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The Art of Bouncing Back and Sustaining Real Change

August 31, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Phindile Ndlovu

We don’t know our strength until we are tested! We do not know what we can achieve until we start getting to work. Imagine a situation where the world as you knew it, has changed. Your whole family structure, living arrangement, and budget changed. This was me. I woke up one day, and my life was changing. I was divorcing. I remember feeling depressed and down and out. I remember feeling suicidal and hopeless. I saw how I was losing myself and I knew I had to make a choice. I could either keep ruminating or I could get up and take things step by step. As much as I did not know where it came from, I found that deep in my broken heart, I had hope. I believed that a better ending would prevail, and so, I got up. At first, I knew I had to refuel because I had nothing to pour into my business. I also knew I must heal and be whole to be creative in my craft.

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In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Why You Should Journal Your Thoughts and Ideas

September 25, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Phindile Tapula (Ndlovu)

I used to lay awake at night thinking about my business. I would have these ideas about scaling and launching. I would be so excited and eventually sleep would come and as you can imagine, when I woke up, I would have a hazy view of my ideas. I would grow so frustrated trying to remember that million dollar idea, I would even try to pen my idea down, yet I would not manage to remember everything. “Why wasn’t writing my idea down?” would be what I would ask…

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In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Preparation meets opportunity

August 14, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Phindile Ndlovu-Tapula

Yes, I know you are probably wondering why I am writing again. I have asked that question myself several times too. You see I haven’t been able to write, felt like I have nothing to say and that no one is listening anyway. But something kept pushing to write, so I am here again.

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In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula
Comment

Working Moms’ Unite! 

November 13, 2021 Melanie Hawken

by Phindile Ndlovu-Tapula

I started the Working Moms’ Club after I had my first baby. It was 11 months after I gave birth. I was doing it, I was a Mom to this incredible human, and I had a tribe of women to thank for my sanity. I had support and advice from loving women who wanted me to thrive. Motherhood felt like second nature and as much I was born to do this, without my tribe, it sure was going to be tougher.

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In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula, Work Life Balance
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You Are What You Say You Are

October 9, 2021 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Ndlovu-Tapula

I lovingly challenge you to randomly ask people how they are doing. I bet you the majority will be complaining! I used to have a habit of replying “Eish, I am trying” until someone asked,” When are you ever good or well?” I was stunned, I was good and well most days, but I often felt the need to not say it and opted for this mediocre which served my mental wellbeing in no way. Because I was saying it , I ended up feeling it. I was going about my days barely making it, surviving, trying.

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In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula, Self-development
Comment

Stop Calling Motherhood a Full-Time Job!

August 14, 2021 Melanie Hawken

by Phindile Ndlovu-Tapula

Motherhood is not a full-time job, and it is not a job, period. I often hear and read people calling Motherhood a job and I get really offended. I get offended because I wish it were, but it is not, okay? It is not!

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In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula, Work Life Balance, Motherhood
Comment

Moving My Body for Peace of Mind 

May 9, 2021 Melanie Hawken
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By Phindile Ndlovu- Tapula

Hello Moms! Who else feels like stress loves them or they are in fact in love with stress? Does stress get you down, binge eating and moody? Does your mind race during the night fixing problems and anticipating for problems?

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In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula, Mindful Entrepreneur
Comment

Nanny Trouble 

January 30, 2021 Melanie Hawken
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By Phindile Ndlovu–Tapula

Moms - Let’s talk nanny trouble! In the midst of a global pandemic, most of our children are home as schools remain closed. This means we have to get help because for most of us, we are back in the office. I, for one, had to get our nanny back.

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In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula, Mindful Entrepreneur
Comment

Confession time: I have not cracked the code! 

November 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Ndlovu–Tapula

When we switch on our phones and open our social media applications we are bombarded with many people who seem to just always get it right. We often feel the pressure to act as though we have cracked the code, our businesses are booming, and we are eating healthily.

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In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula, Mompreneur, Work Life Balance
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Screen time vs Play Time - A working mom’s dilemma

July 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Ndlovu, Founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation

Facing the same dilemma too? We actually don’t have to. A few weeks ago, I wrote on how moms can use screen time to get some work done. Screen time is awesome in the sense that your child gets entertainment, learns and sees new things but too much of it can really disempower your child. So, what do we do?

