Entrepreneur Advice from Angela Franklin - Vision is imperative!

October 3, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Angela Franklin, founder of Chez Alpha Books (Senegal) — **Angela Franklin**, founder of Chez Alpha Books (Senegal)

You need a clear vision to help get you ahead....

"Choose your team carefully. The people working for you may never have the same 24/7 commitment you have, but certainly they should share the vision and be committed. Also, remain forever humble in what you have accomplished through sweat and determination as it could be gone tomorrow. It is not the physical space of the business that defines your success, but the ability to transition this idea and the next one into reality. Vision is imperative!"

- Angela Franklin is the founder of Chez Alpha Books in Senegal. Angela has created a dynamic resource centre featuring a bookstore with new multi-cultural fiction and non-fiction books with an emphasis on writers from The Diaspora. In addition, her bookstore focuses on world literature and an array of academic resources, offering a go-to-resource centre for students and professionals of all levels, and is the only English language bookstore in Senegal.

Entrepreneur Advice from Tamala Chirwa: Tune out the inner critic

September 29, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Tamala Chirwa, founder of Women’s Leadership Footprint (Malawi) — **Tamala Chirwa**, founder of Women’s Leadership Footprint (Malawi)

Tune out the inner critic....

"Once you have set your purpose to go over the cliff and start your own business, tune out the inner critic that constantly rears its ugly head that you may fail, as this may easily play into the hands of all the naysayers lined up in your way who will tell you that what you intend to do may not work. Put the key business fundamentals in place, pay attention to market factors, learn as you go as you make appropriate adjustments to your offering and just stay focused. Always remember WHY you decided to venture out on your own in the first place, the problem you are solving and the solutions you are offering. In the end, what will matter is your grit, stamina to stay the course of your long-haul entrepreneurial journey - giving up is not an option."

- Tamala Chirwa is the founder of Women’s Leadership Footprint in Malawi, a Coaching Practice that supports leaders and professionals to enhance their leadership disposition and capabilities to become more effective and impactful in their roles. Tamala Chirwa is an Associate Certified Coach accredited by the International Coach Federation specialising in Leadership, Talent Management, Career and Group Coaching and is so far the only ICF ACC and listed Professional Coach by ICF in Malawi. She is also a Vital Voices Leadership Fellow and a Cherie Blair Foundation for Women Mentor.

Entrepreneur Advice from Felicia Buthelezi: Know what you're good at

September 28, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Felicia Buthelezi, serial entrepreneur, South Africa — Felicia Buthelezi, serial entrepreneur, South Africa

You need to identify what you're good at....

"Identifying what you are good at is important – I find that it is easier to work on something you are passionate about rather than something you can just do. Passion fuels you even in tough times. You don’t give up easily."

- Felicia Buthelezi is a South African serial entrepreneur, the founder of publishing company Fisokuhle Media and editor-in-chief of 'I Do' magazine, a lifestyle publication focused on promoting healthy marriages and happy homes. Felicia started her first business, Fisokuhle Multiservices, back in 2002.

Entrepreneur Advice from Karen Wessels: Seize your opportunity and go for it!

September 27, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Karen Wessels, co-founder and COO of VA Connect — **Karen Wessels**, co-founder and COO of VA Connect

Seize your opportunity and go for it!....

"Just do it, and never stop, no matter what is thrown at you. Be relentlessly creative and always be on your toes, ready to take action, solve a problem and seize an opportunity!"

- Karen Wessels is the co-founder and COO of VA Connect, a South African virtual assistant platform that provides outsourced administrative support; and is also the co-founder of SnappSales, a company that generates quality sales leads for its clients. Prior to establishing both her companies, Karen spent over 10 years in different sales, marketing & admin support roles. This experience has equipped her with the invaluable skills required to run her two successful business ventures.

Entrepreneur Advice from Juliana Nasasira: The fashion business is about more than just creativity

September 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Juliana Nasasira, founder of Kwesh, Uganda — **Juliana Nasasira**, founder of Kwesh, Uganda

You require a lot more than just creativity....

"I have faced a lot of challenges that come with trying to start and run a fashion business, particularly in this part of the world. I got into fashion because I love the creative side of it, but I soon realised that it is very much a business. It is important to recognise early on that success requires a lot more than creativity."

