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Lionesses of Africa

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(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Entrepreneur Advice from Lana de Klerk: Persevere!

September 16, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Lana de Klerk, founder of Prestige Marketing (South Africa)

Lana de Klerk, founder of Prestige Marketing (South Africa)

Perseverance is essential....

"See every challenge and hurdle along the way as an opportunity. Surround yourself with like-minded people who will cheer you on. Always remember the 4 P's: Persevere! Persevere! Persevere! Persevere!"

- Lana de Klerk is the founder of Prestige Marketing in South Africa, a company specialising in corporate gifts and clothing. Lana's passion has always been in marketing, and she's always loved stationery, gifts and clothing, so it seemed the perfect industry for her to launch her business in.Today, she is building a successful business and brand and with great ambitions for the future.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Julie Cassidy: The rewards far outweigh the efforts

September 14, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Julie Cassidy, co-founder of ProFlex People (South Africa)

Julie Cassidy, co-founder of ProFlex People (South Africa)

The rewards will far outweigh your efforts....

"Don't give up! As hard as the struggle seems to get your business off the ground and become your own boss, the rewards far outweigh the efforts."

- Julie Cassidy is the co-founder of ProFlex People in South Africa, a company that provides a flexible solution to small businesses by allowing them to choose and buy-in the skills they need, for as long as they need, with no additional overheads, employment challenges or excessive rates - all via an online platform. Julie worked in the corporate world for over 20 years building a strong foundation of business knowledge and skills in the transformation and change management fields before launching her own entrepreneurial journey.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Mimi Shodeinde: Be a master of your craft

September 8, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Mimi Shodeinde, founder of Miminat Designs (UK)

Mimi Shodeinde, founder of Miminat Designs (UK)

Be a master of your craft....

"The art world is fast moving and competitive, so I’ve learnt that the only way to succeed is always be at the top of my game. I want to always create fresh and innovative content that strikes a chord with my buyers. Design is an expression of many contradictions; it is simple, yet complex, it considers form and function whilst possessing timeless quality that continually pushes design boundaries. So my only advice will be stay on TOP of your game, be a master of your craft."

- Mimi Shodeinde is the founder of Miminat Designs in the UK, a company that specialises in furniture and product design for commercial and residential projects both in the UK and internationally. Mimi's philosophy is simple: to constantly innovate and explore and push the boundaries of the furniture and design world. Mimi's work exploits a combination of quality materials and textures to develop avant-garde pieces using methods of construction enriched with history.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Entrepreneur Advice from Alison Barnard: Take baby steps to grow

September 7, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Alison Barnard, founder of African Kaleidoscope Events (South Africa)

Alison Barnard, founder of African Kaleidoscope Events (South Africa)

Take baby steps to grow....

"If your gut is telling you to startup in business, you should listen to it and go for it - take baby steps and grow slowly so that you can feel the success, and build up the finances and confidence in yourself and in your customers."

- Alison Barnard is the founder of African Kaleidoscope Events in South Africa, a specialist event management company. Alison has been providing event management services for the past 13 years to Government, Corporate and Private Individuals. She was a finalist in the SMME Category of the Top Women Awards in 2010.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Growing Your Business
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Entrepreneur Advice from Heather Cresswel: Have a vision that you can hold onto

September 6, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Heather Cresswell (L) & Savannah Sefor (R), founders of Firebrand (South Africa)

Heather Cresswell (L) & Savannah Sefor (R), founders of Firebrand (South Africa)

Have a vision that you can hold onto....

"Find a friend who loves and supports you on your worst days and who believes in you when you doubt. Surround yourself with good people. Most importantly, I think it’s essential to have a vision that you can hold onto and focus on during those challenging days."

- Heather Cresswell is the co-founder of Firebrand in South Africa, a consulting company that creates strategic, bespoke organisational transformation programmes for its corporate clients. Heather is a qualified Facilitator and Coach in the Thinking Environment, and has spent the past 20 years working in the field of personal, team and leadership development. As a successful entrepreneur she knows the challenges faced by leaders and teams in business during these uncertain times. She’s passionate about what it takes to create workable relationships and  believes your relationship to yourself, others and life largely determines your level of joy, fulfillment and happiness.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Vision & Mission
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Entrepreneur Advice from Adenah Bayoh: You have to put the work in

September 5, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Adenah Bayoh, serial entrepreneur (United States)

Adenah Bayoh, serial entrepreneur (United States)

You have to put the work in....

“There is no substitute for hard work. You have to put the work in if you want to be successful. My grandmother would always say: ‘You have to wake up before everyone else gets up and do more than everyone else.’ I watched my grandmother navigate her way through almost any challenge because of her willingness to put in the work.”

