Entrepreneur Advice from Cecilia Mnisi: Don't let fear stop you

April 20, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Cecilia Mnisi, founder of MMJ Interpretation Services (South Africa) — **Cecilia Mnisi,** founder of MMJ Interpretation Services (South Africa)

Don't let fear stop you....

"Do not let fear stop you from achieving your dreams. Associate yourself with people who are already in the industry that you are interested in and learn from them."

- Cecilia Mnisi is the founder of MMJ Interpretation Services, a Gauteng-based Interpreting and Translation Company in South Africa. The company specializes in Interpreting, Translation, Transcriptions, Recordings and Minute taking. Cecilia graduated from the University of Witwatersrand in 2002 and is a qualified Legal Interpreter and Translator. She registered the business in 2011 and operated on a part-time basis until she resigned from her full time job in 2014 to pursue the business full-time. Cecilia has attended the Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship and is accredited as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) through WE Connect International in South Africa.

Entrepreneur Advice from Vasie Seweramulu: Perseverance always pays off

April 18, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Vasie Seweramulu, co-founder of Safeguard Hygiene and Safety (South Africa) — **Vasie Seweramulu,** co-founder of Safeguard Hygiene and Safety (South Africa)

Perseverance always pays off….

“Perseverance always pays off at the end. There were many times when I thought of giving up and looking for a job, but knowing that there are countless opportunities out there, I never gave up. Always try to stay ahead of the game.”

- Vasie Seweramulu is the co-founder of Safeguard Hygiene and Safety, a South African company that manufactures and distributes household and industrial cleaning detergents, including bio enzymatic, locally produced, eco-friendly products. Vasie, a former school principal, joined forces with two of her family members and launched the business in October 2015. Their products are targeted at the retail and hospitality industries in South Africa and across the African continent. Read Vasie's startup story.

Entrepreneur Advice from Adèle Dejak: Never give up

April 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Adèle Dejak, founder of Adele Dejak (Kenya) — **Adèle Dejak,** founder of Adele Dejak (Kenya)

Never give up…

“Passion is the driving engine for anything you want to achieve in life. Even when things do not always turn out exactly as you had planned, never ever give up.”

- Adèle Dejak is the founder of Adele Dejak in Kenya, a brand that creates luxury handmade fashion jewellery and accessories for the modern, sophisticated and multidimensional woman. Inspired by African shapes, textures and traditional techniques, Adèle’s cutting-edge pieces sit perfectly between artefact and high fashion statement designs. More about Adèle.

Entrepreneur Advice from Shingai Nyagweta: Persistence pays off

April 12, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Shingai Nyagweta, founder of KuNa Kids — **Shingai Nyagweta**, founder of KuNa Kids

Persistence pays off....

"Keep at it. Stay on your toes, and if it isn't working in one direction, then look into doing it slightly differently."

- Shingai Nyagweta is the founder of KuNa Kids a South African children’s clothing company that embraces the uniquely local shweshwe fabrics. Shingai's children’s clothing range is bright and bold with a distinctive African twist. Read Shingai's startup story.

Entrepreneur Advice from Monica Musonda: Top advice

April 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Monica Musonda, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Java Foods (Zambia) — **Monica Musonda,** founder and Chief Executive Officer of Java Foods (Zambia)

Monica's top advice....

“Have a vision and passion. Be courageous, focused and disciplined. Lastly, persist… it’s definitely not easy.”

- Monica Musonda founder and Chief Executive Officer of Java Foods, a food processing company based in Zambia. Monica's vision is to revolutionize the eating habits of the youth market by offering them affordable and nutritious food options made from local products. Monica is a dual-qualified English solicitor and Zambian advocate with over 15 years of experience in legal practice and corporate management, including being corporate counsel at the International Finance Corporation and for Aliko Dangote of Dangote Industries Limited. Read Monica's 100 Lionesses profile here.

Entrepreneur Advice from Lynette Hundermark - Trust in your abilities

March 23, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Lynette Hundermark, co-founder & chief product officer, Useful & Beautiful (South Africa) — **Lynette Hundermark**, co-founder & chief product officer, Useful & Beautiful (South Africa)

You need to trust in your own abilities....

"Don’t feel intimidated, trust in your abilities, follow your passion and go with it. It took me a year longer to have the courage to do what I am doing. I was afraid of failure and also looked out and only saw boys doing it. I had to take that leap of faith and go with it and trust that I could do it..."

- Lynette Hundermark is an enterprising South African techpreneur and co-founder of Useful & Beautiful, a mobile product strategy, design and development company. Lynette has a degree in Computer Science & Psychology and prior to launching on her own held various technology roles with companies such as the Naspers Group, HSBC, Citibank, and Tesco. Lynette's appetite for the mobile space while keeping abreast of the latest industry trends has established her locally as an expert tech commentator and opinion leader. She is also involved in a variety of mentorship programmes that aims to build a greater community of passionate people in the tech and mobile field. Read Lynette's startup story.

