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Discover Your Passion and Turn It into a Business

December 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane 

Discovering your passion and turning it into a sustainable business is a journey that requires courage, self-awareness, and, above all, action. It's not uncommon to feel the pressure to follow a conventional path, but it's when we connect with our true passions that we find personal and professional fulfilment. On this journey, we not only learn how to generate income but also how to impact lives.

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In Guest Blog Tags Catia Mondlane, PT, Getting Started
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The first steps to starting a business

November 23, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane 

Starting a business can seem challenging, but with passion and dedication, it's possible to turn an idea into a successful reality. The key lies in identifying a problem you can solve, developing an effective solution, and from there, building something that makes a difference in people’s lives. I'll share a bit about my personal journey, which began with my own struggle and transformed into a skincare business focused on oily and acne-prone skin.

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In Guest Blog Tags Catia Mondlane, PT, Getting Started
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Time Management for Busy Entrepreneurs

November 16, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane 

Being an entrepreneur is an exciting and challenging journey. However, running a business comes with an additional responsibility: managing your time effectively. Between tasks, meetings, clients, and personal life, it can be difficult to balance everything without feeling overwhelmed. Fortunately, with some practical strategies, it’s possible to optimise your time and increase productivity. Here are some time management tips for busy entrepreneurs.

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In Guest Blog Tags Catia Mondlane, PT, Productivity Time & Energy
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Overcoming The Fear of Failure as an Entrepreneur

November 8, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane 

The fear of failure is one of the greatest obstacles many entrepreneurs face. Whether at the beginning of their journey or during critical moments of growth, this fear can paralyse, undermine confidence, and even prevent great ideas from moving forward. However, learning to overcome this fear is essential for achieving business success. Let’s explore how you can tackle this feeling and turn it into a driving force for your entrepreneurial journey.

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In Guest Blog Tags Catia Mondlane, PT, Fear
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The Newbie Toolbox Kit for Your Journey

August 19, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Yolanda Matine

How I wish I knew half of the things I know now, when I started my entrepreneurial journey back in 2016 with my paper flower business (Goldendreams). Looking back,  it made me realize that while passion and determination are important, there are certain skills that every entrepreneur should possess to better position their business for growth and success. I call it the Starter Kit Toolbox – a unique set of skills to succeed in today's competitive market. In this article, we will explore the essential skill set that newbie entrepreneurs should have and how to apply them at different stages of their entrepreneurial journeys.

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In Guest Blog Tags Yolanda Matine, Entrepreneur Smarts, PT
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The Power of Meditation and Spiritual Practices in Entrepreneurial Life

August 11, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane 

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, maintaining mental clarity, reducing stress, and boosting productivity are essential. A powerful way to achieve this balance is through meditation and other spiritual practices. Let’s explore how practices such as meditation, Ho'oponopono, and creative visualisation can transform your entrepreneurial journey, enhancing your well-being and success. I will also share personal experiences of how these practices have positively impacted my life and career.

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In Guest Blog Tags Catia Mondlane, Financial Management, PT
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The Journey of Empowerment: From Single Mother to Successful Entrepreneur

August 3, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane 

The journey of a single mother to becoming a successful entrepreneur is a story of resilience, determination, and courage. It is a journey that can inspire and motivate many other women to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams, regardless of the challenges. In this article, we will explore the essential steps of this transformation, offering practical tips and inspiring stories to empower each reader to follow her own path to success.

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In Guest Blog Tags Catia Mondlane, Financial Management, PT
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The RoadMap to a Green Business – The New Reality

July 20, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Yolanda Matine

In today’s world where climate change, land restoration, and all environmental related topics are becoming increasingly urgent issues, it is upon us (Humans) to become more environmentally friendly. We can take actions individually or in associations. But I recently realized that as entrepreneurs we have the power to make a difference and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

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In Guest Blog Tags Yolanda Matine, Green Business, PT
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The two Ps (Patience & Persistence) - how to use them

May 26, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Yolanda Matine

Patience and persistence are two essential qualities that can make all the difference in the journey towards entrepreneurial success. While they may seem like separate concepts, they go hand in hand. But my hand now is full of patience, and I am working on taking persistence along too, as there are days when I do feel like giving up.

