Why Your Mental Health Matters as an Entrepreneur
Introduction: The Hidden Side of Hustle Entrepreneurship is often romanticized as freedom — freedom to create, to lead, to innovate. But what’s rarely talked about is the emotional weight of being the one who holds the vision, the payroll, and the pressure to “keep it all together.” For many African women entrepreneurs, the hustle culture is real — juggling business, family, finances, and expectations. Yet behind every success story, there’s often a silent battle with stress, anxiety, and burnout. Your mental health is not a luxury or a side project. It’s the engine that drives your creativity, leadership, and long-term sustainability. The Connection Between Mental Health and Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship isn’t just a career; it’s a lifestyle that can blur the lines between personal well-being and business demands. Studies show that entrepreneurs are twice as likely to experience depression and three times more likely to struggle with addiction than traditional employees. Why? Because founders often carry the emotional weight of: When your mind is overwhelmed, your productivity, innovation, and resilience all take a hit. Why Prioritizing Mental Health Boosts Productivity Many entrepreneurs think rest is a reward for success — but in truth, it’s the fuel for it.Here’s how a healthy mind makes you a stronger business leader: The Burnout Cycle (and How to Break It) Burnout often creeps in quietly — late nights, skipped meals, canceled social plans — until suddenly you’re running on empty. Signs of burnout include: To break the cycle: Practical Self-Care Tips for African Women Entrepreneurs The Bigger Picture: Redefining Strength As African women leaders, we’re often taught that strength means endurance — keep going no matter what. But true strength is in awareness, balance, and sustainability. Your business is an extension of you. If you thrive, it thrives.Investing in your mental health is one of the most powerful business decisions you can make. Let’s shift the narrative. Success isn’t about how much you hustle — it’s about how well you honor your humanity while building your dreams. So, the next time you feel guilty for resting, remember: you are the most important asset your business has. Protect your peace, nurture your joy, and watch your impact multiply.
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Redefining the Future: How Impact Hub and Bayer Foundation Empower Women Entrepreneurs to Transform Food and Health Systems in Africa and the Middle East
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From a Spark of Passion to a Global Creative Movement: The Story of For Creative Girls
When Gbemi Lolade first started For Creative Girls, she didn’t imagine it would grow into the vibrant, global community it is today. At the beginning, it wasn’t about building a company or leading a movement. It was simply about sharing her excitement for women whose creative work inspired her. She would find women doing brilliant, bold things and think: the world needs to see this. That spark—a passion for amplifying voices that often went unheard—became the seed for For Creative Girls. A Passion Project with Global Footprints What began as a personal project in 2017 quickly caught fire. Over the years, For Creative Girls has hosted mentorship programs that have reached women across multiple countries and continents. Participants from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, the UK, France, and beyond have been part of the journey, connecting through shared stories, guidance, and collaboration. This global footprint didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of consistency, belief, and a community that kept showing up. From the early days of writing features to curating mentorship opportunities, Gbemi has watched the platform expand in ways that surprised even her. Tools for Today’s Creatives As For Creative Girls enters a new chapter, Gbemi is clear about one thing: it’s not about chasing trends or positioning the brand as a “tech-first” company. Instead, it’s about asking: how can we support creatives better in their day-to-day work? That question recently led to the creation of a custom GPT inside ChatGPT—digital assistants designed specifically for creatives. It basically helps improve creative portfolios, guiding users on structure, presentation, and storytelling. They’re not meant to replace human connection or mentorship; rather, they extend the heart of For Creative Girls into the digital space, giving creatives accessible tools at their fingertips. As Gbemi explains: “We’re not an AI company. We’re just experimenting with how new technologies can serve our community.” It’s a grounded, thoughtful approach to innovation. With this and more flagship programs coming up, For Creative Girls continues to focus on what has always mattered most: people, creativity, and community. The Heart of the Work Ask Gbemi what keeps her going, and she’ll tell you—it’s the stories. The stories of women who thought their work didn’t matter until it was seen. The stories of mentees who found confidence, clarity, or career direction after connecting through the platform. The stories of friendships and collaborations that never would have existed otherwise. These are the wins that keep For Creative Girls alive; the human heartbeat beneath the programs, articles, and now, tools. What’s Next Looking ahead, Gbemi is both reflective and hopeful. She knows For Creative Girls has come a long way from its humble beginnings, but in her words: “We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.” The next chapter isn’t about becoming a tech giant or redefining creativity on a global stage. It’s about continuing to be a safe space where women creatives can grow, be seen, and be supported, no matter where they are in the world. Because at its core, For Creative Girls has never stopped being what it was at the start: one woman’s passion for shining a light on others, now multiplied, magnified, and carried forward by a global sisterhood.