Entrepreneur Advice from Joselyne Umutoniwase: Just be yourself

March 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Joselyne Umutoniwase, founder of Rwanda Clothing Home Ltd (Rwanda) — **Joselyne Umutoniwase**, founder of Rwanda Clothing Home Ltd (Rwanda)

The biggest advice I can give to a start up is....

"Just be yourself and do things the way you planned before. Of course you will get lots of advice, but take what you think fits best with your own idea - nothing else. Keep positive people close to you."

- Joselyne Umutoniwase founded Rwanda Clothing Home Ltd in Rwanda in 2010. Joselyne is a fashion designer who specializes in colorful print designs and combining African fabrics with international styles. Her designs have been sold all over Africa and now she wants people in Europe and America to be dressed in Rwanda Clothing.

Entrepreneur Advice from Sheila Afari - Just start!

March 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Sheila Afari, founder of Sheila Afari Public Relations (South Africa) — **Sheila Afari**, founder of Sheila Afari Public Relations (South Africa)

Just start!...

"There will always be 100 reasons not to, but we can’t let 'what ifs' or fear, or lack of funding keep us from getting started. Failures are just building blocks to success. Mistakes are lessons you learn from that can only help you improve and do better. We need to be champions of our own dreams and surround ourselves with positive people and supportive people that keep us on track."

- Sheila Afari is the founder of Sheila Afari Public Relations, a bespoke PR agency operating from Johannesburg, South Africa. Sheila is passionate about showcasing the best of African brands to the rest of the world, and is differentiating herself and her company in the marketplace as a result.

Entrepreneur Advice from Sibongile Sambo: Fear nothing!

March 13, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Fear nothing....

"I’m a risk taker. I fear nothing. When I apply my mind to do something, I go for it. The worst answer I can ever get is a ‘NO,’ but NO will never kill me. I wake-up the following day and do something different. For me it is the positive attitude I have in life. It has carried me to today."

- 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. Read Sibongile's full LoA profile here.

Entrepreneur Advice from Brenda Katwesigye: Keep it simple and build teams

March 12, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Brenda Katwesigye, founder of Wazi Vision (Uganda) — **Brenda Katwesigye**, founder of Wazi Vision (Uganda)

Keep it simple and build teams....

"The best thing I have learnt is to always keep your business simple. One of the reasons my first startup did not go as planned is because I thought the more complicated it was, the better it would be. The market did not think so and it was also difficult for myself and the team to execute well. In addition, I would also advise other women to build teams, partnerships and also find a mentor. Going at it alone can sometimes stifle the growth of a startup."

- Brenda Katwesigye is the founder of Wazi Visionin Uganda, A mobile app that uses virtual reality technology to perform visual acuity tests. Brenda's mission is to bring quality eye care closer to communities, providing better and more affordable eye care for every school going child between the ages of 6-18 years. She holds a BSc Telecommunications Engineering (Hons) from Makerere University, is an ISACA Certified Information Systems Auditory, Information Security and Audit member, and has a post graduate qualification from Virginia Commonwealth University in Business and Entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneur Advice from Phanice Shamalla: If you don't love it don't do it!

March 9, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Phanice Shamalla, founder of Iris Management (Kenya) — **Phanice Shamalla**, founder of Iris Management (Kenya)

If you don't love it don't do it!...

"Passion is Key! If you don't love it don't do it! Business is like having a baby or marriage, so beautiful yet so many challenges. Therefore if you love it, you won’t give up!"

- Phanice Shamalla is the founder of Iris Management in Kenya, a company committed to promoting a healthier community by building partnerships with health care providers, businesses, and non-profit organizations in order to motivate consumers to take actions and make healthier living choices through the annual trade expo - The Health Festival - and the Iris Health & Wellness Information website. Phanice is tapping her passion for event management and education to help families and communities change their behavior patterns and choose more healthy lifestyles.

Entrepreneur Advice from Gayathrie Schatz: Never, EVER give up!

March 8, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Gayathrie Schatz, founder of The Little Bo Baby Company — **Gayathrie Schatz**, founder of The Little Bo Baby Company

Giving up is simply not an option....

"Identify what your strengths are right from the start. Find the experts to fill the gaps - you cannot do everything yourself. Finally, never EVER give up!"

- Gayathrie Schatz is founder of The Little Bo Baby Company, a South African children’s handmade toy manufacturer with a unique twist. Gayathrie's company literally brings the imagination of children to life. They take children's drawings and convert them into a 3D plush toy, creating a unique and personal toy for each child. All their toys are lovingly handmade by previously disadvantaged women in Hout Bay, South Africa. Read Gaya's startup story.

