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.
How This Beauty‑Obsessed Tech Founder Is Giving the Industry a Voice
Layo Ogunbanwo has spent the last year building Splice, a software platform for salons and spas in Nigeria. Now, she’s taking things a step further with the Beyond Beauty Podcast: a platform for raw, real, and unfiltered conversations about the business of beauty. In this Q&A, she shares why she’s doing it, who it’s for, and why it might be the industry’s most important mic yet. 1. Why are you launching a Podcast? And why now? I felt like we needed a place to talk about the business of beauty. About leadership, retention, growth, pricing, burnout, and hiring. The real stuff that salon and spa owners face every day, but don’t always have the space or the language to unpack. Since launching Splice in September of 2024, I’ve spoken with hundreds of beauty professionals across Nigeria. These are some of the most hardworking and talented entrepreneurs I’ve met. But a lot of them feel isolated. They are figuring things out in silos, with no real community or steady access to knowledge. I wanted to change that. The Beyond Beauty Podcast is a place where real people can have real conversations about what it takes to run and grow a beauty business. No platitudes. Just honest, helpful, inspiring stories from people building the industry. It’s our way of giving the industry a voice and support. 2. You’ve worked in tech and product for years. What drew you into the beauty space? Honestly, I’ve always been a beauty girlie. I like to do my nails, lashes, the whole works. There’s something deeply human about walking into a salon or spa. It’s where people go to feel better, to reset, to be seen. I’ve always admired the people behind that experience, especially the women who run their businesses and build from scratch. But my deeper involvement started in 2020. A close friend who owns a salon in Lagos was struggling to keep her operations organised. She was juggling everything by herself, and it was chaotic. So I helped her map out a more structured workflow using some basic digital tools. It wasn’t perfect, but it made a difference. And that’s when it clicked for me that this entire industry was operating without real, centralised infrastructure. That experience pushed me to start researching the beauty and wellness sector more intentionally. I spoke to dozens of business owners, kept hearing essentially the same thing: “We’re figuring it out, but it’s hard.” That gap between talent and tech support is what pulled me in. Beauty businesses are everywhere, but not many people are building for them. That’s the problem I wanted to solve with Splice. 3. The Beyond Beauty Podcast feels very community-focused. Who did you build it for? I built it for the people who are doing the work. The salon and spa owners with no formal support, aestheticians and therapists trying to keep up with industry trends while holding a team together, stylists who are booked out, but still aren’t sure how to scale. There’s so much skill and ambition in this industry, but not nearly enough support or visibility. Many don’t even see themselves as business owners when in reality, they’re doing the full work of entrepreneurs, including hiring, managing clients, handling marketing, and even product development in some cases. This podcast puts their stories at the forefront: the journeys, the challenges, the pivots, and the small wins that don’t usually make it into the spotlight. 4. What stories are you most excited to tell through this podcast? The honest ones. I’m particularly excited about the stories that go beyond aesthetics and “how I started” and into the heart of “how I’m surviving.” Stories about beauty business owners who didn’t know as much as they do now six months ago, who have had to let go of staff, who’ve mastered how to deal with the no-show problems, who’ve struggled with and figured out retention. I want to hear about pricing anxiety, customer drama, burnout, rebranding, breakthroughs, and bounce-backs. There’s a lot of polish in the beauty industry, and that’s great. But what we don’t see enough of are the layers underneath, the things that every business owner goes through but rarely shares out loud. Those are the stories that make people feel less alone. And those are the stories that teach. So, yes, we’ll talk about growth, strategy, and systems, but we’ll also talk about doubt, mistakes, and the bounce-backs. Because that’s real life. Because these stories don’t just inspire, but reflect. 5. How does the Beyond Beauty Podcast connect with what you’re building at Splice? They’re deeply connected: same mission, different formats. With Splice, we’re building the software that helps beauty professionals manage bookings, reduce no-shows, automate reminders, track client history, all of that. It’s the operational backbone. But with the Beyond Beauty Podcast, we’re building the voice. The narrative. The space where beauty professionals can hear from people who’ve walked similar paths, where they can learn what’s working, what’s not, and how others are growing through it. One supports the “how to do it.” The other supports the “why it’s worth it.” Too much innovation can slow tech. But I’ve always believed that community and infrastructure should grow together. If we only give people tools but no sense of identity or belonging, they’ll struggle to sustain momentum. But if you give them both, they build better businesses and stay in the game longer. 6. You’ve had some amazing guests already. Any common threads or surprises? Yes, definitely. One thing that keeps coming up is how much beauty professionals are learning on the job. There’s no formal blueprint for how to run a successful salon or spa in Nigeria, so people are figuring it out as they go, through mistakes, word of mouth, and watching others. And that’s why the conversations are so powerful. Guests are open. They share what they wish they knew earlier, the turning points in their journey, and the systems that helped them grow. For example, in
