A Year of Learning for Entrepreneurs
“The one thing I learned this year, something that imprinted very strongly within me, and that is that I have no limits to my dreams.”
This year was a big year for business in many unexpected ways. 2015 saw a slowdown of China’s economy and a collapse of commodity prices, it also saw an increase in the global entrepreneurial spirit with more people following their true calling to start trading in the arena of their passion.
One example of the benefit of following your calling came from right here in Namibia. Mariane Akwenye is a well-known friend of MYD who this year shared with us how worry holds you back as an entrepreneur. Mariane is the owner of the Nomad Day Spa in Windhoek which this year, won the Africa’s Best Day Spa award 2015 in the World Spa Awards. Mariane is Namibia’s first black female commercial pilot who left the world of aviation to transition to the world of wellness. 99FM’s MYD Smart caught up with Mariane to find out what she learnt this year and what advice she has for entrepreneurs in 2016.
“The year was a whirlwind of amazing experiences and tremendous growth, both personally and in the business” according to Mariane who adds that “the one thing I learned this year, something that imprinted very strongly within me, and that is that I have no limits to my dreams.”
Mariane was certainly an example to us all this year that if you follow your dreams you will be rewarded even though the path involves much determination and hard work. When asked how she managed her busy schedule this year she explains that she also learnt this year that “one has to have a strong support system, that consists of your team, your family and your friends.” A very important point as many entrepreneurial resource sites state that support is of the most important need of entrepreneurs today.
When asked what message she has for Namibian entrepreneurs and budding business executives Mariane says that “as we know this journey is synonymous with detours… my advice to you all is to continue being disciplined and focused on the end goal.”
For some entrepreneurial tips for family and friends of entrepreneurs, take a look at Inc.com’s article on what entrepreneurs wish their family, friends and employees knew here : 6 things entrepreneurs wish