The competition had 10 finalists after over 300 entries were narrowed down. And on Saturday at the live event at Terra Kulture, Charae Robinson’s ‘Rare Customs‘ walked away with Sheleads Africa entrepreneur competition first prize of $10,000 followed by Nour Drissi’s ‘Louvre1 Voiture’ and Taffi Woolward’s ‘Thandos’ in 2nd place and 3rd place respectively in a battle.

Rare Customs creates development strategies, products, and brands that shape the future of travel to Africa. They operate at the intersection of tourism and development focusing on modernizing the tourism value chain, engaging travelers in innovative ways, and ensuring that the industry grows sustainably.

Rare Customs is rooted in the millenial generation, and believes that digital is a huge part of our culture and as such leverage on social media, mobile apps, youtube into everything they we do. Their work creates value-building visions, plans, and assets that showcase “aspirational Africa” while promoting and preserving cultural heritage. For Rare Customs, they are all about the evolution of today’s traveler.

I didn’t hear all the contestants pitch, but when I did hear Charae Robinson’s pitch, well organised and designed presentation, well delivered, audacious, I knew she got game. She has nearly a decade of experience in international organizations, she has traveled to over 30 countries 10 of them being in Africa. Ms Charae has been featured in Huffpo, Essence, The Guardian Uk and Fusion. She is also known as the ‘Keeper of the cool’ amongst her team.

On the other hand, I was able to meet over 6 of the contestants on Friday night at the cocktail party before the competition, speaking to them one by one, I also saw they all got what it takes to win. Amogst all, Nour Drissi and Jade Mann were open minded, they personally told me they were prepared for whatever happens.

See more: - http://thebusinessaim.com.ng/rare-customs-wins-sheleads-africa-female-entrepreneur-competition/