Collaboration = Creativity

Some women entrepreneurs are born collaborators, whilst others need to be persuaded. But the one thing I can say with confidence is that when women entrepreneurs do collaborate, creativity wins. During one of our exhibitor group chats at the start of the Absa Lionesses Xpo last week, I was encouraging everyone to use the platform as a way of getting to know one another, to build new friendships. Importantly I also invited all the women entrepreneurs there to think about ways to collaborate, to share their considerable expertise and experience to innovate, to get creative. It was an invitation taken up quickly and with great enthusiasm by many. One of the first to step forward and express interest in a possible collaboration was Vicki Bain, founder of the South African/Belgian artisanal chocolate brand, Chocoloza. She was inspired to reach out to Sarah Kennan, the award winning distiller and founder of Leonista, who turns South African grown agave into a unique product similar to Tequila, or Mezcal. At Lionesses of Africa, we are now waiting in eager anticipation to see if this potential creative collaboration results in a new limited edition range of Leonista spirit filled, handcrafted luxury chocolates. Watch this space Lionesses!

Have yourself an inspired entrepreneurial day! — Melanie