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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.

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.

4 Steps To Doing a Mid-Year Rework of Your Goals

Did you start the year off with a bang, only to find yourself losing steam and veering off track? We’ve all been there, Sis—eagerly crafting a list of New Year’s resolutions only to abandon them by March. According to a recent article by Inside Out Mastery, 23% of adults ditch their goals in the first week, and only 36% make it past the first month. Sounds unreal right? But fear not! It’s time to reignite your motivation and give those failed aspirations a makeover. I am here to help you reignite your motivation. Realign your focus and get back on track to achieve those goals that matter most to you. We’ll be diving into three powerful yet entirely doable tips that will revamp your resolutions and set you up for success. Say goodbye to the traditional approach and get ready to tackle your goals with a fresh perspective! Tip 1: Cultivate a Growth Mindset Resolutions often fail because we view setbacks as failures rather than opportunities for growth. Shift your mindset and embrace the idea that setbacks are an inherent part of the journey towards success. When faced with obstacles or temporary setbacks, instead of giving up, take a moment to reflect and learn from the experience. Adjust your approach, seek alternative solutions, and keep pushing forward. By adopting a growth mindset, you’ll transform setbacks into steppingstones and develop the resilience needed to achieve your goals.     Tip 2: Implement the “Power Hour” Designate a specific hour each day as your “Power Hour” dedicated solely to working on your resolutions. During this time, eliminate distractions, turn off notifications, and immerse yourself in focused and intentional action. Whether it’s exercising, writing, learning a new skill, or organizing your space. I promise you, this concentrated effort will yield significant results over time. By consistently allocating just one hour a day, you’ll witness substantial progress and develop a powerful habit of prioritizing your resolutions.     Tip 3: Get Yourself an Accountability Buddy We all know that accountability is crucial for sticking to our goals, but why not make it more enjoyable and effective? Instead of simply relying on a friend or family member to hold you accountable, turn it into a fun competition or challenge. Find someone with similar goals and turn the process into a friendly rivalry. Compete to see who can achieve the most progress in a set time frame, with rewards for the winner. This twist adds an element of excitement and camaraderie that will keep you motivated and engaged.   Bonus Tip: Celebrate Every Step Too often, we focus solely on the end result and overlook the progress we make along the way. Take the time to celebrate and acknowledge each milestone, no matter how small. Treat yourself to a small reward, indulge in a favourite activity, or simply bask in the satisfaction of your accomplishments. Celebrating each step fuels your motivation, boosts your confidence, and reinforces a positive mindset, propelling you forward on your resolution journey     Sis, it’s never too late to transform your resolutions into tangible achievements. Dust off those dreams, apply these tips, and get ready to conquer the rest of the year with renewed vigour and determination. Let go of any past disappointments and gear up to make the rest of the year your most successful yet.  You’ve got this!  

