Entrepreneur Advice from Tsholofelo Tshetlo: Believe in yourself

January 16, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Tsholofelo Tshetlo, founder of Afrophik (South Africa) — **Tsholofelo Tshetlo**, founder of Afrophik (South Africa)

Believe in yourself....

"Believe in yourself, believe in your work, focus on where you want to see your business, no matter the challenges."

- Tsholofelo Tshetlo is the founder of Afrophik in South Africa, a company that manufactures upcycled handbags from various types of leather and paper reclaimed from outdated retail shop catalogues. Tsholofelo's products are are not only eco-friendly, but also unique and most of the manufacturing is done by hand. She is currently working alone, but has a goal to expand her business and train more women.

Entrepreneur Advice from Abai Schulze: Execution is the stuff of success

January 12, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Abai Schulze, founder of ZAAF, Ethiopia — **Abai Schulze**, founder of ZAAF, Ethiopia

Execution is the stuff of success...

"I would advise them to double-down on execution. Move with good data but, by all means, move and move quickly. Execution is the stuff of success – passion is just one of the ingredients."

- Abai Schulze is founder of the creative, new Afro-luxe brand ZAAF who create handcrafted luxury leather handbags and accessories produced by artisans in Ethiopia. Abai, born in a remote village in Ethiopia, has had a truly remarkable life journey. Her journey has taken her from an orphanage in Addis Ababa to the United States where she was raised, and back to Ethiopia. Today, she passionately uses her background in economics and fine arts to create unique and practical expressions of beauty, and to open avenues of opportunity for talented artisans in Ethiopia and the rest of Africa. Her designs draw upon precious cultural relics and allow them renewed expression through fresh, uplifting and modern designs.

Entrepreneur Advice from Martie Cronje: Believe and trust in yourself

January 11, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Martie Cronje, founder of Complete VA (South Africa) — **Martie Cronje**, founder of Complete VA (South Africa)

Believe and trust in yourself....

"Believe and trust in yourself and your business, remain positive, set goals and continue to work hard to achieve them. Never be afraid to make that call or connection - you never know where it might lead (after all, what's the worst that can happen...?). Always aspire to deliver service of excellence."

- Martie Cronje is the founder of Complete VA in South Africa, a company offering Virtual Assistant services to small and medium sized companies. Martie brings over 26 years of administration skills and experience across a wide range of industries to her company. She is passionate about making a difference to her clients and to use her previously gained skills and experience to their advantage, to boost their productivity and efficiency.

Entrepreneur Advice from Yolanda Sing: You need to be resilient

January 10, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Yolanda Sing, founder of Chloe Consultants — **Yolanda Sing**, founder of Chloe Consultants

You need to be resilient....

"It is not easy! You need to have faith, resilience and a very strong desire."

- Yolanda Sing is the founder of Chloe Consultants, a company offering an experiential-learning course that uses interaction between horses and people to create awareness and provide a platform for positive feedback right from ‘the horse’s mouth’. This programme offers coaching, facilitation and mentoring services to executives, business leaders and functional heads regarding the requirements to succeed as an executive in today’s business world. Yolanda has successfully conducted trainings in UK, Dubai and South Africa, for clients like Coca Cola, South African Reserve Bank, Volkswagen, Harley Davidson, to name a few. She holds an international qualification of Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator and has worked as a senior executive with various large companies worldwide.

Entrepreneur Advice from Ntombenhle Khathwane: Find your unique space

January 9, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Ntombenhle Khathwane, founder of AfroBotanics (South Africa) — **Ntombenhle Khathwane**, founder of AfroBotanics (South Africa)

Find your unique space....

"there are business basics that should guide you in deciding to do a business, such as, start a business that is unique and not solving a problem the same way another business is, it will be difficult to break into a crowded market place even if you are very passionate about that business sector."

- Ntombenhle Khathwane is the founder of AfroBotanics in South Africa, a company passionately redefining the beauty narrative to say there isn’t, and can never be, one standard of beauty and each person must strive to embrace and show off that which makes them different. Five years ago Khathwane decided to start manufacturing hair-care products to specifically treat African hair – using natural botanical extracts from indigenous plants such as aloe vera. Today her range of 10 products can be found across the hundreds of retail stores of Game, Clicks and Pick n Pay.

Entrepreneur Advice from Sebenzile Matsebula: Avoid negativity and self pity

January 6, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Sebenzile Matsebula, founder of Motswako Office Solutions, South Africa — **Sebenzile Matsebula**, founder of Motswako Office Solutions, South Africa

Stay positive and avoid self pity....

“In the entrepreneurial space there is no charity and there are no handouts; it’s all about the bottom line and profits. Avoid negativity and self pity - no one is interested in that!”

