What motivated you to become an entrepreneur OR take your career in the direction you did? Is having your own business OR this role you are in something you always wanted?

I am a third generation entrepreneur, my grandfather was one and so was my father and when I saw the freedom that my grandfather had to spend time with us, pick us up from school and enjoy life with us, I knew that I wanted that too. I would help my grandfather with the books at the end of the day and that’s where my love for numbers was born and I knew that growing up I wanted to merge my love for numbers and business together.

Which woman has positively impacted you in your career/business? And what is the one lesson she taught you?

My mentor Rebecca Konoerera, who’s been my mentor since my early 20s and has helped me navigate through my journey not only of being an entrepreneur, but being a homeowner, an aunt and growing my faith. Having come straight out of university and starting my business, I had no corporate experience and a lot of things I learned from Rebecca. The greatest lesson I received from her was around how your purpose never changes, but how you execute it will change as you navigate the different stages of your life. Rebecca has become more like an older sister over the years.

How do you define success?

Success for me means living a life of purpose and enjoying it with the people I love. I work to live; and not the other way around; so that I can have freedom of time and be able to take time off and enjoy the fruits of my success with my loved ones. It’s also going back to my why that I spoke about earlier and watching my grandfather all those years ago enjoy his life with his grandchildren.

One insight for anyone interested in the industry you are working in?

Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey and so it’s very important to create a community or tribe around you for support and to share lessons. Find yourself a mentor so you don’t feel like you’re in it on your own.

What is your one key guiding principle in your work life?

To always live a life of purpose, every business I’ve ventured into is aligned to my purpose to serve people, that is my why, my “North Star”, so to say.

What do you believe is the most impactful and immediate action your industry can take to Accelerate Gender Equality Through Economic Empowerment. (this is the theme for INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY in 2024)

As a woman in STEM and business it can be hard to navigate these industries and the one impactful immediate action I can do is to open up opportunities for other women in STEM and business. When I think of sourcing a supplier or collaborating, I think female first because I wouldn’t be the entrepreneur I am if it wasn’t for someone giving me an opportunity.

The three books that changed your life