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Lionesses of Africa

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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Entrepreneur Advice from Priscilla Makundi - JUST DO IT because with every time that passes, it will never come back!

August 12, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Daniela Barajas (L) and Priscilla Makundi (R), co-founders of Sote Tunaweza

Daniela Barajas (L) and Priscilla Makundi (R), co-founders of Sote Tunaweza

Don't fall into the trap of putting things off until 'Tomorrow'. Tomorrow never comes!....

"It is time to change. It is time to walk down another street. The first step that you have to take is to believe in yourself. Just decide who you are, who you want to be and go ahead and do it. Start with the resources that you have and do not make any excuses or wait any longer, no matter what challenges are against you. Whenever I used to make excuses not to do something, my father used to say, "Tomorrow? Tomorrow never comes." He meant that if there is anything that you can do today, just DO IT, because tomorrow will come and you will make another excuse not to do what you know you are meant to do. So go ahead and JUST DO IT because with every time that passes, it will never come back. Question is, what are you going to do with your time?"

-  Priscilla Makundi is the co-founder of Sote Tunaweza (formerly known as the Pamoja Tunaweza Initiative) a Tanzanian social enterprise she co-founded with Daniela Barajas in 2014, with the support of Middlebury College and the Clinton Global Initiative University. Priscilla has been a member of CGIU for two consecutive years and has committed herself to helping to prevent poverty and promote women’s innovation in emerging markets by empowering them through entrepreneurship and leadership training institutes.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
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Entrepreneur Advice from Nozuko Teto - Find out what fulfils your soul

August 4, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Nozuko Teto, opera singer and founder of Adesso Enterprises (South Africa)

Nozuko Teto, opera singer and founder of Adesso Enterprises (South Africa)

It's about finding your purpose and working hard to fulfil it....

"Life has no guarantees, find out what fulfils your soul, have a steadfast source of strength, and work hard to achieve what you feel is your purpose here on earth."

- Nozuko Teto is a gifted South African opera singer who is showing the world’s connoisseurs that she is a musical and entrepreneurial force to be reckoned with. Nozuko has founded Adesso Enterprises through which she markets and manages her performances and concerts. Born in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, Nozuko obtained her BMUS (Mus.ED.) degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, graduated with a PGDIP (Opera Performance) from the University of Cape Town, and then moved to Italy in 2011 to perfect her performance skills at the Center for Belcanto in Modena.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Purpose
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Entrepreneur Advice from Tetsi Bugaari, Lynn Bugaari and Nuba Elamin - Starting a business can be very challenging

July 31, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Tetsi & Lynn Bugaari and Nuba Elamin, founders of Buqisi-Ruux (Kenya)

Tetsi & Lynn Bugaari and Nuba Elamin, founders of Buqisi-Ruux (Kenya)

Starting your own business can be a bumpy road....

"As it is said and written everywhere, starting a business can be very challenging. You can have the best morning, and yet by the next hour, you might not know where you went wrong. My first piece of advice would be to never give up, always remember your end goal, and despite what challenges come your way, always remember why you started this business in the first place and push through it."

- Tetsi & Lynn Bugaari and Nuba Elamin are the co-founders of Buqisi-Ruux, a shoe brand from Kenya that designs and produces high-heeled shoes covered in bold and colourful African print material. The Buqisi-Ruux brand also celebrates the success of the African continent and its women, as each shoe is named after an inspirational African woman and her story is shared with the world.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Tiisetso Skosana - You need to make the right connections

July 30, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Tiisetso Skosana, founder of Lotjhani Branding (South Africa)

Tiisetso Skosana, founder of Lotjhani Branding (South Africa)

Strategic networking and making the right connections is essential....

"One thing we have learned so far is that is necessary to be highly strategic in our approach, doing our homework on the people, companies and organisations we wish to contact, attending the right events, and then using every platform and avenue available to us to make the right connections."

- Tiisetso Skosana is the founder of Lotjhani Investments, a South African company specialising in brand strategy, copywriting and design. Tiisetso achieved her degree in Communications Management specialising in Creative Brand Communications and a postgrad in Business Administration. She has experience in a variety of creative disciplines: as a copywriter and brand strategist in advertising agencies to magazine and online writing as well as digital and public relations management.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Networking
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Entrepreneur Advice from Johanette van Niekerk - You have to believe in yourself and what you are doing

July 26, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Johanette van Niekerk, founder of Sew Good Handmade (South Africa)

Johanette van Niekerk, founder of Sew Good Handmade (South Africa)

You need to believe in yourself and what you are doing....