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In Guest Blog Tags Yolanda Matine, Entrepreneurial Mindset, PT
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What is that Secret Ingredient that is always in your Entrepreneurial Journey?

May 19, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Yolanda Matine

I often compare my entrepreneurial journey to all the magic that happens in the kitchen. The kitchen is the heart of a home, the same way that finding a problem to solve is at the centre of beginning an entrepreneurial journey. The kitchen is where creativity rises, passion flourishes, and hard work comes together to create delicious meals, just as in Ejourneys where innovative ideas, dedication, and perseverance combine to build a thriving venture.

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In Guest Blog Tags Yolanda Matine, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Self Belief, PT
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The power of mentorship on this lonely entrepreneurial journey

May 4, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Yolanda Matine

Mentorship has always been a critical topic in most personal development discussions on career paths. There has been so much to gain from it that I started researching on how this methodology can be used in my entrepreneurial sally.

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In Guest Blog Tags Yolanda Matine, Mentoring, PT
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Taking the leap – boldly paving the way to represent world-class brands

April 26, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Yolanda Matine

When I decided that I was turning my gift (cooking) into a business, every social media page I navigated into started showing me how the world of lunchboxes is so advanced in other places beyond Mozambique where we only have one well-referenced brand.

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In Guest Blog Tags Yolanda Matine, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Self Belief, PT
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Decoding Market Success: A Guide to Choosing Winning Products

January 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane 

In the heart of the entrepreneurial wilderness, discovering the ideal product that not only survives but thrives in the market is a journey akin to an epic quest. Picture this: I once sold an array of products - soaps, lotions, oils, and facial masks - all coexisting in a bustling marketplace, each one vying for attention, much like lionesses hunting for the juiciest prey. However, faced with tough decisions, I strategically shifted my focus to a single product: the powerful Moringa soap.

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In Guest Blog, Portuguese Content Tags Catia Mondlane, PT, Product Development
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How to keep your business resilient through change and uncertainty

July 9, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane 

The key to keeping your business resilient through change and uncertainty is to have a flexible business plan. This means creating a plan that can adapt to changing circumstances, whether it's a sudden shift in the market, unexpected challenges, or new opportunities. Start by identifying the core values and goals of your business. These should remain consistent even as your strategies change.

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In Guest Blog, Portuguese Content Tags Catia Mondlane, PT, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Resilience
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Be a good seller and improve your conversion rate

July 2, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Josefa Masinga

Do you know how to be a good seller? There are those who believe that sales talent is something people are born with. It may be that some personalities really have an advantage when it comes to selling, but anyone with the right direction and a willingness to learn can figure out how to be a good salesperson. The art of selling is based on many techniques ranging from good communication to follow-up after the sale has been closed. At each stage of this process, you can learn more and develop to increase your results.

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In Guest Blog, Portuguese Content Tags Josefa Massinga, PT, Sales
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Seja um bom vendedor e melhorar a taxa de conversão

July 1, 2023 Melanie Hawken

por Josefa Masinga

Você sabe como ser um bom vendedor? Há quem acredite que o talento para vendas nasça com as pessoas. Pode ser que algumas personalidades realmente tenham vantagem na hora de vender, mas qualquer pessoa com o direcionamento correto e vontade de aprender pode descobrir como ser um bom vendedor. A arte de vender é baseada em muitas técnicas que vão desde a comunicação e a vestuário, até o acompanhamento depois que a venda já foi fechada. Em cada etapa desse processo, é possível aprender mais e se desenvolver para aumentar os seus resultados.

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In Guest Blog, Portuguese Content Tags Josefa Massinga, PT, Sales
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How digital marketing can boost your sales right now

July 1, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane 

Digital marketing is like being a master chef in the kitchen, except instead of cooking up delicious meals, you're cooking up sales. The ingredients? Search engines, social media, email, and mobile apps. The recipe? A well-executed digital marketing strategy that can help you reach a wider audience, generate leads, and convert them into paying customers. Just like a chef needs to know the basics of cooking, you need to understand the basics of digital marketing to boost your sales.

