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Featured
Entrepreneur Advice from Linda Dempah / Build a determined team

Build a determined team!…

“Build a determined team and jump right in!”

Linda Dempah is the founder of Adeba Nature in Cote d’Ivoire

 

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100 LIONESS PLAYBOOK: MONICA MUSONDA

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MONICA MUSONDA

High-flying lawyer turned entrepreneur

Founder of Java Foods

Country: Zambia

Sector: Food Processing

Read monica's 100 Lionesses profile
LEARN FROM MONICA MUSONDA'S ENTREPRENEUR PLAYBOOK

Start small and keep learning!…

“It will be hard, not all pieces will be in place, but believe in yourself and your passion and START!.”

Monica Musonda, founder, Java Foods (Zambia)

Monica's best advice for other African women entrepreneurs....

“Have a vision and passion. Be courageous, focused and disciplined. Lastly, persist… it’s definitely not easy.”

Monica Musonda, founder of Java Foods (Zambia)

To survive over the long term, bigger is better…

“The reality is that to be a profitable, well-run business, it’s all about scale. I’ve never had an ambition to be a small business. I tell my staff they shouldn’t think like an SME. Don’t think you will always be a small business because then you will always be a small business.”

Monica Musonda, founder of Java Foods (Zambia)

Networking is vital....

“It can get you through all the right doors. You need to learn to make new connections all the time. They can help a new business in one way or the other. Be careful of people coming into your inner circle just trying to bring you down. Know who your friends are. Take advice from the right people too.”

Monica Musonda, founder and CEO of Java Foods (Zambia)

It's often best for entrepreneurs to learn by doing....

“I think you have got to learn by doing. You may not have all the answers, you may not know the size of the market, you may not know how much the competition is selling. But if you get into the business, do your initial groundwork as much as you can – but get in there and then start gathering your own data.”

Monica Musonda, founder of Java Foods (Zambia)

Love what you do....

“It is the only thing that will keep you going in your new business venture. If you don’t, you might give up at the very first failure encountered if things don’t go your way.”

Monica Musonda, founder of Java Foods (Zambia)

Monica's top advice....

“Have a vision and passion. Be courageous, focused and disciplined. Lastly, persist… it’s definitely not easy.”

- Monica Musonda 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.  Read Monica's 100 Lionesses profile here.

Be innovative....

"There is no such thing as a free lunch, and there is no substitute for hard work. Be open to new ideas, especially with marketing tools. Choose the best way to sell your business effectively and efficiently. Take advantage of social media as well."

- 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.

Watch your pennies...

"Carefully that is. Learn to manage your finances properly. Account for EVERYTHING. It’s the only way  to assess expenditure versus your profit. Plan your cash flows. Get money smart. Always."

- 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.

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.

Aspiring women entrepreneurs should take the plunge sooner rather than later....

“I would have loved to have been younger and have less commitments… At this stage to fail is a lot more painful than if I failed at 20 or 25 or 30, for instance. I think it is a lot harder when you’re older, you have more commitments… I think there is never a perfect scenario for you to start a business – but I think if you are going to take the leap, the earlier the better.”

- 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. 

Plan, plan, plan....

“With any new business, we need to know what exactly we want to do, and how we want to do it, and where you want it to go. However, she said you should not overthink too much but you should be thorough and also watch the competition.”

- 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.

LIONESS CONTRIBUTOR ADVICE

TOP ADVICE FROM LIONESS CONTRIBUTORS
Reflect, recharge and rev up: Ending 2024 with purpose and power
Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Reflect, recharge and rev up: Ending 2024 with purpose and power
Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset
The Global Context Has Changed and Context Rules!
Louise Mowbray, Strategy
The Global Context Has Changed and Context Rules!
Louise Mowbray, Strategy
Louise Mowbray, Strategy
The Gender Funding Gap in African Start-Ups
Daphney Klopper, Women's Empowerment, Risk Management
The Gender Funding Gap in African Start-Ups
Daphney Klopper, Women's Empowerment, Risk Management
Daphney Klopper, Women's Empowerment, Risk Management
It’s Christmas – Go Ahead and be Delusional!
Thembe Khumalo, Management Advice, Dream
It’s Christmas – Go Ahead and be Delusional!
Thembe Khumalo, Management Advice, Dream
Thembe Khumalo, Management Advice, Dream
Screen your house and pet sitters
Jenny Reid, People Management
Screen your house and pet sitters
Jenny Reid, People Management
Jenny Reid, People Management
Discover Your Passion and Turn It into a Business
Catia Mondlane, PT, Getting Started
Discover Your Passion and Turn It into a Business
Catia Mondlane, PT, Getting Started
Catia Mondlane, PT, Getting Started
The Myth of Risk Aversion: Women in Business
Daphney Klopper, Women's Empowerment, Risk Management
The Myth of Risk Aversion: Women in Business
Daphney Klopper, Women's Empowerment, Risk Management
Daphney Klopper, Women's Empowerment, Risk Management
Plan for Your Personal Growth
Ronel Jooste, Personal Development
Plan for Your Personal Growth
Ronel Jooste, Personal Development
Ronel Jooste, Personal Development
The Power of Integration: Aligning Passion and Purpose in Entrepreneurship
Sarah Dusek, People Management
The Power of Integration: Aligning Passion and Purpose in Entrepreneurship
Sarah Dusek, People Management
Sarah Dusek, People Management
Black Friday is coming: is your business ready to shine online?
Vuyelwa Gxakushe, Marketing
Black Friday is coming: is your business ready to shine online?
Vuyelwa Gxakushe, Marketing
Vuyelwa Gxakushe, Marketing
Finishing 2024 strong and planning for 2025: you can’t hit a target you can’t see
Margaret Hirsch, Business Plan, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Finishing 2024 strong and planning for 2025: you can’t hit a target you can’t see
Margaret Hirsch, Business Plan, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Margaret Hirsch, Business Plan, Entrepreneurial Mindset
The first steps to starting a business
Catia Mondlane, PT, Getting Started
The first steps to starting a business
Catia Mondlane, PT, Getting Started
Catia Mondlane, PT, Getting Started
Time Management for Busy Entrepreneurs
Catia Mondlane, PT, Productivity Time & Energy
Time Management for Busy Entrepreneurs
Catia Mondlane, PT, Productivity Time & Energy
Catia Mondlane, PT, Productivity Time & Energy
Embrace Calm: 5 Anxiety-Fueling Habits to Let Go Of
Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Embrace Calm: 5 Anxiety-Fueling Habits to Let Go Of
Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Holiday Rental Safety
Jenny Reid, Legal
Holiday Rental Safety
Jenny Reid, Legal
Jenny Reid, Legal
The Power of Resilience: Bouncing Back from Disappointment in Business
Seanice Lojede, Resilience
The Power of Resilience: Bouncing Back from Disappointment in Business
Seanice Lojede, Resilience
Seanice Lojede, Resilience
Embracing the Unknown: 4 Wisdom-Packed Quotes for Navigating Change
Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Embracing the Unknown: 4 Wisdom-Packed Quotes for Navigating Change
Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Finding your MOJO Again
Marjón Meyer, Work Life Balance
Finding your MOJO Again
Marjón Meyer, Work Life Balance
Marjón Meyer, Work Life Balance
Overcoming The Fear of Failure as an Entrepreneur
Catia Mondlane, PT, Fear
Overcoming The Fear of Failure as an Entrepreneur
Catia Mondlane, PT, Fear
Catia Mondlane, PT, Fear
From CEO to Psychologist: Managing Team Dynamics in High-Stakes Environments
Sarah Dusek, People Management
From CEO to Psychologist: Managing Team Dynamics in High-Stakes Environments
Sarah Dusek, People Management
Sarah Dusek, People Management
New Fields
Brigette Mashile, Entrepreneurial Mindset
New Fields
Brigette Mashile, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Brigette Mashile, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Stress management is choice management
Lori Milner, Stress Management
Stress management is choice management
Lori Milner, Stress Management
Lori Milner, Stress Management
Could Those End of Year Profits Cost You More Than You Thought?
Jenny Reid, People Management
Could Those End of Year Profits Cost You More Than You Thought?
Jenny Reid, People Management
Jenny Reid, People Management
Planting seeds of thought: nurturing leadership for the next generation
Marjón Meyer, Leadership
Planting seeds of thought: nurturing leadership for the next generation
Marjón Meyer, Leadership
Marjón Meyer, Leadership
When Is the Best Time to Screen Your Employees?
Jenny Reid, People Management
When Is the Best Time to Screen Your Employees?
Jenny Reid, People Management
Jenny Reid, People Management
Retail Resilience: Innovation & Opportunity
Margaret Hirsch, Retail, Innovation
Retail Resilience: Innovation & Opportunity
Margaret Hirsch, Retail, Innovation
Margaret Hirsch, Retail, Innovation
The Real Deal: 11 Unfiltered Truths About Running Your Own Business
Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
The Real Deal: 11 Unfiltered Truths About Running Your Own Business
Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
The Positive Impact of Sustainable Business
Yolanda Isabel Langa, Green Business, Sustainability
The Positive Impact of Sustainable Business
Yolanda Isabel Langa, Green Business, Sustainability
Yolanda Isabel Langa, Green Business, Sustainability
Will It Take a Tragedy Before You Ensure Your Suppliers Or Staff Are Industry Compliant?
Jenny Reid, People Management
Will It Take a Tragedy Before You Ensure Your Suppliers Or Staff Are Industry Compliant?
Jenny Reid, People Management
Jenny Reid, People Management
Developing Communication Campaigns that cut Across Borders in Africa
Thembe Khumalo, Management Advice, Brand
Developing Communication Campaigns that cut Across Borders in Africa
Thembe Khumalo, Management Advice, Brand
Thembe Khumalo, Management Advice, Brand

TOP ADVICE FROM THE LIONESS COMMUNITY

Featured
Entrepreneur Advice from Linda Dempah / Build a determined team
People Management, Team building
People Management, Team building

Build a determined team!…

“Build a determined team and jump right in!”

Linda Dempah is the founder of Adeba Nature in Cote d’Ivoire

People Management, Team building
Entrepreneur Advice from Salma Abdulai / Believe in yourselves
Salma Abdulai, Self Belief
Salma Abdulai, Self Belief

Believe in yourselves!…

“The time to start is now, the world is waiting for your innovations to liberate us from some of the most difficult challenges we are facing in Africa. You should believe in yourselves; it will make all the difference.”

Salma Abdulai, co-founder and ceo, AMAATI Company Ltd (Ghana)

Salma Abdulai, Self Belief
Entrepreneur Advice from Fauzia Malik / Don’t overthink things
Ideation
Ideation

Don’t overthink things!…

“Just start, don’t overthink it. If you have an idea and your research shows there’s a need for your business idea, don’t waste time overthinking the finer details.”

Fauzia Malik, founder, Pure Fitness Activewear (Tanzania)

Ideation
Entrepreneur Advice from Thokozile Mangwiro / Focus on your vision
Vision & Mission
Vision & Mission

Focus on your vision!…

“Focus on your vision, it will pull you through the emotional roller-coaster; it will pull you through the fear and doubt that will surely come. A strong vision will lead to the success of your business.”

Thokozile Mangwiro, founder, Nilotiqa (South Africa)

Vision & Mission
Entrepreneur Advice from Nicole Magerman / Don’t wait for the perfect time to start
Getting Started
Getting Started

Don’t wait for the perfect time to start!…

“Don’t wait on money or making time to kick start your journey. Start now and fuel your goals on the way! Remember, hesitation is the mind killer!”

Nicole Magerman, founder, Girl Spectrum (Mozambique)

Getting Started
Entrepreneur Advice from Chita Mumba Zulu / Look for a gap in the market
Getting Started
Getting Started

Look for a gap in the market!…

“Look out for a unique business idea that will help bridge the market gap of a missing business opportunity in the market place.”