"If you are going to be able to achieve success, and sell what you create, you have to believe in yourself and what you are doing. I know and understand what makes people look and feel good when it comes to jewellery and what connects with them emotionally. I love it when someone wears a piece of my jewellery and they get that incredible smile on their face when they put a necklace around their neck, or a bracelet on their wrist. People appreciate creative people who work with their hands to make beautiful things, so if you are a creative entrepreneur you should channel that emotion and that positive feedback into your work and use it as a source of inspiration."

- Johanette van Niekerk is the founder of Sew Good Handmade South Africa a company that designs and produces a unique range of jewellery and accessories. Johanette has worked for herself ever since she finished studying design at the University of Pretoria and has always been involved in the design and fashion industry. The inspiration for the pieces that Sewgood Handmade produces comes from the raw materials Johanette uses, which come from all over the world - whether that material is wood, glass or a semi-precious stone.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Self Belief
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Entrepreneur Advice from Faraja Nyalandu - Women need to believe in themselves

July 9, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Faraja Nyalandu, founder Shule Direct (Tanzania)

Faraja Nyalandu, founder Shule Direct (Tanzania)

Women need to believe in themselves.... 

"We have all heard what we are capable of. Now, we just need to own the accolades. I have met women who have all the details figured out, but they are still too scared to take the next step. They just need to take that leap of faith. Believe in yourself and believe in your ideas. So long as they are solving a problem, you are on the right track."

- Faraja Nyalandu is an inspirational edupreneur and the founder of Shule Direct in Tanzania. Her company creates local and accessible digital educational content for Secondary School students designed around the Tanzanian National Curriculum. She has built an adaptable platform to make this content available on a range of devices from the most basic mobiles to full-featured desktop learning portals.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Self Belief
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Entrepreneur Advice from Mary-Anne Grobler - Never give up on your dream

July 3, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Mary-Anne Grobler & Kara Furter, co-founders of Matter of Fakt (South Africa)

Mary-Anne Grobler & Kara Furter, co-founders of Matter of Fakt (South Africa)

Giving up is not an option....

"Just don’t give up - if you think it is not working, you just have to keep pushing and never give up on your dream."

- Mary-Anne Grobler is the co-founder of Matter of Fakt, an up-and-coming South African jewellery design brand that specialises in crafting raw, semi-precious stone pieces. Mary-Anne originally trained as an art director and worked in the advertising industry for a few years. But, she always knew that she wanted to build her own brand and take control of its destiny. 

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Asma Dukanda - You need to manage your own expectations

July 1, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Asma Dukanda, founder of Mokopu (South Africa)

Asma Dukanda, founder of Mokopu (South Africa)

You need to manage your own expectations as a new startup....

"It is not easy - I planned a lot, and saved up my money ready for the day I was to launch. You forget that in the initial stages it is slow, and you have to remember that you are building a new business and a brand. In all the initial excitement and with so much to do, it is easy to forget that you are a new startup and you are often tempted to raise your own expectations to impossible limits, or to look at others that are so much further down the business journey than you are and wish you were there already, so you have to continually remind yourself that you are just starting out on your own journey and that it takes time to become established. One of the key challenges is to manage your own expectations."

- Asma Dukanda is the founder of Mokopu, a South African startup company, launched in December 2014, that designs and produces a range of baby products and clothing, and specialises in locally sourced and created products. The name Mokopu comes from the South-Sotho word for Pumpkin. Asma is a qualified civil engineer who has reinvented herself as an entrepreneur.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Entrepreneur Advice from Dr. Jennifer Riria - Find your passion

June 16, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Dr. Jennifer Riria, Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding

Dr. Jennifer Riria, Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding

My message to Africa’s young aspiring business people and entrepreneurs...

"What are they passionate about? What can you die for? That is the first thing they should find out and go die for it."

