Practice contentment in the moment

April 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

In the practice of Yoga, there is a principle about contentment called Santosha. This quote sums it up beautifully - “From an attitude of contentment, unexcelled happiness and joy are obtained.”As a self-leadership expert, I make sure I implement the principles I read and study so I can internalise it and become the change I want to make. My favourite quote which I am paraphrasing is ‘Information is not enough – otherwise we would all be millionaires with 6 packs’. It’s not enough to read about these principles, we need to integrate them and apply them in order to see results of personal growth.

How To Balance Work And Motherhood During COVID-19 Lockdown

April 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Grace Stevens

Female entrepreneur, baker extraordinaire and mother of four, Grace Stevens understands that during lockdown many entrepreneurs are thinking about their business’ livelihood and sustainability. However, for many women managing their businesses in such an unpredictable climate whilst providing the love, care and comfort their families need can seem like a daunting task. So, what is Grace's secret to this seemingly superwoman status?

Avoid home fatigue. Make the best of your home spaces.

April 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Kim Williams

Cape Town based interior creative and behavioural specialist Kim Williams says that during the lockdown we can be more creative with how we use our space if we are going to get the most out of spending more time in our homes. During the COVID19 pandemic, we should be able to connect with our domestic spaces on a deeper level, increase their functionality and adapt their aesthetics to suit our new needs.

Quote of the Day by Ubong Agina

April 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“The entrepreneurial journey is not easy. However, as challenging as it may be, success is sure with clear focus, consistency, and the ability to manage change.”

Ubong Agina, founder and creative director, Nubeeka Concepts (Nigeria)

Quote of the Day by Keren Pybus

April 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“Network, network, network. People want to help others and there are so many people that have done part of your journey, so learn from them”

Keren Pybus, co-founder and ceo of Ethical Apparel Africa, Ghana

Entrepreneur Advice from Denise Umunyana / Listen to your heart

April 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Denise Umunyana and Celine Uwineza, founders of RightSeat (Rwanda) — **Denise Umunyana and Celine Uwineza**, founders of RightSeat (Rwanda)

Listen to your heart…

“Listen to your heart, find what you care most about, and don’t be afraid of making a decision to follow your passion.”

Denise Umunyana, co-founder and managing partner, Right Seat, Rwanda

Working from home tips for working moms

April 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Phindile Tapula, Founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation

Working from home is tough during this pandemic outbreak. As a mom, this time is demanding. From scheduling and prioritizing playtime, preparing food more often than before, being on time and prepared for Zoom meetings. I have decided to share some tips for moms to stay sane and better manage working from home. Disclaimer, these tips work for me, they may not work for you. I am sharing them in order to inspire moms to establish their own systems. I suggest you try these tips and if they work, great and if they don’t - change them and make up your own.

When a virus pandemic provides a personal and business opportunity

April 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Sian Lovegrove, Director of the Open University of Tanzania, International Studies Centre

In this post, Sian shares how she finds light in the darkness of the coronavirus pandemic.

As I sit here in Dar es Salaam looking out across a flat Indian Ocean, quiet golden beaches, with a frothy coffee in my sweaty hands it feels like the calm before the coronavirus storm. This is a time of great concern for our global friends and family and people are dying in their thousands. However, I am an eternal optimist and I am turning this period of hibernation, stagnation and global frustration into a business and personal opportunity.

Quote of the Day by Jazeera Suwani

April 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“You won’t know if it will work unless you try, and if you try then there is hope for it to work”

Jazeera Suwani, founder of Say It With Chocolate, Kenya

Entrepreneur Advice from Bukky Asehinde / Start with what you have

April 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Bukky Asehinde, founder of Bellafricana, Nigeria

Start with what you have…

“Start with what you have, who you know, and where you are. The hardest thing in life is actually to start”

Bukky Asehinde, founder of Bellafricana, Nigeria

The S.M.A.R.T way to dealing with the Lockdown

April 21, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Saajidah Esat

As we enter into the extended period of the lockdown here, some of you may have found a rhythm to your days and established a set of thoughts and processes to help you stay positive and productive. I would like to share a tool that I have been using that has helped me immensely through these challenging times.

Your Saving Grace. An Emergency Fund.

April 21, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Ronel Jooste CA(SA), Financial Consultant, Speaker and Author of ‘Financially Fit and Wealthy’

The real value of having an emergency fund will only be fully appreciated during an emergency like the current pandemic. During the lockdown period imposed to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, both businesses and individuals are being severally impacted. Many businesses cannot trade during this period or are on a reduced level, resulting in no income or less income, but the expenses still have to be paid. Certain employees were put on unpaid leave or had to settle for a reduction in their salaries, but their living costs still have to be covered. Massive job losses are already predicted.

Why it’s more important than ever to share your story

April 21, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Tapiwa Matsinde, founder of atelier 55

In times of crisis, we seek to connect to those who have been through or are going through what we are facing. Their stories are comforting, helping us to see that we are not alone, and give us a thread of hope that we too will make it through. And that is why sharing your story matters now more than ever because there is someone out there who is waiting to hear it and form that connection with you.

It’s hard to start building something new when the ruins surround you

April 21, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Marlese Wallis, founder of MIES body products

My company, MIES body products, manufactures natural bath and body products made from plant based ingredients, which are not tested on animals or bad for the environment. My heart has been devastated by this hard blow on all of us due to COVID-19. As you, I think of my family who depend on me; I think of my employees who depend on me for their families; and it is just plainly stressful! Although I feel I am not ready to write an article, I feel it is also important for others like me to see that there are others like you in business, taking this massive blow.

Quote of the Day by Anja van Beek

April 21, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“People don’t buy goods and services, they buy connections, stories and magic.”

Anja van Beek, founder of Anja van Beek Consulting and Coaching (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Adele Dejak / Have a clear strategic plan

April 21, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Adele Dejak, founder of Adele Dejak, Kenya

Have a clear strategic plan…

“Don’t start a business without doing proper market research, having clear strategic plans, and adequate capital.”

Adele Dejak, founder of Adele Dejak, Kenya

Quote of the Day by Nilsa Ribeiro

April 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“Don’t ever let your insecurities stop you. People out there need you to try!”

Nilsa Ribeiro, founder of OWNit Movement, Mozambique

Entrepreneur Advice from Brenda Katwesigye / Build teams and partnerships

April 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Brenda Katwesigye, co-founder and CEO of Wazi Vision Limited (Uganda)

Build teams and partnerships…

“I would advise other women to build teams, partnerships, and also find a mentor. Going it alone can sometimes stifle the growth of a startup”

Brenda Katwesigye, co-founder and CEO of Wazi Vision Limited (Uganda)

That silly little emotion called Guilt

April 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Paula Quinsee

If you're anything like me, then perhaps you are already starting to feel the impact of being in lock-down. Most days I wake up enthusiastic and ready to tackle my day and task list, but it does seem to be getting harder and harder each day as we head further into our extended lock down.