• Home
  • Blog
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge
    • 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
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
  • Events +
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge
    • 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

Knowing When To Let Go

June 24, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

You spend your whole life building up your business and getting everything going and then you must quit while you are ahead. This is one of the most difficult tasks you will ever have to do. It’s something that nothing can prepare you for.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, People Management, Entrepreneurial Journey
Comment

Beer and Doughnuts and Seven Lessons

June 24, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Ilse Sfreddo

Are you new to the proposal industry and overwhelmed with the bidding process? Throughout the bidding process, I faced several challenges. Still, with the support of my colleagues, I was able to overcome them and emerge victorious. I learned seven valuable lessons during my first year of bidding and want to share them with you.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags llse Sfreddo, Business Development, Proposal Writing
Comment

Monetizing Your Skills to Become an Entrepreneur

June 24, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane 

Are you tired of working for someone else and ready to make it big with your skills? Well, hold on to your hats, because it's time to get excited! The first step is to take a long hard look at yourself in the mirror and assess your strengths, weaknesses, experiences, and achievements. Then, ask yourself, "How can I sell this to the world?"

Read more
In Guest Blog, Portuguese Content Tags Catia Mondlane, PT, Entrepreneurial Journey
Comment

The Distinction Between Self-Employed and Entrepreneurship

June 18, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane 

Let's talk about being your own boss. Self-employment is when you're the captain of your own ship. You're in charge of everything - from marketing to finance to administration. It's like being a one-person show, except you're the whole cast and crew. And hey, it's not just for lone wolves! You can have a small team to help you out.

Read more
In Guest Blog, Portuguese Content Tags Catia Mondlane, PT, Entrepreneurial Journey
Comment

Three things you do to gain control but leave you more powerless

June 18, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

The more uncertainty in your world, the stronger your desire to control your external environment and those around you. Certainty is a basic human need. There are positive ways to create this sense of structure, security and knowing, such as a morning ritual, prayer, meditation, planning or exercise.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly when it comes to social media

June 18, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw

In recent years, the rise of social media has revolutionised the way in which we communicate and interact with each other. While social media can be a great tool for staying connected with friends and family, it can also be used in harmful or unlawful ways. We will explore how undesirable social media usage can fall foul of three key South African laws: the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”), the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act 25 of 2002 (“ECTA”), and the Cybercrime Act 19 of 2020 (“Cybercrimes Act”).

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Nicolene Schoeman–Louw, Legal
Comment

The Basics About VAT

June 18, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Ronel Jooste

What is VAT? VAT is an abbreviation for the term Value-Added Tax. It is an indirect tax on the consumption of goods and services in the economy. It is a tax on the end consumer, but it is collected by businesses on behalf of the government.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Ronel Jooste, Financial Management
Comment

How healing your inner child can grow your business 

June 10, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Emily Kandanga

As a business owner or manager, we have to deal with a lot of stress. And you need to be strong and may not always know how to overcome your own internal worries and problems, leaving you exhausted and low on energy. But there are ways to address these issues, and a major one comes through understanding that these feelings of being overwhelmed, being stressed and making poor decisions can come from the same root cause: the inner child.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Emily Kandanga, Wellbeing & Mental Health
Comment

Don’t let funding fool you

June 10, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

When one is starting a business, the word on everyone’s lips is FUNDING, “I need funding for this that and the next thing”, but what they forget about is not only MARKETING which is the most important thing of all but ACCESS TO MARKETS to ensure that their business is not only successful but more importantly sustainable.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Personal Development, Startup Capital
Comment

The upside of mistakes: how failing forward helps you serve customers better

June 10, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane 

Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone knows how to use them to their advantage. When it comes to customer service, failing forward can actually help you serve your customers better. Failing forward means taking risks and making mistakes but learning from those mistakes and using them as opportunities for growth. It's about embracing the learning process and not being afraid to try new things.

Read more
In Guest Blog, Portuguese Content Tags Catia Mondlane, Failure, PT
Comment

Compliance For Success

June 4, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Kathryn Main

What do you think I mean if I have to ask you the question; “Is your business compliant”? Most new business owners don’t understand what compliance is required in their type of business. Compliance will be different for different industries and income brackets.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Kathryn Main, Governance
Comment

Two Types of Funding. Which option is best for you?

June 4, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Ronel Jooste

Funding refers to the financial resources that are available to support a particular project or endeavor. It can take many forms, such as loans, grants, investments, or other forms of financial support. Funding is often necessary to start or grow a business, for research and development, or to launch new products or services. The type of funding that is chosen can have a significant impact on the success and viability of the project, so it's important to carefully consider the options and choose the one that best fits the needs and goals of the business or individual. Equity funding and Debt funding are two primary types of funding that business owners can use to raise capital. 