- Juliana Nasasira is a Ugandan fashion designer and the founder of Kwesh. She launched Kwesh in 2012, a brand focused on creating ready-to-wear and bespoke apparel for both women and men. Juliana successfully combines contemporary African-inspired design with skilfully crafted, high quality clothing.

Entrepreneur Advice from Bianca Sibiya - Embrace your Africanism

September 25, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Bianca Sibiya, co-founder of Punk & Ivy (South Africa) — **Bianca Sibiya**, co-founder of Punk & Ivy (South Africa)

Celebrate what makes your brand uniquely African....

"You need to understand and appreciate your cultural roots. It is important to fully embrace your Africanism, because if you don't appreciate where you have come from there is the temptation to dissolve your brand into something that the rest of the world is doing, and not celebrate what makes your brand so uniquely African. It is important to be true to yourself as an African, and let that Africanness define what you do and how you do it."

- Bianca Sibiya is a digital marketing specialist who co-founded fashion label Punk & Ivy with partner Khaya in late 2012. This dynamic fashion duo are focused on mastering the bespoke suit and creating fashion that is uniquely African. Bianca is driven by a need to document and articulate life in Africa and South Africa through her creative work. Punk And Ivy as a term was used in the late 60′ into the 70’s in Soweto to describe a particular style of dress for men. The brand also has a very unique retail outlet - The MOTIQUE - a fully fledged retail space in a truck, measuring 9,3m long and featuring a boutique, a change-room, a back office, seating and so much more.

Entrepreneur Advice from Fatima Babakura: People will say no to you

September 22, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Fatima Babakura, founder of Timabee (Nigeria) — Fatima Babakura, founder of Timabee (Nigeria)

People will say no to you....

"NO only means Next opportunity. You have to keep trying because at the beginning things may seem a little rough and people will say no to you, but you cannot give up because of that."

- Fatima Babakura, founder of Timabee, an up and coming luxury women's handbag brand in Nigeria. Back in 2014 Fatima decided to bring to reality, one of the sketches that she couldn't forget about after she had drawn it. It was special and different from the others in her sketchbook. That sketch turned out to be Timabee's very first design, 'The Classic'. The response from people was just amazing and that was when Fatima decided to turn her hobby into a business.

Entrepreneur Advice from Rafiat Kasumu: Make sure you are passionate

September 21, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Rafiat Kasumu, founder of Kente Master (Ghana/USA) — **Rafiat Kasumu**, founder of Kente Master (Ghana/USA)

Make sure you are passionate....

"...make sure you are passionate about the problem your start-up was created to solve. This is essential because that passion you have will be the fuel for your business. When you speak to others about your start-up’s goals, they will hear that passion in you voice and see it on your face and they’ll think - yes, this is someone who knows what she is doing and why she is doing it. Always let that passion drive you through every stage of your business!"

- Rafiat Kasumu is a Nigerian-American who developed a love for kente while working with kente weavers in Kumasi, Ghana. Rafiat took this love to the next level by co-founding Kente Master which seeks to expand the international reach of Ghanaian kente weavers. Kente Master is a fabric artisan startup committed to promoting African entrepreneurship by internationally servicing a unique blend of premium, finished Kente graduation stoles.

Entrepreneur Advice from Olubukola Asafa: You need to have a sense of purpose

September 20, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Olubukola Asafa, founder of Oba Couture (Nigeria) — **Olubukola Asafa**, founder of Oba Couture (Nigeria)

You need to have a sense of purpose....

"Make sure whatever venture you are looking to startup is a passion for you - also make sure you are not just doing it for the profit you will make alone, but that it is much deeper than that, for example bridging a gap in the society. Also make sure that you have a sense of purpose, and your business should ultimately align with that purpose - only then can you truly live your dream."

- Olubukola Asafa is the founder of Oba Couture in Nigeria, a company that manufactures handmade handbags, sandals, shoes and other leather goods with a culture of fine craftsmanship, design and innovation. After obtaining her MBA degree, Olubukola started a business selling shoes and handbags of different brands. But, she had a vision and passion to create a proudly ‘Made in Nigeria’ luxury accessory brand, and so Oba Couture was born.