Chita Mumba Zulu, founder, Eternal Jewellery Zambia (Zambia)

Getting Started
Entrepreneur Advice from Monica Musonda / Start small and keep learning
Monica Musonda, Self Belief
Monica Musonda, Self Belief

Start small and keep learning!…

“It will be hard, not all pieces will be in place, but believe in yourself and your passion and START!.”

Monica Musonda, founder, Java Foods (Zambia)

Monica Musonda, Self Belief
Entrepreneur Advice from Mary Nyaga / Be confident in yourself
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Entrepreneurial Mindset

Be confident in yourself!…

“Do your research, network, get a mentor, be confident in yourself, and do not be afraid to speak up.”

Mary Nyaga, founder of LorMar Florium (Kenya)

Entrepreneurial Mindset
Entrepreneur Advice from Siwela Sweetness Masoga / Be passion driven
Passion
Passion

Be passion driven!…

“Always do what you are passionate about. Being passionate about what you do will always force you to work hard and remain persistent when times get tough.”

Siwela Sweetness Masoga, founder of Siwela Wines (South Africa)

Passion
Entrepreneur Advice from Celine Uwineza / Surround yourself with the right people
People Management
People Management

Surround yourself with the right people!…

“Start! Surround yourself with people who believe in your dreams and support you.”

Celine Uwineza, co-founder of RightSeat (Rwanda)

People Management
Entrepreneur Advice from Bupe Chipili Mulapesi / Stay focused on your dream
Focus
Focus

Stay focused on your dream!…

“My biggest advice to anyone starting up a business is to stay focused on your dream, your business goals and to never give up.”

Bupe Chipili Mulapesi, founder of Farm23 Strawberry (Zambia)

Focus
Entrepreneur Advice from Chrissa Amuah / Get ready for the long haul
Perseverance, Entrepreneurial Journey
Perseverance, Entrepreneurial Journey

Get ready for the long haul!…

“Be ready to be in it for the long haul; they say building a company from scratch takes 3-5 years. It may take longer. Dig deep and breathe deeply.”

Chrissa Amuah, founder of AMWA Designs (UK/Ghana)

Perseverance, Entrepreneurial Journey
Entrepreneur Advice from Xoliswa Hlongwane / Put those building blocks in place
Getting Started
Getting Started

Put those building blocks in place!

“Just put the necessary building blocks in place and if you can, save some money to take care of you whilst you give your all to your business.”

Xoliswa Hlongwane, founder of XO Collection (South Africa)

Getting Started
Entrepreneur Advice from Emmanuella Aboa / Be consistent
Consistency
Consistency

Be consistent!…

“Be consistent: even when there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, be consistent. Consistency brings visibility, and visibility brings credibility.”

Emmanuella Aboa, founder of Transolution Services Africa Ltd (Kenya)

Consistency
Entrepreneur Advice from Rumbi Serima-Fowler / Be passionate about what you do
Passion
Passion

Be passionate about what you do!…

“It is true when they say it is not easy to be successful, but if you are passionate about what you do, that will carry you over the obstacles.”

Rumbi Serima-Fowler, founder of Mimi’s Organics (UK/Zimbabwe)

Passion
Entrepreneur Advice from Boikano Sikwane / Don’t get dissuaded by slow growth
Getting Started
Getting Started

Don’t get dissuaded by slow growth!…

“Start with what you have. Every step counts, don’t get dissuaded by slow growth, it is when you are most likely to learn big lessons, at lower cost.”

Boikano Sikwane is the co-founder of Chuck Chilli Foods in South Africa

Getting Started
Entrepreneur Advice from Bitania Amare / Just keep going
Perseverance
Perseverance

Just keep going!…

“I have learnt it takes a lot of work and patience to succeed as an entrepreneur. The key is to keep going even when things do not go your way.”

Bitania Amare, founder of Orbit Consulting PLC (Ethiopia)

Perseverance
Entrepreneur Advice from Krystal Bella Shabani / Learn to conquer fear
Fear, Failure
Fear, Failure

Learn to conquer fear!…

“Fear is one of the major barriers for young women to start a business. My advice would be that, in business, failure will be their best friend. So, they should start getting used to that.”

