Victoria Orr, a South African social entrepreneur showcasing talented artists to  the UK market — Lionesses of Africa

What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?

I would love to see Amandla Ubuntu really make a difference for women in South Africa. I’d love to see some of the crafters and artists I am working with become totally self-sufficient and perhaps even start their own businesses. I’d like to scale the business so that we offer business workshops, training and support to give them the skills to be successful – and financially independent. As well as running the product side of the business, I have also been busy lecturing MBA students and providing business advice to charities. I am planning to grow this side of the business to be able to provide business coaching and leadership skills to women.

What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?

it sounds like a cliche, but being able to live my dream. Managing my own time, having the conversations I want to have, meeting wonderful, inspirational people along the way – and doing something that truly makes my heart sing.

What’s the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?

My biggest piece of advice is to have purpose. Many people have business ideas, but lack the passion and purpose to make them successful. Be ok with having bad days – starting your own business isn’t always easy and sometimes things don’t go your way. Don’t be afraid to try – if you get something wrong, so what? But learn from it and move on. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and will give you honest advice and cups of tea and hugs when you need it!

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | EMAIL  victoria@amandlaubuntu.com

Why LoA loves it….

At Lionesses of Africa, we love to see other social entrepreneurs making a real difference to the lives of others through the work they do, and in the case of Victoria Orr, she is making positive change happen. She is harnessing her experience, passion and commitment to tackle the growing issue of gender-based violence in South Africa, creating opportunities for women to achieve financial independence. Victoria is changing lives for the better and is a real inspiration to so many people who need lasting change to happen for women. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa