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The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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The Power of Positive self-story telling

April 26, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Refilwe Sebothoma


I’ve always been adamant that I don’t like hosting, my sister-in-law suggested that I do this for Christmas last year. Eventually, I agreed, but of course, it was going to be at a restaurant. And I remember her explaining why it wouldn’t work because it also “doesn’t have that family thing”. I felt defeated and said it’s ok, I’ll host at home.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Refilwe Sebothoma, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Story Telling
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Who is the Hero of your story?

February 25, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

“…give a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” — Plato

As we continue our journey through the investment and finance world in our articles, making sense of the iniquities as we go, whilst creating some kind of ‘AH-HA!’ moment which will brighten the road ahead as we try to navigate our growth and cash flow needs vs our larger long term projects, we somehow need to also find the time to improve and turbocharge our approach to investors.

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In Features Tags Story Telling
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The importance of storytelling in building power

August 26, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

2,500 years ago-ish a chap called Plato (sound of a thousand University Professors spluttering into their morning coffee at the casual description of one of the world’s greatest philosophers, and as it happens, the ‘inventor’ of the University), wrote a set of books called The Republic, in which he took on the form of his teacher, the great Socrates (considered to be the founder of ‘Western’ Philosophy) to answer moral, ethical and philosophical questions. There are for us two major themes that run through these books, the first being the power of storytelling, or to be more exact, the importance of storytelling in building power.

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In Team Lioness Tags Story Telling
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Quote of the Day Tapiwa Matsinde

September 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tapiwa Matsinde, Founder, Atelier 55, UK

Tapiwa Matsinde, Founder, Atelier 55, UK

“Sharing your story matters now more than ever because there is someone out there who is waiting to hear it and form that connection with you.”

Tapiwa Matsinde, Founder, Atelier 55, UK

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In Quote of the Day Tags Tapiwa Matsinde, Story Telling
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The importance of sharing your story

August 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Abigail K

You have a story tell. Whether you’re an author, and aspiring author or you’re neither of those. You have a story to tell. Your story has meaning. Your story has value. Your story exists for a reason.

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In Guest Blog Tags Abigail Klopper, Story Telling
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Entrepreneur Advice from Iris Munguambe: Share your journey

March 31, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Iris Munguambe, founder of Mariée Boutique Lda (Mozambique)

Iris Munguambe, founder of Mariée Boutique Lda (Mozambique)

Share your journey...

“Inspire other people with your story, and share your journey as an entrepreneur. I want to be a good example to other young ladies, telling them how I started at the age of 17 and now 11 years later, I have my own space. We can be more than we can imagine, and we can run the world!”

Iris Munguambe, founder of Mariée Boutique Lda (Mozambique)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Mentoring, Story Telling
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Quote of the Day by Chule Gobodo

February 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Chule Gobodo, co-founder of Brainbow Conscious Creatives (South Africa)

Chule Gobodo, co-founder of Brainbow Conscious Creatives (South Africa)

"Storytelling has the power to connect the consumer to your brand in an emotive, authentic, memorable way.”

- Chule Gobodo, co-founder of Brainbow Conscious Creatives (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Story Telling
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Entrepreneur Advice from Shanley Knox: Engage clients in your building process

December 15, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Shanley Knox, co-founder of Olivia Knox Collective

Shanley Knox, co-founder of Olivia Knox Collective

Tell your story and engage clients in your building process....

"At first, we were hesitant to pitch to potential clients until we had a finished supply chain. But, we quickly learned that our clients had already tried (and failed) to source from the area of the world we were working in, and were eager to share their past mistakes so we could build-off of them as we put our supply chain together. Our strategy shifted toward being a kind of open collaboration with them, as we were honest about our lack of experience, and looked to them to give us the advice and help necessary to make us their best supplier. Many responses we received became the building blocks of our operations."

- Shanley Knox is co-founder of Olivia Knox Collective,  a manufacturing collective that is focused on promoting the use of Ankole cow horn in the creation of beautiful products for the luxury markets in Europe and US. They work with design partners in three distinct business segments - Eyewear, Accessories and Home Goods. Shanley began her career as a journalist, focused on human interest stories and went on to work in nonprofit development in rural villages and slums throughout East Africa for five years. Olivia Knox is a combination of all facets of her career, combining storytelling with positive business with the power to transform lives throughout Uganda. 

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Story Telling
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

Five female founders win over $100,000 in TechFoundHER Africa Challenge. Read more


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 / Food Lounge Mz

Glamorous fruit gifting…For all those lovers of great hand-made chocolates, look no further than Food Lounge Mz in Mozambique, founded by Kátia Agy. Previously known as a singer and TV presenter, K&aac
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak 

Eye-catching 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 br
Image of the Day / The Joinery

Sustainable Summer 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™
Image of the Day / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map
Image of the Day / Bush Princess

Ethical luxury accessories…We think this Mara bag from the creative Charlotte Lefebvre, founder of Bush Princess in Kenya, is perfect for any occasion. Bush Princess is an ethical fashion brand, committed to s
Image of the Day / Khokho Collection

Summer Tote Bag…We love this super stylish woven summer tote bag, perfect for the weekend from Khokho Collection, founded by social entrepreneurs Philippa Thorne, Sapna Shah and master weaver Zinhle Vilaka
Image of the Day / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map
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 / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f
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 / Food Lounge Mz

Glamorous fruit gifting…For all those lovers of great hand-made chocolates, look no further than Food Lounge Mz in Mozambique, founded by Kátia Agy. Previously known as a singer and TV presenter, K&aac Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak 

Eye-catching 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 br Image of the Day / The Joinery

Sustainable Summer 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™ Image of the Day / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map Image of the Day / Bush Princess

Ethical luxury accessories…We think this Mara bag from the creative Charlotte Lefebvre, founder of Bush Princess in Kenya, is perfect for any occasion. Bush Princess is an ethical fashion brand, committed to s Image of the Day / Khokho Collection

Summer Tote Bag…We love this super stylish woven summer tote bag, perfect for the weekend from Khokho Collection, founded by social entrepreneurs Philippa Thorne, Sapna Shah and master weaver Zinhle Vilaka Image of the Day / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map 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 / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f 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
Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range
Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range
Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment
Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses
Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses
Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country
Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country

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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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