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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

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The Future Is Fast, But People Still Matter Most.

June 24, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

Over the past four and a half  decades, I’ve watched retail evolve in ways we never imagined possible, from handwritten invoices and Sunday newspaper ads (as well as being on the back page of the local newspapers) to e-commerce, apps, social media, and AI. Its always been my belief that if something can make your life better, why not embrace it?  I remember getting the first ever cellphone in Durban which was the size of a brick and being so proud to show people that I could talk to the office from their homes! We have always tried to be ahead of the pack, way back from the time we introduced the microwave oven to peoples homes by starting the first independent microwave cookery school in South Africa.   Even now we run workshops in our Samsung stores for clients who want to get the most out of their new cellphones, nothing is too simple – I showed a 90 year old how to use Whatsapp to speak to his great-grandchildren in Australia on Facetime and he got such a kick out of it!!

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In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Success, Entrepreneurial Journey
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You can’t microwave success: why the slow burn wins

June 2, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

In today’s fast-paced world of viral hacks, overnight influencers, and instant gratification, it’s easy to believe that success should come quickly. That if you're not "crushing it" within a few months, you're failing. But here’s the truth I’ve lived and learned: you can’t microwave success.

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In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Success, Entrepreneurial Journey
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The key to success

September 4, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Elizandra dos Santos

I don't know what your dream is. But even though I don't know you, I know that there are some things we have in common that end up being non-absolute truths. I would venture to say collectively: we all want to be happy, and we seek to have results in some area of our life. For some, it’s in the areas of love, health, professional, spiritual, financial, physical appearance, intellectual, and so follows an infinite list of things in common.

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In Guest Blog Tags Elizandra Dos Santos, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Success
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The secret you need to succeed in life

April 24, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Josefa Massinga

Hello Lionesses. Today I am writing about being successful in life, not that what I'm going to write is really the path to success in life. But I believe that from what I'm going to write it can help each of us to find some light. I believe we are all successful in some area of our lives. We have all achieved great goals and victories in certain areas of our lives. Success is in each of us. We have to accept the life we have and know how to say that our life is a great success.

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In Guest Blog Tags Josefa Massinga, Success
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Arise Africa and Succeed!

June 19, 2021 Melanie Hawken
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by Sibongile Mtsabe

How will you define success? The dictionary defines success as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. I took time looking around me, in my community and friends. I saw people mark success milestones when they obtained material things like a modern car, a beautiful house, etc. I sat down and asked myself some deep questions within on this subject, and naturally answers came spontaneously.

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In Guest Blog Tags Sibongile Mtsabe, Success
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The Key to Women’s Success

April 4, 2021 Melanie Hawken
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by Usha Maharaj

Following decades of research and spend on women empowerment, women still hold fewer leadership positions and earn less than their male counterparts. In keeping with the reflective theme of International Women’s Day which took place on 8 March 2021 #IWD2021, let us #ChooseToChallenge the key to women’s success.

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In Guest Blog Tags Usha Maharaj, Success
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1 Choice + 2 simple words is all it takes to be successful

April 4, 2021 Melanie Hawken
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by Lori Milner

“All overnight success takes about 10 years.” — Jeff Bezos

When you think about success, often it feels like it will come from one game changing decision or one significant event. Someone is finally going discover your talents or give you your big break. The problem with this way of thinking is that you are putting your happiness in the control of someone else’s hands, you are leaving your life up to external factors. When you keep waiting for things outside your influence to drive your sense of accomplishment, it tends to leave you despondent and feeling out of control. You are always future focused and this is where anxiety breeds so it’s definitely not a good strategy.

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Success
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Success leaves clues – but are you looking in the right place?

November 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Lori Milner

Writing is my passion, but it wasn’t appearing in my calendar as regularly as I would have liked and I wanted to start dedicating a daily space for it. I looked to other professional authors on how they wrote their books and what tips of the trade I could implement. What do they know what I didn’t get the memo on?

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Success
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Quote of the Day by Femi Oyedipe

August 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Femi Oyedipe, founder, Loshes Chocolate, Nigeria

Femi Oyedipe, founder, Loshes Chocolate, Nigeria

“Success is achieved by taking little or big steps consistently.”