Sebenzile Matsebula is the founder and Executive Director of Motswako Office Solutions, one of South Africa’s leading office automation and document management solution providers. Sebenzile is also an internationally recognized disability rights activist. She previously worked as the Director of the Office on the Status of Disabled People (OSDP) in the Presidency of Thabo Mbeki for 8 years. In 2009, she was appointed to the Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Advisory Council, which is mandated to advise the government on Black Economic Empowerment in order to remedy the economic legacy of Apartheid.

Entrepreneur Advice from Daniela Wingate - Don’t underestimate yourself

January 4, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Daniela Wingate, founder of Heirloom Treasury (South Africa) — **Daniela Wingate**, founder of Heirloom Treasury (South Africa)

Don’t underestimate yourself....

".... and don’t let other people who tell you that you can’t do something entrepreneurial get to you. I read a wonderful Chinese proverb that says “The person who thinks it can’t be done, can’t interrupt the person who is doing it”. I think this is a really important message because everyone operates from their own personal level of fear of the unknown, but remember that it is their fear not yours, so just be strong and know what you want, and keep focusing on that end goal."

- Daniela Wingate is the founder of The Heirloom Treasury in Johannesburg, South Africa. Daniela produces a range of lovingly hand-made, carefully selected and beautifully displayed stationery and gift items that reflect the art of fine craftsmanship in Africa. The Heirloom Treasury sets out to create gifts that people would like to keep for a lifetime and to then pass them on to others.

Entrepreneur Advice from Tashmeen Authar: Keep your focus

January 3, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Tashmeen Authar, co-founder of Rollasole Africa — **Tashmeen Authar**, co-founder of Rollasole Africa

Keep your focus....

"No matter how many deterrents there are, keep your focus. You will fail your way to success, and your next breakthrough will always be right on the edge of what you deem a failure. Everyone will try to give you advice (generally the ones who do not have a business, will have the most to say), and heed this advice with a pinch of salt and again keep your focus!"

- Tashmeen Authar is the co-founder of Rollasole Africa, a company that manufactures and sells a range of ‘fashionable rollable shoes’ rolled in a compact form with a high heel carry bag, designed to fit into most handbags as an instant solution to high heel pain. Tashmeen and her husband started the business in 2013, a year after getting married, and they used their savings to develop their website and create the first 1000 pairs of shoes.

Entrepreneur Advice from Jesslynn Schlamm: Don’t overthink it, just do it!

December 30, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Jesslynn Schlamm, founder of Lulu & Marula, South Africa — **Jesslynn Schlamm**, founder of Lulu & Marula, South Africa

Don’t overthink it, just do it!....

"If you are sitting there, mulling over the idea of starting up a new business, and you are stressing about all the small details, you are probably never going to do it because you are hindered by fear. The best thing you can do is to say to yourself, “If I fail I fail, if I succeed I succeed, recognising that even if you fail, there are so many lessons to be learned for next time. So, just go and do it and don’t over think it."

- Jesslynn Schlamm is the founder of Lulu & Marula, a South African company that produces a handcrafted, 100% all natural skincare range, created to balance both body & mind. Jesslynn's startup journey is testimony to the power of passion and dedication required to get one ahead. Frustrated by not being able to find skincare products that ticked all the boxes in terms of health, wellbeing, sustainability and eco-friendly production, with a minimal impact on the environment she was inspired to create her own from her small kitchen. Today, her product range is still blended and packaged by hand in small batches in Johannesburg. This means that each product is unique and of the highest quality, something very close to Jesslynn's heart.

Entrepreneur Advice from Sharon Sinclair - You deserve the dream

December 28, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Sharon Sinclair, founder of Chandramala (South Africa) — **Sharon Sinclair**, founder of Chandramala (South Africa)

You deserve the dream....

"Follow your passion, your instinct, surround yourself only with people who inspire your dream. Never give up, no matter what, you deserve the dream, otherwise you would not have the dream. Love Life!"

- Sharon Sinclair is the founder of Chandramala in South Africa, a Mindful Business Consultancy, bringing a holistic approach to business through people understanding and development. Sharon has 22 years experience within the Financial, Human Resources & Recruitment industries, all on a senior management level. Sharon follows a harmoniuous flow within Chandramala, looking always at business from a global and holistic approach.

Entrepreneur Advice from Nozi Kubeka: Keep pushing

December 27, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Nozi Kubeka, founder of Zon Communications (South Africa) — **Nozi Kubeka**, founder of Zon Communications (South Africa)

Keep pushing....

"Do not entertain fear. If you feel any fear (which you will) ignore it and keep pushing until you get to where you want to be. Surround yourself with support, like Lionesses of Africa, and find mentors to help guide you through your journey."

- Nozi Kubeka is the founder of Zon Communications in South Africa, a company on a mission to provide advice, support and life skills to young people through talks and workshops in schools, and youth organisations. Nozi is an entrepreneur, author and speaker who is passionate about transforming the lives of young people through empowering them with a powerful message of how to make wise life choices and decisions.