- Adenah Bayoh is a very successful real estate entrepreneur in the United States. She embodies the American dream. At age 13, she escaped the civil war in her native country of Liberia, immigrated to the United States and is now one of the most successful entrepreneurs in her home state of New Jersey. Adenah is the founder and CEO of Adenah Bayoh and Companies, which is the parent corporation that owns IHOP franchises in Paterson and Irvington, New Jersey and a real estate development portfolio with over $225 million in urban redevelopment projects. Because of the success of her flagship IHOP in Irvington, she is the second largest employer in the area. Next year, Adenah will launch Cornbread, her signature line of fast casual, farm-to-table, soul food restaurants.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Work Ethic
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Entrepreneur Advice from Janet Nkubana: Get your PR going and keep talking to people

September 2, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Gahaya Links 2.jpg
Janet Nkubana 8.jpg

Maximising your Public Relations is important....

"Public Relations is key to any initiative, not only business initiatives... (to) implement any idea you have – talk about it. Be free and say what you think, share what you want to achieve. Use the partnerships and nurture them."

- Janet Nkubana, co-founded  Gahaya Links Cooperatives with her sister Joy Ndungutse shortly after the Rwandan genocide ended in 1994. These inspiring sisters had a vision to turn ancient basket weaving skills into a source of livelihood for thousands of rural women. Many of the women, like Janet and Joy themselves, were returning refugees or survivors of the genocide. The women started weaving baskets in exchange for food. Initially bringing together about twenty women, the sisters taught them how to weave and how to enhance their weaving skills with new design techniques. Today, Gahaya Links manages a network of over 4,000 weavers across the country, organised into around 52 cooperatives that help provide much needed income and stability. The sisters have successfully opened the business to international markets, partnering with the likes of Macy’s, Walmart, Oprah Magazine, and Kate Spade. Today, Gahaya Links "Peace Baskets” are sold and admired the world over.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Joy Ndungutse & Janet Nkubana
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Entrepreneur Advice from Saloni Kantaria: Do your due diligence

August 31, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Do your due diligence....

"Do your due diligence and see if your idea is actually something the market needs or whether its only you who thinks the market needs it. Speak to people you trust about your concept and get their feedback. If you've decided to go ahead and implement your concept then stick to your guns and don't lose confidence."

- Saloni Kantaria, the founder of Reform Cycling and Strength Studio in Nairobi, is bringing something fresh to the exercise scene. She has launched East Africa's first boutique class focused studio integrating technology with fitness. Born and raised in Nairobi, Saloni played tennis for Kenya in the 1990s and was the top ranked female tennis player in Kenya until 1999 with a junior world ranking. She then went on to play tennis for Cornell University where she pursued her undergraduate degree. Although she moved on to become an international arbitration lawyer, she always had a passion for fitness and decided to her open her fitness studio in January 2016.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
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Entrepreneur Advice from Ntshantsha Tafeni-Majombozi: There is no instant gratification

August 29, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Ntshantsha Tafeni-Majombozi, founder of Yivani Naturals (South Africa)

Ntshantsha Tafeni-Majombozi, founder of Yivani Naturals (South Africa)

There is no instant gratification....

"Being in business requires tenacity and serious patience. There is no instant gratification, you have to work hard in order to achieve lasting success in business."

- Ntshantsha Tafeni-Majombozi is the founder of Yivani Naturals. a South Africa startup producing a range of 100% natural soothing and therapeutic skincare. Ntshantsha's concept is focused on the promotion of South African Indigenous Herbs and Essential Oils offering natural alternatives to health for a more holistic mind, body, and soul solution. She is actively involved in Youth development coordinating and working with the South African Youth Council. Her other current directorship positions are with Office Furniture Africa, IPCOWEB, Zenande Women’s investments and Siyakhweza Women’s Investments.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Entrepreneur Advice from Rosemary Obi: Start from where you are

August 24, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Rosemary Obi, founder of Project FX Make-Up Show Africa (Nigeria)

Rosemary Obi, founder of Project FX Make-Up Show Africa (Nigeria)

Start from where you are....

"Start from where you are. All you need is God, Goals and Guts. Do not be scared to start small. Keep going and never look back nor listen to any pessimism. Just do it and the sky will only be but a launch pad for you."

- Rosemary Obi is the founder of Project FX Make-Up Show Africa in Nigeria, Africa's first ever make-up reality show launched in June 2016, with makeup artist contestants from 5 African countries.. Rosemary's love for make-up and Africa as a whole inspired her to start her Makeup Show journey. She is proudly promoting African make-up creatives and brands.

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In Entrepreneur Advice
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Entrepreneur Advice from Susan Kinuthia: Take small steps in the right direction

August 23, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Susan Kinuthia, founder of Ruzena Naturals (Kenya)

Susan Kinuthia, founder of Ruzena Naturals (Kenya)

Start with a small step....

"The smallest step in the right direction can end up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must, but just take the step."

- Susan Kinuthia, is the founder of Ruzena Naturals in Kenya, a company that manufactures natural handmade soaps from shea butter, cocoa butter and cold pressed oils like sesame oil, black castor oil and palm kernel oil. A Graphic Designer by profession, Susan quit the corporate world in January 2014 to follow her passion and launch her entrepreneurial journey. Having successfully developed her core product range, Susan plans to introduce at least four more soap variants in the next year, as well as a hair treatment and body lotion.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
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Entrepreneur Advice from Amanda Ioannoy: Dream big and aim even higher!

August 19, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Amanda Ioannoy (founder) & Varisha Singh, the dynamic duo behind Ambella Corporate and Promotional Gifts(South Africa)

Amanda Ioannoy (founder) & Varisha Singh, the dynamic duo behind Ambella Corporate and Promotional Gifts(South Africa)

Dream big and aim even higher!...

"With many young women today, the lack of self belief and the "I Can" attitude is common, yet something as simple as this can change your outlook on any situation. The belief in yourself is the most powerful attribute to have, and with this attribute already half of the battle is won!"

- Amanda Ioannoy is the founder of Ambella Corporate and Promotional Gifts in South Africa, a company that provides gifting and promotional merchandise products to effectively promote company brands. Amanda is passionate about enriching the brands she works with and to positively impact the corporate world by creating a thriving brand culture. With a B.Comm degree in Business Management and as a dedicated wife and mother to two beautiful girls, Amanda embodies the lifestyle and career aspirations of today's generation of women entrepreneurs.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Self Belief
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Entrepreneur Advice from Claire Keet: Be clear about your motivation for starting up

August 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Claire Keet, founder of Sentiens (South Africa)

Claire Keet, founder of Sentiens (South Africa)

Be clear about your motivation for starting up....

"Interrogate your motivation for starting a business. And be honest with yourself. That motivation is what you'll rely on to get you out of bed when it feels like your business is failing. It will be what helps you remain strong when you're learning the really tough lessons, of which there will be plenty. It will inspire you to find solutions for challenges that seem unconquerable. Write down your motivation and make sure it's real enough not to waver in the face of the fear, hard work, stress and challenges that you will face."

- Claire Keet is a multi-faceted entrepreneur and the founder of Sentiens in South Africa, a company that works with local designers to create a range of beautiful, functional yoga and fitness gear. Claire's focus is on printed yoga and active mats, which combine gorgeous aesthetics with great performance. She studied a Bachelor of Journalism specialising in English Literature and Communication Design at Rhodes University before the call to explore sent her packing to Asia where she travelled extensively and made a life for herself in South Korea for several years. She returned to South Africa to launch the creative, brand consultancy, BorisHenry in 2012.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Motivation
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Entrepreneur Advice from Angela Livu: Patience is a virtue

August 17, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Angela Livu, founder of Luxury Hair (Kenya)

Angela Livu, founder of Luxury Hair (Kenya)

Patience is a virtue....

"Be Patient. Rome was not built in a day. Also put God first in everything that you do."

- Angela Livu is the founder of Luxury Hair in Kenya, a company that imports Luxury Hair products and helps women manage hair loss. Angela is committed to providing discerning women with the highest quality hair products that are 100% ethically sourced and beautiful to look at and wear. Prior to following her entrepreneurial path, Angela, who holds an MBA, worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Entrepreneur Advice from Mignionette Fair: Find yourself a mentor

August 16, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Mignionette Fair, founder of Fair Translation and Editing Services (South Africa)

Mignionette Fair, founder of Fair Translation and Editing Services (South Africa)

Find yourself a mentor....

"Get a mentor who can support your dreams and who has similar values. My mentor has been the biggest blessing in my business. I don't know where I would be without her."

- Mignionette Fair is the founder of Fair Translation and Editing Services in South Africa, a company that edits and translates books, personal and professional documents and also does copy-writing for websites and magazines. Mignionette has a B.Com degree in Financial Journalism from the University of the Free State and an Honours Degree in Journalism and Media from the University of Witwatersrand. She is passionate about providing a world-class service at a fair price.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Mentoring
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Entrepreneur Advice from Karené Wedekind: Focus, focus, focus

August 15, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Karené Wedekind, founder of Karené Wedekind Photography (South Africa)

Karené Wedekind, founder of Karené Wedekind Photography (South Africa)

Focus, focus, focus....