- Dr. Jennifer Riria is the Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding and one of Africa's leading women entrepreneurs who has always been on a mission to transform the lives of women and their families in her native Kenya. She is distinguished as a microfinance banker and practitioner, researcher and gender specialist. She has served in many leadership roles for which she has been recognized locally and internationally. In 2013 she was awarded the Ernst & Young (EY) Entrepreneur of the year, East Africa 2013, and subsequently, the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2014, at which point she was admitted to EY’s Global Hall of Fame.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Jennifer Riria, Passion
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Entrepreneur Advice from Ashley Heather: Your intuition is a powerful a tool

June 16, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Ashley Heather, founder of Ashley Heather Jewellery

Ashley Heather, founder of Ashley Heather Jewellery

Have patience and trust your inutition....

"Have patience. Ask for advice but also be prepared to disregard it - your intuition can be as powerful a tool as all the best business books combined. Be kind to yourself."

- Ashley Heather is the founder and creative force behind Cape Town-based Ashley Heather Jewellery. All her jewellery is handcrafted at her Woodstock work+shop using precious metals reclaimed from circuit boards by a small refinery in South Africa. Ashley takes great care about every aspect of the craft and is constantly striving for the most sustainable studio practices from the manufacturing processes right through to the packaging.

 

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In Entrepreneur Advice
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Entrepreneur Advice from Amorie Daubern: When you feel like giving up - Don't!

June 12, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Amorie Daubern, founder of Volhart

Amorie Daubern, founder of Volhart

Coping with the many challenges that you will confront as an entrepreneur....

"When you are on your entrepreneurial journey, and you are facing challenges and feel like giving up, don’t - just keep going and remember you are only half-way through your journey. Get through your challenges and then you will see the results and get that satisfaction that no money in the world can buy."

- Amorie Daubern is an interior architect and the founder of Volhart, a company that creates beautiful and unique, handmade and environmentally friendly homeware and stationery items. Armorie's products are inspired by the breath-taking beauty and indigenous character of the country she so loves - South Africa.

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In Entrepreneur Advice
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Entrepreneur Advice from Amy Sinovich: There is no set formula to follow

June 11, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Amy Sinovich, founder of Resonate by amy

Amy Sinovich, founder of Resonate by amy

Trust the process and be prepared to keep learning.... 

"There is no set formula to starting a business and no two businesses will ever be the same, so my advice is trust your instincts and make decisions based on what feels right for you and your business, not based on what other people are doing."

- Amy Sinovich is an incredibly talented South African jewellery designer and the founder of Resonate by amy, a company that designs and manufactures bespoke jewellery. Amy is a graduate of the University of Johannesburg and the Ruth Prowse School of Art and in 2012 she was selected to exhibit as part of the Emerging Creatives programme at the 2013 Design Indaba.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Amy Sinovich, Jewellery Design
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Entrepreneur Advice from Eunice Cofie: You've got to believe in yourself

May 26, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Eunice Cofie, founder and CEO of Nuekie, Ghana

Eunice Cofie, founder and CEO of Nuekie, Ghana

Starting a business is not easy, but you need to believe in yourself....

"Starting a business is not easy. I think the hardest thing for me in the beginning was believing in myself and my abilities. I would tell women who want to start a company to believe in themselves and their business idea. When you believe in yourself you can work wonders."

- Eunice Cofie is the founder, President and Chief Cosmetic Chemist of Nuekie, an innovative health and beauty company that combines traditional African medicine and modern science to develop products and services to meet the unique needs of people of colour. Eunice harnesses her passion for science to make a difference to people’s lives and, at the same, building a new global health and beauty powerhouse. Eunice is a graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry/molecular biology.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Beauty & Wellness
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Entrepreneur Advice from Miki Agrawal: Stay focused on your desired outcome

April 18, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Miki Agrawal, serial social entrepreneur and author (USA)

Miki Agrawal, serial social entrepreneur and author (USA)

Top advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs....

“A great piece of advice I was told was to always focus on your desired outcome, and not the pain you’re going through right now to get there, as this desired outcome will keep you inspired and strong, even during your most vulnerable moments.”

- Miki Agrawal was named one of Forbes 2013 “Millennials on a Mission”, and was the recipient of a 2013 Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Award. She is a graduate of Cornell University in the US, and is the founder of acclaimed farm-to-table pizza restaurant, WILD; the founder of THINX, a sustainable underwear company for women; and a partner in Super Sprowtz, a children’s multi-media company that fosters healthy eating. She is the author of “Do Cool Sh*t”, a great book guiding aspirant entrepreneurs on how to quit their day jobs, start their own businesses and live happily ever after.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Social Entrepreneur
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Entrepreneur Advice from Dr. Jennifer Riria - Mentorship, like any good business plan, needs to be structured and done in levels

April 16, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Dr. Jennifer Riria, Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding

Dr. Jennifer Riria, Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding

Women need to see that it can be done.... 

