Entrepreneur Advice from Tammy Nott: Remember why you first started

October 17, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Tammy Nott, founder of Mbiri Natural Skincare (Namibia) — **Tammy Nott**, founder of Mbiri Natural Skincare (Namibia)

Remember why you first started....

".... when things seem dire just remember why you first started, because you will get criticized, so just remember the core of your passion and that for me is the Namibian desert and the Himba people. I think of this and it reminds me of how far I have come."

Tammy Nott, founder of Mbiri Natural Skincare (Namibia)

Entrepreneur Advice from Lilly Alfonso: Know yourself

October 11, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Lilly Alfonso, founder of Lilly Alfonso (Malawi)

Know yourself...

"... it is important to know yourself. Understand and believe in your dreams. Give yourself room to research and plan for whatever you are dreaming of venturing into. Giving up isn’t the only way if things get tough ahead. Challenges build you up, and so does criticism. Failures make you unique, so use them and turn them into positives."

Lilly Alfonso, founder of Lilly Alfonso (Malawi)

Who really am I?

July 29, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Thozama Ponti

It’s very funny how others can describe and say a lot about us, better than we can. Because people are very good at calling other people names, labelling, defining and describing. Unfortunately most often because we don’t know ourselves, we often fall within their descriptions and labels (we accept the things they call us as the best description of ourselves, the clothes they recommend for us, the hairstyles they suggest, and even the careers we must follow, etc.. ) Not knowing yourself can be very harmful for you and your career.

Entrepreneur Advice from Christelle Kwizera: Listen to our inner voice

November 8, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Christelle Kwizera, founder of Water Access Rwanda (WARwanda) — **Christelle Kwizera**, founder of Water Access Rwanda (WARwanda)

Listen to our inner voice....

"My biggest piece of advice is to listen to our inner voice and do what we think is good for us. As women we tend to hear others over ourselves, but in the end during our hard times we only have ourselves left. So make sure you are not being misguided by others or letting other people's comments reduce your self-esteem. One more thing is to surround yourself with other succesful women and to find role models without necessarily trying to fit into a masculine mould."

Christelle Kwizera, founder of Water Access Rwanda (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Charlotte Aubin: Believe in yourself

October 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Charlotte Aubin, co-founder of GreenWish Partners (Mauritius)

Believe in yourself….

“A quote of Marianne Williamson: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light not our Darkness, that most frightens us.” So my advice to women is believe in yourself and surround yourself with peers and mentors that will support you on your entrepreneurial journey.”

Charlotte Aubin, co-founder of GreenWish Partners

Quote of the Day by Thokoza Mjo

October 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken

"Starting a business, for me, is the best expression of backing yourself, taking a chance on you, believing that you have the ability to create value for yourself and for others."

Thokoza Mjo, founder of Beyond the Lemonade Stand (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Lynette Hundermark - Trust in your abilities

March 23, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Lynette Hundermark, co-founder & chief product officer, Useful & Beautiful (South Africa) — **Lynette Hundermark**, co-founder & chief product officer, Useful & Beautiful (South Africa)

You need to trust in your own abilities....

"Don’t feel intimidated, trust in your abilities, follow your passion and go with it. It took me a year longer to have the courage to do what I am doing. I was afraid of failure and also looked out and only saw boys doing it. I had to take that leap of faith and go with it and trust that I could do it..."

- Lynette Hundermark is an enterprising South African techpreneur and co-founder of Useful & Beautiful, a mobile product strategy, design and development company. Lynette has a degree in Computer Science & Psychology and prior to launching on her own held various technology roles with companies such as the Naspers Group, HSBC, Citibank, and Tesco. Lynette's appetite for the mobile space while keeping abreast of the latest industry trends has established her locally as an expert tech commentator and opinion leader. She is also involved in a variety of mentorship programmes that aims to build a greater community of passionate people in the tech and mobile field. Read Lynette's startup story.

Entrepreneur Advice from Hanneli Rupert: Believe in yourself

March 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Hanneli Rupert, founder of Okapi and Merchants on Long (South Africa) — **Hanneli Rupert**, founder of Okapi and Merchants on Long (South Africa)

Believe in yourself....

"You have got to believe in yourself and your brand. Listen to what other people have to say, but know who you are and what you want. Set your goal and work towards that and don’t change that. Also, take time to reflect on your goal. It’s very easy to get distracted and go down the wrong path."

