Obsessed: Building a Brand People Love from Day One By Emily Heyward

June 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken

In her new book Obsessed, Emily Heyward, the cofounder and chief branding officer of Red Antler, the branding and marketing company for startups and new ventures, explains how hot new brands like Casper, Allbirds, Sweetgreen, and Everlane build devoted fan followings right out of the gate.

The Key Leadership Qualities It Takes to Be a Boss, A Woman Entrepreneur in Business Today by Judith Baker

May 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Starting a business and running one is challenging. What do you do first? What should you pay attention to? What tools are there to help the modern woman entrepreneur? In her new book, The Key Leadership Qualities It Takes to Be a Boss, A Woman Entrepreneur in Business Today, Judith Baker brings you all the insights you need.

First Pitch: Winning Money, Mentors, and More for your Startup by Debi Kleiman

May 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken

For entrepreneurs, pitching is do or die. But many women find it tough to pitch. But help is at hand in Debi Kleiman’s new book, First Pitch. She understands that to succeed with your startup, you must persuade investors, advisors, customers, and other potential partners to join you on your journey. It can be intimidating, but First Pitch is here to help.

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me This Sh*t Before?: Wit and Wisdom from Women in Business By Marcella Allison and Laura Gale

May 17, 2020 Melanie Hawken

"Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me This Sh*t Before?" by Marcella Allison and Laura Gale is the book you wish you had already read. A collection of more than 60 letters from female leaders of multimillion dollar companies, to solopreneurs and every kind of woman in between, these stories are both a lifeline and a roadmap for women navigating our increasingly complex world - and running businesses at the same time.

New Startup Mindset: Ten Mindset Shifts to Build the Company of Your Dreams by Sandra Shpilberg

May 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken

In New Startup Mindset, Sandra Shpilberg will show you a new way to succeed as an entrepreneur! This provocative startup tale of success exposes Silicon Valley’s startup myths and sets forth a new approach for aspiring and current founders to build companies that make an impact.

A Woman's Work: The book every successful businesswoman wishes she'd read

May 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken

A Woman's Work: The book every successful businesswoman wishes she'd read — by Sonja Leason, Dr Areej Khataybih, Clare Downes, Jeannie McGillivray, Jill Martin, Lorraine Gannon, Mary Grant, Natalie Jameson, Steph Middleton-Foster and Vicki Wusche.

As a woman, it can feel that the odds are stacked against you in business and when more women than ever before are self-employed and starting businesses, why is it that so few of them are able to scale and get the success they deserve? A heated discussion on this subject by ten super-successful businesswomen led to the creation of this book.

I am my brand: How to build your brand without apology by Kubi Springer

April 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Kubi Springer

If you ever wanted to find out how to build your own personal female brand to help you on your entrepreneurial journey, then award-winning global brand specialist Kubi Springer has the answer. In her new book, I Am My Brand: How to Build Your Brand Without Apology, Kubi brings all her experience and offers essential advice on how to develop and attain personal brand success.

The Balanced Entrepreneur: A Guide to Creating a Purposeful Life and Living it Unapologetically by Jessica Dennis

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken

The Balanced Entrepreneur: A Guide to Creating a Purposeful Life and Living it Unapologetically by Jessica Dennis, is an inspirational manual for entrepreneurs. It is relevant for those who are just starting out on their business journeys to those who are seasoned business owners. Jessica shares her experience and advice on how other women entrepreneurs can build successful businesses whilst at the same time living their best lives without qualification.

From Budding Entrepreneur to Empowered Business Owner: The essential foundations and systems you need to build a thriving, successful business by Lisi B Kempton

April 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Author and business growth expert, Lisi B Kempton, knows it is not easy being an entrepreneur with a new business. Her new book, From Budding Entrepreneur to Empowered Business Owner, was written with the early-stage entrepreneur in mind. It takes a whole-business and systematic approach to implementing the essential foundations and systems you need to build a thriving successful business and gives you the confidence to share your gifts with the world.

Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker by A’Lelia Bundles

March 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Soon to be a Netflix series starring Octavia Spencer, Self Made is the first full-scale biography of “one of the great success stories of American history” (The Philadelphia Inquirer), Madam C.J. Walker—the legendary African American entrepreneur and philanthropist, written by her great-great-granddaughter, A’Lelia Bundles.

Get It Developed: Design the Business of Your Dreams by Sorana Blackfoot

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Entrepreneur Sorana Blackfoot’s new book Get It Developed: Design the Business of Your Dreams brings experience and insights from eight experienced entrepreneurs who pool their collective knowledge and share their best personal tips with you, so you too can benefit from their journeys to success.

Shepreneur: Business Lessons for the Determined Female Entrepreneur by Kristin Cripps

March 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Entrepreneur and author, Kristin Cripps, founder of Cripps Realty, went from bartender and massage therapist to millionaire real estate mogul by 30! Her new book, Shepreneur, tells the story of how she did it.

Be an InventHer: An Everywoman's Guide to Creating the Next Big Thing by Mina Yoo and Hilary Meyerson

March 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken

The fascinating book, Be an InventHER, coauthored by Mina Yoo and Hilary Meyerson, is a complete guide to inventing, geared towards any woman who wants to bring her invention, innovation, or creation from idea to the marketplace.

Reboot: Probably More Than You Ever Wanted To Know About Starting A Global Business by Jodie Fox

February 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Jodie Fox, founder of Shoes of Prey, launched her business in 2009. It allowed people to design their dream shoes online, get them expertly manufactured, and have them shipped to anywhere in the world within two weeks. The startup broke even at two months, hit multi-million dollar revenues in under two years, raised tens of millions in funding from top-tier investors and shipped to more than 100 countries. It sounds like a fairytale business story, but that’s not where it ended. Her new book, Reboot, Jodie shares her very personal entrepreneurial journey.

Yes, You Can Do This! How Women Start Up, Scale Up, and Build The Life They Want by Claudia Reuter

February 21, 2020 Melanie Hawken

If you ever wondered how women can lean in to entrepreneurship to create the life they want, then author Claudia Reuter has the answer. In her new book, Yes, You Can Do This! How Women Start Up, Scale Up, and Build The Life They Want, she shares her own personal business building journey and a game-plan for taking the leap into the world of entrepreneurship.

Ladies, Power Up Your Brand: The Women Entrepreneur’s Guide to Getting Paid to Be Bold, Brilliant and Unapologetically You by Stacy Graiko and Faith James

February 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Faith James and Stacy Graiko

What if you could learn how big companies leverage their brands to make more money, attract ideal clients and get paid well to do the work YOU love? Well now you can some essential insights and advice by reading the great new book by Stacy Graiko and Faith James, titled Ladies, Power Up Your Brand. It’s the women entrepreneur’s guide to getting paid to be bold, brilliant and unapologetically you!

Succenergy by Tania Tome

February 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Activate your energy and discover the success inside you. That’s what Tânia Tomé hopes to help readers do with her newly released book Succenergy. Based on years of successful training, coaching, and workshops to companies and public and private organizations globally, Succenergy is an integrated coaching model for motivation and leadership, a method of support for personal and organizational development.

Wildpreneurs by Tamara Jacobi

January 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken

For the rising number of free spirits seeking inspiration and a road map to leave their safe but soul-crushing day jobs and chase their dreams, Tamara Jacobi in her new book, Wildpreneurs, shares her insights on what it takes to successfully make the leap.

Acting Up: Winning in Business and Life Using Down-Home Wisdom by Janice Bryant-Howroyd

January 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Growing up in the segregated American South in a family of eleven children, entrepreneur Janice Bryant Howroyd, founder of ActOne Group, and author of new book Acting Up, faced racism and sexism in addition to the challenges faced by every new business owner. None of that stopped her from becoming the first black woman to own a billion-dollar business.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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