4 Tips to An Extraordinary Existence

Sis, let me drop some truth bombs on you. Real superheroes? They aren’t wearing capes or shooting lasers from their eyes. Nope, they look just like you and me, living our ordinary lives. But guess what? We have the power to create extraordinary impact in small, yet significant ways. So, get ready to unleash your inner hero, sprinkle kindness like confetti, and buckle up for an awe-inspiring journey into the realm of becoming real-life superheroes! You see, being a superhero isn’t about having supernatural powers or donning a flashy costume. It’s about recognizing the power within us to make a difference, right here, right now. It’s about embracing the extraordinary potential that resides within each of us and using it to create waves of positive change. You don’t need to move mountains or save the world in one fell swoop. No, my friend, it’s the small acts of kindness and compassion that can have a lasting impact on those around us. Buckle up, because we’re diving headfirst into the realm of real-life superheroes. Tip 1: Embrace Your Inner Quirkiness: Embrace what makes you unique and let your quirks shine! Don’t be afraid to break free from the mold and show the world your authentic self. Whether it’s a peculiar hobby, an unconventional talent, or a quirky sense of humor, let it be your superpower. By embracing your individuality, you inspire others to do the same and create a world where everyone feels comfortable being their extraordinary selves. Tip 2: Start a Random Acts of Awesomeness Challenge: Challenge yourself to perform random acts of awesomeness every day. It could be leaving a heartfelt note for a stranger, surprising a coworker with their favorite treat, or even organizing a community clean-up event. The key is to spread joy and positivity in unexpected ways. Not only will it brighten someone else’s day, but it will also ignite a spark of fulfillment within you as you witness the impact of your actions. Tip 3: Create a Superhero Alter Ego: Tap into your creative side and create your own superhero alter ego. Design a unique costume, come up with a catchy superhero name, and identify the special qualities and powers your alter ego possesses. Embody this persona in your everyday life, using it as a reminder to unleash your inner superhero and make a difference wherever you go. It’s a fun and empowering way to infuse your life with a touch of superhero flair. Tip 4: Organize a Community Impact Event: Take the initiative to organize a community impact event that addresses a specific issue or cause close to your heart. It could be a charity fundraiser, a volunteer day at a local shelter, or a neighborhood clean-up project. Rally your friends, family, and neighbours to join forces and make a collective impact. By bringing people together and working towards a common goal, you not only create positive change but also foster a sense of unity and camaraderie within your community. These unconventional tips may seem a little out there, but that’s precisely what makes them extraordinary. So, embrace your quirks, challenge yourself to acts of awesomeness, channel your inner superhero, and organize community events that leave a lasting impact. It’s time to step out of the ordinary and embrace your extraordinary potential. Let’s make the world a better place, one unique and unconventional act at a time!  

