Entrepreneur Advice from Mogau Seshoene: Surround yourself with like-minded women

August 22, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Mogau Seshoene, founder of The Lazy Makoti (South Africa) — Mogau Seshoene, founder of The Lazy Makoti (South Africa)

Surround yourself with like-minded women....

"Get started - asap! With the little knowledge, experience or capital you have, get started. Ask for help. There are various mentorship programmes, look them up and make use of them. Surround yourself with like-minded women who can provide a nurturing support system, because tough times will come and you will need to be able to draw strength from sisters."

- Mogau Seshoene is the founder of The Lazy Makoti in South Africa, providing intimate and informative cooking lessons for the modern Afropolitian who would like to learn the lost art of preparing favourite authentic South African dishes. Mogau pivoted from a career in finance to pursue her passion and today has a team of 4 people who handle the entire process, from design to delivery of the cooking merchandise, as well as television shows and social media.

Entrepreneur Advice from Robertinah Nzula: Embrace positivism

August 18, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Robertinah Nzula, founder of The Tianar Models (Kenya) — **Robertinah Nzula**, founder of The Tianar Models (Kenya)

Embrace positivism....

"As a female entrepreneur, my advice to fellow women is that they should follow their hearts and give a deaf ear to all the negative energy thrown their way. Embrace positivism and never compare your own journey to that of others. Yours is unique."

- Robertinah Nzula is the founder of The Tianar Models in Kenya, a company that discovers and nurtures raw talent in modelling, art, dance, music, poetry and theatre, and event management. Robertinah is on a mission to become the first ever modelling NGO in Africa, creating a platform for community empowerment, women’s empowerment, and youth mentorship. She has always been a entrepreneur at heart and on her way to achieving a 1st Class Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree she used to juggle her student commitments with her entrepreneurial activities.

Entrepreneur Advice from Teresa Nanjala Lubano: It takes Passion, Drive and Persistence

August 17, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Teresa Nanjala Lubano, founder of The Nanjala Company (Kenya) — **Teresa Nanjala Lubano**, founder of The Nanjala Company (Kenya)

Passion, drive and persistence turn desires into reality....

"I believe that if you are passionate, have the drive and just keep at it, the universe just makes you gravitate towards realising your desires. I think women have the backbone to achieve so much as we are intuitively wired to nurture. We just need to focus on what we want to achieve, lock onto it and go for it!"

- Teresa Nanjala Lubano is the founder of The Nanjala Company in Kenya, an online store that creates and collaborates to deliver one stop solutions for design, customized gifts items and eye catching potted plants. All of Shop Nanjala’s work is locally sourced and made in Kenya.

Entrepreneur Advice from Sarah Collins: Have the courage to believe in yourself

August 16, 2017 Melanie Hawken

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

Have the courage to believe in yourself....

"The Wonderbag journey has not been without its fair share of hurdles. Having the courage to believe in myself, even when the chips are down; facing the naysayers who predicted failure from day one and hiring too quickly and firing too slowly have all been hurdles that I have had to overcome. Also thinking people with smart degrees and foreign accents have the solutions to scaling the business has proven just not true on more than one occasion! I learned this the hard way. You need dogged determination, a very high pain threshold, and incredibly close friends to hold the safety net as you’re definitely going to need it when you fall, and you will fall - you have to - because it's a part of the journey."

- 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 Thato Kgatlhanye - Women entrepreneurs must take themselves seriously as business leaders

August 15, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Thato Kgatlhanye, founder of Rethaka (South Africa) — **Thato Kgatlhanye**, founder of Rethaka (South Africa)

As women entrepreneurs we must take ourselves more seriously....

"Women don’t take themselves seriously enough, so when we start talking about startup companies that women today are leading, we tend to talk about the types of businesses that people expect women to be involved with. Often, the talk is not around crunching the numbers - we need to be talking more about the net asset values of our businesses; let’s talk more about what our balance sheets look like and actually start taking our businesses seriously."

