Swakopmund
26 August – 29 August 2025
NOMAD: Home of the Arts hosted a workshop empowering women entrepreneurs to grow their small businesses. The program was spearheaded by Karin Retief, founder of Life in Namibia (LIN), NOMAD’s parent company.
Karin Retief, creator of Life in Namibia and NOMAD, engaged participants in an insightful discussion on small business management and financial skills. With her experience and passion for empowering local entrepreneurs, she guided attendees through practical strategies to strengthen their businesses and achieve long-term sustainability.
Karin said the inspiration to put this workshop together came through her work with LIN. “While doing stories on artists, crafters, and small businesses, I observed that owners sometimes feel ‘stuck’ and unsure how to take their ventures to new heights.”
With this in mind, she designed a workshop filled with engaging discussions, hands-on activities, video tutorials, and inspiring guest speakers to equip participants with the tools and confidence to succeed.
“Whether it’s learning to market your work digitally, write proposals for sponsorship, or simply having a safe space to share frustrations and doubts—this program was created to remind women that they are not alone,” Karin explained.
Branding with Heart
A highlight of the week was the visit of Charene Labuschagne, the Marketing and Product Development Manager at Emssencein Windhoek, who sponsored the event and gave an inspiring talk titled “Branding with Heart.”
Charene reminded the group that every business begins with a story—and that story is the brand. She said: “Every one of you carries a story, and in business, your story is your brand. We are going to find ways to express that—through logos, words, and the confidence to present yourselves.”
Charene Labuschagne, sponsor of the event, with participants: Caroline Kambonga, Josephine Tjindo, Magdalena Johannes, Luwisa Guriras, Ester Ambia, Patricia Razika, and Emily Mukanda (not pictured).
Charene broke branding down into three essentials: clarity, consistency, and connection.
- Clarity: If people can’t explain your business in one sentence, your brand is blurry. Charlene encouraged participants to craft a one-liner like: “I help busy parents by baking affordable, homemade snacks so their kids can eat better.”
- Consistency: Branding should feel familiar, like a favourite aunt’s cooking—you know what to expect. One colour, one font, one style, used consistently across platforms, even WhatsApp, builds trust.
- Connection: The most powerful brands are authentic. “A brand is not a mask—it’s your truth, just polished,” she said. “If it feels fake to you, it will feel fake to your customers.”
The women were inspired, scribbling notes and nodding in agreement. As Charene closed, she left them with a powerful reminder:
“Strong brands are not about fancy designs or big budgets. They are about clarity, consistency, and connection.”
Staying Positive and Finding Community
Guest speaker Robyn Röhm—crafter, dream weaver, and market enthusiast—added another dimension. With warmth, she explained how craft markets work and why they are essential for crafters.
Robyn, who organizes the popular Market @ Omeg Haus in Swakopmund every first Saturday of the month, offered participants a free stand at the next market. The announcement was met with heartfelt applause.
The key takeaway was that entrepreneurship doesn’t require large amounts of capital—only determination and resourcefulness.
The workshop sessions also explored how to turn hobbies into income-generating ventures such as baking cakes, sewing patchwork, or crafting.
By the end of the four days, participants walked away not only with practical skills but also with renewed confidence. “NOMAD is not just a workshop venue,” Karin reflected. “It’s a home. Whether women come back for future skills training or simply for a cup of coffee and encouragement, they know this is a space where they will be embraced with care and support.”