Entrepreneur Advice from Margaret Hirsch: Persistence will get you there

September 19, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Margaret & Allan Hirsch, founders of Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa) — Margaret & Allan Hirsch, founders of Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa)

Persistence will get you there....

"You can make all your dreams come true with passion, hard work, focus and the drive to persist until you get to where you want to be - and then when you get there, do that little bit more that will make a huge difference."

- Margaret Hirsch is one half of a dynamic husband and wife duo that founded Hirsch's Homestores. Back in 1979, as a secretary, together with her husband Allan, then an appliance repair man, they unwittingly became entrepreneurs who went on to build an appliance, electronics and furnishing retail empire. Today, Hirsch's Homestores is the largest independently owned appliance and electronics business in Southern Africa, with seventeen branches and concept stores spread throughout South Africa.

Entrepreneur Advice from Sarah Collins: There is NO rulebook!

September 12, 2017 Melanie Hawken

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

There is NO rulebook....

"There is NO rulebook and it will be challenging at times, but if you have a passion for what you do and the determination to succeed then you can take on anything and conquer the world. It’s exhausting and relentless at times, but there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the fruits of your hard labour pay off."

- 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 Kofo Akinkugbe: We must be creative

September 11, 2017 Melanie Hawken

We must be creative....

"We need to create an environment that would drive creativity. Do not be afraid to test new things. We must be creative, ensuring we are a step ahead of competition."

- Kofo Akinkugbe is founder & CEO of SecureID Nigeria Ltd. She is a highly respected African business leader who has become a market leader in smart card technology and digital security. SecureID is world-class manufacturing company with the only smart card production plant in West Africa and one of only six on the continent. Her company serves 16 countries across Africa and is fully certified by VISA, Verve and MasterCard. In 2012, Kofo won the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship Mature Business Award.

Entrepreneur Advice from Mumbi Muturi-Muli: Just start!

September 8, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Mumbi Muturi-Muli, founder of Harvest of Sunshine (Kenya) — **Mumbi Muturi-Muli**, founder of Harvest of Sunshine (Kenya)

Take that first step....

"Just start! Small, big or in-between, that does not matter at all, what matters the most is that first step out into the unknown."

- Mumbi Muturi-Muli is the founder of Harvest of Sunshine in Kenya, a company that creates hair and body products with butters and oils from the trees and bushes that grow under our African sun. Mumbi was inspired by her kitchen which was full of sunshine, warmth and light. It was a place where she cooked, baked and later on started to whip up butters and oils that were to become the Harvest of Sunshine range of hair and body products.

Entrepreneur Advice from Tara Fela-Durotoye: Find people that fit and add value to your business

September 5, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Tara Fela-Durotoye, founder of House of Tara (Nigeria) — **Tara Fela-Durotoye**, founder of House of Tara (Nigeria)

You must find people that fit and add value to your business ....

".... you need to attract people that will add value at a sustained level. In terms of people again, not everyone is going to be with you from start to finish. As the business grows, seasons will come where some people don’t fit for the new season. It is not an easy exercise but it must happen."

- Tara Fela-Durotoye is a Nigerian-born lawyer turned Africa's leading beauty and makeup entrepreneur. She started House of Tara at the age of 20, from her living room, whilst an undergraduate at university back in 1998. She's since gone on to launch Nigeria's first ever bridal directory in 1999, and in 2004 she opened the country's leading beauty academy. Today, Tara has over 5,000 representatives spread across Nigeria and 14 makeup schools to her name and she is steadfastly dedicated to realising her vision of building a globally respected beauty company of African origin. Tara remains an inspirational role-model and mentor to make-up artists and aspiring beauty business owners across Africa.

Entrepreneur Advice from Monica Musonda: Start at home

September 4, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Monica Musonda, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Java Foods (Zambia) — **Monica Musonda**, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Java Foods (Zambia)

First focus on establishing your business in your home country....

“Let people know your product in your home market – it has to have a home, it has to be from somewhere – before you start spreading yourself too thin [by] exporting... There are all these nuances once you get your product outside of your country that you might not be able to control. I think build a strong successful brand, a strong successful distribution network, build supply chains which you understand in your country."