- Thato Kgatlhanye is founder of Rethaka, a woman-owned South African business that is focused on improving the world around them. Through their green innovations such as the Repurpose Schoolbags, they redefine societal problems into solutions. Thato makes it her business to uncover sustainable opportunities that create a far-reaching impact for low-income communities, with a particular focus on children and women.

Entrepreneur Advice from Divine Ndhlukula: Start your venture with an end in mind

August 11, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Divine Ndhlukula founder of SECURICO Security Services (Zimbabwe) — Divine Ndhlukula founder of SECURICO Security Services (Zimbabwe)

Start with an end in mind....

"My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is start with an end in mind, know exactly what you want to achieve and start to work systematically towards the goal, exercising some patience."

- Divine Ndhlukula founded SECURICO Security Services from humble beginnings in Zimbabwe in 1998. Divine identified a need in the market for a quality oriented security company and she has driven SECURICO to become the market leader in Zimbabwe. She has tackled a previously male-dominated industry head on and her business success story is nothing short of remarkable - marking her as one of Africa's most tenacious and inspiring women entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneur Advice from Rapelang Rabana: Self-understanding allows you to tap into your drivers and motivation

August 10, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Rapelang Rabana, founder of Rekindle Learning — **Rapelang Rabana**, founder of Rekindle Learning

Understanding your own strengths and weaknesses is essential....

"Because of how entrepreneurship and the world of business is portrayed in our society, we are misled to believe that success in business rests in things like being good at numbers, or being an aggressive sales person and deal maker, or bossy enough to manage a lot of people. These are not the deciding factors. What makes business hard is not the business itself, but the personal journey you must undertake in order to be able to lead yourself and then others. And the capacity to do that has nothing to do with business. It stems from self-understanding of strengths and weakness, continuous self-reflection and assessment and self-regulation."

- Rapelang Rabana is a South African technology entrepreneur and founder of Rekindle Learning, a company looking to improve education in Africa by turning people’s compulsion to check their phones into an opportunity to learn. Rapelang is a Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum, was chosen by Forbes as one of Africa’s Best Young Entrepreneurs, and listed on the ‘O Power List’ by The Oprah Magazine.

Entrepreneur Advice from Abai Schulze: Done is better than perfect

August 9, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Abai Schulze, founder of ZAAF, Ethiopia — **Abai Schulze**, founder of ZAAF, Ethiopia

It was social media expert and author Scott Allen who quipped: “Done is better than perfect”....

"This was my first learning curve. Being a perfectionist is well regarded in many creative industry work environments. It shows you are dedicated and passionate about your work. I tend to be this way. However, I came to understand that in the context of decision-making, this quality could be a disadvantage for an entrepreneur. Getting wrapped up in minute details of my work can mean I miss the big picture."

- Abai Schulze is founder of the creative, new Afro-luxe brand ZAAF who create handcrafted luxury leather handbags and accessories produced by artisans in Ethiopia. Abai, born in a remote village in Ethiopia, has had a truly remarkable life journey. Her journey has taken her from an orphanage in Addis Ababa to the United States where she was raised, and back to Ethiopia. Today, she passionately uses her background in economics and fine arts to create unique and practical expressions of beauty, and to open avenues of opportunity for talented artisans in Ethiopia and the rest of Africa.

Entrepreneur Advice from Penny Mpanza: Find your sense of purpose

August 7, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Find your sense of purpose and pursue it....

"We all come to this world with a PURPOSE for our lives; look within yourself first of all and then look around you; you will find what it is that you were brought into this world to do. Then, pursue it with every fibre of your BEING!"

- Penny Mpanza is the founder of Let’s Build Our Country Fund NPC (LBOC Fund) in South Africa. This innovative Non-Profit Company addresses the issue of inequality in South Africa by creating 1,000 educational and career opportunities for South African youth every year. The fund is underpinned by a cutting edge Holistic Learner Development Programme that focuses on academic excellence, as well as critical care areas outside of the class room.

Entrepreneur Advice from Adenike Ogunlesi: Work hard and work smart!

August 4, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Adenike 'Nike' Ogunlesi, founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble (Nigeria) — Adenike 'Nike' Ogunlesi, founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble (Nigeria)

Work hard but work smart....

“Have a clearly defined vision, strategy, commit to it, be persistent, innovative and dynamic. Work hard but work smart. Turn all your challenges into opportunities of growth and see how everything will work out for your good.”

- Adenike 'Nike' Ogunlesi is the founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble a leading designer, manufacturer and retailer of designer children's clothing in Nigeria. Nike started out modestly in 1996 selling the clothes she made from the boot of her car and in bazaars. Today, Ruff 'n' Tumble is an instantly recognisable brand in Nigeria and has a reputation for being one of the top manufacturers of children's clothing throughout West Africa. Ruff 'n' Tumble successfully caters to the unique fashion sense of today’s youngsters, from new born to age 16, happily mixing indigenous lifestyle trends with an international appeal.

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 Bridget Edwards: Passion is your lifeblood

August 2, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Bridget Edwards, author and emotional change catalyst — **Bridget Edwards**, author and emotional change catalyst

Passion is your lifeblood....

"Your passion will determine how far you’re willing to drive your business endeavours, overcome doubts, fears and obstacles – it’s the fuel required to get you through dark, tough times. Your passion will attract, and keep clients. Your passion will inspire suppliers and others to support you. Your passion will help you excel, going above and beyond service expectations. Your passion is your brand, and start-up lifeblood. Your passion is your vitality, your dream, and your inspiration to succeed."

- Bridget Edwards is a South African entrepreneur, author and emotional change catalyst. She is passionate about helping people overcome their emotional obstacles and personal challenges. She does this through speaking engagements, training (workshops), and private consultations. Bridget has authored two self-help books, Anger gone! How to Easily Defeat Anger, and Stress Gone! How to Identify and Reduce Stress Easily. She continues to write self help programs to assist people in dealing with their personal obstacles.

Entrepreneur Advice from Abai Schulze: Stay focused on the bigger picture

August 1, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Remember to stay focused on the bigger picture....

"Getting wrapped up in minute details of my work can mean I miss the big picture. When running a start-up business, you wear dozens of different hats, so you have to be prudent in how you allocate your time and focus. This doesn’t mean settling for a mediocre product or strategy but rather determining which details has an impact and which are insignificant."

- Abai Schulze is founder of the creative, new Afro-luxe brand ZAAF who create handcrafted luxury leather handbags and accessories produced by artisans in Ethiopia. Abai, born in a remote village in Ethiopia, has had a truly remarkable life journey. Her journey has taken her from an orphanage in Addis Ababa to the United States where she was raised, and back to Ethiopia. Today, she passionately uses her background in economics and fine arts to create unique and practical expressions of beauty, and to open avenues of opportunity for talented artisans in Ethiopia and the rest of Africa. Her designs draw upon precious cultural relics and allow them renewed expression through fresh, uplifting and modern designs.

Entrepreneur Advice from Bronwyn Kilroe: Follow your bliss

July 31, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Bronwyn Kilroe, founder of Laughter Sessions (South Africa) — **Bronwyn Kilroe**, founder of Laughter Sessions (South Africa)

Follow your bliss....

"Follow your Bliss. Find the thing that makes your Heart Sing and jump in! If you would do what makes you feel good, you will be who you were born to be. There is no better way to achieve financial abundance than to do the things that you love, things that are fun for you and that make you feel good."

- Bronwyn Kilroe is the founder of Laughter Sessions, a South African staff skills training company focusing on Stress Management, Health Promotion and Happiness Development. Bronwyn is passionate about showing companies that incorporating more fun and laughter into the workplace not only boosts staff morale but also increases productivity and performance levels. She is a Certified Laughter Coach and was personallytrained by the ‘Founder of Laughter Sessions’ Doctor Madan Kataria, from India.

Entrepreneur Advice from Susan Granger: Get up and start up!

