Blog — Lionesses of Africa
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA
Menu

Lionesses of Africa

276 5th Avenue
New York, NY, 10001
(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
  • Events +
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
  • About +
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
  • Connect +
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

Entrepreneur Advice from Angela Franklin / Remain humble!

June 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Angela Franklin, founder, Chez Alpha Books, (Senegal)

Angela Franklin, founder, Chez Alpha Books, (Senegal)

Remain humble!…

“Remain forever humble in what you have accomplished through sweat and determination as it could be gone tomorrow.”

Angela Franklin, founder, Chez Alpha Books, (Senegal)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment
Share

Entrepreneur Advice from Bushera Bashir / Take that entrepreneurial leap!

June 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Bushera Bashir, founder, Trebene, (South Africa)

Bushera Bashir, founder, Trebene, (South Africa)

Take that entrepreneurial leap!…

“The only way to know whether or not entrepreneurship is for you is by jumping straight into it. What’s the worst that can happen? Worst is not you failing at it, but not knowing how great an entrepreneur you are.”

Bushera Bashir, founder, Trebene, (South Africa)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
Comment
Share

Entrepreneur Advice from Lisa Videira / Be flexible with your business plans

June 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lisa Videira, founder, LV Digital Lda, (Angola)

Lisa Videira, founder, LV Digital Lda, (Angola)

Be flexible with your business plans…

“Be flexible to adapt your plans to the reality and obstacles you will encounter on the way. Besides this, keep walking, it won’t be easy but it will definitely be worth it.”

Lisa Videira, founder, LV Digital Lda, (Angola)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
Comment
Share

Entrepreneur Advice from Lelanie Basson / You are your greatest asset

June 18, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lelanie Basson, founder, Twafiika Consultants, (Namibia)

Lelanie Basson, founder, Twafiika Consultants, (Namibia)

You are your greatest asset…

“The one thing about this journey is that everything is up to you - you have no safety net, no back up, you are your greatest resource and asset.”

Lelanie Basson, founder, Twafiika Consultants, (Namibia)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Journey
Comment
Share

Entrepreneur Advice from Laura Struik / Being an entrepreneur is about daring and doing!

June 17, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Laura Struik, founder, ROF-Style, (South Africa)

Laura Struik, founder, ROF-Style, (South Africa)

Being an entrepreneur is about daring and doing!…

“Setting up your own business is not always easy, but the opposite! It’s about daring and doing! Great things can happen!”

Laura Struik, founder, ROF-Style, (South Africa)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
Comment
Share

Entrepreneur Advice from Diana Sierra / Remember that you have what it takes!

June 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Diana Sierra, founder, Be Girl, (Mozambique)

Diana Sierra, founder, Be Girl, (Mozambique)

Remember that you have what it takes!..

“No matter if you walk in a room full of overachiever men and women who shoot down all your ideas because your pitch was not perfect, because your projections did not meet their expectations, because you are not aggressive or “Alpha” enough, remember that you have what it takes!”

Diana Sierra, founder, Be Girl, (Mozambique)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment
Share

Entrepreneur Advice from Pumza Ndlotyeni / Look for those gaps

June 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Pumza Ndlotyeni, Founder and CEO of Gebane Engineering Services (South Africa)

Pumza Ndlotyeni, Founder and CEO of Gebane Engineering Services (South Africa)

Look for those gaps…

“Never give up on your dreams, maintain a positive attitude, see opportunities amongst the challenges, and look for those gaps.”

Pumza Ndlotyeni, Founder and CEO of Gebane Engineering Services (South Africa)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Dream
Comment
Share

Entrepreneur Advice from Lilly Alfonso / Believe in your dreams

June 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lilly Alfonso, Founder & Head Designer, Lilly Alfonso (Malawi)

Lilly Alfonso, Founder & Head Designer, Lilly Alfonso (Malawi)

Believe in your dreams…

“Know yourself - understand and believe in your dreams. Give yourself room to research and plan for whatever you are dreaming of venturing into.”

Lilly Alfonso, Founder & Head Designer, Lilly Alfonso (Malawi)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Lilly Alfonso, Dream
Comment
Share

Entrepreneur Advice from Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka / Reach for your entrepreneurial dreams

June 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of Gorilla Conservation Coffee (Uganda)

Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of Gorilla Conservation Coffee (Uganda)

Reach for your entrepreneurial dreams…

“There will be times when it becomes really difficult and you're thinking this is hard, but keep reaching for your dreams and the rest will follow.”

Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of Gorilla Conservation Coffee (Uganda)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Dream
Comment
Share

Entrepreneur Advice from Megan Hudson / Know your clients

June 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Megan Hudson, marketing and business coach, (South Africa)

Megan Hudson, marketing and business coach, (South Africa)

Know your clients…

“Get clear on who your clients are, exactly what they need and what solutions you offer that meet these needs. Keep it simple.”

Megan Hudson, marketing and business coach, (South Africa)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Megan Hudson, Customer Management
Comment
Share

Entrepreneur Advice from Seno Namwandi / Choose a name that counts

June 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Seno Namwandi, Intellectual property pioneer and Mandela Washington Fellow, (Namibia)

Seno Namwandi, Intellectual property pioneer and Mandela Washington Fellow, (Namibia)

Choose a name that counts…

“Choosing a name that counts is beneficial in overall market valuation and ensuring market share. It is important to invest in trademark registration and overall branding of your company for these purposes.”

Seno Namwandi, Intellectual property pioneer and Mandela Washington Fellow, (Namibia)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Brand
Comment
Share

Entrepreneur Advice from Tatenda Rungisa / Demonstrate initiative and speed

June 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tatenda Rungisa, Human Resources Practitioner and co-founder of Twin Connect Solutions, (Zimbabwe)

Tatenda Rungisa, Human Resources Practitioner and co-founder of Twin Connect Solutions, (Zimbabwe)

Demonstrate initiative and speed…

“Demonstrate initiative and speed: procrastination will only result in the next business grabbing the opportunity you have and making lots of money with it.”

Tatenda Rungisa, Human Resources Practitioner and co-founder of Twin Connect Solutions, (Zimbabwe)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Opportunity
Comment
Share

Entrepreneur Advice from Nontobeko Mbuyane / Stay ahead of the business game

June 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nontobeko Mbuyane, CEO & Founder of Bee’s Beauty Haven & Glutaspa Group, (Eswatini)

Nontobeko Mbuyane, CEO & Founder of Bee’s Beauty Haven & Glutaspa Group, (Eswatini)

Stay ahead of the business game…

“Try and turn every challenge into an opportunity to innovate and stay ahead of your business game.”

Nontobeko Mbuyane, CEO & Founder of Bee’s Beauty Haven & Glutaspa Group, (Eswatini)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Innovation
Comment
Share

Entrepreneur Advice from Lizl Naude / Learn to ground yourself

June 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lizl Naude, founder, Lilly Loompa (South Africa)

Lizl Naude, founder, Lilly Loompa (South Africa)

Learn to ground yourself…

“My advice to you is to learn to ground yourself. If you find your grounding and foundation, nothing will be able to shake you!”

Lizl Naude, founder, Lilly Loompa (South Africa)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Lizl Naude, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment
Share

Entrepreneur Advice from Nereyda Ah-Hoy / Become the best version of yourself

June 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nereyda Ah Hoy, writer, author & founder of Indika platform and digital magazine (Mozambique)

Nereyda Ah Hoy, writer, author & founder of Indika platform and digital magazine (Mozambique)

Become the best version of yourself...

“Bet on Self-Knowledge! Overcome your fears and become the best version of yourself.”

Nereyda Ah Hoy, writer, author & founder of Indika platform and digital magazine (Mozambique)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Self-development, Fear
Comment
Share

Entrepreneur Advice from Tatiana Da Encarnação Casaca / Create a consistent business plan

May 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tatiana Da Encarnação Casaca, co-founder of IMO NExT (Angola)

Tatiana Da Encarnação Casaca, co-founder of IMO NExT (Angola)

Create a consistent business plan…

“Identify a real need, create a consistent business plan, and work hard.”

Tatiana Da Encarnação Casaca, co-founder of IMO NExT (Angola)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Work Ethic
Comment
Share

Entrepreneur Advice from Ruth Wewura Guribie / Be passionate about what you do

May 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Ruth Wewura Guribie, founder of Sava Shea Company Limited

Ruth Wewura Guribie, founder of Sava Shea Company Limited

Be passionate about what you do...

“You will have many reasons to quit at some point, but don’t. Be passionate about what you do and communicate it in the way that feels most inspired, natural and unique to you.”

Ruth Wewura Guribie, founder of Sava Shea Company Limited

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Passion
Comment
Share

Entrepreneur Advice from Aliza Rajan / Ask for advice

May 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Aliza Rajan, founder, Eventique Limited, (Kenya)

Aliza Rajan, founder, Eventique Limited, (Kenya)

Ask for advice…

“Do it. Ask for advice. Use your passion to start what you love. It takes time to get somewhere but it's all worth it in the end.”

Aliza Rajan, founder, Eventique Limited, (Kenya)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Advice & Assistance
Comment
Share

Entrepreneur Advice from Phillipa Geard / Put aside self-doubt!