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In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula, Work Life Balance
Comment

Mindfulness: the key to a life filled with joy 

May 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Tapula, Founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation

I want to chat to moms who want to experience joy and peace every day in their lives. This is for moms who want to enjoy motherhood and even through its hurdles, experience the calm in the storm. A life filled with joy, love and peace is possible. You can have it all, if you work on it all.

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In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula, Mindful Entrepreneur
Comment

Working from home tips for working moms

April 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Phindile Tapula, Founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation

Working from home is tough during this pandemic outbreak. As a mom, this time is demanding. From scheduling and prioritizing playtime, preparing food more often than before, being on time and prepared for Zoom meetings. I have decided to share some tips for moms to stay sane and better manage working from home. Disclaimer, these tips work for me, they may not work for you. I am sharing them in order to inspire moms to establish their own systems. I suggest you try these tips and if they work, great and if they don’t - change them and make up your own.

Read more
In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Phindile Tapula, BU Remote Working
Comment

Is confidence really, inside out?

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Tapula, Founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation

As women we love clothes, we want our hair and skins to always look refreshed and healthy. I recently had an event themed around the frustrations and blessings of being a woman. The ladies shared that weight really influences their confidence. Skin problems was a topic where the ladies wanted to have more information on skincare as pimples and uneven skin really influences their confidences.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Motherhood and entrepreneurship can live in harmony

February 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Ndlovu, Founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation 

There is nothing worse than being an entrepreneur and mother that does not have a working space; the children want to open the laptop, press it. They whine and want your attention. You have a deadline; it is a nightmare. Well, great news, I can relate. Replying to emails is a chore; drafting a proposal is just impossible.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Entrepreneurial Journey, Phindile Tapula
Comment

The Marriage of Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Mentorship 

January 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Ndhlovu, founder and director, Bhekizenzo Foundation

When I was in university, 2 years ago, I wondered how my life would end up. I was worried. My academics were bad as I was involved with student activism and part-time jobs. I was a full-time student that studied part-time. I was a pregnant unemployed graduate. I had to step up for my precious boy’s arrival. I was not born with entrepreneurship flowing in my blood, life kind of forced that on me. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Entrepreneurial Journey, Phindile Tapula
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Mentorship is a relationship

September 29, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Ndlovu, Founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation 

Like any other relationship, mentorship requires two individuals who put in the effort. I recently spoke to both a mentor and mentees. They were passionate about the issues they faced. The mentors blamed the mentees, the mentees blamed the mentors. I soon realized that it is easier to see the fault of someone else rather than acknowledging the role you played.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Mentoring, Phindile Tapula
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Success has a price, pay up! 

July 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Ndlovu, Founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation 

I realized something the other day. I was so miserable, wondering if my job fulfilled me and if entrepreneurship is worth it. I was tired of feeling anxious, tight deadlines and constant cultivating relationships. Have you ever just wanted to stumble across a few million Rands and then switch off your phone? Spend your money and not worry about anything? Well, that was me, unmotivated and frustrated. 

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Success, Phindile Tapula
Comment

You are exactly where you want to be!

May 25, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Ndlovu, Founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation 

Confession time. What is it that you do that stops you from being the best version of yourself? Let’s cut out the buzzwords and be real - what are doing to stop you from living the life you want? 

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In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula
Comment

3 things to start doing today to be the best version of yourself

April 13, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Ndlovu

We fear taking risks. We are told to focus on one thing! We maintain the status quo. We do not apply for our dream jobs because we do not tick all the boxes. We are scared of registering for that course that everyone says is difficult.  We are okay with blending in because no one will criticise us. But is this the way to live? Are we truly living if we are living in fear? I reckon not. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula
Comment

No balance? Welcome to the tired mommies club!

March 17, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Ndlovu

Last week, I attended the Facebook and Lionesses of Africa International Women’s Day event in Johannesburg on 8 March. I started having small conversations with the ladies attending and quickly realized that around five of the ladies I spoke with had new born babies, just like me. We ended up exchanging nanny tips, we talked abut our hectic schedules, and shared how these days we hardly get time to put on lipstick.

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In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula
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Older Posts →

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.

Lioness Radio Show: Five Mozambican women entrepreneurs share their experiences of building successful green businesses and creating green jobs for local people. From an environmentally-friendly, high-impact skincare brand, to an innovative green transportation business transforming marine waste into bicycles, these Lionesses are making waves in Mozambique. Listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and be inspired by their tenacity.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
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

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

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
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
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
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

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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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