• 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 Vere Shaba

January 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Vere Shaba, founder of the Shaba & Ramplin (South Africa)

Vere Shaba, founder of the Shaba & Ramplin (South Africa)

“It is not easy to be an entrepreneur, but seeing one's vision grow is worth navigating the challenges that arise.”

- Vere Shaba, founder of Shaba & Ramplin Green Building Solutions (South Africa)

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Journey
Comment

Nyasha Mukombe, a South African entrepreneur helping clients take the stress out of organising their events

January 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Nyasha Mukombe, founder of Sakile Events Management (South Africa)

Nyasha Mukombe, founder of Sakile Events Management (South Africa)

For many companies and individuals, the thought of organising events can be a logistical nightmare, but for Nyasha Mukombe, founder of Sakile Events Management, it’s a pleasure. 

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Business Services, Event Management
Comment

Setting the tone for the New Year

January 18, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Balancing-Business-and-Home-Life.jpg

By Jolene Roelofse, founder of BluDoor Market

As a new mum (yes, after my second child, I still consider myself a new mum), I often battle with finding a balance between my business and my two toddlers.  Aged 3 and 1, I feel they still need a lot of my time, especially since their Dad started traveling quite a bit with work again.  It seems only fair that one parent remains present for consistency and emotional comfort.  But the reality is that my business is also my baby.  Also 3 years old and demanding a lot of attention, love and care.  But where do you draw the line?

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Jolene Roelofse
Comment

How to stay positive and choose joy every day

January 18, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Choose-joy.jpg

By Lori Milner: author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress

As women, we juggle multiple roles every hour, never mind every day. Here are some tried and tested steps I incorporate into my daily routine to stay positive and make sure I actively choose joy in my life.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Dounia Tamri-Loeper: Passion drives success

January 18, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Dounia Tamri-Loeper, founder of Dounia Home

Dounia Tamri-Loeper, founder of Dounia Home

Passion drives success…

“Do what you are passionate about, because at the end of the day it's the passion that drives us to success. It's the passion that keeps us going even during tough times. The journey of an entrepreneur is hard but so worth it! You can truly do anything you set your mind to. It's okay if you don't have it all figured out, just start and the path will get clearer as you go.”

- Dounia Tamri-Loeper is the founder of Dounia Home, a company that produces modern Moroccan lighting. She is focused on operating ethically and helps empower the Moroccan  artisan community behind her products. Dounia Home creates beautiful, statement lighting pieces that not only celebrate the centuries-old techniques and designs that are uniquely Moroccan, but also elevates them to a whole new level.

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Passion
Comment

Quote of the Day by Nonhlanhla Khumalo

January 18, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Nonhlanhla Khumalo, founder of LeHay Consulting (South Africa)

Nonhlanhla Khumalo, founder of LeHay Consulting (South Africa)

“Surround yourself with people that challenge you, encourage you, and hold you accountable.”

- Nonhlanhla Khumalo, founder of LeHay Consulting (South Africa)

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Mentoring, People Management
Comment

Quote of the Day by Deborah Sawyerr

January 17, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Deborah Sawyerr, founder of Sawyerrs’ House (Nigeria). 

Deborah Sawyerr, founder of Sawyerrs’ House (Nigeria). 

“Feel the fear but do it anyway.”

- Deborah Sawyerr, founder of Sawyerrs’ House (Nigeria)

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Fear
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Lalita Anousha Purbho-Junggee: Make it happen

January 17, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Lalita Anousha Purbho-Junggee, founder of Nineteen Fifty Design & Print Co Ltd (Mauritius)

Lalita Anousha Purbho-Junggee, founder of Nineteen Fifty Design & Print Co Ltd (Mauritius)

Make it happen…

“Entrepreneurship for me is an art of hustling. If you want to make things happen, then you have to go out and make it happen. Nobody will do it for you, except you. Be patient, things won't happen overnight. It didn't happen for me at least. Stay focused and never give up.”

- Lalita Anousha Purbho-Junggee is the founder of Nineteen Fifty Design & Print Co Ltd in Mauritius, a company that provides vehicle branding, exhibition booth design, supermarket POS display, and billboard printing. Lalita takes pride in her company’s high quality printing output and fast delivery and after six years of local operations she is now planning on expanding her business in sub-Saharan Africa.

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Quote of the Day by Nondumiso Pikashe

January 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Nondumiso Pikashe, founder of Ses’fikile Wines (South Africa)

Nondumiso Pikashe, founder of Ses’fikile Wines (South Africa)

“Listen to that 6th sense.”

- Nondumiso Pikashe, founder of Ses’fikile Wines (South Africa)

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Marie-Noelle Elissac-Foy: Be proud of what you’ve achieved

January 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Marie-Noelle Elissac-Foy, founder of The Talent Factory (Mauritius)

Marie-Noelle Elissac-Foy, founder of The Talent Factory (Mauritius)

Be proud of what you’ve achieved…

"As a woman, I feel that we often tend to belittle our achievements. I no longer want to give in to that trend. We must learn to be proud of ourselves. Let's pat our own backs!"