Krystal Bella Shabani, founder of Krysbel Designs (Burundi)

Fear, Failure
Entrepreneur Advice from Christelle Kwizera / Accept that mistakes are part of the journey
Failure
Failure

Accept that mistakes are part of the journey!…

“My advice for all ladies starting up is to go for it and accept with grace and humility that failure and mistakes are just one part of a journey.”

Christelle Kwizera, founder, Water Access Rwanda (Rwanda)

Failure
Entrepreneur Advice from Nicoline Bole / Just start your entrepreneurial journey
Getting Started
Getting Started

Just start your entrepreneurial journey!…

“Nothing is born out of an idea without action. It’s better to start than not to start at all, because we all have the ability to do anything we set our minds on.”

Nicoline Bole, founder of Bolnique Ltd (United Kingdom/Cameroon)

Getting Started
Entrepreneur Advice from Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka / Keep reaching for your dreams
Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Perseverance, Dream
Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Perseverance, Dream

Keep reaching for your dreams!…

“There will be times when it becomes really difficult and you're thinking this is hard, but keep reaching for your dreams and the rest will follow.”

Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder, Gorilla Conservation Coffee (Uganda)

Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Perseverance, Dream
Entrepreneur Advice from Angela Franklin / Have passion for what you do
Passion
Passion

Have passion for what you do!…

"Starting a small business is simply based on filling a niche or void, but most important have a passion for what you do."

Angela Franklin, founder of Chez Alpha Books (Senegal)

Passion
Entrepreneur Advice from Kofo Akinkugbe / Keep innovating
Kofo Akinkugbe, Innovation
Kofo Akinkugbe, Innovation

Keep innovating!…

“Encourage staff to be innovative, do things innovatively.”

Kofo Akinkugbe, founder, Secure ID, (Nigeria)

Kofo Akinkugbe, Innovation
Entrepreneur Advice from Mariana Agness Francisco Eria / Surround yourself with people that challenge you
Entrepreneur Support
Entrepreneur Support

Surround yourself with people that challenge you!…

“Make sure to surround yourself with people that challenge you physically, mentally, spiritually and that will be there for you when the going gets tough.”

Mariana Agness Francisco Eria, founder, The House of Agness (Mozambique)

Entrepreneur Support
Entrepreneur Advice from Adele Dejak / Be willing to sacrifice
Entrepreneurial Mindset, Adele Dejak
Entrepreneurial Mindset, Adele Dejak

Be willing to sacrifice!…

“Don't start a business without doing proper market research, having clear strategic plans and adequate capital. Also, have passion and dedication. Lastly, be willing to sacrifice by putting in extra time.”

Adele Dejak, founder, Adele Dejak (Kenya)

Entrepreneurial Mindset, Adele Dejak
Entrepreneur Advice from Nereyda Ah-Hoy / Share your passion
Passion
Passion

Share your passion!…

“Business is to make money, otherwise it would not be business. Above all, business should be the best way for someone to share with the world their passion and their gifts, otherwise it is a business empty and devoid of purpose.”

Nereyda Ah Hoy, writer, author & founder of Indika platform and digital magazine (Mozambique)

Passion
Entrepreneur Advice from Filipa Carreira / Listen to your intuition
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Entrepreneurial Mindset

Listen to your intuition!…

"Listen to your inner soul, listen to your power, listen to your intuition, listen to who you are and who you aspire to be."

Filipa Carreira, founder of Wamina (Mozambique)

Entrepreneurial Mindset
Entrepreneur Advice from Meg Faure / Expect to work hard
Work Ethic
Work Ethic

Expect to work hard!…

“Expect to work much harder than you think you will, for less reward and for a long period of time. People often glamourize the entrepreneurial and start up journey when in actual fact it’s really gritty, dirty and difficult.”

Meg Faure, founder, Play Sense (South Africa)

Work Ethic