SLA Top 50 Rising Motherland Mogul of 2023

Recognising 50 Rising Motherland Moguls Disrupting Industries and Trailblazing Across Africa [Lagos, Nigeria] – In commemoration of the 2023 International Women’s Day, She Leads Africa is announcing her Top 50 Rising Motherland Moguls List, which features Under 30 African women who are change-makers, trailblazers, and bold visionaries. Undoubtedly, Africa is bestowed with immense creativity, talent and resilience. Despite the numerous challenges facing the continent – including conflict, inequality, and poverty – young African women are proving themselves to be unstoppable forces. Against all odds, they are defying stereotypes, and making amazing contributions in diverse fields. This is a testament to their determination and tenacity, and it is a story that deserves to be celebrated and recognized. The Top 50 list showcases leading ladies and emerging stars of Africa, who are doing exceptional things in their communities and beyond. These women are trendsetters and role models, paving the way for future generations of young African women to follow in their footsteps. In a comment, Adeola Tobi, the CEO of She Leads Africa, said, “We are excited to recognize and celebrate the achievements of these young African women who are making a significant impact in their fields. Our platform is committed to providing a community for young African women to showcase their talents, network with like-minded individuals, and receive the recognition they deserve.” After numerous nominations and a rigorous selection process, those being honoured were selected based on their achievements, impact, and passion for promoting positive change in their communities. They were selected from various categories, including Film Making, Sports, Social Impact, Agriculture, Mining, Journalism, Public Service, Photography/Videography, Construction, Business & Entrepreneurship, STEM, Content Creation, Healthcare, and Oil and Gas.   The 2023 SLA’s  Top 50 Rising Motherland Moguls are: Healthcare  Kemi Olawoye, Co-Founder and CEO of Babymigo (Nigeria) Okoro Chidinma Peace, Founder of The BloodDrive Network (Nigeria) Josephine Murgor, Anti-FGM/C activist, Mental Health Researcher and Educator (Kenya) Oyeronke Oyebanji, Public Health Practitioner and Deputy CEO of Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (Nigeria) STEM  Adora Nwodo, Software Engineer, Multi-published Author and Global speaker (Nigeria) Oluchi Enebeli, Founder of Web3 ladies (Nigeria) Fama Jallow, Aerospace Engineer and African Space Education Program Coordinator, (Gambia) Ida Faal, CEO of FitaFaal (Gambia) Apemaa Divine Yiganabari, Geologist/Remote Sensing and GIS Analyst, CEO and Co-Founder BPurple (Nigeria) Zipeta Nabwala, UX/UI Designer, Software Developer & Founder Leverage Online, (Kenya) Social Impact  Blossom Egbude, Partnerships Associate at Global Citizen (Nigeria) Murunwa Mutele, Chairperson of I AM SHE (South Africa) Grace Mongina, Founder of Street Uproot Kenya (Kenya) Pato Kelesitse, Climate Justice Advocate and Host Sustain267 Podcast (Botswana) Maryann Iberuche, Brand Communicator (Nigeria)  Diana-Melissa Ngoumape, Co-Founder of Lengue and former Miss Francophone Ghana (Ghana) Farai Mubaiwa, Strategy Manager at Accenture (South Africa) Oluwaseyi Moejoh, Environmentalist and Executive Director at U-Recycle Initiative Africa (Nigeria) Dr. Ameaka Fatima Nkempu, Pharmacist and Body Positive Activist (Cameroon) Azeezat Oluwaferanmi Adekanye, Communications Officer & Founder She Speaks Power (Nigeria) Winnie Mphafudi, Social Activist (South Africa) Udemeobong Edet Akpan, School/Therapeutic Counselor (Nigeria) Journalism  Leungo Mokgwathi,Social Media Manager (Botswana)  Karen Takondwa Mwendera, Award-winning multimedia Journalist, Founder at Afrikaren Media (South Africa) Public Service  Shannin Samorita Azaleah Jones, Founder Sharing Stories By Shanz, South Africa Idowu Oluwabusola Oladosu,Executive Director, Whispers of Love Children Foundation, Nigeria Titilayo Abigail Obileye, Communications and Media Strategist (Nigeria) Photography/Videography  Lufuno Ramadwa, Multimedia Consultant and Founder of Sedzani Media (South Africa) Construction  Olive Caroline Mandalasi, Engineering Surveyor at Pamodzi Consulting Ltd (Malawi) Business & Entrepreneurship  Chido Dzinotyiwei, Founder Vambo Academy (Zimbabwe) Freda Anyanwu, Founder, EBH Africa (Nigeria) Nonhle Matsebula, Founder of Girl Boss SA (South Africa)  Ashley Celia Timbana, Founder of AZALE Communications (South Africa)  Chidinma Lynda Nnamani,Content Writer (Nigeria) Victoria Udeme Mojisola King, Founder of The Victoria King (Nigeria) Ebere Angela Ofoedu, Founder of Innovamp (Nigeria) Obiageri odoemena, Fashion Entrepreneur at Zikorah (Nigeria) Content Creation  Usman Eleojo Favour, Content Creator (Nigeria) kamsi Nnamani, Digital Creator (Nigeria) Muji Bekomson, Creative Director at The Content Faculty (Nigeria) Omobolaji Ajibare, Social Media Manager Coach & Digital Content Creator (Nigeria) Marketing and Advertising  Mwanamkasi Juma, Brand and Marketing Specialist (Kenya) Jaylene Ramalatso, Social Media Strategist and Founder House of Intelligence Marketing Agency (South Africa)  Haoma Worgwu, LinkedIn Certified Marketing Expert CEO and Founder of Envisage Hub (Nigeria) Janet Machuka, Social Media Brand & Campaign Strategist Founder of  ATC Digital Academy (Kenya) Treasure Ernest Iyoha, Marketing/Sales Expert & Founder of The Sales Ville (Nigeria) Finance Chide Idoga, Disruptive Technologies & Venture Capital Group at IFC (Nigeria) Jennifer Awirigwe, Founder FinTribe (Nigeria)  Education Oluwatosin Adedoyin, Customer Experience Consultant & Founder, Olatayo Educates (Nigeria) We understand that there are countless other young African women out there who are doing remarkable things, and we encourage them to keep pushing, keep striving, and keep reaching for their goals. We also call upon individuals, organizations, and governments to invest in programs and initiatives that support the development and empowerment of young African women. Let us all work together to create a world where every woman has the opportunity to succeed and make a positive impact in their communities and the world at large. Once again, we congratulate the 2023 SLA Top 50 Rising Motherland Moguls, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for these talented and inspiring women. For more information about the 2023 Top 50 Rising Motherland Moguls, please visit or follow us on @sheleadsafrica across all social media platforms. 

