LADY
Entrepreneur INSPIRE. EDUCATE. EMANCIPATE
Silvia Njoki On the business of fashion blogging From Curves with Love Anita Mogere
The Funshion Mistress
Maureen Bandari
• Creating a Strong Brand for your Business • How to Build Brand Equity • Tips on Being Your Own Boss with Sass • Everything Richard Branson Knows about Leadership The Virgin Way
“MY NEW MOTTO IS: WHEN YOU’RE THROUGH CHANGING, YOU’RE THROUGH.” Martha Stewart
Founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia
LADY Entrepreneur Magazine INSPIRE . EDUCATE . EMANCIPATE
INSPIRE. EDUCATE. EMANCIPATE
Entrepreneur
LADY
Contents
Views
Tips and Trends
Publishers Note
Insight
Grow
Tips on Being Your Own Boss with Sass and Confidence How to Launch a Successful Business
Off the Shelf
Features
Everything Richard Branson Knows about Leadership The Virgin Way
Cover Feature Fashion blogger & stylist Silvia Njoki
You The Brand Creating a Strong Brand for your Business How to Build Brand Equity
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’m very excited about this issue. For one, it is full of beautiful, powerful, confident women. Women who are not afraid to define the path for themselves, doing what they love. Women with a bit of style and flair coupled with business sense. Fashion blogger, stylist, and writer Sylvia Njoki has built a strong brand and online business. Sylvia has been crowned the e 2015 Fashion blogger of the year award by Bake (Bloggers Association of Kenya). We have more fashion through the eyes of fashionistas making waves in the industry. All this and more tips and how to’s to help you grow your business and your life. Enjoy the read. Don’t forget to send us your comments, personal stories, or just explore our website on the contacts below. More power to you in the month ahead.
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Editor’s Note
Entrepreneur INSPIRE. EDUCATE. EMANCIPATE
The Team Publisher: Legacy Principle Media janetmwendwa@gmail.com Layout & Design: Patricia Miswa Cover Image courtesy of Peter Cacah www.petercacah.com & Silvia Njoki www.silvianjoki.com Contributors: Janet Kibuthu, Patricia Miswa For more information, to send your feedback and if you are interested in being a contributor Email: janetmwendwa@ gmail.com For more resources visit www.kenyanladyentrepreneur.biz
Janet Kibuthu 5
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Off the Shelf
BOOK REVIEW
Everything
RICHARD BRANSON Knows About Leadership
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Don’t expect a conventional business book filled with the howtos of succeeding in business. Expect to experience a raw encounter with a very intriguing business mind that refuses to be defined by any box. Expect to learn, to grow, and to be challenged especially if you are stickler for the rules. At the heart of this book, is a businessman passionate about his brands, but most importantly about his consumers’ experience with his products.
nyone who loves business loves or loves to hate Richard Branson. He is an icon of our time, having been around as a multi-passionate entrepreneur for more than 40 years. Granted there is a lot to be learned from him. After all, he is a billionaire that dropped out of school at 16 and suffers from dyslexia. The book features his secrets of leaderships and successes, drawing He has never worked for anyone other from his own experience and than himself. He is well known for observations of others around him his successful marketing antics and that have also inspired him. The book his virgin brand causes a market stir features and reflects on the essential wherever it is launched. He has invested qualities for success in today’s in everything from music, magazines, world. Expect to hear from politicians, airlines, beverages and his very latest business leaders, explorers, scientists and philanthropists. venture, intergalactic flight.
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“I THINK IT IS GOING TO BE HARD TO TRACE A SPECIFIC EVENT THAT MADE ME WANT TO BE AN ENTREPRENEUR. I LIKE INDEPENDENCE. I LIKE TO BUILD THINGS. BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR ALLOWS ME TO DO BOTH.”
Rashmi Sinha Founder of SlideShare
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“IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE WILLING TO MAKE MISTAKES. THE WORST THING THAT CAN HAPPEN IS YOU BECOME MEMORABLE.”
Sara Blakely
Founder of Spanx, youngest self-made female billionaire in America
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You the Brand
Creating a strong for your business
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“A good brand strategy defines who, what and where you plan to communicate.”
n today’s market, branding is everything. A great brand stands out from the crowd and speaks to it’s consumer. A brand has a specific voice and a specific definition in the mind of it’s consumer. A brand makes a certain promise to its consumer, it let’s them know what they should expect.
brand strategy defines who, what and where you plan to communicate. It also defines your messaging and messaging channels. When done consistently over a period of time, it achieves brand equity meaning that it resonates with your consumer in terms of visibility and recognition.
