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Entrepreneur Advice from Linda Dempah / Build a determined team

March 8, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Linda Dempah

Build a determined team!…

“Build a determined team and jump right in!”

Linda Dempah is the founder of Adeba Nature in Cote d’Ivoire

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags People Management, Team building
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Entrepreneur Advice from Salma Abdulai / Believe in yourselves

September 6, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Salma Abdulai, co-founder and ceo, AMAATI Company Ltd (Ghana)

Salma Abdulai, co-founder and ceo, AMAATI Company Ltd (Ghana)

Believe in yourselves!…

“The time to start is now, the world is waiting for your innovations to liberate us from some of the most difficult challenges we are facing in Africa. You should believe in yourselves; it will make all the difference.”

Salma Abdulai, co-founder and ceo, AMAATI Company Ltd (Ghana)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Salma Abdulai, Self Belief
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Fauzia Malik / Don’t overthink things

August 30, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Fauzia Malik, founder, Pure Fitness Activewear (Tanzania)

Fauzia Malik, founder, Pure Fitness Activewear (Tanzania)

Don’t overthink things!…

“Just start, don’t overthink it. If you have an idea and your research shows there’s a need for your business idea, don’t waste time overthinking the finer details.”

Fauzia Malik, founder, Pure Fitness Activewear (Tanzania)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Ideation
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Thokozile Mangwiro / Focus on your vision

May 3, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Thokozile Mangwiro, founder, Nilotiqa (South Africa)

Thokozile Mangwiro, founder, Nilotiqa (South Africa)

Focus on your vision!…

“Focus on your vision, it will pull you through the emotional roller-coaster; it will pull you through the fear and doubt that will surely come. A strong vision will lead to the success of your business.”

Thokozile Mangwiro, founder, Nilotiqa (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Vision & Mission
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Nicole Magerman / Don’t wait for the perfect time to start

March 30, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Nicole Magerman, founder of Girl Spectrum (Mozambique)

Nicole Magerman, founder of Girl Spectrum (Mozambique)

Don’t wait for the perfect time to start!…

“Don’t wait on money or making time to kick start your journey. Start now and fuel your goals on the way! Remember, hesitation is the mind killer!”

Nicole Magerman, founder, Girl Spectrum (Mozambique)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Chita Mumba Zulu / Look for a gap in the market

February 12, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Chita Mumba Zulu, founder,  Eternal Jewellery Zambia (Zambia) 

Chita Mumba Zulu, founder,  Eternal Jewellery Zambia (Zambia) 

Look for a gap in the market!…

“Look out for a unique business idea that will help bridge the market gap of a missing business opportunity in the market place.”

Chita Mumba Zulu, founder, Eternal Jewellery Zambia (Zambia)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Monica Musonda / Start small and keep learning

January 25, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Monica Musonda, founder, Java Foods (Zambia)

Monica Musonda, founder, Java Foods (Zambia)

Start small and keep learning!…

“It will be hard, not all pieces will be in place, but believe in yourself and your passion and START!.”

Monica Musonda, founder, Java Foods (Zambia)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Monica Musonda, Self Belief
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Mary Nyaga / Be confident in yourself

January 19, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Mary Nyaga, founder of LorMar Florium (Kenya)

Mary Nyaga, founder of LorMar Florium (Kenya)

Be confident in yourself!…

“Do your research, network, get a mentor, be confident in yourself, and do not be afraid to speak up.”

Mary Nyaga, founder of LorMar Florium (Kenya)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Siwela Sweetness Masoga / Be passion driven

January 11, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Siwela Sweetness Masoga, founder of Siwela Wines (South Africa)

Siwela Sweetness Masoga, founder of Siwela Wines (South Africa)

Be passion driven!…

“Always do what you are passionate about. Being passionate about what you do will always force you to work hard and remain persistent when times get tough.”

Siwela Sweetness Masoga, founder of Siwela Wines (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Passion
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Celine Uwineza / Surround yourself with the right people

January 6, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Denise Umunyana and Celine Uwineza, founders of RightSeat (Rwanda)

Denise Umunyana and Celine Uwineza, founders of RightSeat (Rwanda)

Surround yourself with the right people!…

“Start! Surround yourself with people who believe in your dreams and support you.”

Celine Uwineza, co-founder of RightSeat (Rwanda)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags People Management
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Bupe Chipili Mulapesi / Stay focused on your dream

December 17, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Bupe Chipili Mulapesi, founder of Farm23 Strawberry (Zambia)

Bupe Chipili Mulapesi, founder of Farm23 Strawberry (Zambia)

Stay focused on your dream!…

“My biggest advice to anyone starting up a business is to stay focused on your dream, your business goals and to never give up.”

Bupe Chipili Mulapesi, founder of Farm23 Strawberry (Zambia)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Focus
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Chrissa Amuah / Get ready for the long haul

December 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Chrissa Amuah, founder of AMWA Designs (UK/Ghana)

Chrissa Amuah, founder of AMWA Designs (UK/Ghana)

Get ready for the long haul!…

“Be ready to be in it for the long haul; they say building a company from scratch takes 3-5 years. It may take longer. Dig deep and breathe deeply.”