- Monica Musonda is founder and Chief Executive Officer of Java Foods, a food processing company based in Zambia. Monica's vision is to revolutionize the eating habits of the youth market by offering them affordable and nutritious food options made from local products. Monica is a dual-qualified English solicitor and Zambian advocate with over 15 years of experience in legal practice and corporate management, including being corporate counsel at the International Finance Corporation and for Aliko Dangote of Dangote Industries Limited.

Entrepreneur advice from Lorna Rutto: Network and find yourself mentors

September 1, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Lorna Rutto, founder of EcoPost, Kenya — **Lorna Rutto**, founder of EcoPost, Kenya

Find those people who will help and encourage you....

"Women entrepreneurs should network and look for mentors who will advise, encourage and help them in setting up the business and to also provide them with the visibility that they really need. Surrounding ourselves with people who promote our ideas, rather than killing them, goes a long way."

- Lorna Rutto is a Kenyan eco-preneur, and the inspiring founder of EcoPost, a social enterprise created in response to the need to find alternative waste management solutions to Kenya's huge plastic waste problem. In 2009 she founded her company, which collects plastic waste and manufactures commercially viable, highly durable, and importantly environmentally friendly fencing posts, used widely across Kenya. In 2011, Lorna was recognised by the prestigious Cartier Women's Initiative Awards as their laureate for sub-Saharan Africa.

Entrepreneur Advice from Fatuma Abdullah: Give yourself a break

August 30, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Fatuma Abdullah, founder of Akiki Dolls — **Fatuma Abdullah**, founder of Akiki Dolls

Give yourself a break....

"As women I think we tend to be very harsh on ourselves, so give yourselves a break - do you and be you."

- Fatuma Abdullah is the Kenyan-born founder of Akiki Dolls in South Africa, a company that makes and distributes brown dolls known as Akiki Dolls. Fatuma is also an author and has published her first children's book based on the Akiki character called, 'Akiki’s Short Stories'. The Akiki Doll was born out of Fatuma's need as a mother to empower her daughter and her vision is to have all children embrace diversity and ethnicity by giving them access to a great playmate.

Entrepreneur Advice from Sarah Collins: Rather go slow

August 28, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Rather go slow....

"Part of an entrepreneur’s psychological makeup is that you’re chasing and you want to grow your business fast, but you make mistakes that way. People promise the earth and don’t deliver so rather go slow and grow your business organically."

Entrepreneur Advice from Pheliswa Nomdatya: Just believe!

August 25, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Pheliswa Nomdatya, co-founder of Ndima Yam NPC (South Africa) — **Pheliswa Nomdatya**, co-founder of Ndima Yam NPC (South Africa)

Just believe!...

"Know your talents and strengths. Know what you are good at and what your talents are. Utilise your abilities and stay positive. Most of all, just believe!"

- Pheliswa Nomdatya is the co-founder of Ndima Yam NPC in South Africa, an organisation that provides financial educational training to the low-income population in communities to enable them to experience a greater degree of financial freedom. Pheliswa is a Certified Psychological Coach from the South African College of Applied Psychology (SACAP) and has a natural ability to bring out the best in others. She has experienced the power of collaboration and believes that this is the best approach to assist clients in achieving their goals. Pheliswa is a humanitarian and activist at heart and is passionate about her work in the community.

Entrepreneur Advice from Charmaine Ngobeni: Believe in YOU!

August 24, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Charmaine Ngobeni, co-founder of Conté Creatives (South Africa) — **Charmaine Ngobeni**, co-founder of Conté Creatives (South Africa)

Believe in YOU!...

"...there is no such thing as a man's world. Do not allow that "term" make you feel insecure and less confident, or give you the idea that you are not in charge or enough of a leader. I advise you to take that idea you have stored up in the back of your mind and apply yourself. I believe that all ideas are great ideas as long as you start. Even if you fail, you've already succeeded because you actually "started" something. The only way you can truly fail, is to fail yourself by not believing that you can start something of your own and reap the rewards of that passion-filled project. Ultimately, always BELIEVE IN YOU!"

- Charmaine Ngobeni is the co-founder of Conté Creatives, a brand styling and consulting agency in South Africa. Charmaine is highly talented, driven and flexible creative designer completed a Degree in Illustration and Digital Imagery from Parsons The New School of Design in New York. She has a passion for the Arts and all things creative.