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Lionesses of Africa

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The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Essential Read: Entrepreneurship is a Mindset not a Storefront by Yolanda Conley Shields

August 7, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Yolanda Conley Shields

Yolanda Conley Shields

In her new book, "Entrepreneurship is a Mindset not a Store Front”, Yolanda Conley Shields, shows just how to create the type of mindset that shapes your understanding of how to stay focused in business. She gives practical advice and information on what it takes to keep you moving on your business journey, and how to stayinnovative in order to create great ideas, seize new opportunities and facilitate change that makes breakthroughs. 

 

Look up the definition of an entrepreneurial mindset and it will tell you that it refers to a specific state of mind which orientates human conduct towards entrepreneurial activities and outcomes. One of the key traits of individuals who have an inbuilt entrepreneurial mindsets is that they are often drawn to exciting new opportunities, a desire to innovate and to create new products, new ways of doing things, and new solutions to key challenges. In "Entrepreneurship is a Mindset not a Store Front”, Yolanda Conley Shields, demonstrates to both aspirant and existing entrepreneurs how to build transformational long-term sustainable businesses, combined with a dynamic vibrant entrepreneurial atmosphere within any company.

Author Quotes

Stories of heroic struggle against odds, survival and eventual triumph have always inspired people, given them hope, courage to fight, and encouraged them to persevere. What will your story be?
Starting a business it tough, staying business is even tougher….. However, studies also show that failed entrepreneurs are far more likely to be successful in their second go-around, provided they try again.

About the author

Yolanda conley Shields has over 20 years of experience as a business leader and also does international workforce development and Social Entrepreneurship work in the continent of Africa and other 3rd World Countries. She is a much sought after speaker and trainer in the area of small business and nonprofit business strategy, project management, diversity, HRM, career development, and social entrepreneurship and has traveled extensively throughout the United States, France and Africa. She has earned a B.S. in Education and Social Work (APSU) MBA 2016 (HRM~Entrepreneurship). She has been appointed by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam to the Statewide Disability board and the Labor and Workforce Development Board for the State of Tennessee and Vice Chair the Oversight committee. She has assisted over 20 corporations in the areas of fund development, staff development, strategic planning, executive coaching/training, business operations and celebrity charity management.

More information: www.yesbuild.com  www.yolandaspeaks.biz


Why LoA loves it….

There is no doubt about it, entrepreneurial success comes through having the right mindset, a ‘can do’ and ‘never give up’ attitude to building a business and making a dream happen. Successful entrepreneurs all demonstrate a mindset that encapsulates this attitude and in her new book, "Entrepreneurship is a Mindset not a Store Front”, Yolanda Conley Shields takes readers on a journey of discovery, to find that mindset for business success. Well worth a read! --- Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa
In Essential Tags Books
← Entrepreneur Smarts: Learn from other EcosystemsThe Global Women’s Summit brings Johannesburg’s women together in the spirit of innovative transformation →

Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

MEET THE 10 FINALISTS — We look forward to announcing the winning women founders on 19 November 2025.


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

Lioness Radio Show Interview: Listen to Mr Jules Ngankam, Group Chief Executive Officer of the African Guarantee Fund, discussing the journey from Bias to Bankable - AGF’s Case for Financing Women Entrepreneurs.

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LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
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Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
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Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
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Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
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Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

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Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis
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Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
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Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri
Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu
Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c
Image of the Day / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle
Image of the Day / Kebe Home

Handcrafted home decor …We are big fans of the work of Manuela Kamadjou, an interior architecture and design entrepreneur who transforms homes and spaces in Cameroon through her business, Kebe Home. Her new Echo V
Image of the Day / Pichulik

Beautiful bracelets… Introducing The Aruba Bracelets by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear atelie
Image of the Day / Eva Sonaike

Vibrant textile design…This striking textile design by Eva Sonaike caught our eye this morning. Like the rest of the world, we love the African aesthetic which is increasingly finding its way into global interio
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The
Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi Image of the Day / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c Image of the Day / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle Image of the Day / Kebe Home

Handcrafted home decor …We are big fans of the work of Manuela Kamadjou, an interior architecture and design entrepreneur who transforms homes and spaces in Cameroon through her business, Kebe Home. Her new Echo V Image of the Day / Pichulik

Beautiful bracelets… Introducing The Aruba Bracelets by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear atelie Image of the Day / Eva Sonaike

Vibrant textile design…This striking textile design by Eva Sonaike caught our eye this morning. Like the rest of the world, we love the African aesthetic which is increasingly finding its way into global interio Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
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Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
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Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
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Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
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Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms  by Mary Grant
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out  by Fiona Soutter
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

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