Budgeting Tips for the 2021 Bride (Nice-to-Have and Must-Have)

Are you overburdened with all the bills with no one to help you out? Or, are you worried about a long to-do list with numerous ‘advisers’ but no help in sight? This is one time to pause and breathe! Yes, Breathe in…Breathe out…  Now that you’ve taken a breath, here’s what to do to get control of your wedding expenses three months before your wedding: 1. Make two lists; a Must-Have List and a Nice-to-Have List. Grab your fiancé to do this with you.  Your Must-Have list contains things you know you need to make the wedding the most successful to you.Your Nice-to-have list is for anything else that will be good to have but does not determine your wedding’s success or your happiness. Let’s not deceive ourselves, not everything is a must-have so be true to yourselves as a couple and make that clear from the beginning. ​2. Review your Must-Have list and put a timeframe to each item with the corresponding cost. Thankfully, I have created a wonderful Wedding Budget Template to help. ​3. Make notes of when the next stream of income will come and plan for it. If you earn monthly, plan ahead on how much of it goes into your wedding. ​4. According to priority, review your Nice-to-Have list and add the maximum you can spend on each item. 5. When money comes in, check off something on your Must-Have List. Repeat until everything is checked off. ​6. Use extra income to start checking things off your Nice-to-Have list, in order of priority. 7. When help is offered, as long as you have items on your Must-Have list, channel all help to this list first before anything else. ​8. Repeat as often as required. In my line of business, I’ve realised that the smartest brides are those who always stay on top of their finances. Remember, the whole essence of this is for you to take one day at a time. There is no need getting so frustrated about what isn’t available or living beyond you.  You’re on your own budget! #NoComparison. Always remember, you’re not alone and I’m always here to help.

How to keep your inner child and laugh more

Happy New Year Everyone. Wishing you a healthy and amazing 2021! By now, we’ve all probably written our new year’s resolutions with renewed effort, energy and discipline to ensure we achieve all our goals. Goals such as; (a) losing weight; (b) getting healthy; (c) finding a job or a new job; (d) possibly relocating; (e) meeting the one (*wink wink*), travelling and so on, are usually top of our lists. While all these plans are great and will generally contribute to our mental wellbeing during the year, we should all aim to maintain the child within us. Now, what does this mean? “We should try to laugh more and be happy.”  There is a common myth that children laugh about 300 times a day and adults laugh about 20 times a day. While these numbers may not be accurate, the message is clear. As we grow older, we tend to laugh less and take life too seriously. This is mostly because our responsibilities and goals increase, and we are always looking to achieve more in different aspects of our lives. We can, however, try to laugh more while carrying our burdens and hoping for what is to come.  “So how can we laugh more?” Well, here are some of my tips: Be grateful – Take a moment each day to remember all the things we are grateful for. This exercise helps us to remember everything in our lives that is going well, and what we should be grateful for. It also gives us renewed hope and strength that at the end of the day, everything will fall into place. Watch a funny movie – Funny movies make us laugh, even when we are in the worst of moods. When someone shows us a funny scene or says something hilarious, no matter how much you try to hesitate, you find yourself laughing. Solo dance parties – Now this is one of my favorites. I love listening to happy music, and dancing alone in my room, car, or the park. Anywhere you feel safe, just dance, let it all out and be happy.  Talk to people who make you feel safe and happy – We all have that one family member or friend that always leaves us in a better mood every time after we talk to them. Speak to people like these more.  Exercise – It’s scientifically proven that exercising releases endorphins, which are known as “happy hormones”. These happy hormones interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain and triggers a positive feeling all over your body.    Learn to let things go – Now this is something that I still struggle with but have personally seen the benefits of by taking baby steps. As we go through life, a lot of things will most likely not go our way. When this happens, we should learn to accept it and move on.  Stay hopeful – Believe that what you want, or need will happen. Have faith that God has answered your prayers and act like it. This programs our brains to believe we have already received all our heart’s desires and in turn, makes us happy.  At the end of the day, we all have one life, so let us try to enjoy it and never let go of our inner child. 