Building a Tech Startup as a Woman
From Idea to Launch The Spark: Turning Ideas Into Opportunities Every successful startup begins with a spark — a problem you’ve experienced or observed and the determination to solve it. For many women founders, these sparks come from real-life challenges that others have overlooked. Whether it’s improving access to healthcare, streamlining payments, or creating tools for women in business, the best ideas are grounded in lived experience. The first step is validating your idea. Ask: Who is this for? Why does it matter now? Talk to potential users, gather feedback, and refine your solution. Don’t be afraid to start small — often, the most scalable products begin as a simple prototype. Navigating a Male-Dominated Tech Landscape Tech remains an industry where women are underrepresented, especially in leadership roles. That reality can feel intimidating. You might find yourself being the “only woman in the room,” questioned more than your male counterparts, or overlooked by investors who underestimate women-led ventures. But here’s the good news: women-led startups consistently outperform. Studies show that companies founded or co-founded by women deliver higher revenue — proving that diversity isn’t just nice to have, it’s a competitive advantage. To navigate the landscape: Building the Right Team No founder can do it all alone. A strong startup team balances technical skills with business acumen, creativity with execution. For women founders, team-building is also about creating a culture of inclusion and trust. Some tips: Fundraising as a Woman Founder Securing funding is often one of the biggest hurdles. Globally, less than 3% of venture capital goes to women-only teams. But this is changing, with more investors and funds dedicated to supporting female founders. To stand out when pitching: Remember: if traditional VC feels like a closed door, explore grants, angel investors, crowdfunding, or bootstrapping until you gain traction. Balancing Life and Leadership Building a startup is demanding. For women, there’s often added pressure — balancing family responsibilities, societal expectations, or the constant need to “prove” yourself. Some ways to manage: Celebrating Wins and Paying It Forward Every milestone matters: your first prototype, your first user, your first funding round. Celebrate them, but also document the journey. Your story can inspire the next generation of female founders. As you grow, pay it forward: mentor younger women, share resources, and advocate for inclusivity in the tech ecosystem. True innovation happens when diverse voices are heard and empowered. Final Thoughts Launching a tech startup as a woman is challenging — but it’s also an incredible opportunity to disrupt industries, create meaningful impact, and rewrite the narrative of who gets to build the future. Your idea is valid. Your voice is needed. And your journey, from idea to launch, is a powerful contribution to the global tech story. To every woman dreaming of building a startup: start where you are, use what you have, and keep moving forward. The world is ready for your vision. See other resources How Start-ups can build Scalable Financial Systems for Sustainable Growth The Smart Entrepreneur’s Guide to Cutting Startup Costs
What No One Tells You About Raising Capital in Africa
Raising capital is a universal challenge for entrepreneurs, but in Africa, the journey has its own unique twists. From navigating investor skepticism to battling infrastructure gaps, founders often discover that the process is less about “closing rounds” and more about surviving a marathon of resilience, creativity, and relationship-building. Here’s what few people will tell you about the realities of raising capital in Africa. 1. It’s More About Relationships Than Pitch Decks In Silicon Valley, investors may write checks after a few calls and a polished pitch deck. In Africa, it often doesn’t work that way. Investors want to know you personally before committing. Many deals happen because of long-standing trust, introductions through networks, or personal credibility rather than slides or metrics. 2. Investors Are More Risk-Averse Than You Think Africa is often pitched as the “final frontier” of opportunity, but the truth is most investors are cautious. Many have had bad experiences or still view African startups through a lens of risk-first, opportunity-second. 3. Foreign Capital Still Dominates While local venture funds and angel networks are growing, foreign capital—especially from Europe and North America—still drives much of Africa’s startup funding. This creates its own set of challenges: 4. Infrastructure (and Regulation) Can Make or Break Deals Investors don’t just evaluate your business model—they evaluate the ecosystem around it. Payment bottlenecks, internet reliability, logistics, and bureaucracy all influence investor confidence. Being upfront about how you’ll work around infrastructure or policy challenges can increase credibility. 5. You’ll Spend More Time Fundraising Than Building Founders in Africa often report that raising capital can consume 6 to 12 months or more—sometimes longer than in mature markets. This extended cycle can drain energy and distract from execution. 6. Not All Capital Is “Smart Capital” In the rush to secure funding, many founders overlook the importance of aligned investors. Some investors may push for unrealistic growth timelines, unfamiliar with the slower adoption curves in many African markets. Others may lack the networks or insights to actually support your scale. 7. Storytelling Is as Critical as Metrics Yes, investors want traction. But in Africa, many early-stage startups operate in sectors where “hockey stick growth” isn’t immediate. The difference-maker is often the founder’s ability to tell a compelling, authentic story that connects market pain points with a credible vision for the future. 8. Grants and Development Funding Are a Double-Edged Sword Africa has no shortage of grant opportunities and impact-driven capital. While this can provide early runway, it can also skew incentives if founders build for grants rather than sustainable businesses. Smart founders use grants strategically—without letting them define their entire roadmap. 9. Raising Capital Is Just the Beginning Securing funding is not the finish line—it’s the starting point of a new set of challenges. Investors will expect rigorous reporting, governance structures, and accountability. The pressure to deliver quarterly numbers can be intense, especially in volatile markets. Grit & Growth | Raising Capital in Africa: It’s Not Just About the Money Raising capital in Africa is not just about money—it’s about navigating an intricate web of relationships, perceptions, and structural challenges. Founders who succeed often combine grit with storytelling, resilience with flexibility, and a long-term view with short-term adaptability. The best-kept secret? The process itself forces founders to become sharper, more resourceful, and more resilient leaders. And in Africa, that’s often the biggest competitive edge you can have.
