• Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA
Menu

Lionesses of Africa

276 5th Avenue
New York, NY, 10001
(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
  • Events +
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
  • About +
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
  • Connect +
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

Quote of the Day by Angela Ajala

March 7, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Angela Ajala, National President of Business and Professional Women (BPW) in Nigeria

Angela Ajala, National President of Business and Professional Women (BPW) in Nigeria

"Women should strive to pull up their fellow women when they are on the top."

- Angela Ajala is the National President of Business and Professional Women (BPW) in Nigeria and Vice President of the African Women Entrepreneurship Programme (AWEP). Angela  is  passionate about children's issues, is a seasoned educationist and the Executive Director, Ladela Schools in Nigeria.

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Women's Strength
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Miranda Isaakidis: Always play fair

March 7, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Miranda Isaakidis, co-founder of Indulgence Spa Products

Miranda Isaakidis, co-founder of Indulgence Spa Products

Top advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs....

"Play fair – I have seen many companies fail because they are driven to make a quick buck – they rarely stay in business for long."

- Miranda Isaakidis is co-founder of Indulgence Spa Products, a South African company that wholesales, distributes and manufactures high-end products for the hotel, spa and hospitality industry. Miranda prides herself on identifying the very latest trends from the top spas, hotels and cruise liners internationally. She has been awarded the Outstanding Achievement in International Trade and Investment award by the D Group/British Foreign Office and was recently appointed Chair for WPO Johannesburg, Chapter 2.

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Ethics
Comment

Quote of the Day by Basetsana Kumalo

March 6, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Basetsana Kumalo

Basetsana Kumalo

"You have to be street-smart and have suss, which no one can teach you."

- Basetsana 'Bassie' Kumalo is a South African television personality, beauty pageant titleholder, businesswoman, and philanthropist. Her career began in 1990 when she was crowned Miss Soweto and Miss Black South Africa at the age of 16. Since then, Bassie has become a formidable force in the business world and is widely respected as both an entrepreneur and a philanthropist. In 2011 she was honoured as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Is your favorite lipstick fake? Africa's leading beauty entrepreneur Tara Fela-Durotoye launches campaign to tackle counterfeiting

March 5, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Tara Fela-Durotoye, Founder & CEO of House of Tara International

Tara Fela-Durotoye, Founder & CEO of House of Tara International

Leading African beauty industry entrepreneur, Tara Fela-Durotoye, together with other leading Nigerian entrepreneurs are raising their voices to stand against counterfeiting, intellectual property theft and piracy in Nigeria. Their powerful new campaign 'United We Stand' aimed at tackling piracy, counterfeiting and intellectual property theft head-on launched on 24th February 2017. The campaign is a call to action against injustice which also implores the Nigerian public to take extra steps to preserve hard work and to ensure consumer safety by buying genuine products and shunning counterfeit products. 

Read more
In 100 Lionesses Project, Lionesses Tags Tara Fela-Durotoye
Comment

Badass Your Brand: The Impatient Entrepreneur's Guide to Turning Expertise into Profit by Pia Silva

March 5, 2017 Melanie Hawken

According to author Pia Silva in her new book Badass Your Brand, if you are looking for entrepreneurial success, then forget everything you think you know about branding and starting a business, and throw out your how to write a business plan workbook. 

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment

11 Tips for Coping with Stress at Home as an Entrepreneur

March 2, 2017 Melanie Hawken

We are all products of our environment. Family and home environment is an important area for developing basic stress management skills. The home is where behaviours, habits and core beliefs are learnt, and stress triggers a myriad of emotions. When parents handle stress well, they’re likely to teach their children to do the same. Conversely parents who are anxious, panic and stress excessively; the probability children will emulate them is high.  In his book, Biology of Belief, Dr Bruce Lipton explores the importance an environment plays in shaping beliefs, behaviours and habits.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Bridget Edwards
Comment

Why Relationship Building in Sales is so Powerful

March 2, 2017 Melanie Hawken

The importance of building relationships in business cannot be stated enough, because people buy from people. You need to be authentic in sales, you need to be yourself. Your prospect will come to trust you and that link that you’ve built is called relationship building.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Karen Wessels
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Ndaneh Howard: Step out of your comfort zone

March 2, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Ndaneh Howard, founder of Ngewormia (Sierra Leone)

Ndaneh Howard, founder of Ngewormia (Sierra Leone)

Step out of your comfort zone....