"My definition of mentors is people who will get women to move to the next level. It is not the ones who say ‘be good and be nice,’ no. Whatever it takes to move you to the next level, take it. Mentorship is a slow process, perhaps even slower for women being mentored into leadership roles because they will also be breaking the barriers of culture and the ladders of tradition at the same time."

- Dr. Jennifer Riria is the Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding and one of Africa's leading women entrepreneurs who has always been on a mission to transform the lives of women and their families in her native Kenya. She is distinguished as a microfinance banker and practitioner, researcher and gender specialist. She has served in many leadership roles for which she has been recognized locally and internationally. In 2013 she was awarded the Ernst & Young (EY) Entrepreneur of the year, East Africa 2013, and subsequently, the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2014, at which point she was admitted to EY’s Global Hall of Fame.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Jennifer Riria, Mentoring
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Entrepreneur Advice from Alison Stewart: Calculate your risks

March 19, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Alison Stewart, co-founder of FEAT. sock, South Africa

Alison Stewart, co-founder of FEAT. sock, South Africa

My top advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs....

"Plan properly, take risks but make sure they are calculated risks."

- Alison Stewart is co-founder of FEAT. sock a startup building a new designer sock brand with a global appeal. Her aim: to brighten up people’s daily footwear with beautiful, lovingly made, and ultimately fun socks. She is passionate about supporting local industry, so all her company's socks are proudly made in Cape Town, South Africa.

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In Entrepreneur Advice
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Entrepreneur Advice from Swaady Martin: Building a brand takes creativity and lots of hard work

January 22, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Swaady Martin-Leke, founder of YSWARA

Swaady Martin-Leke, founder of YSWARA

It takes creativity, commitment and hard work to build a successful brand....

"We are aiming at creating a globally recognized luxury brand so there is never a moment of rest. We are and need to constantly push the limits of excellence, creativity and beauty. We are constantly benchmarking ourselves to the global brands and know we still have some work to do."

- Swaady Martin-Leke, an Ivorian entrepreneur, is founder of YSWARA, a growing African luxury brand. YSWARA creates elegant, high-end products using the continent’s natural resources, all produced by African artisans. Products include gourmet tea, chocolates and home and accessories collections such as homeware, spoons, home fragrances and artisan jewellery. Swaady aims to capture a true spirit of African luxury by reviving Africa’s endangered cultural heritage and unique ancestral craftsmanship. YSWARA is present in 4 countries -- South Africa, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and France -- with 15 different direct and indirect retail points.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Swaady Martin
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Entrepreneur Advice from Sibongile Sambo: Being a good communicator improves your chances of success

January 13, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Being a good communicator improves your chances of success as an entrepreneur ....

“Being able to communicate with people at different levels has probably benefited me most in my career.”

- 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, Top Advice
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Entrepreneur Advice from Pam Golding: Women must trust their special skill .... INTUITION

January 8, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Ladies, trust your female intuition....

“Never doubt we women have a special skill - one that we call intuition … it’s that inner voice that will be your strongest mentor.”

- Pam Golding is one of Africa's most successful women entrepreneurs and an icon of the real estate industry.  She founded Pam Golding Properties in South Africa in 1976 with no start-up capital and just a single sales assistant. The company now has over 300 offices in Africa as well as international offices in the UK, Germany, France and Mauritius. It is one of South Africa’s largest independent property trading companies with 2010 turnover of US$1.7 billion. Pam is now retired from active management, but remains the Life President of the company she founded.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Pam Golding, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Entrepreneur Advice from Anna Savage: Sometimes you need to just roll with it

December 29, 2014 Melanie Hawken
Anna Savage (top left), co-founder of I Heart Market, Durban

Anna Savage (top left), co-founder of I Heart Market, Durban

Sometimes you just need to allow your business to evolve....

"Starting a business is like creating a human life. There is a gestation period, infancy and then at some point the business turns into a teenager and takes on a personality of it’s own. At this point, it is necessary to re-evaluate the direction that the business is taking. Sometimes, it is not the direction that you hoped but it’s what the public is demanding. This is the point at which you have to trust and just roll with it. It’s not an easy thing to allow the business to evolve into it’s own beast!"