A good brand is a great logo. A great logo communicates through its colour, creative flair and identity. When applied on marketing materials, it comes to life and builds equity in the consumer’s mind.
Before all this is done though, please define your brand. A brand is at the core a summary of the vision of the company or business. It also entails a description of the features and benefits of your product. It also considers what experience and memories you want your The second key thing is to have a consumer to have with your product or consistent branding strategy. A good service. 9
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You the Brand
How to build your brand equity
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1.
Get a great logo.
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Write down your brand messaging
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Integrate your brand
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Create a unique voice for your company that reflects your brand.
Place it everywhere.
What are the key messages you want to communicate about your brand? Every employee should be aware of your brand attributes.
Let your branding permeate every aspect of your business from human interactions to staff uniforms.
How you use words, the tone you use in your words, the font’s and colours.
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Develop a tagline.
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Design templates and create brand standards for your marketing materials
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Be true to your brand
A memorable, meaningful and concise statement that captures the essence of your brand.
Keep them consistent
To ensure customer retention and referrals
8.
Be consistent.
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“I WANTED TO BE AN INDEPENDENT WOMAN, A WOMAN WHO COULD PAY FOR HER BILLS, A WOMAN WHO COULD RUN HER OWN LIFE-AND I BECAME THAT WOMAN.” Diane Von Furstenberg Designer, Founder of DvF
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Insight
TIPS on being your own boss
with confidence and sass BY JANET KIBUTHU
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unning your own business, being your own boss, earning your own income, sounds like a dream right? Many people daydream about going into business for themselves. Take it from a multientrepreneur; be careful what you wish for.
Many times we only see the rosy side of being in business and forget to catch a glimpse of the challenges ahead or just how much work it takes to be and remain successful. Building a business you are passionate about is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. It will also bring you face-to-face with the woman in the mirror. You will have to question yourself and push yourself to grow beyond your limits and imagination. 12
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“Building a business you are passionate about is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. It will also bring you face-to-face with the woman in the mirror.” What would you do, without fear?
I found myself reflecting on this question while on the way to collect an old debt from a client that had not paid me in more than six months? What were they thinking my business was running on? Well, after numerous unanswered phone-calls and emails, I drove to their office to just sit there and get some answers. I had found myself running a business with tight cash flow and liquidity, in a downturn recovering market, which meant I could not pursue the growth I desired. I went back to the drawing board to question the business plan and interrogate every possible angle. You see most people just give up. If you overcome your fear, the little girl inside who is sometimes intimidated by life, you will indeed go far.
Clarity and engagement
One of my favorite business mentors, Marie Forleo, loves to say that clarity comes from engagement and not from thought. If you sit around planning, that is all well and good. But you will only know the reality and soundness of your plan if you actually get out there and do something about it. So don’t just sit around dreaming and planning, get out there, meet people, pitch your idea, interview distributors, find out what your plan is really made of.
Beware of your limits
I have come to find that the only difference between those that make it big, and those that fizzle and die, is their mindset. Make it your priority to know what your thought patterns and habits are that always get in your way. Challenge yourself to learn and to grow. There are so many resources online and books you can sink into that will open up your mind and give you the confidence to just grab life by the horns. Don’t let your thoughts limit you. Push yourself beyond the boundaries of your mind. 13
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“YOU NEVER LOSE IN BUSINESS, EITHER YOU WIN OR YOU LEARN.” Melinda Emerson The “SmallBizady”
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June Issue Now on Sale!
Available at Nakumatt, Naivas, Bookstores & Vendors countrywide www.truthandspiritmagazine.com
Fashion & Style
From Curves with Love Anita Mogere of From Curves with Love showcases her personal style especially for, but not limited to, the curvy and or plus-size woman. Her blog inspires and helps curvy/ plus-size women to be confident in their own skin; that great style has no size. Website: www.fromcurveswithlove.com Instagram @fromcurveswithlove Facebook: From Curves With Love Photography: Andrew Mageto Jackie Mogere
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BLACK PENCIL SKIRT A black pencil skirt is a wardrobe basic. Paired with a jumper and heels screams confidence and style; which is essential for a lady entrepreneur. A lady entrepreneur must be ready to take risks, both in business and in this case, fashion. 17
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CLOSING THE DEAL
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An outfit like this can do no lady entrepreneur wrong. If she is ready to make a pitch to potential investors, this outfit is a winning choice. It shows class, style and character.
LITTLE BLACK DRESS
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This outfit is a classic. A more feminine take on the Little Black Dress, it can easily transition from work to weekend to even weddings and other events. A lady can never go wrong with lace, it is the ultimate fabric that screams feminine to every woman.
LONG LINE BLAZER
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I think every woman needs a long line blazer/coat. Dark wash jeans go well with almost anything in a woman’s wardobe, making it easily transitional between day to night. For a lady entrepreneur, dark wash jeans are a musthave, a wardrobe basic. 19
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The Funshion Mistress Maureen Bandari’s fashion blog, The Funshion Mistress is all about fun+fashion where you find daily outfit posts, beauty, hair posts and all things skin care. Website: www.thefunshionmistress.com Instagram : @maureenbandari Facebook: The Funshion Mistress Photography: Jonfontho Photography
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TULLE SKIRT Tulle skirts are still all the rage right now. This look is all about being trendy but still tailoring it to your individual style. Aztec printed crop top coupled with a statement necklace compliment the skirt without stealing it’s thunder. Stylish and on trend.
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DENIM
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OVERSIZE COAT
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Every once in a while you need an edgy outfit with a carefree spirit. Denims are wardrobe staples and perfect for an edgy outfit as it’s easy to work around it. A colourful turban not only adds oomph to the ensemble but also transforms the dynamics of the whole look.
The most essential item during cold weather is a beautiful oversize coat to keep you warm. Draping it over your shoulders is a nice alternative way to wear it.Wear a floral blouse just so you can balance out the neutrals and still stand out.
KIMONO
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A kimono is the perfect item to replace a blazer when you want something light yet compliments the whole outfit.This is a casual but stylish look to rock when out and about and meeting friends for lunch. 22
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“I DIDN’T GET WHERE I AM BY THINKING ABOUT IT OR DREAMING IT. I GOT THERE BY DOING IT.” Estee Lauder
Founder of Estee Lauder Companies
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VISIT OUR WEBSITE The place to interact, share and learn with other business women.
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Cover Feature
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Silvia Njoki R
talking Fashion & Style
enowned fashion stylist, Silvia Njoki started her blog, Style by Silvia in 2013 as a creative outlet for her DIY activities in pursuit of dressing her infant daughter, Nielsine. Her blog has since evolved into a fashion space where she shares her personal style and in May won the Blog of the Year 2015 award by the Blogging Association of Kenya (BAKE) and also took home the Best Fashion blogger award. Silvia has always loved fashion. She studied fashion styling at University of the Arts London, Central Saint Martin, UK and Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Milano, Italy. This love 27
has taken her far and wide to style fashion shows not just in Kenya, but also in London, Mauritius, Rwanda and Tanzania. As a stylist, Silvia has lent her expertise to a couple of TV shows, she is also a fashion writer whose work has been featured in ARISE Magazine and works as a fashion journalist and entertainment writer for Standard Media Group. How does this mom, blogger, entrepreneur do it? Silvia dishes what does she love about being her own boss and shares her fashion secrets. www.lady-entrepreneur.biz
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How would you describe your personal style? My personal style varies quite a bit depending on my mood and on what I expect my day (or night) will be like. I am sometimes tempted to label my style as unpredictable, but I always try to be fashion forward and edgy sometimes daring, but I also have my chill and laid back days. I try not to box my style into one single title as I am always looking forward to try out new styles.
As a fashion stylist, writer and blogger, what does your typical day look like? I spend most of my mornings writing emails and catching up on my favorite blogs, I also spend some time to prepare my post for the day, edit the photos and write the accompanying text and share it on the social media platforms. I feel that I owe it to my followers to have the post up live before noon. Some mornings are spent with my photographer and our assistants shooting on various locations. I shoot my blog photos in bulk and this stems from my days working as an editorial stylist, I appreciate shooting in bulk as it saves a lot of time. I am also a correspondent with the Standard newspaper, so some days are spent at our offices running interviews and photo shoots. My styling work typically requires me to run around in the malls to pick up garments and accessories from selected boutiques, so this is how most of my afternoons are often spent, broken up by a nice lunch with a friend or a client. Towards the end of the day, it is time for fittings with my clients, before I go home to rest engage with my readers online spend time with my daughter or read a magazine. 29
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My fashion know-how is in a sense my capital, and I spend some time every day investing into that capital. What do you love most about being an entrepreneur? I am not a 9-5 type of girl, so one thing I definitely love about my working style is being my own boss and more or less being able to set my own working hours. I am very creative and see fashion styling as an art form, and it is wonderful to have the opportunity to pursue this passion of mine on a daily basis.
What do you do on a daily basis to grow as an entrepreneur? Since I work in fashion, it is crucially important to be in on the newest trends, before they common knowledge of even most fashion conscious women. This is why daily research on the internet and on other fashion blogs is essential in order for me to stay on top of the game.
My fashion know-how is Entrepreneurship is also in a sense my capital, and I about generating revenue, and spend some time every day although my income fluctuates investing into that capital. from month to month and is not as regularly assured as it I feel that primarily I am would have been if I had been growing as an entrepreneur in a steady employment, I love by doing my job and learning to see that my efforts and hours by experience, especially spent to serve my clients bear when it comes down to their fruits. In other words, negotiating contracts and that harder and higher quality cooperation modalities with work is awarded financially. professional agents. I am learning every day.
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Congratulations on your BAKE wins, what do you attribute to the success of your platform? Thank you! Those awards honestly took me a bit by surprise, and I am still on Cloud Nine. I thank the judges for selecting me to be in the top 5 in each of my categories, But since my win was based on popular votes, I can only attribute my success to the satisfaction I give my followers and visitors to the blog. To me it is a confirmation that my strategy of providing high quality content on a consistent and regular basis is appreciated by many people. You may note that I never post outfits which are not consistent with my personal style nor promote products which I cannot fully endorse for my own use. 33
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I am determined always to remain true to myself and never to cut corners when it comes to giving my best on the blog. I also feel that my openness about myself and my life with my two year old daughter, particularly on my Beautiful Mondays posts hits a soft spot, especially with younger moms. Who or what has been your greatest source of inspiration? For me it is absolutely essential that I was able to launch my fashion blog on a solid foundation of fashion styling knowledge and practical professional experience. My initial inspiration, when I first created the blog as a DIY blog highlighting baby outfits, was of course my daughter Nielsine. Since working in fashion is not a mainstream professional , I also get inspiration from other fashion bloggers and fashion professionals who I admire and follow on a daily basis. 34
VISIT SILVIA NJOKI’S BLOG FOR MORE FASHION AND STYLE INSPIRATION. www.silvianjoki.com www.lady-entrepreneur.biz
Blogging is time consuming do not enter the blogosphere unless you are committed to give it your best.
if you want to be a successful blogger you must be passionate aboutthe issue you want to blog about and be sufficiently knowledgeable about it to convince your followers that you are worth listening to.
A major challenge facing new bloggers is the actual blog design itself. If you can afford a professional web designer, I would consider that a great investment. If not there are plenty of free templates on wordpress and blogspot and helpful tutorials to be found online.
If it’s a fashion blog or brand, be true to yourself always. Never endorse products that you do not believe in.
ADVICE
for aspiring bloggers 35
If you feel competent enough to start a new fashion brand or an online shop or whatever, remember that this will be a full time job, and make sure that you have an original idea or strategy which will keep you at the top.
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How to launch a successful business BY JANET KIBUTHU
1. Draw up a business why Everything that you create needs a reason to exist. Your business should be defined in one statement that summarizes why you are creating it. This is what evolves into your mission statement.
Finally how will the product or service be priced?
4. Launch your business Get out there and 3. Break down actionable, talk to people about time bound business your business, pitch goals ideas, host podcasts, Once you launch your do blog reviews, just business, have some get out there and do specific outputs you something. This is the 2. Make a plan would love to see yourself only way to get your Break down the reason and the business achieve. brand known and also for the business into These goals should be to build your market. tangible business goals easily accessible and and strategies. The key viewed each day in order 5. Invest in learning guide here is defining your to ensure you remain on Be on the look out for product or service and track. books, video, training, what value proposition and anything that will your will give your client. Review these goals improve your business incases where you need acumen. Don’t be Define who your client is in to change your strategy afraid to try new things vivid detail, like you would or just to check off those or change things describe your best friend. you have accomplished. up until you have a Then define how you can Either way, review them winning formula. reach them and where. periodically.
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