"Be bold enough to pursue your dream. Surround yourself with the right people who will use your weakness to embrace you. Take advantage of all opportunities and step out of your comfort zone."

- Ndaneh Howard is the founder of Ngewormia in Sierra Leone, an online store serving the United States and Europe, carrying a wide assortment of earrings, necklaces, bracelets and clothing. Their original designs are all authentically African and made lovingly by hand. Ndaneh is an artisan and entrepreneur with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and is also a certified leasing specialist. Ndaneh is currently a student at the New York Institute of Art and despite her busy schedule, she has maintained her personal passion for creative jewelry design.

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Understanding the Difference between a Business Strategy vs a Marketing Strategy

March 1, 2017 Melanie Hawken

To date I’ve had a couple of clients who seem to be confused as to the reason one should have a Business strategy or a Marketing strategy - do you need both or will one or the other suffice?

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Jolene Roelofse
Comment

How to Build a Global Brand like Oprah

March 1, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Many people have dreams of creating a global empire as successful as Oprah has done, but many fail to realize that her brand was not built overnight, in fact Oprah has been building her brand for the past 40 years and it took many failures and pivotal moves to get her where she is today. Below we will look at 5 Steps Oprah has taken to build a global brand: ready...set...go!

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Farai Simoyi, Brand
Comment

Ndaneh Howard, a Sierra Leonean entrepreneur creating bold African accessories for the world to wear

March 1, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Ndaneh Howard, founder of Ngewormia (Sierra Leone)

Ndaneh Howard, founder of Ngewormia (Sierra Leone)

African women are proud of their unique style and creativity particularly in the world of fashion and accessory design. And for one Sierra Leonean entrepreneur, Ndaneh Howard, founder of accessory brand Ngewormia, this sense of pride is reflected in her work and her personal mission to get the world talking about the beauty of African accessories.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Jewellery Design, Fashion
Comment

Lionesses of Africa celebrates the continent’s most inspiring women entrepreneurs in beauty and wellness businesses in March

March 1, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Every month at Lionesses of Africa, we shine a spotlight on a particular industry sector where Africa’s women entrepreneurs are making a real impact, through their businesses, their innovation, their products, services and craftsmanship, and their passion for what they do. This month (March), we are turning our attention to the women who are changing the face of the beauty and wellness industry in Africa, and creating fabulous new products and brands in the process.

Read more
In Features Tags Beauty & Wellness Month
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Evelyne Ndabaneze-Masumbuko: It takes hard work and perseverance

February 28, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Evelyne Ndabaneze-Masumbuko, founder of Abidjan4you (Ivory Coast)

Evelyne Ndabaneze-Masumbuko, founder of Abidjan4you (Ivory Coast)

It takes hard work and perseverance....

"The most important advice I can give to other women who want to start is that hard work and perseverance is crucial to succeed."

Evelyne Ndabaneze-Masumbuko is the founder of Abidjan4you, a unique city guide for expats in English in Ivory Coast. Evelyne has created the no. 1 website in English in Côte d'Ivoire that answers the need for an easily accessed on-line information resource. Her inspiration for launching came after her husband was relocated to Abidjan by his company and she spotted a need for a resource that help newcomers like herself to the city.

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Work Ethic
Comment

SoleRebels founder Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu demonstrates the power of thinking big with her new Garden of Coffee venture

February 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken
GardenofCoffee_Launch.jpg

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, the pioneering and enterprising creator of the inspirational SoleRebels ethical footwear brand, and Republic of Leather, her business venture that puts Ethiopia’s handcrafted leatherwear and accessories on the global map, believes the future of a truly sustainable specialty coffee market can be found in coffee’s birthplace, her native Ethiopia. After more than a decade of building SoleRebels into a global footwear and leather goods brand that combines traditional Ethiopian craftsmanship and materials with fresh new designs while also paying top dollar throughout the supply chain, Alemu late last year launched an equally ambitious new coffee venture called Garden of Coffee.

Read more
In 100 Lionesses Project, Lionesses Tags Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, Ethiopia
Comment

How to Master Solo Start-ups: The Tell All Guide for Solo-preneurs to Help You Manage Like an Expert CEO by Dee Sarwan 

February 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Dee Sarwan

Dee Sarwan

Managing a business successfully, means you need to learn how to organize your thoughts, fiercely focus on the best most effective solution to create your unique offering AND bring it to market quickly. PLUS, learn to think, evaluate, delegate and make decisions like an EXPERT CEO. In her book ‘How to Master Solo Start-ups: The Tell All Guide for Solo-preneurs to Help You Manage Like an Expert CEO’, author Dee Sarwan shows you how.

