, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Maira Koutsoudakis, Founder and CEO of LIFE Interiors I Architecture I Creative Strategy — **Maira Koutsoudakis**, Founder and CEO of LIFE Interiors I Architecture I Creative Strategy

“Do not be afraid to try, .... Fail. Fail again. Fail better. He who takes all the risks, takes all the rewards.”

- Maira Koutsoudakis founder and CEO of LIFE Group of Companies (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Anila Mussá: Plan, focus and persist

December 8, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Anila Mussá, founder of IZYSHOP (Mozambique) — **Anila Mussá**, founder of IZYSHOP (Mozambique)

Plan, focus and persist....

"Plan and prepare a small business plan (write your idea on paper, how you want to run the business, how much you will sell, who your audience is, etc.) and execute your plan. Do not overthink things, and do not be afraid of failure. Only the day-to-day operation of the business will tell you the needs, the problems, the positive aspects, etc. And with focus and persistence, it is possible to overcome or circumvent any obstacles."

- Anila Mussá is the founder of IZYSHOP in Mozambique, a multi-award winning online supermarket, connecting local small and medium size producers to consumer markets, giving producers access to a broader market and income increase, and consumers a more convenient shopping experience. Born in the small city of Inhambane in Mozambique, Anila learned from a young age the art of getting things done and the value of hard work. Her first business at the age of 12 years old was selling cookies at school so she could buy her school lunch.

Entrepreneur Advice from Evylin Munyi: You will overcome obstacles

November 23, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Evylin Munyi, co-founder of KOFAR Kenya — **Evylin Munyi**, co-founder of KOFAR Kenya

You will overcome obstacles....

"There are unique obstacles you will meet on your entrepreneurial journey as a woman - they will slow you down but believe it or not you will overcome them."

- Evylin Munyi is the co-founder of KOFAR Kenya, a company that supplies farmers, especially small-holder farmers, with Organic and Natural inputs to use on their farms so as to restore the soil back to health from overuse and abuse from conventional inputs. Evylin started doing research on Organic inputs and Organic Agriculture back in 2009-2010 and registered a company in 2011. She teamed up with local and international scientists and came up with the KOFAr soil repair package suitable for all soil types in Kenya and beyond. This changemaker has come up with a business concept that can change farming across Africa.

Quote of the Day by Sonia Mugabo

October 31, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Sonia Mugabo, founder of Sonia Mugabo (SM), Rwanda — **Sonia Mugabo**, founder of Sonia Mugabo (SM), Rwanda

"... when I feel like giving up I think about the big picture and ask myself the question - why am I doing this?"

- Sonia Mugabo is the founder of Sonia Mugabo (SM), Rwanda , a fashion brand established in 2013. It was born out of Sonia’s strong interest in design; and the desire to tap into the existing local artisan talent to make high quality men and womenswear. Sonia Mugabo develops 2 collections each year, and all year round makes bespoke items for its clientele. A pioneer of Rwanda’s fashion industry; Sonia is setting the standard for Rwandan fashion in global and local markets.

Entrepreneur Advice from Eva Sonaike: You really have to stand out and be persistent

October 10, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Eva Sonaike, founder of Eva Sonaike — **Eva Sonaike**, founder of Eva Sonaike

You have to find a way to stand out....

"... you have to have a great product, idea or service. The market is over-flooded with so much these days, that you really have to stand out! Then be persistent and don't be discouraged if there is a 'no' or some doors won't open. You have to have a lot of stamina and keep going. It is an ongoing journey, which can be very frustrating sometimes, but if you stay positive and focused, unexpected things may happen!"

- Eva Sonaike is a talented Nigerian interior designer and lifestyle brand creator. Her London-based company, Eva Sonaike, creates luxurious textiles, home-décor and accessories with a distinctive and vibrant West-African aesthetic. Eva's products are are carried by many of London's top stores such as Selfridges, Liberty and Fenwick of Bond Street.

Entrepreneur Advice from Tamala Chirwa: Tune out the inner critic

September 29, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Tamala Chirwa, founder of Women’s Leadership Footprint (Malawi) — **Tamala Chirwa**, founder of Women’s Leadership Footprint (Malawi)

Tune out the inner critic....

"Once you have set your purpose to go over the cliff and start your own business, tune out the inner critic that constantly rears its ugly head that you may fail, as this may easily play into the hands of all the naysayers lined up in your way who will tell you that what you intend to do may not work. Put the key business fundamentals in place, pay attention to market factors, learn as you go as you make appropriate adjustments to your offering and just stay focused. Always remember WHY you decided to venture out on your own in the first place, the problem you are solving and the solutions you are offering. In the end, what will matter is your grit, stamina to stay the course of your long-haul entrepreneurial journey - giving up is not an option."