Entrepreneur Advice from Mavis Nduchwa: Start farming!

December 22, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Mavis Nduchwa, founder of Chabana Farms (Botswana) — **Mavis Nduchwa**, founder of Chabana Farms (Botswana)

Go into agriculture as a business....

"I would say to the youth out there to just go and do it. There are so many new techniques and platforms to use in terms of technology, so you can take advantage of your knowledge in this space and start farming. Go into agriculture as a business. We are trying to make this sector funky for young people to consider as a career path too."

- Mavis Nduchwa is the founder of a family owned enterprise, Chabana Farms, located in Semitwe Village, in the Tutumwe sub-district of Botswana. This intrepid, young farmer practices integrated farming, with a key focus on poultry and eggs. She is passionate about non-GMO products and environmentally friendly production methods.

Read Mavis's startup story here.

Entrepreneur Advice from Nicci Stewart: Ask for help

December 20, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Nicci Stewart, founder of The Why Effect (South Africa) — **Nicci Stewart**, founder of The Why Effect (South Africa)

Ask for help....

"Ask for help, it's out there and people are willing to help, but still be prepared to work hard."

- Nicci Stewart is the founder of The Why Effect in South Africa, a company focused on helping entrepreneurs put the right strategies, systems and processes and resources in place to create sustainable, growing businesses. Nicci works with her clients to help them make the most of an entrepreneurial network and examine opportunities such as enterprise or supplier development programmes. Nicci is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10 000 Women programme for female entrepreneurs and is currently enrolled in the Women’s Leadership programme at the Gordon Institute of Business Science.

Entrepreneur Advice from Puleng Pooe: Roll up your sleeves

December 14, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Puleng Pooe, founder of Lina Sarah Team (South Africa) — **Puleng Pooe**, founder of Lina Sarah Team (South Africa)

Roll up your sleeves....

"Never entertain the habit of wishing instead of being willing to roll up your sleeves and put in the hours and work. Have FAITH, it is a starting point for achieving your goals, and FAITH is the only known antidote for FAILURE!"

- Puleng Pooe is the founder of Lina Sarah Team in South Africa, a company with the vision and mission of partnering with Clients to assist in alleviating time spent on finding the right candidates for open vacancies. Puleng's goal and objective is to partner with organizations to increase the quality and speed of their recruitment. She supplies quality temporary and permanent placement of staff and related support services, and works closely with organizations on their succession plans, performance management and talent management processes.

Entrepreneur Advice from Helen Njoroge: Be innovative

December 7, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Helen Njoroge, co-founder of Tenders Kenya — **Helen Njoroge**, co-founder of Tenders Kenya

Be innovative....

"I encourage women, especially the young women to come up with innovative products and services and deviate from engaging in "traditional" entrepreneurial opportunities."

- Helen Njoroge is co-founder of Tenders Kenya, a digital platform that provides information on the latest procurement opportunities in Kenya for women and young entrepreneurs. The government of Kenya in 2013 reserved 30% of all government tenders for women, youth and persons with disabilities. With many procurement systems online, Tenders Kenya offers a digital and cost effective and efficient channel where all entrepreneurs, and more so the youth in Kenya, can access all procurement opportunities, and not only government but also private sector opportunities.

Entrepreneur Advice from Juanita Naidoo Rea: Make it happen

November 29, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Juanita Naidoo Rea, founder of eduSOIL — **Juanita Naidoo Rea**, founder of eduSOIL

Make it happen....

"Ask your heart. Ask yourself every single day, what is it that is most precious to you-what are you alive for? Interrogate yourself. Find all your faults and see them as unpolished diamonds. Love yourself enough to see and speak the truth. Then do everything that is possible and impossible to make it happen. Live each day as you die at any moment. Start today, in this moment-it is all you have."

- Juanita Naidoo Rea is the founder of eduSOIL in South Africa, a social enterprise that nurtures the mental and emotional health of children and adults through holistic stress reduction with mindfulness, yoga and change-making programmes, predominantly in South Africa and India. Juanita is a former school teacher, who loves trees, running, dancing, art, Doctor Who and meditation. She is passionate about children being empowered to be lead community change and global education reform.

Entrepreneur Advice from Lizl Naude: Face it head-on!

November 21, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa (South Africa) — **Lizl Naude**, founder of Lilly Loompa (South Africa)

Face it head-on!....

"Creativity grows more when faced with adversity. Do not give up when faced with adversity. In my life those times have been my most productive and creative ever. Those unwanted times force you to think out-of-the-box. Those tough times require you to be present. Even though everything in you wants to exit and run…do not. Face it head-on! You can overcome and succeed!"