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Ronel Jooste, Financial Planning
Comment

Are Your Employees Questioning Their Roles?

June 4, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Paula Quinsee

Many employers and managers underestimate just how much employees are struggling with their well-being: According to a recent Deloitte survey, one out of three employees and executives reported struggling with fatigue and mental health - and it's only continuing to get worse.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Paula Quinsee
Comment

An unstoppable entrepreneur

June 4, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Josefa Massinga

Dear Lionesses, today I challenge each of you to look for the inner lionesses that exist in you and drive you to be unstoppable. Let’s identify the lionesses within ourselves and advance as much as we can by being true to ourselves. Many people are good at what they do. Some are even elite. A few are completely unstoppable. I would like us to be in the group of those who are completely unstoppable in their own world, those who don't compete with anyone but themselves. Are you unstoppable? If not by the end of this blog you will be!

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Josefa Massinga, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Seaja uma empreendedora impáravel

June 1, 2023 Melanie Hawken

por Josefa Masinga

Queridas Leoas, hoje eu desafio a cada uma de vocês a buscarem as leoas interiores que existem em cada uma e sermos impáraveis. Vamos nos identificar e avancarmos o maximo que podermos sendo nos mesmas, ora vejamos…

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Josefa Massinga, PT
Comment

If Time Is Money, Why Don't You Manage It the Same Way?

May 28, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

If you want to make sure you come out on your monthly salary, you plan and budget accordingly. Why not apply the same thinking to your time and create a time budget? Creating a budget for your spending is not a punishment but a way to give you peace of mind. Managing your day should be the same. Your calendar is your budgeting tool - plan your week before you are in it to allocate sufficient funds to the relevant tasks. The last thing you want is to run out of time and then eat into next week's allocation.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Productivity Time & Energy
Comment

Self-Love; A New Phenomenon, or Is It?

May 28, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

Being brought up in a strict Baptist home, we had very strong principles to live by. However, we were taught to look down on anyone who remotely thought they were good enough! As a child I was told that children should be seen and not heard, that I should only speak when spoken to, and if I did something that went against the grain, I was told to be ashamed of myself - AND I WAS! If I said anything out of place, I had a harsh - WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? thrown my way. 

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Personal Development
Comment

Who are the Big 5 in your business and how do they affect you?

May 28, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Eldari Visser 

We’re all familiar with the Big 5 in nature. Majestic, strong, fierce, but yet so vulnerable because man has figured out a way to make money from each species that makes up the Big 5. Which makes it so sad is because in their world they reign, kings of the animal world, matriarchs of big clans, and tenacious mothers - seemingly unstoppable. Such is life. 

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Eldari Visser, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Master the Art of Making a Memorable First Sales Impression

May 28, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane

First impressions are essential in sales as they can make or break a potential deal. Customers often make judgments about a salesperson within the first few seconds of meeting them, based on their appearance, body language, and communication skills. To make a good first impression, it is important to do your research, have all the necessary materials, practice your pitch beforehand, dress professionally, arrive early, and learn how to read people. Additionally, it is important to be confident and personable, as first impressions are crucial in sales.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Catia Mondlane, Sales, Communication Skills
Comment

What I've learnt about personal growth from my 8-year-old daughter

May 20, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

My daughter came out of her dance class in tears. I assumed one of the girls said something nasty to her, but she assured me it wasn't the case. Eventually, she admitted that she was upset because the class was challenging, and she struggled with the new moves. My children are constantly my greatest teachers; this situation reminded me of how difficult it is to experience challenge and discomfort for the first time.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment
← Newer Posts Older Posts →

Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

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


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

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

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The
Image of the Day / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th
Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis
Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
Image of the Day / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri
Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu
Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c
Image of the Day / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle
Image of the Day / Kebe Home

Handcrafted home decor …We are big fans of the work of Manuela Kamadjou, an interior architecture and design entrepreneur who transforms homes and spaces in Cameroon through her business, Kebe Home. Her new Echo V
Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The Image of the Day / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi Image of the Day / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri Image of the Day / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c Image of the Day / ‘57 Chocolate

Bean to bar luxury chocolate… Taste the difference with the finest chocolate lovingly produced by ‘57 Chocolate, the pioneer bean to bar chocolate manufacturer in Ghana, created by sisters Kimberle Image of the Day / Kebe Home

Handcrafted home decor …We are big fans of the work of Manuela Kamadjou, an interior architecture and design entrepreneur who transforms homes and spaces in Cameroon through her business, Kebe Home. Her new Echo V

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
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
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
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business

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
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
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
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

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

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