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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

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    • Events Homepage & Booking
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    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
  • About +
    • About Us
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    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
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    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

Essential Read: Own Your Space by Nadia Bilchik and Lori Milner

May 15, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Lori Milner (L) and Nadia Bilchik (R)

Lori Milner (L) and Nadia Bilchik (R)

Own Your Space by authors and entrepreneurs, Nadia Bilchik and Lori Milner, is a great read for any working woman, whether in the corporate environment or for the entrepreneur. It provides practical tools and insights gleaned from workshops held around the world and from interviews with some of South Africa’s most accomplished women to provide you with tried-and-tested techniques, tips and advice to help you boost your career, enhance your confidence and truly own your space on every level. By exploring your head space, your physical space, personal grooming, virtual and networking skills as well as overcoming the negative effects of past conditioning, you will learn how to develop the unshakeable confidence to achieve absolutely anything.

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Essential Read: The Introvert Entrepreneur by Beth Buelow

May 1, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Beth Buelow, author of The Introvert Entrepreneur

Beth Buelow, author of The Introvert Entrepreneur

What do entrepreneurial titans Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos all have in common, apart from being grouped together as some of the greatest entrepreneurs of our time? Well, they are all introverts, which may seem astonishing at first glance. In her book, The Introvert Entrepreneur, author Beth Buelow, looks at the steps that introverts can take to harness the power of their natural abilities and talents, such as listening, and channel them to help overcome the challenges they face in their day to day entrepreneurial journeys. 

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Essential Read: Breaking Through: Stories and Best Practices From Companies That Help Women Succeed by Martine Liautaud

April 24, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Martine Liautaud

Martine Liautaud

When women succeed, we all win. That’s the premise of Breaking Through, a great new book by Martine Liautaud, one of France's pioneering female investment banking executives and entrepreneurs. Women are: the majority of the world's consumers, the engines of entrepreneurial growth, roughly half of the world's workforce, known to be risk takers and innovators, and the developers of new approaches to business. Still, they do not occupy enough of the top jobs in business, and they are underrepresented among the most successful entrepreneurs. Breaking Through is the complete guidebook to mentoring women for ceiling-smashing success.

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Essential Read: Find Your Extraordinary: Dream Bigger, Live Happier, and Achieve Success on Your Own Terms by Jessica DiLullo Herrin

April 17, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Jessica Herrin, entrepreneur and author

Jessica Herrin, entrepreneur and author

What if you could, with a little effort, live an extraordinary life? A life in which you felt deep passion for everything you did, and always had time for what matters most? A life in which you had the power, the daring, and the will to make your boldest dreams come true, all while you happily left feelings of inadequacy or guilt behind? Serial entrepreneur and author, Jessica Herrin, shares her insights and experience on how to find your own extraordinary and live the live you want to.

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Essential Read: Go Against the Flow by Charu Sharma

April 8, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Charu Sharma, author and founder of Go Against the Flow

Charu Sharma, author and founder of Go Against the Flow

An innovative and ground-breaking new book brings together wisdom from several established and up and coming women business leaders who share their candid and introspective insights on how to become a successful entrepreneur. From getting started on concept, building technology, hiring, getting funded and scale, to finally launching a business with success, this book is a must-own for every budding entrepreneur.

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Essential Read: 'The Accidental Entrepreneur - The Juicy Bits' by Janine Allis

March 30, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Janine Allis, entrepreneur and author

Janine Allis, entrepreneur and author

The Accidental Entrepreneur tells the incredible and inspiring story of Janine Allis' journey from adventurous backpacker to becoming one of the world's foremost global businesswomen. In chronicling the challenges and triumphs of her story, Janine reveals step-by-step the essential tips for budding entrepreneurs wishing to change their life and turn their business dream into a highly-successful reality.

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Essential Read: 'Count Me In!: Connection, Collaboration and Community in Business Networking & Female Entrepreneurship' by Shari Reinhart

March 20, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Count Me In! is a great read for the wannabe, emerging, steady-on-her-feet female entrepreneur doing something to turn her dreams into reality. It is filled with practical advice and wisdom, with exercises to help readers to develop their networking skills, at the same time as developing their personal and social brands, their websites and their infomercials.