2025 Career Trends – Stay ahead of the curve, step into your power.
As we head deeper into 2025, the African career landscape is shifting fast. From emerging technologies to new ways of working and evolving leadership styles, it’s a thrilling time for women on the continent. But to thrive, staying informed and adaptable is key. Whether you’re a young professional, a mid-level manager, or an entrepreneur, these are the career trends you need to watch and prepare for in 2025. 1. Remote Work is Evolving – Again While remote work exploded during the pandemic and hybrid models took root in the years that followed, 2025 is seeing the rise of “borderless work.” What this means for you: How to prepare: 2. Entrepreneurship & Freelancing Are Becoming the Norm With youth unemployment still high in many African countries, many women are creating their own opportunities. Freelancing, consulting, and product-based businesses are booming. What this means for you: How to prepare: 3. AI Is Not Replacing You—But It Is Reshaping Your Job AI tools are transforming industries: from automated customer service to smart data analysis and even content creation. What this means for you: How to prepare: 4. Skills Are the New Degrees Employers are shifting away from traditional qualifications toward skills-based hiring. Can you demonstrate your impact? Do you have a portfolio? That’s what matters now. What this means for you: How to prepare: 5. Purpose-Led Careers Are Taking Center Stage Young African women are increasingly driven by impact, not just income. Social entrepreneurship, climate action, DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), and wellness sectors are all expanding. What this means for you: How to prepare: Final Thoughts: The African Woman Advantage Here’s the truth: African women are not just adapting to the future—we’re shaping it. From Lagos to Nairobi, Cape Town to Accra, we are redefining what leadership, innovation, and success look like. The future belongs to the bold, the skilled, and the purpose-driven.Are you ready? Next Steps for the SLA Tribe:
Business on a Budget: How to Start with What You Have
Starting a business is often portrayed as something that requires a huge capital injection, high-end equipment, and a fully furnished office space. But here’s the truth: some of the most successful businesses started with nothing more than a mobile phone, a social media account, and a determined mind. At BoostHer, we believe that women can build thriving businesses—even on a shoestring budget. Here’s how you can start where you are, with what you have. 1. Shift Your Mindset: Resourcefulness Over Resources The first asset you need isn’t money—it’s mindset. You don’t need to wait until everything is “perfect” to start. Focus on what’s already in your hands: skills, knowledge, a network, or even a smartphone. Instead of asking, “What do I need?” ask, “What can I do with what I have?” 2. Start with a Problem, Not a Product You don’t need a fancy inventory or a high-cost prototype. Look for real problems in your community or network. Ask yourself: Solving a problem with a simple, low-cost solution is the fastest way to test a business idea without big investment. 3. Use Free and Low-Cost Tools There are dozens of tools available that can help you start your business with little to no cost: Your smartphone can be your entire office. 4. Go Lean: Test Before You Scale Don’t buy 100 units of product if you haven’t sold one. Start small: Validate your idea with real people and real feedback before investing big. 5. Monetize Your Skills Before Products If capital is truly limited, consider starting with what you already know how to do: Service-based businesses often require less startup capital and can generate income quickly. 6. Build a Community Before You Sell Don’t wait until you have a full business plan before talking to people. Start sharing your journey online, talk about your idea, and engage your potential customers. You can: Your early supporters can become your first customers—or your first investors. 7. Reinvest Your Profits Wisely Once you begin earning, resist the urge to splurge. Reinvest in areas that can help you grow sustainably—like better packaging, a new tool, or skill development. Remember, every naira counts. Track your spending, stay lean, and focus on creating value. Final Thoughts Starting small doesn’t mean staying small. Many successful women entrepreneurs started with less than ₦10,000 and turned it into thriving businesses. You don’t need to wait. You don’t need permission. You can start your business today, with what you already have. And as you grow, BoostHer and communities like She Leads Africa are here to support you every step of the way. Are you a woman ready to launch or grow your hustle? Applications for the SLA BoostHer cohort is open soon—Apply Here