Hi, It's Precious.

Welcome to the No Ordinary Woman Newsletter, which helps you stay informed and be the smartest at the table. Send NOW's newsletter to your friends and help them get to the table ;)

Here's what we got today:

• Opportunities: WeBC's Mentoring Program

• Start-Up Story: From Kitchen Counter to Beauty Empire: Lisa Price's Inspiring Story of Carol's Daughter

• Bookclub: The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau

• Inspiration: Divine Ndhlukula: Breaking Barriers in the Security Business

• Job Opportunities

BEST LINKS

My Favourite Finds

Inspiring Interview

From Hobby to Hustle: Chang Gyeyock Ruth's Inspiring Journey (YouTube)

Business Ideas

How To Validate Your Startup Ideas Before You Build It. (SASIE Blog)

Advice for Start-ups

This Black mom built and sold a multimillion-dollar beauty brand. Here’s her advice for startups. (INC. Blog)

Tips For Business Owners

Here’s a look inside Carol’s Daughter founder Lisa Price’s wallet (Blog)

OPPORTUNITY

Take Your Entrepreneurial Journey to the Next Level with WeBC's Mentoring Program

Is your business ready to soar? WeBC's award-winning mentoring program matches you with personalized guidance and support to accomplish your entrepreneurial aspirations.

Why Choose WeBC Mentoring?

Experienced Mentors: Get insight from people who have walked a mile in similar shoes.

Customized Program: We design a unique program to fit the particular needs of your business, whether you are at the initial phase of your business or want to scale it.

Confidence Booster: Settle into a firm core of confidence and motivation that will see you through challenges and seize opportunities.

Widen Your Circle: Be part of a supportive community of like-minded women entrepreneurs. Build meaningful relationships with others.

How it Works:

Application: Fill out our online application to be selected for the program.

Matchmaking: We will carefully match you with a mentor whose skills and experience match your business goals.

Mentoring Sessions: You will be able to attend regular, one-on-one mentoring sessions with your assigned mentor for personalized guidance and support.

Ready to Invest in Your Future?

WeBC's mentoring program is an investment well worth making in your entrepreneurial journey. You will leave with insights, confidence, and connections assisted by a seasoned mentor who will aid in your future success.

This is an investment in your business, so be sure not to let this opportunity slip away. Apply today!

OPPORTUNITIES

Take Your Business to the Next Level: The Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship!

Attention ambitious female entrepreneurs! Ready to boost your business growth and connect with like-minded women?

The Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship could be the missing piece you've been searching for.

Why You Should Consider This Opportunity:

Financial Boost: Access a $5,000 business education grant to invest in areas crucial to your business, such as marketing initiatives or software upgrades.

Mentorship Guidance: Connect with a network of successful female entrepreneurs and industry leaders who will offer valuable mentorship and coaching throughout the year.

Hear their stories, learn from their experiences, and gain insights on overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities.

Sharpen Your Skills: Enhance your growth through live workshops, online resources, and specialized working groups.

Build essential skills in finance, marketing, operations, and other areas tailored to the needs of scaling businesses.

Foster strong connections within our vibrant community of inspiring women founders who understand your challenges and triumphs.

This network may become your greatest source of support, inspiration, and collaboration.

This Isn't Just Funding; This is an Investment in You:

The Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship is more than just financial support; it aims to empower female entrepreneurs with essential resources, knowledge, and networks for success.

Whether you're an experienced founder or just starting, this program offers the tools and support needed to elevate your business.

Ready to Learn More?

Visit the Tory Burch Foundation website for details on the program, eligibility, and application process. This is a unique opportunity to develop your entrepreneurial skills and connect with an inspiring community of women.

The Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship applications are open for a limited time. Act now to start building your thriving business!

STARTUP STORY

From Kitchen Counter to Beauty Empire: Lisa Price's Inspiring Story of Carol's Daughter

Have you ever dreamed of turning your passion into a multi-million dollar business? 

Meet Lisa Price, who started Carol's Daughter, a natural hair care line out of her Brooklyn kitchen and transformed it into a beauty powerhouse.

Frustration with Formulation: Frustrated by the scarce options for natural hair care, Lisa turned her passion for aromatherapy into a product line. What began as a creative outlet and a solution for herself quickly garnered interest from other women seeking similar products.

From Passion Project to Business Success: Lisa was serious about quality and community building. Her reputation grew, and Carol's Daughter, named for Lisa's mom who urged her on her path, began to grow.

Lessons for Entrepreneurs This week: Lisa's story provides some key takeaways:

Identify a Market Need: A need arises when what you desire is absent from your surroundings or community.

Begin Small, Dream Large: It should start with a passion project. Scale up as you learn and grow.

Community Matters: It is raising others and engaging others who showcase your brand louder.

Want More Depth?

Visit The Story Exchange to hear Lisa discuss her entrepreneurial journey's ups and downs.

Lisa Price's story is about the power of passion, determination, and community. Fueled by a simple kitchen experiment, she carved a space for natural hair care and empowered countless women to embrace their beauty.

BOOK CLUB

Ready to break free from the shackles of 9-to-5 drudgery and make a profit from your passion?

Stuck in a draining job? Have an insatiable dream of being one's boss and living on one's terms? Chris Guillebeau may have found the missing key in "The $100 Startup".

Here's the skinny:

This is not your regular business book discussion of in-depth, elaborate strategies, and big investments. "The $100 Startup" flips it around and shows you how to start a successful business with shoestrings.

Key Ideas to Spark Your Entrepreneurial Journey:

Focus on Passion, Not Paycheck: Guillebeau argues that pursuing passion over a mere paycheck leads to a more fulfilling and ultimately profitable business.

Small is Powerful: Not being afraid of billion-dollar startups; "The $100 Startup" teaches you how to start small, test your ideas, and scale up in a way that you can validate your concept.

Embracing the Model of "Micro-Business": The book preaches building a business that yields a good life through flexibility and freedom.

Ready to Trade the Cubicle for Creativity?

"The $100 Startup" offers practical tips and real examples for turning your business dream into reality, making it a motivating guide for both novice and seasoned entrepreneurs.

Here's to obtaining a copy, unlocking your inner entrepreneur, and using that knowledge to pursue a business venture that honours your passion over profit!

Happy Reading!

INSPIRATION

Divine Ndhlukula: Breaking Barriers in the Security Business

Divine Ndhlukula is synonymous with pioneering entrepreneurship and resilience. As the founder and CEO of Securico, Zimbabwe's leading security firm, she has excelled in a male-dominated industry.

She is truly a case that epitomizes vision, determination, and resilience.

Ndhlukula, who came from a poor background, faced numerous challenges. She resolved to build a legacy demonstrating that African women can achieve what many deem too challenging.

Today, Securico employs around 4,000 staff, predominantly women, and has transformed the security service landscape in Zimbabwe.

Ndhlukula stands out because she empowers those around her. Through her leadership, she transformed Securico into a formidable entity while also creating opportunities for women's empowerment and contributing to economic development.

Indeed, she is an example to prove that passion and perseverance would make a way through barriers.

What You Can Learn:

Pioneer Spirit: Venture into industries that seem daunting or dominated by others. Ndhlukula's story demonstrates that women can succeed anywhere with the right mindset.

Business as Empowerment: Businesses are not only about generating profits but also can be a source of social transformation. The zeal of Securico for hiring women reflects the inclusiveness and empowerment that Ndhlukula has envisioned.

Perseverance Pays Off: With little resources, Ndhlukula held tight to her goals and became able to build a multi-million-dollar company.

Explore Divine Ndhlukula's inspiring journey and her impact on African entrepreneurship. Click here for more information.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

• PayStack - Risk Lead, South Africa

• MasterCard - Expression of Interest - Executive Assistants

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