Mastering the Art of Personal Branding in 2025
Your Glow-Up Guide to Career Growth & Digital Presence Let’s be real—personal branding in 2025 is not about having the perfect headshot and sprinkling motivational quotes on your feed. It’s about owning your story, showing up consistently, and making the internet say “That’s her!” Whether you’re building your career, starting a business, or becoming a thought leader, your personal brand is your digital handshake. And in a world where opportunities are one DM away, your brand can open doors before you even knock. 1. Know Your “Why” Like You Know Your Favorite Afrobeats Hook If you can’t answer “What do you want to be known for?” in one sentence, start there. 2. Your Digital Footprint is Your Resume Google yourself. What comes up? That’s your first impression. In 2025, recruiters, collaborators, and clients will stalk your LinkedIn, Instagram, or even TikTok. 3. Storytelling is the New Selling People connect with people, not robots. Your wins matter, but so do your struggles and growth moments. 4. Network Like You Mean It—Online & IRL Your brand grows faster when people talk about you in the rooms you’re not in. 5. Audit & Align Every 90 Days Trends move fast, and so should your brand. Every quarter, check: Final Thought: Your personal brand is an asset, not an accessory. Treat it with the same care you would a career-defining project. In 2025, the women who stand out are those who own their narrative, build authentic connections, and show up boldly—both online and in real life. Your move, Queen: What’s one thing you’ll do this week to level up your personal brand? Share it with the SLA community—we’re rooting for you. Learn more here
How to Monetize Your Passion Project in Africa
Have a passion project you’ve poured your heart into—but unsure how to turn it into income? You’re not alone. Across Africa, thousands of young creatives, artisans, community builders, and change-makers are starting passion-driven projects: podcasts, handmade crafts, YouTube channels, fashion lines, blogs, community groups, food pages, and more. But how do you move from “I love doing this” to “I get paid to do this”? This guide breaks down practical steps to monetize your passion project in Africa, no matter your industry or budget. First Things First: Define What You’re Actually Offering Before people can pay you, they need to understand what they’re paying for. Ask yourself: Example:If your passion project is an Instagram page about affordable natural skincare, potential offers could include: Step 1: Test for Market Demand A passion project is personal, but monetization requires external validation. Don’t assume people want to pay—test and prove it first. Step 2: Package Your Passion Once you’ve confirmed interest, it’s time to package your offering into something sellable. Consider: Make it easy to understand and buy. Avoid confusion. Simplicity sells. Step 3: Build Visibility Your network needs to know your passion project now comes with paid offerings. Tactics to grow visibility in Africa’s digital space: No visibility = no sales, no matter how great your product is. Step 4: Set Up Payment Options In many African markets, smooth and flexible payment options are key. Also, offer introductory pricing or bundles to build early traction. Step 5: Explore Multiple Revenue Streams Don’t depend on just one monetization method. Here are a few options to stack: Smart monetization = multiple income streams over time. Bonus Tips: Monetization Success in Africa Final Thoughts: Start Where You Are You don’t need a massive following or a fancy website to start monetizing your passion. What you need is: Africa’s creative economy is growing. Now’s your time to build, grow, and get paid for doing what you love. Interested in more practical guides like this? Click here to join the SLA BoostHer for career, business, and personal growth tools for African women.