- Marie-Noelle Elissac-Foy is the founder of The Talent Factory, a boutique Public Relations consultancy in Mauritius. Marie-Noelle leads a consultancy business that specializes in crafting tailor-made Public Relations & Communication solutions for businesses, SMEs, and start-ups. Before launching her company she worked in the media industry for over 10 years at La Sentinelle, one of the most important media groups on the Island. As Chief Editor, she managed various publications and editorial teams and also created Essentielle, a glossy women's magazine.

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Gwendolyne Gosselin: Believe in yourself

January 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Gwendolyne Gosselin, founder of Mathilde & Co. (South Africa)

Gwendolyne Gosselin, founder of Mathilde & Co. (South Africa)

Believe in yourself…

“If you believe in your idea and you've done the research, do it. But don't expect it to happen over night and don't give up when times are tough, because they will be. It may sound as a cliche, but believe in yourself and never give up, it will happen.”

- Gwendolyne Gosselin is the founder of Mathilde & Co. in South Africa, a women’s empowerment project based in a small rural village in the Klein Karoo that makes high quality Shweshwe fabric toys and clothing for babies, children and adults. Back in 2010, with an old vintage sewing machine and $20 worth of fabrics, Gwendolyne started Mathilde & Co., teaching herself how to sew along the way. One thing led to another and 4 years later she now provides part time work for 5 ladies in her small community.

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Self Belief
Comment

Quote of the Day by Marta Pinto Coelho Roff

January 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Marta Pinto Coelho Roff is the co-founder of Maputo Relocation Solutions (Mozambique)

Marta Pinto Coelho Roff is the co-founder of Maputo Relocation Solutions (Mozambique)

“It’s all about work life balance. Entrepreneurship, just like motherhood, is not for me a 9-5 job. I also make time for myself.”

- Marta Pinto Coelho Roff, co-founder of Maputo Relocation Solutions (Mozambique)

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Work Life Balance
Comment

Ntediseng Mwale, a South African culinary entrepreneur putting the love and passion into cooking for her clients

January 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Ntediseng Mwale (Teddy), founder of Excellere Foods (South Africa)

Ntediseng Mwale (Teddy), founder of Excellere Foods (South Africa)

They say food is love, and when prepared by passionate chefs who have a love and respect for the ingredients they use, combined with a creative eye and hand, that love is passed on to the customer. South African chef and entrepreneur, Ntediseng Mwale (Teddy), founder of Excellere Foods, is passion personified in the kitchen.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Business Services, South Africa, Food & Drink
Comment

Refilwe Sebothoma, a South African entrepreneur making her mark in the premium personal protective equipment business

January 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Refilwe Sebothoma, founder of PBM Creations (South Africa)

Refilwe Sebothoma, founder of PBM Creations (South Africa)

Creating safe working environments for employees in any industry sector is key, and that’s where specialist knowledge and equipment is essential. Refilwe Sebothoma, founder of PBM Creations, is helping companies and organisations to create those safe working environments through her provision of personal protective equipment. 

Read more
In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
Comment

Essential Read: 'The To-Be List' by Latesha Randall

January 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Latesha Randall

Latesha Randall

We live in a busy, fast paced world where we can easily place a higher priority on achieving goals than on enjoying each day, Because of this, it can sometimes seem as if we are more like human doings, than human beings. In her new book, The To-Be List, author Latesha Randall, shows us there is another way.

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment

18 Women authors from Africa inspire on business and entrepreneurship

January 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken
African-Author-Feature.jpg

Over the past year, as part of our regular weekly Essential Reads feature on Lionesses of Africa, we have been showcasing the books published by Africa’s leading women authors on the subject of business and entrepreneurship. Here are 18 of our favourite books featured and which are well worth another read going into 2018. Prepare to be inspired!

Read more
In Features Tags Books
Comment

5 Top Tips for Selling More – Even If You Suck at Sales Right Now 

January 13, 2018 Melanie Hawken
woman-rainmaker.jpg

by Julia Pimsleur, author, speaker and coach, and the founder of Little Pim

Many of us do not love selling, and may even avoid getting better at it, even though we also know it’s one of the most important – if not THE most important – keys to growing our companies. Very few businesses making under $1M in revenues can afford a senior sales team so for now anyway, you ARE the rainmaker. Whether you can find and close deals really, really matters.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Julia Pimsleur
Comment

Change management is everyone’s business

January 13, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Change-management.jpg

By Leigh Ann Gowland, founder of Employee Driven Change

Imagine a sail boat, destined for a beautiful destination, equipped with state of the art navigation equipment, sleek design and immaculate engineering but never opening its sails to harness the energy of the wind. The scenario seems irrational. Why would an experienced Skipper embark on a remarkable journey without utilizing his most valuable resources? 