Chrissa Amuah, founder of AMWA Designs (UK/Ghana)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance, Entrepreneurial Journey
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Xoliswa Hlongwane / Put those building blocks in place

December 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Xoliswa Hlongwane, founder of XO Collection (South Africa)

Xoliswa Hlongwane, founder of XO Collection (South Africa)

Put those building blocks in place!

“Just put the necessary building blocks in place and if you can, save some money to take care of you whilst you give your all to your business.”

Xoliswa Hlongwane, founder of XO Collection (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Emmanuella Aboa / Be consistent

November 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Emmanuella Aboa, founder of Transolution Services Africa Ltd (Kenya)

Emmanuella Aboa, founder of Transolution Services Africa Ltd (Kenya)

Be consistent!…

“Be consistent: even when there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, be consistent. Consistency brings visibility, and visibility brings credibility.”

Emmanuella Aboa, founder of Transolution Services Africa Ltd (Kenya)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Consistency
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Rumbi Serima-Fowler / Be passionate about what you do

November 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Rumbi Serima-Fowler, founder of Mimi’s Organics (UK/Zimbabwe)

Rumbi Serima-Fowler, founder of Mimi’s Organics (UK/Zimbabwe)

Be passionate about what you do!…

“It is true when they say it is not easy to be successful, but if you are passionate about what you do, that will carry you over the obstacles.”

Rumbi Serima-Fowler, founder of Mimi’s Organics (UK/Zimbabwe)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Passion
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Boikano Sikwane / Don’t get dissuaded by slow growth

November 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Boikano Sikwane, co-founder of Chuck Chilli Foods (South Africa)

Boikano Sikwane, co-founder of Chuck Chilli Foods (South Africa)

Don’t get dissuaded by slow growth!…

“Start with what you have. Every step counts, don’t get dissuaded by slow growth, it is when you are most likely to learn big lessons, at lower cost.”

Boikano Sikwane is the co-founder of Chuck Chilli Foods in South Africa

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Bitania Amare / Just keep going

November 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Bitania Amare, founder of Orbit Consulting PLC (Ethiopia)

Bitania Amare, founder of Orbit Consulting PLC (Ethiopia)

Just keep going!…

“I have learnt it takes a lot of work and patience to succeed as an entrepreneur. The key is to keep going even when things do not go your way.”

Bitania Amare, founder of Orbit Consulting PLC (Ethiopia)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Krystal Bella Shabani / Learn to conquer fear

November 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Krystal Bella Shabani, founder of Krysbel Designs (Burundi)

Krystal Bella Shabani, founder of Krysbel Designs (Burundi)

Learn to conquer fear!…

“Fear is one of the major barriers for young women to start a business. My advice would be that, in business, failure will be their best friend. So, they should start getting used to that.”

Krystal Bella Shabani, founder of Krysbel Designs (Burundi)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Fear, Failure
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Christelle Kwizera / Accept that mistakes are part of the journey

November 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Christelle Kwizera, founder, Water Access Rwanda (Rwanda)

Christelle Kwizera, founder, Water Access Rwanda (Rwanda)

Accept that mistakes are part of the journey!…

“My advice for all ladies starting up is to go for it and accept with grace and humility that failure and mistakes are just one part of a journey.”

Christelle Kwizera, founder, Water Access Rwanda (Rwanda)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Failure
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Nicoline Bole / Just start your entrepreneurial journey

November 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nicoline Bole, founder of Bolnique Ltd (United Kingdom / Cameroon)

Nicoline Bole, founder of Bolnique Ltd (United Kingdom / Cameroon)

Just start your entrepreneurial journey!…

“Nothing is born out of an idea without action. It’s better to start than not to start at all, because we all have the ability to do anything we set our minds on.”

Nicoline Bole, founder of Bolnique Ltd (United Kingdom/Cameroon)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
Comment
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LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware
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Tshego Molefi, a pioneer transforming the waste management industry

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold 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 brand c
Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi
Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company
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Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p
Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized
Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has
Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y
Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates
Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he
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 / Adèle Dejak

Big bold 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 brand c Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he 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

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

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Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa
Tania Kabeya, a passionate chef and entrepreneur building a uniquely African culinary brand
Tania Kabeya, a passionate chef and entrepreneur building a uniquely African culinary brand
Aasiyah Adams, a visionary South African tech founder helping individuals and organisations to thrive in the digital economy
Aasiyah Adams, a visionary South African tech founder helping individuals and organisations to thrive in the digital economy
Komeshni Patrick, a tech legal consultancy founder empowering forward-thinking tech businesses to grow
Komeshni Patrick, a tech legal consultancy founder empowering forward-thinking tech businesses to grow
Lebo Biko, a South African champion of women-led innovation in Africa’s agri-food value chain
Lebo Biko, a South African champion of women-led innovation in Africa’s agri-food value chain

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No More 24/7: Entrepreneurs, Take Your Life Back by Catherine Cowart Roe

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