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment

EVENT REPORT: 2017 Lioness Lean In Breakfast event rollout launches in Cape Town and Johannesburg in February

February 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken

It now feels like 2017 has well and truly got underway with the first two Lioness Lean In Breakfast events having taken place. The first in Cape Town on 21st February and the second in Johannesburg on 23rd February. At each event, women entrepreneurs representing all sectors and sizes of business gathered for a morning of inspirational startup story sharing and great networking.

Read more
In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, Cape Town
Comment

Evelyne Ndabaneze-Masumbuko, an entrepreneur creating a unique online English city guide for expats in Cote d’Ivoire

February 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Evelyne Ndabaneze-Masumbuko, founder of Abidjan4you (Ivory Coast)

Evelyne Ndabaneze-Masumbuko, founder of Abidjan4you (Ivory Coast)

It can be difficult moving to a new country as an expatriate and not speaking the local language. But in Ivory coast, English speaking residents now have a great new resource to help out, thanks to entrepreneur Evelyne Ndabaneze-Masumbuko, founder of Abidjan4you.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Online Service, Cote d'Ivoire
1 Comment

The only stupid fundraising question is the one you don’t ask

February 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken
1454765434519.jpeg

When I started considering fundraising for Little Pim many years ago, I was instantly overwhelmed by everything I didn’t know and had so many questions that I didn’t know who to ask. Many of the women I speak to today have the same questions and fears....

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Julia Pimsleur
Comment

The power of punctuality 

February 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Recently, I had the honour of being interviewed on a local radio station in Johannesburg, Radio 702, to share my entrepreneurial journey and passion for youth development with the Friday presenter stand in for the popular Redi Tlhabi show - Mr Frank Magwegwe.  The interview was scheduled for 11:00 am and the producer requested that I arrive at 10:45 am on that Friday. What transpired was a testament to the power of punctuality.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Kefilwe Morobane
Comment

Jolene Roelofse, a South African marketing and communications specialist on a mission to help other SMMEs and entrepreneurs with their brands

February 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Jolene Roelofse, founder of Bludoor Market (South Africa)

Jolene Roelofse, founder of Bludoor Market (South Africa)

One of the major challenges for any startup is understanding how to effectively to get their brands, products and services out into the marketplace and connecting customers. That’s where marketing and communications comes in, and for South African entrepreneur and marcomms specialist Jolene Roelofse, founder of Bludoor Market, it provided an opportunity to create a solution.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications, South Africa
Comment
← Newer Posts Older Posts →

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace

Lioness Radio Show: AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace - Tune in for an engaging conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI and unlock its possibilities for your business.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
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

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
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
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.

Featured
Kelly Jean Valigy, a dynamic marketing and communications professional building a creative powerhouse in Mozambique
Kelly Jean Valigy, a dynamic marketing and communications professional building a creative powerhouse in Mozambique
Mbali Ndandani and Portia Nondo, two passionate ecosystem builders driving support for Africa’s crafters and fashion brands
Mbali Ndandani and Portia Nondo, two passionate ecosystem builders driving support for Africa’s crafters and fashion brands
Jacqueléne Coetzer, a pan-African business consulting and specialist trade firm builder empowering other women entrepreneurs
Jacqueléne Coetzer, a pan-African business consulting and specialist trade firm builder empowering other women entrepreneurs
Schneidine Phidelmond, an entrepreneur building a holistic digital agency supporting WSMEs and SMEs in Mozambique
Schneidine Phidelmond, an entrepreneur building a holistic digital agency supporting WSMEs and SMEs in Mozambique
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

LIONESS DATA & INSIGHTS


LIONESS PLAYBOOKS



Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 6.01.32 PM.png
Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 5.34.58 PM.png

Sign up today to receive the #1-rated newsletters for Africa's women entrepreneurs.

* indicates required
Required: Please select your newsletter(s):


LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf

About Us  |  Contact Us  | PRIVACY POLICY | terms OF SERVICE  | Community Guidelines  

© 2025 LIONESSES OF AFRICA public benefit corporation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.