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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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6 Mindset Shifts To Personal Mastery

February 25, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

Personal mastery is not a destination; it is a lifelong journey. It isn't one sweeping action that creates mastery; it's more like subtle brush strokes that bring the masterpiece together over time. It's not always new actions that bring about change but a new perspective. This palette of personal mastery advice comes from author Tony Robbins who continues to inspire me on my journey. Dip your brush in and see which resonates with you:

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Reimagining Your Approach to Client Acquisition in 2024

February 25, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

Were you struggling to attract sign-ups for your coaching or consulting services last year? Did you find potential clients hesitating due to pricing concerns? You're not alone in this challenge. What you truly desire is a steady stream of eager leads and clients who appreciate the value you bring.  And that’s what you need to set yourself up to attract this year. Here are some ways you may have been sabotaging your success without realizing it.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thembe Khumalo, Communication Skills, Personal Brand
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HR Trends for 2024; Beyond Bots and Degrees

February 25, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Anja van Beek, Talent Strategist, Leadership & HR Expert and Executive Coach 

In recent years, the landscape of HR has undergone a significant transformation. We have seen a shift from routine HR processes being automated for People leaders to focus on the culture and other strategic focus areas in the business. When we look at the future of work, we can expect to see more integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in People/HR teams to build experienced worthy initiatives.

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In Guest Blog Tags Anja van Beek, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Productivity Time & Energy
Comment

People Pleaser Alert!

February 25, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Sharon Castle - Lifestyle and Wellness Coach

Having just returned from a two-week breakaway of rest and peace, I’ve been asking myself this question, “if I could do 2023 over again, what would I change?” The question hasn’t come about in order to berate myself for what I didn’t do, but to get clear on what I might like to do in 2024 that I didn’t get to do in 2023. On my morning walk today what I realized was I actually achieved a lot more than I set out to and that came as a bit of a surprise since up until a few short years ago, I often wanted the new year to be better than the previous year until I understood something fundamentally important and it’s this: “My reality exists in my own mind and not in the world.”

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In Guest Blog Tags Sharon Castle, Personal Development
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The Top 5 Marketing Trends You Can’t Ignore in 2024

February 18, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Vuyelwa Gxakushe

What are the top 5 Marketing trends you can’t Ignore in 2024? The confetti has settled, the resolutions are set, and 2024 stands poised on the digital horizon. For small businesses, navigating this dynamic landscape isn't just about riding the trend waves, it's about carving your own course with the right tools and strategies.

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In Guest Blog Tags Vuyelwa Gxakushe, Marketing, AI
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Change is an integral part of life - accept the fact!

February 18, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

The way to conquer any fear of change is to display an open-mindedness to new ideas and desires in your life. To get ahead one has to demonstrate a willingness to do things differently from everyone else and this in itself is a challenge as it’s so much easier to go with the flow - to fit in - to be one of the sheep.

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In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Navigating Legal Compliance: The Power of a Project Plan

February 18, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw | SchoemanLaw Inc | Specialist Technology, Commercial and Contract Law Attorney 

In today's intricate and multifaceted business environment, adhering to legal compliance is far more than a mere option—it's a fundamental prerequisite for any organization. Complying with the labyrinth of laws and regulations is not solely about averting legal entanglements. However, it is a pivotal component for fostering trust with stakeholders and ensuring the enduring viability of your enterprise. To proficiently manage legal compliance within your business, a meticulously crafted project plan serves as an invaluable roadmap.

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In Guest Blog Tags Nicolene Schoeman–Louw, Legal
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How smart are you?

February 18, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Marilize Jacobs

This question is usually answered by referring to IQ, test scores and grades. Yet, in business (and life) I believe street smarts – i.e., social and emotional intelligence as well as resilience (also referred to as SQ, EQ and AQ)– are just as important (if not more) than book smarts.

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In Guest Blog Tags Marilize Jacobs, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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How we designed a business that allowed us to only do work we love

February 10, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

Are you tired of taking every job that comes your way, offering discounts, and working on assignments you're not specialized in? It's time to break free from the scarcity mindset, stop working ridiculous hours, and dealing with abusive clients. Let's dive into why this approach doesn't work.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thembe Khumalo, Communication Skills, Personal Brand
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Leveraging Technology for Business Success

February 10, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Shatho Babitse

In the rapidly evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, technology has become a powerful catalyst for growth and innovation. For women entrepreneurs, leveraging technology can open new doors, enhance productivity, and create opportunities for business expansion. Here are key ways women entrepreneurs can harness the potential of technology to propel their ventures forward.

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In Guest Blog Tags Shatho Babitse, Digital Transformation
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5 Steps to Be More Articulate

February 10, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Laura Camacho

At least 80% of what we do, probably 99%, is communicating. We ask people to buy things, do things, approve budgets, make changes, show up, and go here, instead of there. Being articulate is an asset you can cultivate.

