In the world of business and creativity, originality is often overrated. The truth is, every great idea is inspired by something that came before it. This is the core message of Austin Kleon’s bestselling book “Steal Like an Artist”—a manifesto for unlocking creativity by learning from others, remixing ideas, and making them your own.
For African women entrepreneurs, this mindset is powerful. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to create something extraordinary; you just need to observe, adapt, and innovate.
What Does It Mean to “Steal Like an Artist”?
Kleon doesn’t encourage plagiarism or copying. Instead, he talks about:
- Learning from the best – Study people whose work inspires you.
- Adapting ideas – Mix what you’ve learned with your own personality, culture, and unique experiences.
- Creating something new from something old – Add your voice and context, making it relevant for your audience.
As he puts it: “Don’t just steal the style; steal the thinking behind the style.”
Why This Matters for Women Entrepreneurs
Many women hesitate to start businesses or projects because they feel they lack “original” ideas. But remember:
- The first African haircare product wasn’t the first haircare product in the world—it was an adaptation for African hair.
- The first African female tech founders didn’t invent coding—they built solutions tailored to African problems.
Innovation is not always about inventing something completely new; it’s about solving problems in a way that works for your people and your culture.
Practical Ways to “Steal Like an Artist” as a Woman Entrepreneur
1. Study the Greats in Your Field
If you run a fashion brand, study successful designers. If you own a food business, look at how top chefs brand and package their products. Learn their strategies, not just their designs.
2. Remix and Localize
Take global trends and give them an African twist. For example:
- Turn a European dessert recipe into one using African ingredients like baobab or hibiscus.
- Transform Western-style coaching programs into culturally relevant business mentorships for African women.
3. Combine Ideas From Different Fields
Some of the best innovations come from cross-pollination. A woman who loves technology and agriculture might create a digital platform connecting farmers to buyers.
4. Build Your Own Style Over Time
At first, your work may look like a mix of influences—and that’s fine! Over time, your unique voice will shine through.
5. Always Credit Inspiration
While it’s okay to be inspired, never claim someone else’s work as your own. Give credit, collaborate when possible, and build ethical business practices.
The Mindset Shift: From Competition to Contribution
Instead of worrying about being copied, focus on adding value. The more you share, teach, and innovate, the more you’ll become a trusted authority in your field.
As Kleon says: “The more good ideas you collect, the more you can choose to be influenced by.”
Final Thoughts
For women entrepreneurs in Africa, “stealing like an artist” is not about imitation—it’s about learning, remixing, and creating solutions that matter. Look around you, take inspiration, and add your unique voice.
Remember: Your culture, your story, and your perspective are your biggest creative advantages. Use them boldly!