July 28, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Susan Granger, founder of Nubian Queen on 101 (South Africa) — **Susan Granger**, founder of Nubian Queen on 101 (South Africa)

Get up and start up!...

"Don't waste time thinking about your dream or talking about it. Get up and start up - if you fail once, try again, because tomorrow is a different day."

- Susan Granger is the founder of Nubian Queen on 101, a niche, quality, and exclusive boutique store, specialising in top-end, genuine leather handbags and accessories, all made in the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa. Susan is a fashionista, image consultant, blogger, and disruptor, seeking to bring her clients an exclusive range of contemporary products that bridge the gap between High Street and Luxury Brands.

Entrepreneur Advice from Nkem Onwudiwe: You cannot do everything yourself

July 27, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Nkem Onwudiwe, founder of Her Network (Nigeria) — Nkem Onwudiwe, founder of Her Network (Nigeria)

You cannot do everything yourself....

"I’ve learned that you cannot do everything yourself. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help, learn to trust others and delegate. I’ve also learned to set goals, both personal and professional, and to regularly evaluate progress."

- Nkem Onwudiwe is the founder of Her Network, a platform in Nigeria created to encourage women of all races, ages and sizes to help one another grow. This bold and ambitious PR & Communications entrepreneur leverages her skills and extensive network for spreading messages to the public via traditional and new media. Nkem is passionate about creating exciting events where women can come together, have real meaningful conversations, promote their businesses, sell their brands and build relationships with other women - bridging the gap between women and women.

Entrepreneur Advice from Thanthi Sepeng: Resilience is most important

July 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Thanthi Sepeng, founder of Reve Productions (South Africa) — **Thanthi Sepeng**, founder of Reve Productions (South Africa)

Resilience is most important....

"Resilience is the most important attribute you will ever need, so that you don't give up on your dreams and goals - no matter how difficult and challenging it may get. Don't make the mistake of entrusting anyone with your dream as you are the only one who will be committed into making it a reality. Surround yourself with people more knowledgeable and experienced so that you can learn from them. Get a mentor and always strive to inspire, influence and impact, as well as lead others to reach their highest potential so that they too can realize their dreams."

- Thanthi Sepeng is the founder of Reve Productions in South Africa, a company that provides a range of Catering Services, Event Management, and Marketing in terms of Branding Collateral and CSI Projects. Thanti studied Business Communications, majoring in Marketing, Public Relations and Communication science and after time spent working in the corporate world set out on her own path as an entrepreneur as she believes this allows her to bring change to the lives of those around her.

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 Njeri Rionge: The buck always stops with you as an entrepreneur

July 20, 2017 Melanie Hawken

You must take responsibility for all aspects of your business....

“When you’re in business you are responsible for the good, the bad and the ugly, pay attention at all times and take responsibility for all that you and your organization does throughout its tenure.”

- Njeri Rionge is one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurs and one of the very few women pioneers in the ICT sector on the African continent. She co-founded internet service provider Wananchi Online that has since been transformed into Wananchi Group Holdings – one of east Africa’s leading providers of pay-tv, broadband internet and VoIP services. Today, she describes herself as a global citizen doing business with internationally trained experts from Africa and the African diaspora. Njeri leverages global abilities with local needs and offers 'glocal' expertise to champion African business opportunity.

Entrepreneur Advice from Ola Orekunrin: Getting your business funded can be really tough

July 18, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Getting your business funded can be tough....

"It’s the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, without a doubt. Now my company is actually running I can laugh at all the times I spent carrying my laptop around sourcing for funding and coming home in tears."

- Dr. Ola Orekunrin is a medical doctor, helicopter pilot and the healthcare entrepreneur founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria, West Africa’s first Air Ambulance Service. She's dedicated to bringing trauma care to the most remote parts of Western Africa and her company, an air ambulance service based in Lagos, is doing just that. She was motivated to start the company after her younger sister tragically died whilst traveling in Nigeria as a consequence of there being no medical air service available to transport her to hospital. Ola graduated as a medical doctor from the University Of York in the UK and is a member of the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine.