Mandipa Mandy Makhumalo is a femme Fatale and New age African Queen pursuing a law degree at the University of Botswana. She describes herself as a struggling writer, hustling entrepreneur and Pan-Africanist. Mandy is the Director of Fashion Meet Up. Fashion Meet Up celebrates creativity, style and individuality while advancing creative entrepreneurship in the fashion industry and transforming the African narrative through fashion
1. Tell us about your aspirations
One aspiration of mine is to first and foremost of all, live a meaningful life. Meaningful in this context means that I accomplished all, if not most, of the goals I wanted to achieve, including the littlest. I want to live a life with minimum regrets. Africa’s greatest, most precious resource is her PEOPLE. I aspire to change the mind-set of minerals being Africa’s greatest resource to the people being the greatest resource, then we will begin to see a positive transformation of Africa’s social, economic and political sectors.
2. What are your thoughts on financial independence as young African woman?
My mother always tells me “Never financially depend on anyone. Why? Because some people use money to hold your freedom”. I live by that principle.
3. What are your thoughts on the saving and investment culture among young African women?
I am going to blatantly say that we don’t have a strong culture on saving up or investing among young African women. And this stems from lack of financial literacy. We simply don’t understand money. I struggle with the two, but I’m slowing, especially after starting my business, understanding that every money gained is money to be re invested in the business.
4. What would you say are the secrets to success as an African millennial?
Passion- Understanding why you are doing your business!
Hard Work and Preparation- You’ve got to dedicate your time, energy on your passion and also have a strategy. It will help you with direction and also assist you in keeping track of the goals of your business.
Perseverance- Investing in failure to advance your success. In Every Single Failure is an Essential Lesson for Your Success.