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Essential Read: Play to Win - What women can learn from men in business - by Donna Rachelson

March 13, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Donna Rachelson

Donna Rachelson

Women are occupying more senior positions in the new world of work than ever before, but they still have a way to go. In many respects, the workplace is still a man’s world, run according to men’s rules. Donna Rachelson gets to grips with these rules and shows women how to work with them to advance their careers, while still retaining their femininity and bringing all of the strengths women possess to the workplace. Drawing on Rachelson’s own experience, as well as the experience of some of South Africa’s top businesswomen, this quick, practical read is a must for any woman who wants to make her mark in the business world.

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Essential Read: Pilot to Profit: Navigating Modern Entrepreneurship to Build Your Business Using Online Marketing, Social Media, Content Marketing and Sales by Lisa Larter

February 28, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Lisa Larter, founder of The Lisa Larter Group

Lisa Larter, founder of The Lisa Larter Group

Seatbelts fastened. Business dreams in the upright position. Entrepreneurs, prepare for takeoff with this new book on harnessing the power of digital media to build a great business, written by Lisa Larter.

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Essential Read: Impact with Wings: Stories to inspire and mobilize women angel investors and entrepreneurs

February 21, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Karen Bairley Kruger, Jagruti Bhikha, CE Lim, Wingee Sin, Hana Yang and Suzanne Andrews

Karen Bairley Kruger, Jagruti Bhikha, CE Lim, Wingee Sin, Hana Yang and Suzanne Andrews

Look out for the launch shortly on Amazon of the wonderfully titled “Impact with Wings - Stories to inspire and mobilize women angel investors and entrepreneurs - it’s an anthology of personal stories and research written by six female impact investors. This book's purpose is to enlighten and inspire women to step into angel investing and/or entrepreneurship, as it is through investing in each other that we can begin to tip gender imbalances and bring more women forward.

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Essential Read: Elegant Entrepreneur: The Female Founders Guide to Starting & Growing Your First Company by Danielle Tate

February 14, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Danielle Tate, author and entrepreneur

Danielle Tate, author and entrepreneur

“As a young female founder I noticed that there were very few business guides offered step-by-step advice to smart but inexperienced women. I wrote this book to fill a void—this is a fully-encompassing resource on how to build a business and become an entrepreneur from a woman's point of view.” - Danielle Tate, author and entrepreneur, founder of MissNowMrs.

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Essential Read: Success is a Journey for Startups by Olivia ‘Moy” Fung

January 24, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Olivia ‘Moy’ Fung, author and founder of You Inspire Me Women

Olivia ‘Moy’ Fung, author and founder of You Inspire Me Women

In Success is a Journey for Startups, author Olivia ‘Moy’ Fung has taken her personal experiences of being an entrepreneur and created a practical self-analysis handbook. It helps any startup entrepreneur to identify underlying setbacks, realise their talents and passions, and learn how to monetize them to build a successful business. The book also provides a source of inspiration from someone who has been there, got the T-Shirt, overcome all the hurdles and obstacles in life and business, and emerged as an entrepreneurial success story. 

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Our top 10 favourite entrepreneurial reads that inspired us in 2015

January 10, 2016 Melanie Hawken

To kick-start 2016, we bring you a round-up of our top 10 favourite books for women entrepreneurs of last year  - all authored by women entrepreneurs. We hope they inspired you as much as they did us. 

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Essential Read: Pretty & Profiting - The Game Plan for Female Entrepreneurs to Make a Statement, Make Money, Make an Impact by Nicole K Lundy

December 20, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Nicole K Lundy, author and entrepreneur

Nicole K Lundy, author and entrepreneur

"Pretty & Profiting is for female entrepreneurs who wants to step out in a BIG way. We all have access to world-class strategies on  the “how-to” of marketing, sales, and management – BUT not a ton of lingo on the other ‘stuff’ we need to implement to be successful as a female entrepreneur." - Nicole K Lundy, author and entrepreneur

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Essential Read: Leadership Girl - Empowering Women Entrepreneurs to Achieve Extraordinary Results by Capturing Massive Sales by Haley Lynn Gray

December 13, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Haley Lynn Gray

Haley Lynn Gray

In her book, Leadership Girl - Empowering Women Entrepreneurs to Achieve Extraordinary Results by Capturing Massive Sales, author Haley Lynn Gray helps give small business owners the information that they need to grow their businesses. She offers techniques including marketing and sales both online and offline, and focuses on teaching the specific skills that you need to grow your business.