May 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Phillipa Geard, founder, RecruitMyMom, (South Africa)

Phillipa Geard, founder, RecruitMyMom, (South Africa)

Put aside self-doubt!…

“Every day you have to decide to put aside self-doubt and choose self-belief if you are going to make a success of your business.”

Phillipa Geard, founder, RecruitMyMom, (South Africa)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Self Belief
Comment
Share

Entrepreneur Advice from Satu Vienings / Don’t rush things

May 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Satu Vienings, founder, Air A Pet (Mozambique)

Satu Vienings, founder, Air A Pet (Mozambique)

Don’t rush things…

“Don't rush things - starting small and doing things well pays off in the end when your company grows.”

Satu Vienings, founder, Air A Pet (Mozambique)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
Comment
Share
← Newer Posts Older Posts →

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace

Lioness Radio Show: AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace - Tune in for an engaging conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI and unlock its possibilities for your business.

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Adele’s Mohair Mohair magic….Lovers of fine mohair will adore these beautiful, luxury yarns, courtesy of Adele’s Mohair, founded by Adele Cutten in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. She has built a highly succes
Image of the Day / Kwesh Relaxed style…We love these stylish yet relaxed Kwanza pants and matching tops from Juliana Nasasira, the Ugandan fashion designer and founder of Kwesh. Juliana launched Kwesh in 2012, a fashion brand focused on creat
Image of the Day / Dvyn Treat Batamba’s Premium Coffee Experience…We love a great cup of coffee in a morning at Lionesses of Africa, and so we are fans of Dvyn Treat Batamba’s great coffee brand in Mozambique, co-founded by Emilia
Image of the Day / Eloli African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need.
Image of the Day / Happy Coffee Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind
Image of the Day / Yococo Vegan ice-cream heaven…If you are ice cream lovers like we are here at Lionesses of Africa, you will love the vegan ice cream from Yococo in South Africa, created by the talented Sinenhlanhla Ndlela. She is proving t
Image of the Day / The Joinery Mini Box Tote…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fabric con
Image of the Day / Margaux Wong Sustainable statement jewellery…We love the strong designs of the hugely talented Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong in Burundi. This international, multi-cultural jewellery and accessories brand was found
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 / Marabou Essentials African print accessories…We love the celebration of African printed cloth in these handmade fashion accessories created by South African brand Marabou Essentials, founded by Fentse Mokale. This passion-f
Image of the Day / Adele’s Mohair Mohair magic….Lovers of fine mohair will adore these beautiful, luxury yarns, courtesy of Adele’s Mohair, founded by Adele Cutten in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. She has built a highly succes Image of the Day / Kwesh Relaxed style…We love these stylish yet relaxed Kwanza pants and matching tops from Juliana Nasasira, the Ugandan fashion designer and founder of Kwesh. Juliana launched Kwesh in 2012, a fashion brand focused on creat Image of the Day / Dvyn Treat Batamba’s Premium Coffee Experience…We love a great cup of coffee in a morning at Lionesses of Africa, and so we are fans of Dvyn Treat Batamba’s great coffee brand in Mozambique, co-founded by Emilia Image of the Day / Eloli African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need. Image of the Day / Happy Coffee Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind Image of the Day / Yococo Vegan ice-cream heaven…If you are ice cream lovers like we are here at Lionesses of Africa, you will love the vegan ice cream from Yococo in South Africa, created by the talented Sinenhlanhla Ndlela. She is proving t Image of the Day / The Joinery Mini Box Tote…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fabric con Image of the Day / Margaux Wong Sustainable statement jewellery…We love the strong designs of the hugely talented Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong in Burundi. This international, multi-cultural jewellery and accessories brand was found 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 / Marabou Essentials African print accessories…We love the celebration of African printed cloth in these handmade fashion accessories created by South African brand Marabou Essentials, founded by Fentse Mokale. This passion-f

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Gloria Sellwane Phala, a South African entrepreneur helping clients benefit from the transformative impact of yoga
Gloria Sellwane Phala, a South African entrepreneur helping clients benefit from the transformative impact of yoga
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs

LIONESS DATA & INSIGHTS

LIONESS PLAYBOOKS
Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 6.01.32 PM.png
Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 5.34.58 PM.png

Sign up today to receive the #1-rated newsletters for Africa's women entrepreneurs.

* indicates required
Required: Please select your newsletter(s):

LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan

About Us  |  Contact Us  | PRIVACY POLICY | terms OF SERVICE  | Community Guidelines  

© 2025 LIONESSES OF AFRICA public benefit corporation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.