- Hanneli Rupert is the founder and owner of 'Merchants on Long' and Okapi. This young South African entrepreneur opened her chic, African concept store, Merchants on Long, stocking ethically-produced, luxury hand-crafted, African sourced design, art and fashion products. She is one of the industry's most compelling advocates for ethical production and sourcing and has her own ethically produced, African luxury handbag line, Okapi. In 2012 Hanneli launched her first pop-up store in London-based concept store, The Shop at Bluebird.

Entrepreneur Advice from Lindiwe Mafavuneh: Anything is possible

February 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Lindiwe Mafavuneh, founder of LCM Capital (Botswana) — **Lindiwe Mafavuneh**, founder of LCM Capital (Botswana)

Anything is possible…

“Passion plus Purpose will be your fuel for a long time, so let the vision move you to your end goal. Have faith and stay focused and remember to always keep your eyes on your desired outcome. The start-up journey is not for the faint hearted, have grit and believe anything is possible.”

- Lindiwe Mafavuneh is founder of LCM Capital, a Botswana based entrepreneur on a mission to help companies to manage their risk and maximize their investments. Lindiwe’s company focuses on alternative investments, risk management solutions and advisory services and she is on a mission to help companies to manage their risk and maximize their investments. Read Lindiwe’s startup story.

Entrepreneur Advice from Claudia Castellanos Roques: Believe you can do it

February 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Claudia Castellanos Roques, co-founder Black Mamba (Swaziland) — **Claudia Castellanos Roques**, co-founder Black Mamba (Swaziland)

Believe you can do it…

“Be tenacious, resilient, and persevere. Prepare yourself, thoroughly. Study as much as you can - as a woman, I believe you must be twice as prepared and knowledgeable as a man. And preparation gives you confidence, and you must believe you can do it and you will do it. As an entrepreneur you will face so many people who will try to deter you and tell you that you won't make it, but believing in yourself and being knowledgeable about what you do will help you overcome the many obstacles in the way.”

- Claudia Castellanos Roques is the co-founder of Black Mamba, a fair trade brand of gourmet chilli products from the Kingdom of Swaziland made with organically grown ingredients and no artificial flavours or preservatives. The range includes chilli sauces, pestos, and chutneys. Black Mamba partners with a local NGO called Guba that trains small farmers in organic farming. Black Mamba then buys at negotiated prices all the organic produce grown by these farmers to manufacture their products. Products are currently exported to South Africa, the UK, Germany and Australia.

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.

Entrepreneur Advice from Deidrè Akaloo and Lynnette Murua: Believe!

December 20, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Deidrè Akaloo and Lynnette Murua, founders of Earth Elements (South Africa) — **Deidrè Akaloo and Lynnette Murua**, founders of Earth Elements (South Africa)

Believe!...

"Believe in what you do and the rest will follow. Live fearlessly with the vision only to succeed, in any way or form which positively contributes to all."

- Deidrè Akaloo and Lynnette Murua are the founders of Earth Elements in South Africa, a company that hand-makes organic and natural body products. This family business established in 2016 by sisters, Deidrè Akaloo and Lynnette Murua is on a journey to create environmentally friendly products. They are passionate about creating products that are handcrafted, organic and chemical-free using only the best quality natural, raw ingredients that are ethically sourced from fair community trade.

Entrepreneur Advice from Thokoza Mjo: Back yourself

December 13, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Back yourself....

"Starting a business, for me, is the best expression of backing yourself (taking a chance on you), believing that you have the ability to create value for yourself and for others. Don't put it off any longer, there's no better time than now."

- Thokoza Mjo is the founder of Beyond the Lemonade Stand in South Africa, a social venture that finds and accelerates teenage led enterprises. Thokoza is a finance graduate and worked in the investment field for 3 years before choosing to pursue her entrepreneurial aspirations. Her first entrepreneurial project was in high school where she and a friend sold sweets to their peers.

Entrepreneur Advice from Rahel Mwitula Williams: It can be done!

December 11, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Rahel Mwitula Williams, founder of ILAVA (Tanzania/Kenya) — **Rahel Mwitula William**s, founder of ILAVA (Tanzania/Kenya)

It can be done!...

