There is one positive I can take away from this strange new world we find ourselves in due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are finding precious time to reconnect with one another as women entrepreneurs. We are swopping stories and experiences, sharing information, and crying on friendly shoulders when needed. Occasionally we also find time to laugh at the small things in our lives to find relief. They say that laughter is sometimes the best medicine for relieving stress! I believe that’s true. I had two conversations this week which made me smile. I was chatting with members of my ‘100 Lionesses’ network and we were discussing at a practical level how we were using this time to restrategize, pivot, innovate, and get ready for the day when our shops, factories and offices reopen. Our chats then turned to laughing at some of the small things we have had to get used to during this lockdown period. Such as bad hair, no-make-up days, nails in need of some good pampering, casual Fridays turning into casual ‘everydays’ (anyone worked at home in their pyjamas?). These are the small things in life that we take for granted in good times. So to all those beauty and hair salon owners who are taking real strain right now and in need of good news. When this crisis is over, and it will be eventually, prepare yourselves for a rush of trade from women entrepreneurs who just want to feel good again as they get back to business!

Have yourself an inspired entrepreneurial day! — Melanie

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