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Essential Read: 50 Billion Dollar Boss - African American Women Sharing Stories of Success in Entrepreneurship and Leadership by Kathey Porter and Andrea Hoffman

December 6, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Kathey Porter (top) and Andrea Hoffman (bottom)

Kathey Porter (top) and Andrea Hoffman (bottom)

In their new book Billion Dollar Boss, authors Kathey Porter and Andrea Hoffman feature 12 successful African American women entrepreneurs and leaders who have built impressive and dynamic businesses and deliver their stories of how they solved various dilemmas while growing their businesses.

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Essential Read: The New Entrepreneur: A Practical Marketing Guide for Growing Your Business Now by Shirley Anthony

November 29, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Shirley Anthony

Shirley Anthony

"The world today is filled with opportunities and people are redefining what it means to be an entrepreneur. There are those who have a breakthrough idea and successfully launch it; others see a gap in the market to buy a franchise or an existing business; some establish consulting or advisory services. These are the NEW entrepreneurs and all have in common a passion to pursue a business of their own and have taken action to make it happen." - Shirley Anthony, Author and Entrepreneur

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Essential Read: Lifestyle Entrepreneurship by Evelyn Ivy

November 22, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Evelyn Ivy, author and founder of Lifestylecpa.com

Evelyn Ivy, author and founder of Lifestylecpa.com

In her new book Lifestyle Entrepreneurship, Evelyn Ivy gives a CPA’s perspective on why having money in the bank does not necessarily mean that all is well with your business, or that you are on the way to financial freedom. “Lifestyle Entrepreneurship” explains how to plan and build a business, and how through the use of a variety of accounting processes and metrics, you can make the correct financial decisions to attain your dream of financial freedom. 

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ESSENTIAL READ: eMolecule - Harness Your Entrepreneurial Spirit by Mary Todd

November 15, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Mary Todd, author of the bestselling book, eMolecule: Harnessing Your Entrepreneurial Spirit 

Mary Todd, author of the bestselling book, eMolecule: Harnessing Your Entrepreneurial Spirit 

In her new book eMolecule - Harness Your Entrepreneurial Spirit, Author Mary Todd believes that everyone has an entrepreneurial spirit (what she calls an “eMolecule”) and through self-exploration to find your passion, you can harness that passion through business to create a more fulfilling life. As a result, you can fulfil your purpose and live your dream. However, the decision to look inside yourself to find your eMolecule is often riddled with fear and self-doubt. The goal of this book is that you will be able to relate to aspects of Mary's story and see that although your paths aren’t identical, every entrepreneur deals with the same issues on their journeys. 

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Essential Read: Smartypants Branding - the ultimate guide for women entrepreneurs to getting recognised, being remembered and making more money in business by Danielle M Miller

November 8, 2015 Melanie Hawken

One of the biggest challenges women entrepreneurs face in today’s increasingly crowded digital landscape is how to be distinctive, memorable, and stand out from the crowd. Building on the concepts of Seth Godin, the iconic teachings of Tom Peters, as well as her own experiences as an entrepreneur, Danielle M. Miller guides creative and smart women in applying big brand concepts to their businesses.

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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

Five female founders win over $100,000 in TechFoundHER Africa Challenge. Read more


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

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.

Lioness Radio Show Interview: Listen to Mr Jules Ngankam, Group Chief Executive Officer of the African Guarantee Fund, discussing the journey from Bias to Bankable - AGF’s Case for Financing Women Entrepreneurs.

Lioness Radio Show: Five Mozambican women entrepreneurs share their experiences of building successful green businesses and creating green jobs for local people. From an environmentally-friendly, high-impact skincare brand, to an innovative green transportation business transforming marine waste into bicycles, these Lionesses are making waves in Mozambique. Listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and be inspired by their tenacity.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

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

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

Read more →
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

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

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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

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

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

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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

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

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

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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

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

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

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IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Spez Catering

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

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

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f
Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need.
Image of the Day / KOVA

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

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

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i
Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

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

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

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

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

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

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need. Image of the Day / KOVA

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

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

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

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

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

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

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range
Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range

Startup Story

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

Read more →
Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment
Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment

Startup Story

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

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

Startup Story

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

Read more →
Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses
Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses

Startup Story

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

Read more →
Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country
Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country

Startup Story

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

Read more →

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore

Book Review

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

Read more →
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms  by Mary Grant
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant

Book Review

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

Read more →
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out  by Fiona Soutter
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter

Book Review

Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter is not just another business book. Most focus on strategies and tactics. This one rewires the woman behind the business—so your growth is aligned, sustainable, and actually feels good.

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Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting

Book Review

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

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After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

Book Review

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

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