- Anna Savage is the owner and co-founder of the popular I Heart Market in Durban. Since its humble beginnings in 2009, this now renowned market has mushroomed in popularity, becoming a favourite with Durban locals and visitors alike. Anna has managed to bring together a colourful celebration of local talent, fresh foods and quirky decor and design and she strongly endorses authenticity, originality and clever craftsmanship.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Anna Savage
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Lioness GoTrade Podcast Episode 1

Episode 1: Lioness GoTrade Podcast: your go-to resource for growing your business beyond borders. Lionesses of Africa and DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa launch a new podcast series to help women-owned and women-led SMEs break into new markets through cross-border trade. Our launch episode features four remarkable women, each with a different view and experience of cross-border trade.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys Podcast features Melanie Hawken, founder & CEO, Lionesses of Africa and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, who share insights on creating greater access to finance and economic growth opportunities for women business builders in Africa. Also in conversation are three women entrepreneurs building sustainable, impact-driven businesses - Anne Rweyora, founder of Smart Havens Africa in Uganda, an enterprise creating affordable, climate-smart homes for women; and Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, co-founders of Mo’s Crib in South Africa, a high-growth, sustainable handmade decor manufacturing business.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys Podcast focuses on women entrepreneurs in the agribusiness sector who are in growth mode. In conversation with host Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, are Yvette Dickson-Tetteh, co-founder of Pure and Just Food in Ghana, a high-impact business transforming fresh fruit into premium tropical dried fruit products; and Hadija Jabiri, founder of GBRI Business Solutions in Tanzania, which specialises in growing, processing and selling premium fruits and vegetables for local and export markets.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys Podcast co-hosted by Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, focuses on the important topic of how to advance smart, inclusive investment in WSMES for sustainable economic development on the African continent. Guests in conversation and sharing their considerable insights include: Dipuo Phakathi, founder of Denic Cabinets in South Africa, Mariam Zein, MD of MAFCI in Mauritania, and Aniela Koffi, SME/SMI Manager, Commercial Banking Division, Ecobank.

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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Pleroma Patch, a South African innovative wellness brand creating plant-based patches to support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health.

Vanessa Mhlom is the founder and CEO of Pleroma Patch and is a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. Pleroma Patch is a modern wellness brand pioneering a simpler, smarter way to care for your body, through transdermal vitamin patches. Pleroma’s discreet, plant-based patches support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health. Driven by her belief that dignified self-care should be a right, not a luxury, she is developing the ‘Patch It Forward’ initiative, a give-back model that channels a portion of each purchase toward expanding access to wellness essentials like menstrual and sleep support for underserved women and girls.

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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

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Mo’s Crib, a premium sustainable homeware brand founded by sisters Morongwe and Michelle Mokone in Pretoria, South Africa. From humble beginnings making origami at local markets, the company has grown into one of Africa’s leading exporters of handcrafted décor. Using recycled PVC waterpipes and natural materials such as banana bark, cane, and sisal, Mo’s Crib creates globally sought-after baskets, planters, furniture, and ornaments. Today, the brand supplies major international retailers including Crate & Barrel, Target, and Woolworths Home. Committed to social impact, Mo’s Crib empowers over 85 artisans, creating jobs while advancing environmental sustainability and African design innovation. The business was launched in 2019 and today employs 280 people.

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Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions

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Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi is a social entrepreneur and thought leader in climate resilience, and a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. She leads Hazile Group, a black woman-led enterprise driving climate-smart solutions in agriculture, energy, and water. The company’s core mission is to address food insecurity, water scarcity, and energy transition while uplifting marginalised communities. Hazile's focus on rural development, empowering farmers, and integrating climate-smart technologies directly supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals, notably zero hunger, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and climate action. She also runs Acumind Consulting, guiding organisations toward inclusive, values-driven leadership and ESG strategies.

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Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Setšong Tea Crafters, an agri-business specialising in the crafting of speciality indigenous teas from the natural flora found in South Africa’s rural Limpopo

A former quantity surveyor turned social entrepreneur, Retang Phaahla is the co-founder and CEO of Setšong Tea Crafters in South Africa, and the winner of the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award. Her business celebrates indigenous tea knowledge while driving rural development. Based in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, the majority women-owned social enterprise collaborates with communities to produce a range of health-promoting teas (known for calming nerves, relieving tension, and supporting balanced blood pressure), and hosts cultural tours to promote eco-tourism and preserve heritage. Setšong’s business model has created sustainable income streams for rural women while reviving ancient botanical traditions. The business was launched in 2017 and has created 30 jobs for local people.

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Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise promoting literacy through children’s storybook publishing and capacity building

Dr Margaret Kemigisha is the founder and CEO of Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise that promotes literacy through the publishing of children’s storybooks, offers social research consulting, and builds capacity among fresh graduates. Her work bridges development and applied research, supporting governments, development organizations, and the private sector with evidence-based solutions and creative tools for impact.

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IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza-
Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat
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 / 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 / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o
Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma
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 / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business
Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene
Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro
Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza- Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat 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 / 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 / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma 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 / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro

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

Startup Story

Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger are co-founders of Twenty 4 Skin, a unique South African medical-grade skincare brand. Juanri is a medical doctor with a special interest in regenerative medicine, so you could say she is a holistic regenerative GP, and Bernadette is a somatologist. The brand focuses on hormone optimization, aesthetic medicine, as well as skincare formulations.

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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

Startup Story

Gillian Holl, founder of VELD Architects in South Africa, has built a business renowned for creating spaces that serve not as statements but as sanctuaries. It’s an architecture deeply connected to the African landscape, fostering a sense of belonging and calm.

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Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management

Startup Story

Júlia Silota is the founder and CEO of J&G Environment Ltda, a Mozambican company operating in the environmental field, focused on the purchase and sale of solid waste, and providing solid waste collection services, solid waste management training, and environmental project evaluation. It was founded in August 2020 and began operations in 2023. It employs four people, two full-time and two part-time.

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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

Startup Story

Cláudia Machaieie is the founder of Sea Glasses in Mozambique. She is a 28-year-old with a degree in Marine Biology, a postgraduate degree in Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Biology and Conservation Ecology. She has completed several technical courses in monitoring and project management. She began her activity as a volunteer and social activist at the age of 14 and is currently a founding volunteer of SOA Mozambique and a volunteer with Solo Adventures. She has worked in public (IIP), private (SEPPA, Centro Terra Viva), and international organizations (Girl Move Academy, UN - World Food Programme) developing activities in administration, monitoring, and management of humanitarian and environmental programs. Currently, she is the social responsibility coordinator at TOPACK Mozambique.

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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

Startup Story

Matilde Mawelele Rungo is a digital transformation consultant, cybersecurity specialist, and founder of RealityTech Advisory in Mozambique, where she leads technology-driven projects for businesses and startups. She is also an evangelist and the creator of MTI – A Triad of Hope for Children, an initiative that integrates Evangelism, Technology, and Innovation to empower young people and communities. With a global vision, Matilde is committed to advancing individuals, organizations, and ecosystems through technology, faith, and meaningful social impact. The business was launched in 2024 and today has created jobs for 6 people.

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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

Book Review

Successful entrepreneur Betsy Fore, in her new book Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams, shows how, by practicing a manifesting mindset, you can discover your deepest purpose. She calls this an “inner why” and believes finding it can unlock your greatest potential as a creator, founder, and builder of great products.

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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

Book Review

The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur by Mary Grant is a transformative guide for high-achieving women entrepreneurs, business owners, and coaches who are ready to amplify their influence, impact, and income. Written by Mary Grant, a seasoned entrepreneur and innovation expert with over 30 years in the fashion industry, this book unpacks the art of empowered presence, bold confidence, and defining success on your own terms. Through insights, strategies, and a fresh perspective on success, the author empowers women to harness their unique strengths, navigate challenges, and rise to their next level with clarity and unstoppable momentum.

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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

Book Review

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 is not just another business book. Most focus on strategies and tactics. This one rewires the woman behind the business—so your growth is aligned, sustainable, and actually feels good.

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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

Book Review

In the book, Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business, author Liz Elting, one of the most celebrated and successful women in America, has created a guide for how to not only dream big, but also win―both in business and in life.

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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

Book Review

In her new book, After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup, entrepreneurship expert Julia Austin shares battle-tested strategies to help founders and startup joiners build their venture from the ground up.

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