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In Guest Blog Tags Laura Camacho, Communication Skills
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Learning to find joy inside yourself

February 10, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Marjon Meyer

‘ecstatic’ - adjective – feeling or expressing overwhelming happiness or joyful excitement, eg. “I am ecstatic about my team’s excellent results”

We have all experienced ecstasy (the legal version) and the feeling of immense joy.  It could be due to a planned event you have been looking forward to, or an intense moment of deep happiness when a pleasant surprise comes your way. A business deal that went really well, being spoilt by a person who appreciates you, an unexpected blessing …. all these events bring about a deep sense of wellbeing, joy and happiness.

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In Guest Blog Tags Marjón Meyer, Management Advice
Comment

Unlocking Your Potential: Sales as a Career

February 4, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

No one has ever taken selling as a subject at school, yet over 90% of all business involves selling of one kind or another. When you hear the word salesman what usually comes to mind is a slick looking, fast talking, slimy person who is trying to take your hard-earned money from you. Well today and especially at Hirsch's Homestore, nothing could be further from the truth. Our salespeople are very kind, considerate people and they are known as "professional solution finders.” All day is spent finding solutions to other people’s problems.  Be it from the perfect piece of toast for breakfast, to the most cost-efficient washing machine for a family of two, or ten; to the latest fridge/freezers which actually send you a message when your food is about to expire or run out! We have to know the model numbers, the features and benefits and of course the prices!

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In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Fear
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Want to Improve Your Relationships at Work? Drop These 3 Habits

February 2, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

Interpersonal relationships can be one the greatest sources of energy builders and drainers for people. It has nothing to do with their colleagues but everything to do with them and their interpretation of a situation.

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

AI – a Lawyer’s Friend or Foe?

February 2, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw

For many law firms, the thought of AI has not been all moonlight and roses. In many instances, there is a fear that it signals the end of our profession, whilst in other cases, a deep sense of distrust. The term AI is also a collective for Artificial Intelligence which refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. There are many times including Generative AI or Natural Language Processing such as Chat GPT. Other types include reactive machines and limited memory bases. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Nicolene Schoeman–Louw, Legal, AI
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Why high performing coaches and consultants rely on a strong personal brand

February 1, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

Look, I realise how frightening it can be to step forward into a fast-moving marketplace that can sometimes also. be very confusing. But if you’re serious about professional growth and business expansion you’re going to have to overcome fears of being seen, making marketing mistakes, facing judgment, or stumbling in your pursuits. These apprehensions will rob you of your confidence and the elevation you desire. Try to make peace with the fact that you will make mistakes — everybody does after all, and then focus on building yourself a well-defined personal brand.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thembe Khumalo, Communication Skills, Personal Brand
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7 Questions to Plug Your Energy Leaks and Start the Year Strong

January 27, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

January has the special aroma of a fresh start combined with energy, enthusiasm, and new dreams. This feeling typically lasts until the end of March, and then your energy begins to dip, and before you know it, you're counting down to Easter because you need a serious break. It's not like you waste your energy intentionally or even consciously; it's a slow drip like a nail in a tyre; it leaks air so slowly that you don't notice until it is completely flat or inches from it.

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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What's your favourite topic of conversation?

January 27, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

The quote by Elinor Roosevelt goes: “Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, and small minds discuss people.” Once you know this you can stop yourself being pulled into the conversations discussing other people - they are not worthy of your time. Events also come and go but discussing ideas, now that’s not only thought provoking but can be mind-blowing.

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In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Who is watching your back?

January 27, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Eldari Visser 

I have a great view of the troupe. The monkeys are merrily playing and eating along the forestry. I move my binocular view over them, checking out the little ones playing and the moms keeping a watchful eye. Then I am met eye to eye with a big daddy. He is staring directly at me, gosh, it seems like he is literally on top of me! I yank the binoculars away from my eyes to get a normal view. He is definitely at a distance, far from me, yet he is dead focused on me. A chill runs down my spine. How does he know? Surely he cannot see this far?

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In Guest Blog Tags Eldari Visser, Financial Planning
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Guess what happened when I overcame the fear of doubling my rates?

January 27, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

Let’s face it, there are a whole lot of coaches consultants, and other service-based solopreneurs out there who are working for a lot less than what they are worth. Sometimes, it's because you hear so much about how bad the economy is that you try to avoid coming across as lacking empathy, or worse still, arrogant. Years spent in traditional employment can also limit our self-worth because we have pegged our value at whatever our last employer decided it should be. This undervaluation can lead to reluctance and hesitancy to share knowledge, and the pursuit of side hustles.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thembe Khumalo, Communication Skills, Management Advice
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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 / 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
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
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

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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
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

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