- Lizl Naude, is the founder of Lilly Loompa in South Africa, a company that creates beautiful and usable furniture pieces made with recycled material. Lilly Loompa's “Rubbish Range” is the result of Lizl's craving to deliver pieces that are completely "green". Lizl is a self taught designer and started designing and making furniture because she couldn’t afford to buy new pieces to furnish her home. She started to scout and source for budget material and quickly realised that most people discard of very usable materials. This led to her building and designing beautiful furniture items that she used in her home.

Entrepreneur Advice from Pippa Hetherington: Be brave

November 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Pippa Hetherington, founder of Behind the Faces (South Africa) — **Pippa Hetherington**, founder of Behind the Faces (South Africa)

Women entrepreneurs need to be brave....

"Keep focused, realistic and be brave. Identify mentors early on for advice and work on the skill of networking."

- Pippa Hetherington is the founder of Behind the Faces in South Africa, a storytelling concept designed to highlight the many roles fulfilled by the daughters of Africa – the custodians of this continent’s past, present and future. Pippa is a social and information entrepreneur who through her unique platform encourages women to let their voices be heard. Through writing, photography, exhibitions and storytelling, Behind the Faces aims to build connections, using contemporary platforms to share personal stories of strength and inspiration.

Entrepreneur Advice from Sofia Dias Cassimo: You don't need a business background to be a great enterpreneur

November 17, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Sofia Dias Cassimo, founder of Samsara Development and Investment & Sublime Special Events & Catering (Mozambique) — **Sofia Dias Cassimo**, founder of Samsara Development and Investment & Sublime Special Events & Catering (Mozambique)

You don't need a business background to be a great entrepreneur....

"Create a vision, hold that thought, breathe, and walk your business. That's the differential you will be bringing to the market. And, also believe in you, use your resources wisely, and don't stress about what you don't know. You dont need a business background to be a great entrepreneur. A great past doesn't make a great future!"

- Sofia Dias Cassimo is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Samsara Development and Investment and Sublime Special Events & Catering in Mozambique. Sofia, who has a medical degree, turned entrepreneur following a stint working for an NGO, when she followed her passion for food, catering and hosting, starting up Sublime Special Events & Catering. She also followed her passion for developing programs that help neglected people and communities, starting Samsara Development and Investment, a social enterprise that creates programs for empowering women to become changemakers in rural communities.

Entrepreneur Advice from Raheel Muhammad: Be true to your vision everyday

November 16, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Raheel Muhammad, founder of Excolo (South Africa) — **Raheel Muhammad**, founder of Excolo (South Africa)

Be true to your vision everyday....

"I love this quote by Tony Hsieh, CEO Zappos: "Chase the vision, not the money; the money will end up following you." as it is the must-have character trait of all successful entrepreneurs. My advice to my fellow entrepreneurs is: Be true to your vision everyday and let it resonate passionately through your company culture and client commitment... the money will come!"

- Raheel Muhammad is the founder of Excolo in South Africa, a company that provides business improvement services to entrepreneurs in the SMME sector. With more than two decades’ experience in FMCG management and almost a decade’s specialist Business Design and Development insight, Raheel is focused on delivering business process optimisation guidance to SMEs, single and multi-business units and franchises.

Download your FREE copy of the latest Playbook: Financing Business Growth

25 leading African women entrepreneurs share practical strategies, real experiences and advice. Playbook link

Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 / 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 / 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"Believe in yourself, believe in your work, focus on where you want to see your business, no matter the challenges."

"I would advise them to double-down on execution. Move with good data but, by all means, move and move quickly. Execution is the stuff of success – passion is just one of the ingredients."

"It is not easy! You need to have faith, resilience and a very strong desire."

"there are business basics that should guide you in deciding to do a business, such as, start a business that is unique and not solving a problem the same way another business is, it will be difficult to break into a crowded market place even if you are very passionate about that business sector."

“In the entrepreneurial space there is no charity and there are no handouts; it’s all about the bottom line and profits. Avoid negativity and self pity - no one is interested in that!”

"Follow your passion, your instinct, surround yourself only with people who inspire your dream. Never give up, no matter what, you deserve the dream, otherwise you would not have the dream. Love Life!"

"Do not entertain fear. If you feel any fear (which you will) ignore it and keep pushing until you get to where you want to be. Surround yourself with support, like Lionesses of Africa, and find mentors to help guide you through your journey."

"Ask for help, it's out there and people are willing to help, but still be prepared to work hard."

"Never entertain the habit of wishing instead of being willing to roll up your sleeves and put in the hours and work. Have FAITH, it is a starting point for achieving your goals, and FAITH is the only known antidote for FAILURE!"

"I encourage women, especially the young women to come up with innovative products and services and deviate from engaging in "traditional" entrepreneurial opportunities."

"Keep focused, realistic and be brave. Identify mentors early on for advice and work on the skill of networking."

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