Femi Oyedipe, founder, Loshes Chocolate, Nigeria

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In Quote of the Day Tags Success
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Let your future self show up to you

March 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Lori Milner

How many times have you set you yourself New Year’s resolutions goals only to fall off the wagon within a few weeks? Mainly this is because you left it up to motivation and willpower which I hate to tell you is not a good strategy for success. Firstly – willpower is like a muscle and it becomes fatigued from overuse.

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Success
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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. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Success, Phindile Tapula
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Entrepreneur Advice from Chinwe Ohajuruka: Success and failure

December 13, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Chinwe Ohajuruka, founder and CEO of Comprehensive Design Services (Nigeria)

Chinwe Ohajuruka, founder and CEO of Comprehensive Design Services (Nigeria)

Success and failure…

“Every entrepreneur will experience both success and failure along the way. I try to use success as a springboard for even greater success and likewise learn from failure, and use it to leverage success going forward.”

Chinwe Ohajuruka, founder and CEO of Comprehensive Design Services (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Success, Failure
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Quote of the Day by Lee Chisale

March 7, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Lee Chisale, founder of Belle Afrique (Malawi)

Lee Chisale, founder of Belle Afrique (Malawi)

"I believe we are all unique and gifted and can be successful entrepreneurs in our own right."

- Lee Chisale, founder of Belle Afrique (Malawi)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Success
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Quote of the Day by Refilwe Sebothoma

January 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Refilwe Sebothoma, founder of PBM Creations (South Africa)

Refilwe Sebothoma, founder of PBM Creations (South Africa)

“Success is a process, we have to learn to celebrate every milestone, no matter how small it might look!”

- Refilwe Sebothoma, founder of PBM Creations (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Success
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Entrepreneur Advice from Helen Asimegbe: Put a little spark in your business

March 24, 2017 Melanie Hawken
Helen Asimegbe, founder of Stylemark Mall Enterprises (Nigeria)

Helen Asimegbe, founder of Stylemark Mall Enterprises (Nigeria)

Put a little spark in your business....

"My advice: It’s time to put a little spark to that business and make it shine. If you have a goal to succeed at what you are doing, then you must be committed 100 % to that business, put in your very best, and be very happy to talk about your business."

- Helen Asimegbe is the founder of Stylemark Mall Enterprises in Nigeria, a company retailing high quality children's clothing and accessories, in sizes to suit all ages, from Infants to Teens. Helen is a graduate with a B.SC in Business Administration and gained 5years working experience in the Banking Sector before launching her company. She serves as a business mentor at the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Foundation and the Cherie Blaire Foundation for Women in Business. Helen is also a member of Toast Masters International Club. 

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Commitment, Success
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Entrepreneur Advice from Adenike Ogunlesi: Work out what success means for you

April 8, 2016 Melanie Hawken
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You need to be clear about what success means to you personally....

“First, success for me is a journey. It is not a place you would say you have reached. It is not only about money, it is not about awards or accolades. It is about what you stand for, what your values are. For me, there has to be a wholesome definition to success.”

- Adenike 'Nike' Ogunlesi is the founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble a leading designer, manufacturer and retailer of designer children's clothing in Nigeria. Nike started out modestly in 1996 selling the clothes she made from the boot of her car and in bazaars. Today, Ruff 'n' Tumble is an instantly recognisable brand in Nigeria and has a reputation for being one of the top manufacturers of children's clothing throughout West Africa. Ruff 'n' Tumble successfully caters to the unique fashion sense of today’s youngsters, from new born to age 16, happily mixing indigenous lifestyle trends with an international appeal.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Adenike Ogunlesi, Success
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Entrepreneur Advice from Sibongile Sambo: Receiving awards and recognition show I'm headed in the right direction

May 6, 2014 Melanie Hawken

On receiving awards and recognition as an entrepreneur ....

“These awards show that I’m heading in the right direction. It also means that the business of aviation is my playground. I plan to take SRS Aviation to greater heights and become the leader in this business.”

- Sibongile Sambo is a pioneering woman of South African aviation. She is founder and Chief Executive Officer of SRS Aviation Ltd., the first 100 percent black, female-owned aviation services company in South Africa. Launched in 2004, SRS is an integrated provider of private aviation services offering South African and international clients professional and personalized flight options including VIP Charter, tourist charter and helicopter services, to destinations around the world. Today, the company also provides maintenance, sales and fleet management services to private jet owners.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Sibongile Sambo, Success
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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 / 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 / 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 / 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 / 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

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



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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

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