Read more
In Guest Blog
Comment

Quote of the Day by Nondumiso Pikashe

January 12, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Nondumiso Pikashe, founder of Ses’fikile Wines (South Africa)

Nondumiso Pikashe, founder of Ses’fikile Wines (South Africa)

“I want to change the stereotype that indigenous brands don't work in the wine industry.”

- Nondumiso Pikashe, founder of Ses’fikile Wines (South Africa)

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Brand
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Nicola Bokaba: Find an empathetic mentor

January 12, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Nicola Bokaba, founder of Earthy Cook (South Africa)

Nicola Bokaba, founder of Earthy Cook (South Africa)

Find an empathetic mentor…

“One of the most invaluable things to have is a knowledgeable, empathetic mentor who pushes you beyond your comfort zone… Almost every successful entrepreneur I’ve heard of has recounted experiences of rejection and even ridicule on their journey. A great mentor can act as a buffer during those and other challenging times.”

- Nicola Bokaba is the founder of Earthy Cook in South Africa, a company that makes hand-made, personalized and customer branded products for the home kitchen and the hospitality industry. She currently employs 4 people and plans to work with a local college to bring in qualifying students to help meet her expansion plans in exchange for work opportunities.

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Mentoring
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
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Vanhu Vamwe

Marvellous macrame…We have always been big fans of the uber-talented Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri, co-founder of luxury Zimbabwean accessory brand, Vanhu Vamwe, together with husband Simba Nyawiri. This show-stopping co
Image of the Day / Midunu Chocolates

Chocolate love…We are big chocolate lovers at Lionesses of Africa, so we love these beautiful looking and fabulous tasting chocolates from Midunu Chocolates in Ghana, handcrafted by entrepreneur and chocol
Image of the Day / Adele’s Mohair

Mohair magic….Lovers of fine mohair will adore these beautiful, luxury yarns, courtesy of Adele’s Mohair, founded by Adele Cutten in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. She has built a highly succes
Image of the Day / Kwesh

Relaxed style…We love these stylish yet relaxed Kwanza pants and matching tops from Juliana Nasasira, the Ugandan fashion designer and founder of Kwesh. Juliana launched Kwesh in 2012, a fashion brand focused on creat
Image of the Day / Dvyn Treat Batamba’s

Premium Coffee Experience…We love a great cup of coffee in a morning at Lionesses of Africa, and so we are fans of Dvyn Treat Batamba’s great coffee brand in Mozambique, co-founded by Emilia
Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need.
Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind
Image of the Day / Yococo

Vegan ice-cream heaven…If you are ice cream lovers like we are here at Lionesses of Africa, you will love the vegan ice cream from Yococo in South Africa, created by the talented Sinenhlanhla Ndlela. She is proving t
Image of the Day / The Joinery

Mini Box Tote…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fabric con
Image of the Day / Margaux Wong

Sustainable statement jewellery…We love the strong designs of the hugely talented Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong in Burundi. This international, multi-cultural jewellery and accessories brand was found
Image of the Day / Vanhu Vamwe

Marvellous macrame…We have always been big fans of the uber-talented Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri, co-founder of luxury Zimbabwean accessory brand, Vanhu Vamwe, together with husband Simba Nyawiri. This show-stopping co Image of the Day / Midunu Chocolates

Chocolate love…We are big chocolate lovers at Lionesses of Africa, so we love these beautiful looking and fabulous tasting chocolates from Midunu Chocolates in Ghana, handcrafted by entrepreneur and chocol Image of the Day / Adele’s Mohair

Mohair magic….Lovers of fine mohair will adore these beautiful, luxury yarns, courtesy of Adele’s Mohair, founded by Adele Cutten in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. She has built a highly succes Image of the Day / Kwesh

Relaxed style…We love these stylish yet relaxed Kwanza pants and matching tops from Juliana Nasasira, the Ugandan fashion designer and founder of Kwesh. Juliana launched Kwesh in 2012, a fashion brand focused on creat Image of the Day / Dvyn Treat Batamba’s

Premium Coffee Experience…We love a great cup of coffee in a morning at Lionesses of Africa, and so we are fans of Dvyn Treat Batamba’s great coffee brand in Mozambique, co-founded by Emilia Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need. Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind Image of the Day / Yococo

Vegan ice-cream heaven…If you are ice cream lovers like we are here at Lionesses of Africa, you will love the vegan ice cream from Yococo in South Africa, created by the talented Sinenhlanhla Ndlela. She is proving t Image of the Day / The Joinery

Mini Box Tote…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fabric con Image of the Day / Margaux Wong

Sustainable statement jewellery…We love the strong designs of the hugely talented Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong in Burundi. This international, multi-cultural jewellery and accessories brand was found

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Gloria Sellwane Phala, a South African entrepreneur helping clients benefit from the transformative impact of yoga
Gloria Sellwane Phala, a South African entrepreneur helping clients benefit from the transformative impact of yoga
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs

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
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
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
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

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

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