Female Founder : Frances Quarcoopome

Business Name: Jam Jar, Ghana

Industry : Events Management

Instagram Handle: https://www.instagram.com/jamjargh/

What inspired you to start your business?

Ever since I was 10 I’ve loved organizing and creating. I knew I would run my own business one day. Being in Ghana and experiencing the same type and quality of events made me realize there was room for something different. Something that embraced creativity and the resources we have locally.

When did you start?

October 2013

Why this specific industry?

I had worked in restaurants and bars throughout my time at university, this created a foundation and backdrop for my interest in coordinating events. My first job when I moved back to Accra was organizing M&E conferences for a training institute. Before I quit I started by own Roof top party and I knew I could do this on my own.

What obstacles did you face starting up, and how did you overcome them?

When I started JamJar there were very few other event agencies. One of the biggest challenges was reaching clients who understood the value of an event planner and who were willing to pay for your time. It was an uphill battle but as the quality of our work started to speak for itself people realized the value. As the industry started to expand this started to change too however there are still those people that still need convincing.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned since starting your business?

Invest in people, recognize people, see people. Without people your business is just an idea.

Why work for yourself when there’s stability in working for others?

There may be stability in working for others but working for yourself gives you a certain level of freedom that is unexplainable. Don’t get me wrong it can be restrictive too but you know that ultimately you can do whatever you want.

What is the one characteristic that you possess that has helped make you so successful?

Seeing the bigger picture. No matter what happens along the way I’m always able to understand and see that there is a bigger story and impact. It may not make sense now but it will one day.

What’s your guiding business philosophy?

There is a solution for everything, you just have to find it.

At what moment did this venture become real for you?

I started to realize I had created something truly unique when we secured one of our largest international clients and worked in 8 Africa countries with them over 2 years. This was real!

What is the worst part about being an entrepreneur?

Ultimately all the decision making is yours. Sometimes that can be tough if you have no one to share it with

What makes it all worth it?

Knowing that I have created and continue to create something different and gives me the platform to push the boundaries

What advice do you have for someone just starting out?

Understand that this is a process, you can make plans but sometimes things will not happen exactly as you have planned. Recognizing this and finding the flow of your business will reduce stress and frustration considerably. Once you put something in motion it will generate a momentum of its own and you have to be able to adapt and go with it.

How do you define success?

Success for me is setting goals for myself and seeing them come to fruition. Whether that is an idea, an event, or even just a small contribution to someone’s life. If you can already imagine something it already exists

What did you do differently from the rest of us?

Not being constrained by the grain. Pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and seeking better opportunities.

What do you believe is the female founder effect?

I believe this is the effect you can have on other women by bringing your idea to life. Giving each other the space to realize what the possibilities are..

What do you believe is the most impactful and immediate action society needs to move closer to Generation Equality goals?

Increasing the conversations we have with boys and men about women. Supporting them to understand the perspectives and experience of living as a woman and how they can become feminists and support the fight for women’s rights.

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

I’ve seen my mother run her business my whole life. She is the example I had for perseverance and dedication. The biggest lesson she has taught me is always keep you receipts and make sure you have an agreement in writing. however basic it may be.

What is your superpower?

My ability to sense what a space needs, the flow and what the set up will look like in my head, then make it a reality.

What centers you?

Meditation

What is your next adventure?

I am starting a podcast called Palaver. It is focused around telling our stories. How working, travelling, living and loving in Africa makes us innovative and resilient.

Best advice for female founders

Recognize your power as a woman, be proud of it and do not be afraid to speak up, for yourself and others.

Rapid Fire Questions

Favorite way to unplug - By water - Swimming or at the beach, generally being in nature

Apps I can’t live without - Pinterest, Slack, Calm

Three books that changed my life - A New Earth by Elkhart Tolle, Siddartha by Herman Hesse and The Kite Runner by Khaleed Husseini.