Melissa Kiguwa is the Founder & Host of The Idealists.
“From iconic fashion designer Norma Kamali to Grammy-nominated poet Nikki Giovanni, THE IDEALISTS. podcast gets the inside scoop on the lives and musings of visionary women. In this insightful weekly podcast, entrepreneur and host Melissa Kiguwa spans the globe interviewing the world’s most idealistic, mission-driven women to learn what wisdom they’ve gleaned on their journey. Listen in to experience a paradigm shift, to find like-minded community, and to inspire your inner visionary. THE IDEALISTS. is sponsored by elleSE, the London School of Economics Generate Accelerator for Women Founders.”
AZF: What is your “life motto”?
MK: Your life is yours to design and build. Make it a piece of art.
AZF: What excites you most about being an entrepreneur?
MK: The ability to create something out of nothing. To receive feedback and pivot quickly. To create something that provides substantial value to your community. There’s no better feeling.
AZF: What motivates you to keep going amidst of the challenges that come with being an entrepreneur?
MK: The purpose– knowing you’re providing real value at scale.
AZF: Did you always know that you wanted to be entrepreneur? If not, when did you realize that it was the right path right for you?
MK: Not at all. I moved a lot as a kid, and so, as an adult stability has always been something I value and have tried to give myself. But, the itch is the itch right? I believe in callings and when you feel lit up by a purpose or a sense of direction, the best thing you can do for yourself is to follow that through. It’s not necessarily safe or always strictly logical, but my goodness, it means you’re ready and willing to lean into all of your potential. I have a friend who says when she dies she wants to be fully used up, that every gift and strength she’s been given, she’s used and matured and grown. I feel the same way. Entrepreneurship often asks for all of you and then some, and that’s a pretty exciting way to navigate the world.
AZF: How do you feel best supported?
MK: When I’m given the space to process a plan or thought. I like to talk ideas through and map out the pros and cons. I like brilliant objections, insightful addendums, and bold suggestions, so collaboration is key for me.
AZF: What’s one piece advice you’d give to a young entrepreneur who is just starting out?
MK: People have done more with less. When things seem dismal, you have so much more around you than you think. Tap into it.
AZF: Describe your perfect Saturday morning.
MK: Sleeping in and then taking a power walk.
Follow Melissa on Instagram and on LinkedIn.
About The Foundress
The Foundress is a creative community of female entrepreneurs established by Coley Arnold and Lindsey Holt, owners of Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. The women-led networking group currently has over 120 members who receive exclusive access to mentorship from experienced female entrepreneurs and industry leaders; community gatherings that feature expert speakers and the opportunity to connect with like-minded women; as well as monthly Mastermind Groups where members can brainstorm and collaborate together.
Every Friday AZF will spotlight a member of The Foundress and her business in the online series Foundress Fridays. Learn more about The Foundress and join the community at www.foundress.co.
