African Women Build: Creating Spaces for Women Owned Businesses in Sierra Leone

WCA's theme for this year is African Women Build! African women building is a mentorship initiative for African women to inspire younger women to grow, thrive and build. We officially launch our first interview for our theme this year with Ajara Marie owner of Women Mean Business a platform that provides business development and leadership workshops for young female entrepreneurs.  Ajara Marie is a professional, business mogul and marketing executive with over 15 years of experience, specializing in diaspora engagement and investment in Africa with a critical focus on women in business in Africa. She is a humanitarian that works to change the lives of young people especially girls in Africa. She enjoys spending time with family, investing in women and girls as well as traveling across the world. Ajara continues to inspire young women to get the necessary resources, tools, for their businesses in Sierra Leone and we couldn't be more proud of her work and her achievements in launching Women Mean Business for the fourth year! We chat with her to get some insights and wisdom on business, life, selfcare and professional growth. Enjoy! 

PhotoCredit Envisage Concepts Concept Design by WCA 2017

WCA: If you would give one advice to women entrepreneurs what would it be? 

AM: Never give up no matter how hard it seems or when you think things will never work out stay focused and determined. As an entrepreneur, things will never work out how you expect them to, but as long as you have a vision and a goal, work hard and push to achieve that goal.

WCA: Tell us about work life balance and what that means for you? 

AM: For me work- life balance is finding time to manage my work, family and self. As a business woman, it is sometimes difficult to make time, but I have learned how to balance my work and personal life. I love spending time with my family, traveling and hanging out with friends. So when the time comes, I make time to get ice cream with my family, or to go out for drinks with my friends and most importantly enjoying a Sunday beach day weather alone or with others. This is something that I don’t compromise with, in order to be successful, you mind, body and soul need to be at ease, so finding that balance is part of my journey.

WCA: Tell us 5 things you have learnt about work and business over the past 5 years?

AM: 

·         Work hard in the beginning to enjoy the benefits later

·         A business mentor is necessary on this journey to success

·         Network and build meaningful relationships

·         Self-Care, Self-Care, Self-care

·         Cross your I’s & T’s , have contracts and read the small print

PhotoCredit Envisage Concepts Concept Design by WCA 2017