Entrepreneur Advice from Nercia Celeste Mazive: Think carefully about how you evaluate your progress

March 7, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Nercia Celeste Mazive, executive director of Premier Human Capital Corporation (Mozambique) — Nercia Celeste Mazive, executive director of Premier Human Capital Corporation (Mozambique)

Think carefully about how you evaluate your progress....

"The new entrepreneur must be willing to face any problems that may arise during their trajectory. The road can be difficult, but victory is rewarding. When we have an ambitious goal, like having a successful business, we often get discouraged when we see that we are still very far from achieving our goal. Seeing this distance can cause anxiety and despair. The truth is that we can not evaluate ourselves based on how long it takes to reach Point B, but how far we have moved away from Point A."

- Nercia Celeste Mazive is the founder and executive director of Premier Human Capital Corporation in Mozambique, a company focused on Talent Acquisition, Talent development and a range of Human Resource services. Nercia is passionate about helping companies and organizations thrive by providing access to a pool of talented and qualified people able to make positive contributions to growth and development. Read Nercia's startup story.

Entrepreneur Advice from Hanneli Rupert: Believe in yourself

March 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Hanneli Rupert, founder of Okapi and Merchants on Long (South Africa) — **Hanneli Rupert**, founder of Okapi and Merchants on Long (South Africa)

Believe in yourself....

"You have got to believe in yourself and your brand. Listen to what other people have to say, but know who you are and what you want. Set your goal and work towards that and don’t change that. Also, take time to reflect on your goal. It’s very easy to get distracted and go down the wrong path."

- Hanneli Rupert is the founder and owner of 'Merchants on Long' and Okapi. This young South African entrepreneur opened her chic, African concept store, Merchants on Long, stocking ethically-produced, luxury hand-crafted, African sourced design, art and fashion products. She is one of the industry's most compelling advocates for ethical production and sourcing and has her own ethically produced, African luxury handbag line, Okapi. In 2012 Hanneli launched her first pop-up store in London-based concept store, The Shop at Bluebird.

Entrepreneur Advice from Jenna Clifford: Be frugal with your money

February 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Women need to be resourceful and frugal when starting up....

“It’s the same old banking story – if you have no money they won’t give it to you; if you have money, they want to throw more at you. Women are very resourceful but they need leaders and mentors like me and material to read to give them information about the facts.” ..... “I have always saved bits of money and lived very frugally and invested the little I have made back into the business and not spent it,”

- Jenna Clifford is a world-renowned jewellery designer, known for her unique designs and superlative craftsmanship. Established in 1992, her company has steadily grown its clientele and improved its profile to institute itself as a powerful force in the jewellery industry. Her bold and dramatic designs are sought after by some of the most recognised business icons and celebrities from around the world. Today, Jenna Clifford Designs employs around 70 people, including some of the finest jewellery artisans and craftsmen in South Africa.

Entrepreneur Advice from Roxanne Edson: Persevere!

February 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Roxanne Edson, founder of Hidden Halos (South Africa) — **Roxanne Edson**, founder of Hidden Halos (South Africa)

Take a deep breath and persevere....

"Persevere - Even when it seems like there is no way forward, take a deep breath and remember how far you have already come!"

- Roxanne Edson is the founder of Hidden Halos, a South African non-profit organisation doing work around foster care advocacy and support and Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, as well as exit strategies for children currently in the State’s child welfare system. Roxanne has an educational background in Psychology, Criminology and Foundation Phase Education. She has also become extremely knowledgeable in Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and is passionate about creating awareness of this disorder.

Entrepreneur Advice from Tara Fela-Durotoye: Go with your passion!

February 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Tara Fela-Durotoye, founder & ceo, House of Tara (Nigeria) — **Tara Fela-Durotoye**, founder & ceo, House of Tara (Nigeria)

Go with your passion when deciding what business to launch....

"Getting into the beauty industry was a decision to take what I had and what I was passionate about as a platform to build an enterprise. I am passionate about building a business that is sustainable and using beauty as its expression .... The focus was on doing what I loved, which is, making women beautiful."

- Tara Fela-Durotoye is a Nigerian-born lawyer turned Africa's leading beauty and makeup entrepreneur. She started House of Tara at the age of 20 from her living room whilst an undergraduate at university back in 1998. She's since gone on to launch Nigeria's first ever bridal directory in 1999, and in 2004 she opened the country's leading beauty academy. Today House of Tara has 19 studios in 11 states starting a chain reaction that has produced over 3,500 makeup artists. It has also empowered over 4000 young women in tertiary institutions with the Tara Orekelewa beauty representatives' initiative that makes them financially independent, improves their self esteem while building their marketing and entrepreneurial skills.