MOLPED FEATURE ON SIMI DREY: AWARD WINNING RADIO AND TV HOST

Molped sanitary pad is a product from Hayat Kimya Limited (manufacturers of Molfix diapers), and is a skin-friendly, ultra-soft, sanitary pad, designed to make young girls feel as comfortable, soft, and secure as they feel beside their best friends. Molped’s breathable layer keeps young women fresh, and it’s skin-friendly, cottony soft layer does not cause irritation. Molped sanitary pad is every girl’s best friend, helping them be more confident, and supporting them through their periods. Molped has partnered with She Leads Africa to highlight the beauty and importance of valuable female connections.  You can connect with Simi on Instagram and Twitter. ABOUT SIMI DREY Simi Drey is an experienced multi-award-winning Broadcaster who has worked across media platforms in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria.  With a First Class Degree in Broadcasting and Journalism from the University of Wales, she currently hosts the Saturday and Sunday morning shows on the Beat 99.9FM and on television anchors 53 Extra on African Magic. Having won the Future Awards Africa for Best OAP (TV and Radio) in 2019, Simi Drey uses her platform to share her passion for entertaining and educating the youth; tomorrow’s leaders. What does friendship mean to you? Friendship means family. My friends are people who know me, they know my strengths, they know my weaknesses yet they still love me.  They have been there for me and always will be at different stages of my life and I will do the same for them. Can you tell us of a time when any of your girlfriends connected you with a career or business opportunity? There have been numerous occasions where my girlfriends helped me but the most recent would be Gbemi Olateru Olagbegi who nominated me for the OAP category of the Future Awards Africa. She did this without my knowledge and even when I won, she still didn’t tell me what she had done. Someone else informed me.  Since then, winning the award has opened so many other doors for me such as being the Nigerian representative of a panel in South Africa, to discuss the role and emancipation of women in African society. Can you tell us about a time when your friend (s) helped you through a difficult situation in your career? In the first year of my career, while I was more or less fresh out of university, I did not know anyone in Lagos and I was hardly earning anything. I didn’t feel like I was making progress and I was extremely frustrated.  During this period, I became friends with Dr Kemi Ezenwanne. She constantly encouraged me and prayed with me. She also helped me get a foot into the modelling industry which eventually brought about enough funds for me to move out of my aunt’s house, and rent my own place.  Without her, I may not have continued pursuing a media career. How many women do you have in your power circle, and why did you choose them? I have three different power circles. One consists of four women including myself, the other consists of three people, myself included and the last, five in total. I don’t think I chose them to be honest. I think we realised how much we had in common and we just ‘clicked’ as friends. However, they have remained in my power circles because of their loyalty and support throughout the years. When the world saw me as a nobody, they were there. We have grown together and stayed together through stages of our lives; school, employment, marriage, childbirth and even divorce.  No matter what though, we see the potential in each other and we strive daily to bring it out. One person’s success is a success for the entire group. How do you think young women can network with other women to achieve career success? I think now more than ever, networking is much easier especially with social media. There are people I am friends with on Instagram for example that I had forgotten I had never met.  However, because we talk a lot and exchange ideas, it feels like we know each other inside out.  Social media networking can start simply by liking or commenting on a person’s picture. Search for someone in a similar industry as yourself or someone who has inspired you along your journey and send them a message.  Don’t just write ‘hi’ though. Make it personal. What is your fondest memory of you and your girlfriends, from when you first began your careers? Before I started working in Nigeria, my friend Deena and I auditioned for the X-Factor. Neither of us made it past the first audition. Along with our friend Sully, we thought we were going to become a successful girl band- Deena and I as the singers and Sully as a rapper. We never released a single together. Our dreams of a girl band were pretty short-lived.  Fast forward and Sully is now a successful Investment Banker in London, I have become a multi-award winning Broadcaster and although Deena actually continued to pursue a career in music, she now has been booked for shows across Nigeria and the UK and her songs play on mainstream radio stations. Finally, what advice/tips do you have for young career women, to help them build and maintain valuable relationships with other women? I think the phrase ‘women don’t support women’ has been one of the most damaging statements for young women.  I would say first and foremost, do not compete with other women. See them as allies. Celebrate their victories and try to lift them up in ways you can. They will do the same for you.  Society is difficult for women generally but when we stand together, we have so much power. #MyGrowthSquad series is powered by Molped (@MolpedNigeria). Connect with them on Instagram, Facebook and Youtube. Sponsored post

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