"Go ahead, DREAM BIG but have an ACTION PLAN. Every day do something towards realizing that dream. But, be aware of dream killers. You will always have people that will give you millions of reasons as to why your dream will not happen, but you can always find millions of reasons as to how you can make it can happen. Therefore, choose your company wisely. You will work hard for what you believe in, and there will be times when you will doubt yourself and you will want to quit, but don’t give up - press forward - it can be done!"

- Rahel Mwitula Williams is the founder and lead designer of ILAVA. As a social entrepreneur, she was born and raised in Tanzania, East Africa. She migrated to the USA with her family when she was 12 years old and held her Tanzanian heritage near to her heart. She obtained her bachelor of science degree in psychology from Loyola University and went on to receive her Master’s of Science from DePaul University in Chicago, Il. Rahel believes that women entrepreneurs are key in enhancing both women’s and overall community development. She aims to incorporate her culture into fashion and give back to her native country every chance she gets. While popular culture may see African attire as a trend, Rahel sees it as a lifestyle.

Entrepreneur Advice from Mary-Anne Calvert: Believe in yourself

November 28, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Mary-Anne Calvert, founder of The Human Element (South Africa) — **Mary-Anne Calvert**, founder of The Human Element (South Africa)

Believe in yourself....

"Believe in yourself and your capacity to bounce back when things get tough (as they will). Providing consistent service delivery to your clients no matter what the circumstances, will build your reputation and nothing is more valuable than that. Maintain good relationships with everyone - you never know who can and will help you on your journey, and pay this forward whenever you are able to."

- Mary-Anne Calvert is the founder of The Human Element in South Africa, a company provides leadership and soft skills development, performance coaching and business development, to nurture potential. Mary-Anne is a passionate developer of people and businesses to help them become the best they can be. She founded The Human Element in 2005 to use her adult education qualifications and experience in senior management positions to become a skills learning facilitator, performance coach and business development consultant.

Entrepreneur Advice from Nikki Davies: Believe in yourself

July 6, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Nikki Davies, co-founder of Orchard Baby and Toddler Foods (South Africa) — **Nikki Davies**, co-founder of Orchard Baby and Toddler Foods (South Africa)

Believe in yourself....

"Just keep on believing in yourself and don’t take no for an answer. Pursue your dream and pursue your customers. Don’t ever let them down."

- Nikki Davies is the co-founder of Orchard Baby and Toddler Foods, a South African company that produces convenient yet healthy baby and toddler food from 100 percent natural ingredients, seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, with no preservatives. When Nikki, a teacher at the time, began cooking meals for babies at her school parents loved the taste profile and convenience of these meals that this service very quickly turned into a thriving business. Today, Nikki distributes nearly 6000 jars of this convenient real baby food each month.

Entrepreneur Advice from Michelle Ntalami: Filter the noise

June 7, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Michelle Ntalami, founder of Marini Naturals (Kenya) — Michelle Ntalami, founder of Marini Naturals (Kenya)

Filter the noise....

"Do not second guess your capabilities. Believe in yourself and do not listen to background noise. Fear of the unknown is never from you, but those around you. Filter the noise, brush the dirt off your shoulders, and move on."

- Michelle Ntalami is the founder of Marini Naturals Kenya, a company that produces 100% natural and organic quality hair-care products, afro wigs and accessories for all natural-haired beauties. Michelle called her company "Marini Naturals" as it is a Swahili word for "Naturally Beautiful" or "Naturally Charming," just like a natural-haired woman, and just like her products. She is naturally a creative and artistic person and has a background in creative design, previously having worked with companies such as Safaricom, Coca Cola , and ScanGroup.

Entrepreneur Advice from Tania Shedden: Be your own biggest fan

May 1, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Tania Shedden, founder of Sweet Social Studio (South Africa) — **Tania Shedden**, founder of Sweet Social Studio (South Africa)

Be your own biggest fan....

"Just do it, believe in yourself and in what you offer. You should be your own biggest fan, if you don't believe in yourself nobody else will. Failing is also part of growing, learn from experience and try again. Positivity and doing what you love creates that natural spark that lights the fire within to succeed."

- Tania Shedden is the founder of Sweet Social Studio, a South African social media agency that helps its clients connect to modern day consumers in a meaningful way on social media. Tania is a Marketing Communications and Social Media Specialist who loves getting her clients' story out there on social media, allowing them to promote their own unique voice and giving their customers the opportunity to interact and contribute to the brand.

