Q&A with DAPPER co-founders Emma Donovan and Lindsay Llewellyn
DAPPER is a female-founded, all female South African startup based in Cape Town. DAPPER was established in March 2021 to service the need for people to reposition themselves and their personal brands, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Check out our Q&A with DAPPER co-founders Emma Donovan and Lindsay Llewellyn
What inspired the creation of DAPPER?
Emma Donovan: The first year of Covid-19 was really tough for entrepreneurs, and many of my peers had to pivot or reinvent their businesses. I felt compelled to develop a product to support this tricky transition, build up their confidence again, or unlock potential they didn’t even know existed. I approached Lindsay to create DAPPER with me, and a couple of weeks later we were in full start up mode!
What does DAPPER mean to you?
Lindsay Llewellyn: When we started DAPPER, I knew it was the challenge both Emma and I were looking for. I was searching for a sense of belonging and meaning to my work, and Emma was ready to take the next step in her career to do more impactful work. Today, our business has become so much more than just a business venture. DAPPER represents community, deep connections and personal development – for our team as well as our clients.
Why is celebrating Women’s Month important to you?
Emma Donovan: I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded and supported by so many strong, independent and wonderful women. This community includes family, friends, peers and business partners – so on a personal level, Women’s Month is about celebrating each of them, and taking a moment to be grateful for the lessons learnt and loved shared.
How does DAPPER work to empower and uplift women?
Lindsay Llewellyn: We support a host of entrepreneurs, leaders and professionals to dig deep to find clarity on their personal mission and purpose, and understand who they are as holistic individuals and not just who they are when they’re in work mode. Clarity is important for all of us, but particularly for women navigating home life and work aspirations, where we’re often expected to perform in very different roles without any overlap of character. We’ve seen how being clear on the impact you have on others through a deeper understanding of self can empower a woman to own their voice and, rather than harbour their confidence, use it to uplift themselves and everyone around them.