"Be more specific. Figure out what you do differently, make that your special thing - focus focus focus and use that to stand out in the crowd. Then always dress your business for success. Make it look more confident than you feel. If your business looks professional, it'll be taken more seriously."

- Karené Wedekind is the founder of Karené Wedekind Photography in South Africa, a company that serves small and medium businesses by creating bespoke photos that give their companies a sense of quality and value. Karené passionately believes good photography and design can elevate the smallest business and make them more competitive in the market place. She has a degree in Fine Art with Photography as her Major.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Entrepreneur Advice from Njeri Rionge: You need to have the right people around you to succeed

August 12, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Njeri Rionge.jpg

Get the right people and experts around you....

“You need to have the right people around you – you can’t do everything yourself. A lot of entrepreneurs think they need to be good at every aspect of the business but this is not the case.”

- Njeri Rionge is one of Africa’s leading entrepreneurs and one of the very few women pioneers in the ICT sector on the African continent. This serial entrepreneur founded numerous companies including co-founding the internet service provider Wananchi Online, one of east Africa’s leading providers of pay-tv, broadband internet and VoIP services. Today she splits her time between strategy consulting, speaking engagements, and investment work, either personally or through one of her portfolio businesses. Her focus is on working with SMEs and entrepreneurs to grow indigenous businesses that can be scaled across Africa.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Njeri Rionge, People Management
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Entrepreneur Advice from Divine Ndhlukula: Leave the cash in your business as long as you can

August 4, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Don't be tempted to take cash out of your early-stage startup venture....

"...when a bit of cash starts rolling in, have the discipline to know that it is not your money yet.  It is still the business’s money because you want the business to grow. So for you to sustain it and enjoy phenomenal growth, that anyone going into business wants, you need to reinvest all the little bits of cash that you get then you can be assured that your business will grow."

- Divine Ndhlukula founded SECURICO Security Services from humble beginnings in Zimbabwe in 1998. Divine identified a need in the market for a quality oriented security company and she has driven SECURICO to become the market leader in Zimbabwe. She has tackled a previously male-dominated industry head on and her business success story is nothing short of remarkable - marking her as one of Africa's most tenacious and inspiring women entrepreneurs.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Divine Ndhlukula, Management Advice
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Entrepreneur Advice from Abisola Owolawi: Don't wait for a 'right time'

August 3, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Abisola Owolawi, founder of 30Watt Media (Nigeria)

Abisola Owolawi, founder of 30Watt Media (Nigeria)

Don't wait for a 'right time'....

"If you are passionate about driving change and solving problems, there is no better time than now. Start somewhere, seek advice, do some research, seek funding or start small. Move one step closer today."

- Abisola Owolawi, is the founder of 30Watt Media in Nigeria, an integrated consultancy with a focus on communications and how it affects human capital within organisations. Abisola has wide ranging experience in Business Media and Communications, her professional expertise cutting across Radio, Television and Publishing platforms in key Sub-Saharan Africa markets. Prior to founding 30Watt Media, she served as the West Africa Correspondent to Forbes Africa, Forbes Woman Africa & Forbes Life Africa magazines respectively, before which she held Management roles at CNBC Africa and 3S Media.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
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Entrepreneur Advice from Mariam Mpaata: It takes hard work and lots of patience

August 2, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Mariam Mpaata, founder of Junior Stars Youth Development Programme (Kenya)

Mariam Mpaata, founder of Junior Stars Youth Development Programme (Kenya)

It takes hard work and lots of patience....

"I have come to believe that entrepreneurship is harder than most people think. It requires extra, extra hard work and lots of patience. The greatest thing, however, is that entrepreneurship has overwhelming benefits including financial, psychological and social."

- Mariam Mpaata, founder of Junior Stars Youth Development Programme in Kenya, a social enterprise that uses football and mentorship to empower youth and women. She organises a host of local leagues, training programmes, awards, and a mentoring programme - all using soccer to uplift an inspire young people. Mariam's positive contribution has seen her recognised and listed in the Business Daily’s ‘Top 40 Under 40 Remarkable Women in 2014, and recently by Chase Bank’s ‘Top 30 Under 40 Muslim Women in Kenya.’

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Work Ethic
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

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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.

Read more →
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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Hazile Group, a South African agribusiness focused on sustainable food systems, renewable energy, and water stewardship

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.

Read more →
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.

Read more →

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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