entrepreneurship Archives

Anjola Ajayi published in Community, Events, People & Culture, Travel June 26, 2024

Get Ready for TALES by Bellafricana in London: Your Ultimate Guide to the Venue!

Hey creative, Anjola your friendly Community Manager here. The sun has been shining in the United Kingdom and other countries lately, that means it is Summer time!

Are you ready for an unforgettable experience in the heart of London? I sure am. From July 4th to July 10th, 10am to 9pm daily – join us at Gallery Different (14 Percy Street, London W1T 1DR) for TALES: The African Lifestyle Experience. A week-long immersive and vibrant celebration of African creativity, innovation and cultural diversity that will leave you inspired, energised and connected. Click here for the event schedule and here for the list of creatives that will be showcasing at TALES by Bellafricana.

To ensure you have a stress-free and fun-filled adventure, follow our handy checklist and guide to get to the venue like a pro!

Please note:

This event is free by way of RSVP using this link, it should take less than 1 minute to do this, go right ahead and remember to return to continue reading. Thank you, now let us begin.

Checklist:

Wallet : don’t forget your cash, cards and oyster!
Phone and portable charger : capture memories and stay connected, share your experience on social media using #TALESinLondon or #TALESofAfrica – your instagram/tiktok followers will love it.
Comfortable shoes : you’ll be dancing, walking and exploring at TALES so the least you could do for your feet is wear comfy shoes – whatever comfortable looks like is completely subjective to you so feel free.
Sun protection : TALES will be taking place indoors, at Gallery Different W1T 1DR. However incase the sun is really “sun-ing” that week, please come with a hat, sunglasses or apply some sunscreen before you leave home so you are prepared for some outdoor fun!
Dress to impress : all are welcome at TALES…however…if your friend tells you “I’m not really dressing up today” side eye. We can’t wait to see your style! The theme of TALES is “Undiscovered Africa” so it’s only right that the dress code is in alignment.

__

Getting to the Venue:

By Tube : Take the Northern line to Tottenham Court Road Station (just a 5 minute walk to the venue, 3 minutes if you usually brisk walk – easy peasy!)
By Bus : Hop on the 14, 24 or 29 bus to Percy Street (stop: Tottenham Court Road – pretty straightforward this way)
By Car : Limited parking available nearby – consider other transport options or carpooling (we’re eco friendly too!)

To make things even easier, this link will take you directly to google maps where you can find out the distance from where you currently are – stress free.

Event details:

Date: July 4th – July 10th 2024

Time: 10am – 9pm Daily

Venue: Gallery Different, 14 Percy Street, London W1T1DR (near Oxford Street, off Tottenham Court Road).

RSVP for free using this link

Make sure to mark your calendar so you don’t forget <3 …. Thank me later

Quick Break

Now, if you don’t mind and have 30 seconds to spare, I’d love to hear from you.

→ Yes, thank you, click this link (here for this 1-question form) to let me know who/what you’re looking forward to seeing at TALES by Bellafricana this July.

→ Trivia of the Week

To keep things light and fun, let’s play a game.

“How well do you know Africa?”

The question of the week is : In terms of population, what is the largest city in Africa?

The options for the answer are as follows:

A. Lagos

B. Cairo

C. Nairobi

D. Marrakesh

Leave your answer in the comment section, remember this is just for fun.

→ When you’re done with that, feel free to check out our social media channels ↓

Join our Instagram community

We’re getting popular on Tiktok

Click to connect with us on Linkedin

Join our followers on X (twitter..?)

Subscribe for our Youtube videos

Read some more Articles

& Don’t be a stranger, leave a follow or a like or two. Better yet, comment something like “Keep the blogs coming” to stay in the loop, also so we know you were here .

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If, for some ~~weird~~ reason, you’ve missed hearing about Bellafricana before now, allow us to introduce ourselves:

Bellafricana is more than just a platform; it’s a thriving community of African creatives dedicated to supporting and empowering entrepreneurs in the arts & crafts, fashion, beauty, and home & living industries. Led by our visionary CEO, Bukky Asehinde, we’ve been championing African creativity for over a decade, providing the right business support and structure for our members to thrive in a global market. Essentially, we want to see African creative entrepreneurs win internationally.

At Bellafricana, our mission is clear: to be the premier destination for buyers worldwide seeking quality African-made/inspired products. We uphold the highest standards of business ethics and integrity in every interaction with our members, customers, partners, and employees. Through our dedication to excellence, we not only drive economic progress in Africa but also inspire others to contribute to the continent’s development and social advancement.

We understand the importance of business management in creative enterprises, which is why we provide valuable resources and insights on why email marketing is essential for businesses. Most importantly, we chronicle African creative culture through the distinctive perspective of Africans for a global target audience.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the world, starting with Africa.

In summary: Bellafricana is more than just a platform; it’s a vibrant community where African creativity flourishes. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a buyer, or simply passionate about African culture, there’s a place for you here. Join us on this exciting journey as we continue to empower African creatives and showcase the beauty of our continent to the world.

As we come to the end of this read, I thought it best to conclude with this.

TALES is more than just a pop up event happening in London July 4th-10th 2024 – it’s a movement that empowers African creatives, promotes cultural exchange and celebrates the continents rich diversity. By attending, you’ll be part of something big; a community that is shaping the future of African creativity and entrepreneurship.

Get Your Tickets Now – you don’t want to miss out on this unforgettable experience, secure your spot today and be part of the ultimate cultural celebration!

You can RSVP for FREE using this link.

We at Bellafricana look forward to welcoming you to TALES: The African Lifestyle Experience!

On that note, see you at TALES.

Bye for now.

Bellafricana presents The African Lifestyle Experience (TALES) London’s latest lifestyle event of the Year!

Bellafricana published in Articles, Business Tips December 14, 2023

8 Things To Do For Your Creative Business Before The Year Ends

As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect opportunity for creative business owners to set the stage for success, taking strategic steps before the year ends can significantly impact the trajectory of your business. In this article, let’s explore 8 essential actions to ensure that your creative business enters the new year with momentum, innovation, and a solid foundation for growth.

Let’s dive into the 8 key things to do that will position your business for a thriving and prosperous year ahead.

1. Inventory Management

As the business year wraps up, it’s time to evaluate your inventory. Take a closer look at slow-moving items that may be tying up resources and affecting your cash flow. To proactively address this, consider running targeted promotions or sales. This not only helps in reducing excess stock but also paves the way for a fresh start in the upcoming year. By optimizing your inventory before the year ends, you set the stage for a more agile and profitable operation moving forward.

2. Set Year-End Goals

As we approach the end of the year, now is the ideal moment to strategically shape the future of your creative business. Consider setting clear and achievable goals that align with your vision whether it’s surpassing sales targets, enhancing customer engagement, or organizing impactful product launches. This precision also helps in providing a roadmap for the final weeks but also lays the groundwork for the upcoming year.

3. Financial Checkup

A periodic financial checkup is vital for business health. Take time to review your financial records, scrutinizing income, expenses, and profits. This not only ensures financial order but also lays the groundwork for a robust plan for the upcoming year. By understanding your financial landscape, you gain insights to make informed decisions, identify areas for improvement, and set realistic goals for sustained success.

4. Tax Planning

Approaching the end of the year, businesses must engage in strategic tax planning. Optimize your tax situation by considering actions like making essential purchases before year-end to leverage tax deductions and setting aside funds for upcoming tax payments. This proactive approach not only ensures compliance but also maximizes potential savings, contributing to the overall financial health of your business.

5. Customer Appreciation

As the year concludes, take a moment to express sincere gratitude to your customers for their ongoing support. Consider running special promotions, sending personalized thank-you notes, or offering exclusive discounts. These gestures not only show appreciation but also strengthen customer relationships. Acknowledging their loyalty fosters a positive connection, enhancing brand loyalty and setting the stage for continued collaboration in the upcoming year.

6. Update your website and Social Media

As the year concludes, it’s time to ensure that your business’s digital face remains fresh and engaging. Conduct a thorough update of your website and social media profiles, ensuring information accuracy, refreshing content, and making any necessary adjustments to align with your evolving business. An up-to-date online presence not only reflects professionalism but also captures the attention of your audience.

7. Evaluate Marketing Strategies

As the year ends, take a critical look at your marketing strategies. Evaluate their effectiveness, identifying what resonated and what didn’t. This introspection is key to refining your plan for the coming year. By learning from past successes and challenges, you can strategically optimize your marketing approach, ensuring a more targeted and impactful strategy.

8. Reflect and Plan

Before the year ends, take a moment to reflect on the highs and lows of your business journey. Acknowledge successes and confront challenges with a discerning eye. Transform these insights into a strategic plan for the upcoming year, laying the foundation for informed decision-making and continued growth.

In conclusion

The creative business landscape awaits, and with these strategies in hand, the stage is set for your unique masterpiece to unfold. May these insights inspire and empower you to not only weather the challenges of today but to shape a tomorrow filled with creativity, growth, and enduring success.

MaryBarbara published in Bellafricana ACE Awards August 30, 2021

ACE Awards nominations have begun!

The 3rd Edition of the African Creative Exhibition and Awards (ACE Awards) is back and the nominations have begun! ACE Awards, which brings together the best creative minds in the fields of Arts and Crafts, Fashion, Beauty, Food produce and snacks. This ceremony is organized yearly to recognize creative entrepreneurs in the aforementioned categories; with this year’s theme being “Creativity and Innovation in Nation Building”.

ACE AWARDS NOMINATION BEGINS

Creative Entrepreneurs and consumers of their products can now send in their nominations. The categories are listed below.

Grant Eligibility Requirements

The candidate must be a Creative Entrepreneur.
Candidates must be nominated for the ACE Awards.
The candidate must have a valid business that falls within one of the following niches:

Fashion,
Arts & craft,
Health & Beauty,
Home & living,
Food produces & snacks industry.

Steps to Participate/How to apply

Follow @bell_africana on Instagram
Repost this flyer on your page, tag us as well as your friends
Fill out the form on our website – www.aceawardsafrica.com/nominate
When posting, use the hashtags: #ACE2021 #ACEAwards2021 and #Bellafricana

Benefit

Creative Entrepreneurs will stand to gain $2,500

What are you waiting for? Starting voting!

Jemimah Iwok published in Articles, Events July 24, 2020

Bukky Asehinde to speak at The Bridge Leadership Foundation Career Day 2020 Conference

Bukky Asehinde, founder of Bellafricana will be speaking at this year’s edition of The Bridge Leadership Foundation Career Day Conference.

This year’s theme: “Adapting to the New Normal” will “border on the need for a global transformation and mind shift required for nations, businesses and individuals to function sustainably in a Post-COVID-19 world” (The Bridge Leadership Foundation).

The event is scheduled for Saturday, July 25th (by 11am), and will virtual hold virtually due to the covid-19 situation.

Three years ago, Bukky Asehinde was opportuned to be one of the speakers at the 7th annual conference in Calabar, an experience she described as unforgettable, and enriching (Read about it here).

Among the line up of speakers and moderators are: Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli – Founder, LEAP Africa and Managing Partner, Sahel Consulting; Fela Durotoye – CEO, GEMSTONE Group; Peter Obi Former Governor, Anambra State; Mitchell Elegbe Founder/Group Managing Director, Interswitch; Tonye Cole – Cofounder, Sahara Group; Thelma Ekiyor – Managing Partner, SME.NG; Atunyota Alleluya (Alibaba) – CEO, Alibaba Hiccupuray 3rd Ltd; Hamzat Lawal – Founder, Connected Development (CODE); Ubong King – CEO, Protection Plus Services LTD; others include Naadiya Moosajee – Co-founder/CEO, WomEng (Women in Engineering); Yomi Williams – Founder, Gartner Callaway Group of Companies; Saudat Salami – CEO, Easyshop Easycook; and Babajide Ipaye – Founder, KEEXS Services;

Those moderating the event are Arit Okpo Creative Director, Menoword Media and J.J. Omojuwa, Founder/Chief Strategist, The Alpha Reach. ( Source: Tblf and Bella Naija)

You can’t afford to miss this event. To register for this event, simply click on this link.

Jemimah Iwok published in Entrepreneurship April 9, 2020

How your Business can stay relevant during the Corona Virus Pandemic

The widespread impact of the Corona Virus on the world has been nothing short of utterly devastating. The planetary scale pandemic since its outbreak about a few weeks ago, has caused an unprecedented plummeting of business and economic activities.

Due to the alarming spread-rate, a lot of countries have been forced to shut down all non-essential business exchanges and this has left a lot of business owners reeling in uncertainty as to how to mitigate risk, protect employees and still retain the customers’ attention.

If you are a business owner in this class and you have really not planned out ways you can mitigate risks, cut down on losses and get your business to stay relevant amidst the lock-downs and curfews, here are a few things you can implement right away:

Go Remote

You should really comply with any physical business activity restrictions placed by the government and shift your work base to the safety of your houses.

If you have several employees working under you then you want to avoid organizational loopholes by ensuring that there is an optimal (digital) means of communication set up so as to enforce cooperation and also monitor progress on all fronts as you would on a normal business-on-site day.

2. Shift all Marketing Strategies Online

The goal is to ensure that your business makes it through the pandemic without suffering any long-term damage to your brand or your customer base. If you have paid little or no attention to online marketing strategies for your business before now, then now is the time you really want to leverage on digital platforms to break through the noise, keep brand to consumer engagement, increase your online customer base and even pool in profit.

https://cloudinary.hbscdn.org https://images.unsplash.com/ — *Multiscreen*

Anything from hosting online events and webinars to email marketing could prove to be the most effective way to make the most out of the situation and give your brand a popularity boost.

3. Communicate transparently with your Audience

It is really important to recognize that your clients understand that you are also affected by the Corona Virus situation. Hence, you should be open and transparent about what your business is facing at the moment.

Now is the time you want to let them know what you are doing about it, steps you are taking to mitigate risk and how you are involved with helping the community. This act alone is sure to bring a more favorable perception about your brand and distinguish you as an industry leader.

4. Drive Social Media Engagement

It is a fact that at this time, the bulk of the world populace (somewhere between 65% – 70%) turn to social media in order to have access to trending news and fresh content. It then becomes extremely important that you reach out to your audience regularly by creating content pieces around the situation. But be careful here, you want to make sure you don’t come off as “Unempathic” to your clients by being so aggressive with marketing your products, they are also as badly hit as you are. It’s a delicate balance you want to keep.

That’s why Bellafricana came up with a 30-day Challenge for Creative Business owners. This Challenge has presented the perfect solution to tactical marketing and a deeper sense of connection with the audience as a way of saying:” Take that Corona Virus! You’ve got nothing on us!” Read more about the Bellafricana Creatives challenge here

Which of these Tactics will you try? I can’t wait to hear from you.

Bellafricana published in Entrepreneurship January 19, 2020

5 Books Every Entrepreneur Should Read

It’s a known fact that Entrepreneurs have to cultivate the habit of reading, here are 5 books every entrepreneur should read.⁣ You will agree with me that reading is important to everyone. Well except, those who are content with remaining in the same spot forever.

Joseph Addison says :“Reading does to the mind what exercise does to the body”

If you’re an Entrepreneur or with an entrepreneurial mindset, you must have read a couple of books that have proved invaluable to you and your business.⁣

Haven’t started reading any books and don’t know where to start? Or you need to add more to your stash?

I would be glad to suggest a couple of books that come recommended (and written) by renowned Business strategists and successful Entrepreneurs.

PS: This List is not Exhaustive. Feel Free to add to the list.

Let’s get to it…

1. Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin

This book will help you see why keeping your existing customers satisfied is a very important obligation to fulfill, before you consider expanding. It also shows the “not so rosy” side of starting up, and venture Capitalism. If you’re afraid of the truth, don’t read this book.

5 books every entrepreneur should read, Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin — Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin

⁣2. Rework by Jason Fried and Heinemeier Hansson

This book emphasizes the importance of Time management, Spending less time on competition, and being flexible with set plans.

5 books every entrepreneur should read,Rework by Jason Fried a must read book — Rework by Jason Fried a must read book

3. The 7 habits of Highly Effective People

This book just had to be on the List. It’s a self improvement book that helps you develop qualities that can help you build better relationships, and grow your business exponentially.

5 books every entrepreneur should read, the 7 habits of highly effective people read book — The 7 habits of highly effective people read book

⁣
4. The Culture Blue Print by Robert Richman⁣

This book is a systematic guide to how a workplace can help people grow, inspire amazing service, and ultimately drive revenue through amazing culture.

5 books every entrepreneur should read, The culture blue print book to read — The culture blue print book to read

5. Leadership and Self- Deception by the Arbinger Institute.⁣

This book captures you by using an entertaining story about an executive facing challenges at work and at home to expose the precise psychological processes that conceal true motivations, intentions and trap you in a “box” of endless self-justification.

Leadership and self deception book to read

⁣
Did you find these books useful? Have you read any of these books? What other impactful book would you recommend for Entrepreneurs or Startups? ⁣Please share in the comment section below.

Images source: Amazon & Microsoft Bing

Bellafricana published in Trainings July 26, 2019

Development Bank of Nigeria Entrepreneurship Training Programme

The Development Bank of Nigeria Entrepreneurship Training Programme is an initiative by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) aimed at equipping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with the skills and competencies to defend sound and viable business proposals, improve their access to available credit, and improve their capacity for efficient funds utilization, trade, investments and access to markets.

This programme is said to help address the Entrepreneurship and Business Management skill gaps of Nigerian MSMEs.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the programme you must satisfy the following criteria:

The applicant must be a Nigerian
The applicant must be 18 years and above
The applicant must have a viable business that is registered and operated in Nigeria
The applicant’s business must be for profit from any sector
The applicant must possess a minimum educational qualification of Senior Secondary School Certificate
The applicant must be able to carry out the application process online
The applicant must be available to commit to the training schedule once accepted

Training Format

Well developed curriculum customized to fit the needs of the MSMEs and Experienced Faculty

Delivery Method: A blended format of face-to-face and online training

Duration: Over a 2 month period for SMEs and over a 1 month period for Micro-Enterprises

Voluntary Advisory Sessions by Industry Experts as soon as training is completed and 5 months after training is completed

Cost: This training programme is free for all selected applicants. However selected applicants will be responsible for transporting themselves to the training venue

Facilitating Partners: Enterprise Development Center (EDC), Pan Atlantic University and Wider Perspective Limited

Location: Abuja and Lagos

For more information, click to visit website

Bellafricana published in Articles, bellafricana, Destinations, Life Style August 1, 2018

7 Months Gone? Here Are Some Motivation

Happy New Month Bellafricanians!! Today is a beautiful day, I thought it perfect for some Wednesday motivation, two more days to the weekend. Think of this as an appraisal, like we do at school with tests and continuous assessments, or at work with surveys, or at organizations with feedback forms.
Continue reading

Bellafricana published in Articles, bellafricana June 26, 2017

17 Social Media Mistakes That Are Killing Your Brand

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] Social media marketing is one of the most effectual ways a brand can use to build awareness, interact with customers and find potential clients so it’s no wonder why many businesses are adapting to it. Besides, it does seem rather easy enough – Post, like, share, comment. Right? [/dropcap]
Wrong.
Social media is a tool and like most tools, if used carelessly can do your business more harm than good. You wouldn’t want to chase your existing customers away and repel potential ones would you?
I think not.
Without further ado, below are lists of social media marketing faux pas that can ruin or are already ruining your brand.Continue reading

Bellafricana published in Articles, Life Style May 31, 2017

13 Signs You Are Meant To Be An Entrepreneur

[dropcap custom_class=”normal”] Are you restless at work? Do you sometimes envision those spontaneous vacations you can go on without having to write leave requests or asking for a raise?[/dropcap]
Being an entrepreneur seems easy enough especially when it gives you certain advantages and leverages.
Continue reading

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