IN MY CORNER : How Ivie Osula and Jokotade Shonowo Are Redefining Sisterhood Through Style, Storytelling & Sister Support
A feature from the “In My Corner” campaign a platform where real friendship becomes real power. There are friendships that text you when you’re down. And then there are friendships that pull up, uninvited but deeply needed, when the lights are off and the stage is empty. That’s the kind of bond Ivie Osula and Jokotade Shonowo share a powerful, creative sisterhood built on authenticity, shared vision and an unspoken “I’ve got you” that doesn’t need applause. At the heart of this year’s In My Corner campaign — an initiative spotlighting women who choose collaboration over competition their story unfolds not just in fashion and photographs, but in deep, mutual support. What Is “In My Corner”? In My Corner is more than a campaign, it’s a movement. A visual and storytelling experience created by women, for women, to celebrate the friendships and mentorships that anchor us. Through powerful portraits, honest conversations, and a lens focused on community, the campaign documents the real relationships behind success the ones that rarely make the headlines, but always shape the journey. Meet the Women Behind the Story Ivie Osula is the founder of @DWLonline, a luxury fashion brand reshaping the narrative around power dressing for modern African women. Her designs are intentional — every stitch a declaration of strength and softness, woven together. Jokotade Shonowo is the founder of @Poshclick, a creative studio capturing women and men as they are bold, vulnerable, regal. Her lens doesn’t just see beauty; it reveals truth. Together, they’re redefining what it means for women to be in each other’s corners not just in theory, but in action. More Than Just a Moment — It’s a Movement In an industry that often rewards rivalry, Ivie and Joko choose something different. They style each other’s dreams. Shoot each other’s visions. And stand side-by-side as they climb. Their friendship isn’t performative, it’s purposeful. Built in quiet moments. Sealed through trust. Strengthened by shared ambition and soft landings. Whether they’re working late on campaign visuals or sharing silent support between shoots, what they’ve built is a living example of what In My Corner champions: sisterhood as strategy, friendship as fuel. A Toast to the Real Ones This International Friendship Day, we celebrate the women who show up when the cameras aren’t rolling. Who hold the ladder while you climb. Who don’t compete with your light, they reflect it back at you. Because when you’ve got someone in your corner, you don’t just survive.You soar. To stay engaged with In My Corner, follow @InMyCornercampaign for the latest conversations. For Ivie’s work in fashion, visit @DWLonline and for Joko’s photography, explore @Poshclick. The journey continues, and In My Corner is here to remind us, every woman has a story worth telling.
Building a Scalable Business from Scratch
How young African women can grow beyond survival mode In today’s fast-changing economy, launching a business is no longer just about passion—it’s about strategy, systems, and scalability. For many young African women, the dream of starting a business is alive and well. But turning that dream into a sustainable, scalable venture? That’s where the real challenge—and opportunity—lies. If you’re a woman with a bold business idea, or you’re already in the early stages of building your venture, the question isn’t just “How do I start?”—it’s “How do I grow this into something bigger than me?” What Does It Mean to Build a Scalable Business? A scalable business is one that can grow—and keep growing—without its costs rising at the same pace. It means building systems, teams, and processes that allow your business to serve more customers, in more places, with more impact, while keeping operations efficient. In simple terms: you can grow without burning out. Step 1: Solve a Real Problem Every scalable business starts with one thing: a clear, urgent problem. If your product or service isn’t solving a genuine pain point, no amount of strategy will help. Ask yourself: Whether you’re selling handmade beauty products or offering digital services, knowing why you matter to your customer is key. Step 2: Start Small, Think Big Too many entrepreneurs try to do everything at once. Smart founders focus on one market, one product, and one powerful result. But that doesn’t mean thinking small. Think: Simple, lean systems can grow with you—no fancy tech required. Step 3: Build a Brand, Not Just a Product Scalable businesses aren’t faceless. They connect with customers on a deeper level. That’s where branding comes in. Strong brands: You’re not just selling a product—you’re building trust. Step 4: Know Your Numbers Many women entrepreneurs shy away from numbers, but if you want to grow, you must know your money. This means: Financial clarity helps you make smart, scalable decisions. Step 5: Don’t Do It Alone Scalable businesses are built on community, mentorship, and partnerships. You need people who can advise, challenge, and support you. Every successful businesswoman has people in her corner. Ready to Build Bigger? Whether you’re just sketching ideas in a notebook or you’ve already started selling, the truth is: you don’t have to figure it all out alone. The BoostHer program by She Leads Africa is designed to walk with you step-by-step, helping you grow your idea into something impactful—and scalable. Want in?If you’re a woman aged 18–35 in Nigeria, you can join the next BoostHer cohort for free. Learn business fundamentals, get mentorship, earn a certificate, and become part of a nationwide movement of women rewriting the future of entrepreneurship. [Registration link] Your dream deserves more than survival. It deserves structure, strategy, and support.