Entrepreneur Advice from Adèle Dejak: Have a good business plan

February 22, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Adèle Dejak, founder of Adèle Dejak (Kenya) — **Adèle Dejak,** founder of Adèle Dejak (Kenya)

Have a good business plan....

“It is a journey... I always say that my seat belt is always on because it is a rollercoaster, you get to learn a lot, if I had to give advice to anyone thinking of starting a business I will tell them don’t start until you have a good business plan and business plan B.”

- Adèle Dejak is the founder of Adele Dejak in Kenya, a brand that creates handmade fashion accessories for the modern, sophisticated and multidimensional woman. Inspired by African shapes, textures and traditional techniques, Adèle’s cutting-edge pieces sit perfectly between artefact and high fashion statement designs. Adèle cut her teeth in the world of typographic design in England and Italy before moving to Nairobi in 2005 and turning her attention to accessories design. She found herself intrigued by the natural beauty of horn and began to experiment with techniques of creating unique shapes and fashioned pieces. Her Nigerian roots began to merge perfectly with European influences and she set out on her never-ending quest for that essential artefact that allows you to express your own style.

Entrepreneur Advice from Jolene Roelofse: Remember to enjoy your journey

February 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Jolene Roelofse, founder of Bludoor Market (South Africa) — **Jolene Roelofse,** founder of Bludoor Market (South Africa)

Remember to enjoy your journey....

"Follow your heart, know it is going to be tough and be prepared for those tough times, but remember to enjoy your entrepreneurial journey."

- Jolene Roelofse is the founder of Bludoor Market in South Africa, a company focused on Marketing & Communications strategy development and implementation, together with business strategy development, audit and best practice processes implementation. Jolene has an MBA from Copenhagen University in the field of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and is passionate about working with her clients to develop plans and strategies that will have a profound and lasting impact on all aspects of their businesses.

Entrepreneur Advice from Ally Angula: Structure your planning and goal setting

February 20, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia) — **Ally Angula**, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia)

Structure planning and goal setting…

“In terms of planning, set goals for the month, broken down into weeks and then set three main goals for the day to help you be intentional. Do block sessions during the day focusing on these goals.”

- Ally Angula is a qualified chartered accountant and co-founder of Leap Holdings, a group of companies involved in the growing of fresh produce, garment manufacturing and retail in Namibia. She is also the founder of My Republik Brand, Namibia’s first locally designed, manufactured and retailed clothing brand with a flagship store situated in the Grove Mall in Windhoek's Kleine Kuppe suburb. Ally was chosen as a Desmond Tutu Fellowship Programme Associate in April 2013 and was one of two Namibian entrepreneurs selected to attend the 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Summit hosted by US President Barack Obama in Kenya. More about Ally.

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 · 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.

"Do not let fear stop you from achieving your dreams. Associate yourself with people who are already in the industry that you are interested in and learn from them."

“Perseverance always pays off at the end. There were many times when I thought of giving up and looking for a job, but knowing that there are countless opportunities out there, I never gave up. Always try to stay ahead of the game.”

“Passion is the driving engine for anything you want to achieve in life. Even when things do not always turn out exactly as you had planned, never ever give up.”

"Keep at it. Stay on your toes, and if it isn't working in one direction, then look into doing it slightly differently."

“Have a vision and passion. Be courageous, focused and disciplined. Lastly, persist… it’s definitely not easy.”

"Just be yourself and do things the way you planned before. Of course you will get lots of advice, but take what you think fits best with your own idea - nothing else. Keep positive people close to you."

"I’m a risk taker. I fear nothing. When I apply my mind to do something, I go for it. The worst answer I can ever get is a ‘NO,’ but NO will never kill me. I wake-up the following day and do something different. For me it is the positive attitude I have in life. It has carried me to today."

"Passion is Key! If you don't love it don't do it! Business is like having a baby or marriage, so beautiful yet so many challenges. Therefore if you love it, you won’t give up!"

"Identify what your strengths are right from the start. Find the experts to fill the gaps - you cannot do everything yourself. Finally, never EVER give up!"

"You have got to believe in yourself and your brand. Listen to what other people have to say, but know who you are and what you want. Set your goal and work towards that and don’t change that. Also, take time to reflect on your goal. It’s very easy to get distracted and go down the wrong path."

"Persevere - Even when it seems like there is no way forward, take a deep breath and remember how far you have already come!"

“It is a journey... I always say that my seat belt is always on because it is a rollercoaster, you get to learn a lot, if I had to give advice to anyone thinking of starting a business I will tell them don’t start until you have a good business plan and business plan B.”

"Follow your heart, know it is going to be tough and be prepared for those tough times, but remember to enjoy your entrepreneurial journey."

“In terms of planning, set goals for the month, broken down into weeks and then set three main goals for the day to help you be intentional. Do block sessions during the day focusing on these goals.”

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