Marrakesh, Morocco, November 19, 2014 --- U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker delivered remarks to approximately 300 women entrepreneurs to kick off Women’s Entrepreneurship Day in Marrakesh, Morocco. Secretary Pritzker discussed America’s leadership in empowering entrepreneurs at home and abroad, addressed the importance of the Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE) which she chairs, and touted how a strong entrepreneurial society can lead to greater economic growth, stability and security, and a rising middle class.
Read moreThis Cape Town handmade soap maker harnesses the unique natural qualities of indigenous herbs and plants from the world famous Cape Floral Kingdom to produce world-class skincare products.
Read moreThe journey from advocate to entrepreneur has been an incredible one for Monica, who today is winning recognition around the world for her innovation and leadership in Zambia and beyond.
Read moreA social entrepreneur creates a Zulu beadwork collaboration that empowers, uplifts and celebrates the talents of South African craftswomen.
Read moreFollowing her highly successful journey in the world of television, media and magazine publishing, this leading South African entrepreneur has now launched her latest business venture in luxury retailing.
Read moreThis creative woman quit her job as a textile designer at a clothing factory to pursue a passion for creating beautiful and functional bags from discarded materials.
Read moreTwo South African women with a background in fashion are today using their unique design aesthetic and manufacturing experience to create beautiful table linens.
Read moreWith top models, A-List celebrities and famous society personalities making up her clientele lists, Deola Sagoe, founder of haute couture fashion house Deola, is an entrepreneurial success story of note.
Read moreThis incredible woman not only contributed to building Pick n Pay Group as a socially responsible retail empire, but has also devoted her life to making a difference to others in South Africa.
Read moreThis highly successful Nigerian designer went from selling clothes from the boot of her car to becoming a world class children’s clothing brand.
Read more“If it doesn’t scare you, you’re probably not dreaming big enough.”
- Tory Burch is an American fashion designer and entrepreneur. In addition to being the CEO behind an internationally-renowned clothing line bearing her name, she is also the philanthropic driving force of the Tory Burch Foundation which aims to support women business owners and their families.
Read moreThis remarkable Nigerian woman founded a company that is recognised globally as a market leader in Africa's smart card technology and digital security industry.
Read moreThis lawyer turned butcher is passionate about the 100% certified free-range, grass-fed and ethically reared meat she sources from farmers she gets to know and trust.
Read moreA journalist-turned-natural skincare product entrepreneur works with nature to create a range of soothing and healing skin balms, bringing relief for allergy sufferers.
Read moreThis South African, Limpopo-based clothing and textile manufacturer is successfully carving a niche for herself producing ladies clothing, bags, accessories and printed fabrics.
Read more"You need to trust your gut – you have to be hard-headed and have selective hearing in regards to the negativity that come from other people. This is not something you'll learn in school."
- Bobbi Brown is a professional makeup artist and the founder and CCO of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. She became a name in the cosmetics business by pushing moderation. In the 1980s, when look-at-me colors, stark contours, and shiny red lips were in fashion, Bobbi designed cosmetics to highlight a woman's natural look. She had moved to New York City in 1980 with a degree in theatrical makeup and a beginner's portfolio. Before the decade was done, she'd hustled her way from freelance makeup artist at magazine shoots to product designer with her name behind a global brand.
Read moreYou can build a big business from small, humble beginnings....
".... As an undergraduate, while I was still in school I started a business. I started with just fifteen thousand Naira. It is less than the cost of a Blackberry phone. Today, House of Tara has over 3,000 Sales Representatives across Nigeria. House of Tara has offices in 25 States in this country. In Abuja alone, we have two branches. We are in Kaduna, Kano, Ilorin, Port Harcourt, Abuja, etc. My company is big."
- 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 3,000 reps spread across Nigeria and 14 stores 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.
Read moreSource: Time | September 12, 2014
British-Nigerian doctor Ola Orekunrin may be only 28, but she’s already founded Nigeria’s first emergency air ambulance service. Flying Doctors has become an essential service, airlifting patients from remote areas to hospitals, and providing care en route. It has helped hundreds of patients, particularly employees in the country’s oil and gas sector, who are among Flying Doctors’ top clients.
Read more"I used to watch my mother negotiate at the market. People may not look at their mothers’ as a leader, but they truly have all the skills that demonstrate leadership."
- Sibongile Sambo is a pioneering woman of South African aviation. She is founder and Chief Executive Officer of SRS Aviation Ltd., the first 100 percent black, female-owned aviation services company in South Africa. Launched in 2004, SRS is an integrated provider of private aviation services offering South African and international clients professional and personalized flight options including VIP Charter, tourist charter and helicopter services, to destinations around the world. Today, the company also provides maintenance, sales and fleet management services to private jet owners.
Read moreYou should consider banks as the last resort when looking for sources of funds ....
"First establish yourself then think of borrowing. When I borrowed, I noticed that my business was not growing as fast as I thought—it slowed me down, .... I started with personal savings and I think that is the best way.”
- Julian Adyeri Omalla is one of Uganda's top female entrepreneurs. She is founder, chairperson and managing director of Delight Uganda Limited, producing the country's most popular fruit drink sold under the brand name 'Cheers'. Julian has diversified into a range of other business activities, including egg and poultry farming, maize-feed production, a flour mill and bakery, a student hostel for 400, as well as coordinating women’s farmer cooperatives that provide food aid into Sudan. Today, Julian employs over 1,000 Ugandans and exports to countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan and Zaire.
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