Entrepreneur Advice from Tarina Du Plessis: You just have to believe in yourself

April 11, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Tarina Du Plessis, founder of SkyRidge Business Solutions (Namibia) — **Tarina Du Plessis**, founder of SkyRidge Business Solutions (Namibia)

You just have to belief in yourself....

"If you do what you love, you will never have to work another day in your life because when you do what you love, it's not working, it's thriving! Follow your dreams, because if you don't, you will end up working for someone who did. Believe in yourself. Paint that portrait, bake that cake, cut that hair, knit that blanket, why? Because you can! You just have to have belief in yourself!"

- Tarina Du Plessis is the founder of SkyRidge Business Solutions in Namibia, a company that specializes in Financial, Marketing and Business Consulting Services for startup business clients. Tarina offers a wide range of specialist services, from the moment a client has a business idea right through to the moment when that business opens its doors, as well as ongoing support. She launched her business at the age of 19 right after finishing her advanced diploma in Financial, Marketing and Business Management. Tarina is passionate about helping other people in Namibia make their dreams of owning a successful business come true.

Entrepreneur Advice from Mary-Jean Treloar: My 3 best pieces of advice

March 27, 2017 Melanie Hawken

I have 3 pieces (of advice)....

1. Doubt is your biggest enemy! Keep positive by surrounding yourself with positive and encouraging people that believe in you, you are going to need to lean on them a lot!

2. Just start! Small steps every day lead up to your bigger end goals. Remember: "The man on top of the mountain didn't just fall there" - Vince Lombardi

3. Celebrate every little victory. There are going to be a lot of difficult and tough steps to climb along the way but when you do accomplish something, however small, be sure to celebrate it! This carries you through the tough times and brings joy into your entrepreneurial journey.

- Mary-Jean Treloar is the founder of MΛRY JEΛN JEWELLERY in South Africa, a designer and manufacturer of fine handmade jewellery that is inspired by patterns and symbols found across the African continent. Mary-Jean unearthed a spark for jewellery design and manufacture at a young age, but it remained a hobby she dabbled in while she completed a BSc degree in Interior Architecture at Pretoria University and worked in the Corporate Architecture industry. Eventually, in 2014 Mary-Jean decided to follow her true passion, completing a short beginners’ course in jewellery design, before embarking on a self-taught journey of design and manufacture that affords her the opportunity to learn, design and create truly handcrafted jewellery everyday.

".... when things seem dire just remember why you first started, because you will get criticized, so just remember the core of your passion and that for me is the Namibian desert and the Himba people. I think of this and it reminds me of how far I have come."

"Starting a business, for me, is the best expression of backing yourself, taking a chance on you, believing that you have the ability to create value for yourself and for others."

"You have got to believe in yourself and your brand. Listen to what other people have to say, but know who you are and what you want. Set your goal and work towards that and don’t change that. Also, take time to reflect on your goal. It’s very easy to get distracted and go down the wrong path."

“Passion plus Purpose will be your fuel for a long time, so let the vision move you to your end goal. Have faith and stay focused and remember to always keep your eyes on your desired outcome. The start-up journey is not for the faint hearted, have grit and believe anything is possible.”

“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.”

"Believe in what you do and the rest will follow. Live fearlessly with the vision only to succeed, in any way or form which positively contributes to all."

"Starting a business, for me, is the best expression of backing yourself (taking a chance on you), believing that you have the ability to create value for yourself and for others. Don't put it off any longer, there's no better time than now."

"Just keep on believing in yourself and don’t take no for an answer. Pursue your dream and pursue your customers. Don’t ever let them down."

"Do not second guess your capabilities. Believe in yourself and do not listen to background noise. Fear of the unknown is never from you, but those around you. Filter the noise, brush the dirt off your shoulders, and move on."

1. Doubt is your biggest enemy! Keep positive by surrounding yourself with positive and encouraging people that believe in you, you are going to need to lean on them a lot!

2. Just start! Small steps every day lead up to your bigger end goals. Remember: "The man on top of the mountain didn't just fall there" - Vince Lombardi

3. Celebrate every little victory. There are going to be a lot of difficult and tough steps to climb along the way but when you do accomplish something, however small, be sure to celebrate it! This carries you through the tough times and brings joy into your entrepreneurial journey.

Sign up today to receive the #1-rated newsletters for Africa's women entrepreneurs.