Read more
In Guest Blog, Portuguese Content Tags Catia Mondlane, PT, Digital Marketing
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Monetizing Your Skills to Become an Entrepreneur

June 24, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane 

Are you tired of working for someone else and ready to make it big with your skills? Well, hold on to your hats, because it's time to get excited! The first step is to take a long hard look at yourself in the mirror and assess your strengths, weaknesses, experiences, and achievements. Then, ask yourself, "How can I sell this to the world?"

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In Guest Blog, Portuguese Content Tags Catia Mondlane, PT, Entrepreneurial Journey
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The Distinction Between Self-Employed and Entrepreneurship

June 18, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane 

Let's talk about being your own boss. Self-employment is when you're the captain of your own ship. You're in charge of everything - from marketing to finance to administration. It's like being a one-person show, except you're the whole cast and crew. And hey, it's not just for lone wolves! You can have a small team to help you out.

Read more
In Guest Blog, Portuguese Content Tags Catia Mondlane, PT, Entrepreneurial Journey
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The upside of mistakes: how failing forward helps you serve customers better

June 10, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane 

Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone knows how to use them to their advantage. When it comes to customer service, failing forward can actually help you serve your customers better. Failing forward means taking risks and making mistakes but learning from those mistakes and using them as opportunities for growth. It's about embracing the learning process and not being afraid to try new things.

Read more
In Guest Blog, Portuguese Content Tags Catia Mondlane, Failure, PT
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START-UP NIGHT AFRICA, THE HAGUE, 17 SEPTEMBER 2025 / LEARN MORE


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

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LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
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

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i
Image of the Day / Femi Handbags

Statement Handbags…Add a touch of drama to your wardrobe with one of the show-stopping colourful bags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their iconic shapes and eclectic pops of colou
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 / Lilly Alfonso

Vibrant African style…Lilly Alfonso is a renowned fashion brand in Malawi created by founder and Head Designer, Lilly Alfonso. She is a two-time International Fashion Award winning designer for her contributio
Image of the Day / Pichulik

Statement earrings… Introducing The Aventurina Earrings by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear ate
Image of the Day / Uzuri K & Y

Handcrafted eco-footwear…We love the ethos of Uzuri K & Y in Rwanda, an impact driven  footwear manufacturing business founded by entrepreneurs Kevine Kagirimpundu and Ysolde Shimwe. They are changing li
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 / Nebü

Pure gold heritage…Helen Viljoen is the founder of Nebü, a transparently priced, pure investment-grade gold jewellery brand inspired by and made in South Africa. Helen creates legacy pieces for clients that w
Image of the Day / Afropian

Statement dressing…If you want to make a fashion statement, then how better to do that than with this dramatic bark-cloth dress by Afropian, the Pan-African lifestyle brand founded by Cameroonian entrepreneur Horte
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 / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i Image of the Day / Femi Handbags

Statement Handbags…Add a touch of drama to your wardrobe with one of the show-stopping colourful bags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their iconic shapes and eclectic pops of colou 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 / Lilly Alfonso

Vibrant African style…Lilly Alfonso is a renowned fashion brand in Malawi created by founder and Head Designer, Lilly Alfonso. She is a two-time International Fashion Award winning designer for her contributio Image of the Day / Pichulik

Statement earrings… Introducing The Aventurina Earrings by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear ate Image of the Day / Uzuri K & Y

Handcrafted eco-footwear…We love the ethos of Uzuri K & Y in Rwanda, an impact driven  footwear manufacturing business founded by entrepreneurs Kevine Kagirimpundu and Ysolde Shimwe. They are changing li 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 / Nebü

Pure gold heritage…Helen Viljoen is the founder of Nebü, a transparently priced, pure investment-grade gold jewellery brand inspired by and made in South Africa. Helen creates legacy pieces for clients that w Image of the Day / Afropian

Statement dressing…If you want to make a fashion statement, then how better to do that than with this dramatic bark-cloth dress by Afropian, the Pan-African lifestyle brand founded by Cameroonian entrepreneur Horte 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

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
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

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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
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

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