Angela Kamanzi My Journey in Entrepreneurship
“What’s the Worst Advice you’ve ever received as an entrepreneur?” asked media personality Terryanne Chebet to six amazing entrepreneurs during the second edition of Great Talks, a conversation on all things wealth creation and wealth preservation sponsored by Old Mutual Kenya that she was moderating.
The event took place in Nairobi on Saturday 7th November 2015. The seasoned entrepreneurs included Vusi Thembekwayo, renowned African entrepreneur, venture capitalist, global business speaker and investor on Dragon’s Den TV show, who was the keynote speaker; Hilda Moraa, founder & CEO of Weza Tele; Evelyne Akinyi Odongo, Founder & CEO Akinyi Odongo Kenya; Suzie Wokabi, Founder & CEO Suzie Beauty; Danson Muchemi, CEO Jambopay and James Wambugu, Group MD General Insurance UAP Old Mutual Group.
Hilda Moraa was told by an angel investor, “Don’t do it. Someone else in the mark
et is doing it much better than you. If you go ahead and you do it, you will fail terribly.” She went home convinced that she should heed the advice, and look for a normal decent job like her parents kept on telling her. However after soul searching, she decided to do it anyway. Today she’s the one who is laughing all the way to the bank after selling her 3-year old venture to AFB for Kshs.157M.
To Danson Muchemi, CEO Jambo Pay, his favourite aunt advised him to look for a nice job at Zain. She even provided him with a contact of an important person who was to facilitate him get the job. He didn’t listen to her though and he struggled badly for seven months before a break through. “People who really care for you may give you the worst advice,” he warns.
Evelyne Akinyi Odongo, Fashion Designer was told by a very close person, “With art you will NEVER make it in life.” This person came back to congratulate her a few years later; but she wasn’t the only one who tried to discourage her. Other people were even more blunt, “Who’s ever done it?'” “Who do you think you are?” “Who is your father?”
Vusi Thembekwayo,also got the “Who’s your father? Who are you?” many times, but the worst advice came from a former mentor, “Vusi, Vusi, you have to be first in anything. If you aren’t the first, don’t do it.” Vusi came to realise through experience that you actually don’t have to be the 1st one, but you have to be the BEST who’s doing that thing in that time.
Suzie Wokabi, Founder and CEO Suzie Beauty Cosmetics was advised to change the name and logo of her brand by someone who knew nothing about the beauty industry and make up. She lost a lot of money in the process.
What’s your experience? Have you ever received a really bad advice? Please share with me in the comments below.
Angela Kamanzi
Your Friend in Biashara
P.S: This Friday 13 November, from 3pm to 5pm, I will be talking to highly driven women who are ready to do what it takes to start their businesses the right way. The topic is ‘How to Start a Profitable Business‘. The FREE talk will take place at Tumaini Centre, Elgeyo Marakwet Road, off Ngong Road (near the Adams Arcade roundabout).
YOUR INVESTMENT: FREE BUT BOOKING IS REQUIRED DUE TO LIMITED SPACE. FIRST COME FIRST BOOKED.
Call/text me NOW on 0707621802/0733763831 to book your seat or email: angela@mkazi-magazine.com Subject: ‘I want to Start Right’
