Video: African Women Rising

Hear from African women entrepreneurs speak of their journey defying odds to grow businesses that build value and cause a positive impact in their communities.

© Felix Masi Productions

Transcript:

The one thing people need to recognize is that failure teaches you so much. It gives you the courage to move on, as long as you take the lessons. But at the same time, you are not expected to fail as a person, and especially as a woman. People tend to think you should always be strong, but we are human. That is how we should be treated, because we also go through challenges.

Mentorship is key. If you stop learning, you stop growing. And when you stop growing, you stop thriving.

Everywhere I worked, I strived for excellence. I always wanted to learn as much as possible in each environment, equipping myself with skills and giving my employer 100% commitment. That discipline is what I carry into my own business.

I can tell you I’ve never been overwhelmed by being in a space where creativity happens, where people use their hands to make things.

There is no one size fits all in business. What makes a business work is the person behind it. Pick one business, commit to it, learn all you can, build a support system, and leave the rest to God.

To build something good, you must be focused and patient. Patience will help you weather the storms, and how you rise is what matters. Personally, when I go through storms, I learn lessons. I never let them weigh me down or make me lose my focus.

Always remember who you are, where you come from, and what you stand for.