- Tamala Chirwa is the founder of Women’s Leadership Footprint in Malawi, a Coaching Practice that supports leaders and professionals to enhance their leadership disposition and capabilities to become more effective and impactful in their roles. Tamala Chirwa is an Associate Certified Coach accredited by the International Coach Federation specialising in Leadership, Talent Management, Career and Group Coaching and is so far the only ICF ACC and listed Professional Coach by ICF in Malawi. She is also a Vital Voices Leadership Fellow and a Cherie Blair Foundation for Women Mentor.

Entrepreneur Advice from Fatima Babakura: People will say no to you

September 22, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Fatima Babakura, founder of Timabee (Nigeria) — Fatima Babakura, founder of Timabee (Nigeria)

People will say no to you....

"NO only means Next opportunity. You have to keep trying because at the beginning things may seem a little rough and people will say no to you, but you cannot give up because of that."

- Fatima Babakura, founder of Timabee, an up and coming luxury women's handbag brand in Nigeria. Back in 2014 Fatima decided to bring to reality, one of the sketches that she couldn't forget about after she had drawn it. It was special and different from the others in her sketchbook. That sketch turned out to be Timabee's very first design, 'The Classic'. The response from people was just amazing and that was when Fatima decided to turn her hobby into a business.

Entrepreneur Advice from Margaret Hirsch: Persistence will get you there

September 19, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Margaret & Allan Hirsch, founders of Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa) — Margaret & Allan Hirsch, founders of Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa)

Persistence will get you there....

"You can make all your dreams come true with passion, hard work, focus and the drive to persist until you get to where you want to be - and then when you get there, do that little bit more that will make a huge difference."

- Margaret Hirsch is one half of a dynamic husband and wife duo that founded Hirsch's Homestores. Back in 1979, as a secretary, together with her husband Allan, then an appliance repair man, they unwittingly became entrepreneurs who went on to build an appliance, electronics and furnishing retail empire. Today, Hirsch's Homestores is the largest independently owned appliance and electronics business in Southern Africa, with seventeen branches and concept stores spread throughout South Africa.

Entrepreneur Advice from Sarah Collins: There is NO rulebook!

September 12, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Sarah Collins, founder and CEO of Wonderbag — **Sarah Collins**, founder and CEO of Wonderbag

There is NO rulebook....

"There is NO rulebook and it will be challenging at times, but if you have a passion for what you do and the determination to succeed then you can take on anything and conquer the world. It’s exhausting and relentless at times, but there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the fruits of your hard labour pay off."

- Sarah Collins is the founder and CEO of Wonderbag, a simple non electric slow cooker which works in mud huts in Africa to Manhattan apartments, possibly one of the only cooking devices that is globally relevant! Sarah is a South African adventurer, entrepreneur, and lifelong social activist. She thrives on challenges and has worked tirelessly over the past two decades to inspire change in the realms of gender-equality and environmental sustainability.

Entrepreneur Advice from Comfort Mosha: No matter how hard it gets, do not give up

August 3, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Comfort Mosha, co-founder of ANZA — **Comfort Mosha**, co-founder of ANZA

Don't think of giving up....

"Do not give up, no matter how hard or slow the progress. Remain confident, network with those around you, and stay eager to learn more, to seize the opportunities that come your way, and to reach your initiative and goals."

- Comfort Mosha is a co-founder of ANZA, an architectural magazine and online platform dedicated to exploring people and spaces through in-depth articles, images, scenes, and discussions that go beyond the lines that divide building and sky in East Africa. In addition to the magazine, ANZA hosts events that enable the community to learn from and share experiences that contribute to architecture.

Entrepreneur Advice from Thabisa Mjo: Persevere and adapt

July 21, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash.T Design Studio (South Africa) — **Thabisa Mjo**, founder of Mash.T Design Studio (South Africa)

Persevere and adapt....

"Just do it. And listen, listen to your critics, listen to what your customers are saying. Persevere, adapt and don't be afraid to ask for what your time and or, products are worth."

- Thabisa Mjo is the founder of Mash.T Design Studio, a South African interior design firm, specializing in design for the retail and hospitality sectors, and has recently branched out into furniture design. With her background in television set design and interior decorating, Thabisa decided to launch her own company, Mash T Design Studio, in 2013. Thabisa employs up to seven additional people whenever the job calls for extra sets of hands.

Entrepreneur Advice from Nureshka Viranna: There are going to be curve balls

April 24, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Nureshka Viranna, founder of ShopLi (South Africa) — **Nureshka Viranna**, founder of ShopLi (South Africa)

There are going to be curve balls....

"It's not easy but it is definitely worth it. Having a support system and mentor is a must. It helps during those stressful days and when you need some inspiration. There are going to be curve balls and you may have to make sacrifices, but there is no better feeling than having your own company, nurturing it and helping other people."

Nureshka Viranna is the founder of ShopLi in South Africa, a company that designs and develops beautiful, mobile-friendly online stores and catalogues to convert online window shoppers and browsers into customers. Nureshka started out as a teacher, studying for 4 years for a B.Ed specializing in Foundation Phase teaching. She eventually resigned from her teaching job to launch her startup and today has plans to grow her business nationally and then internationally.