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Lionesses of Africa

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The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Do You Need to Add PEP and Sanctions Tests to Your Employee Screening Policy?

May 19, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

In South Africa, PEP (Politically Exposed Person) and sanctions tests are typically used by financial institutions and certain designated non-financial businesses and professions to comply with anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing regulations.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
Comment

How Journaling Can Help You Sleep and Reduce Your Anxiety

May 11, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

If you struggle to fall asleep due to an overactive mind, or perhaps you fall asleep easily but wake up in the night with a mind full of racing thoughts, consider introducing the habit of journaling. Journaling is an incredible tool to get those circling thoughts out of your mind and trap them on the page so you can get out of your own way.

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Mindful Entrepreneur
Comment

Should You Take Employment References at Face Value?

May 11, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

With unemployment rates continuing to escalate and the cost-of-living soaring people are increasingly desperate to find work and will stop at nothing to get their job application to the top of the pile.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
Comment

Lessons from nature for humans and organisations – let your team flourish!

May 11, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Marjon Meyer

Recently our training engagements took us to Malelane, a beautiful town on the border of the Kruger National Park in South Africa – one of our beautiful country’s biggest assets and tourist attractions.  Over the weekend we meandered through the park and marveled at the wildlife, beautiful vegetation, and landscapes we admired from hides along our way.

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In Guest Blog Tags Marjón Meyer, Management Advice
Comment

Are you a Beneficial Owner or a Person who holds Beneficial Interest? Is your Company or CC Compliant?

May 11, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Nicola Mullineux

In response to South Africa’s greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force (“FATF”) for non-compliance with the international standards aimed at preventing money laundering and terrorist financing, the legislature elected to amend Companies Act, 71 of 2008 (“Act”). The purpose of these amendments is to rectify the deficiencies identified by the FATF, with the ultimate aim of eradicating the greylisting imposed.

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In Guest Blog Tags Nicola Mullineux, Legal
Comment

How to Strive Satisfied

May 4, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

If you don't have a 'pause' button, you're probably a Striver. We associate being a Striver with a badge of honour. It's linked with traits like being a high achiever, disciplined, organised, and successful. It's the mark of the go-getter and having it all together. These superpowers may have led to our success, but as with anything, there is a shadow side.

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

How to turn your fear into fuel for entrepreneurial success

May 4, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

Sometimes when you’ve taken a big leap, you are so conscious of the magnitude of what you’ve done that you don't think you can or should take any more major steps. That was me after leaving home at 22 years old - I was so determined to make my life work and validate the choices I had made, that I found it difficult to think beyond my immediate activities. This kind of paralysis can also hit entrepreneurs in the early stages of building their business, particularly when a huge risk has been taken to get to the start-up stage.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thembe Khumalo, Fear, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

The power of mentorship on this lonely entrepreneurial journey

May 4, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Yolanda Matine

Mentorship has always been a critical topic in most personal development discussions on career paths. There has been so much to gain from it that I started researching on how this methodology can be used in my entrepreneurial sally.

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In Guest Blog Tags Yolanda Matine, Mentoring, PT
Comment

Legally Navigating the Creator Economy with Confidence

May 4, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw

The rapidly growing creator economy is providing South African entrepreneurs with exceptional chances to collaborate and expand their businesses. As companies from various industries are increasingly acknowledging the impact of influencer marketing, it has become crucial to comprehend the legal complexities of such partnerships to protect their interests and promote sustainable brand relationships. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Nicolene Schoeman–Louw, Legal
Comment

How to Create a Powerful Brand Experience & Why it Matters

April 26, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

Consider a positive brand experience that stands out for you. It could be purchasing a product online and receiving your delivery ahead of schedule. How about a restaurant that created an amazing experience from start to finish? What experiences have you told friends about and done free PR because you were left with a lasting impression and impact?

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Brand
Comment

The Power of Positive self-story telling

April 26, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Refilwe Sebothoma


I’ve always been adamant that I don’t like hosting, my sister-in-law suggested that I do this for Christmas last year. Eventually, I agreed, but of course, it was going to be at a restaurant. And I remember her explaining why it wouldn’t work because it also “doesn’t have that family thing”. I felt defeated and said it’s ok, I’ll host at home.

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In Guest Blog Tags Refilwe Sebothoma, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Story Telling
Comment

Taking the leap – boldly paving the way to represent world-class brands

April 26, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Yolanda Matine

When I decided that I was turning my gift (cooking) into a business, every social media page I navigated into started showing me how the world of lunchboxes is so advanced in other places beyond Mozambique where we only have one well-referenced brand.

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In Guest Blog Tags Yolanda Matine, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Self Belief, PT
Comment

About being ghosted

April 26, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Teboho Seretlo

What does the term “ghosting” even mean? I looked it up on Google and this is what comes up: “Ghosting is when someone who used to be friendly or even romantic with you suddenly cuts off all communication without explanation. While most people think of ghosting in a digital context, meaning a friend or dating partner stops responding to texts, emails, calls, etc., it can happen across all social circumstances.” For me, where it says it can happen across all social circumstances, this is true. However, I daresay it happens across the spectrum, professionally too.

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In Guest Blog Tags Teboho Seretlo, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Ethics
Comment

To Create the Life You Want, You May Need to Fire or Retire Your Current Self

April 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

The difference between where you are and where you want to be is found in the dance between your current self and your future self. A dance is successful when both people are in a rhythm, with the understanding that one person needs to lead and the other needs to follow.

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Addressing the Confidence Gap

April 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

Here's something I've noticed over the years coaching men and women in various professions: Women consistently identify themselves as having low confidence and seek support in building it up. I've never had a man raise a lack of confidence as a primary concern.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thembe Khumalo, Communication Skills, Personal Brand
Comment

There is no Virtue in Over-functioning: Ask for Help

April 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Safiyyah Boolay-Jappie

Something I am stepping into more and more is Deservingness. My Deservingness muscle is still ridiculously underdeveloped. I strained this very weak muscle twice this morning before my feet even touched the ground. Thankfully, it is a lens with which I am training my mind to observe myself and the interactions and experiences I live through each day.

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In Guest Blog Tags Safiyyah Boolay-Jappie, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

A Skills-Focused Workplace Model, The Future of Work

April 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

A “job” is defined as “a piece of work, especially a specific task done as part of the routine of one's occupation or for an agreed price”. A “skill” is defined “as the ability, coming from one's knowledge, practice, aptitude, etc.” Work has traditionally been focused on jobs, completing the tasks required to fulfil a certain job description. However, Deloitte, suggests instead of looking at work as a series of jobs, we should be focused more on the set of skills held by employees and how those benefit the company as a whole.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
Comment

3 Limiting Beliefs That Create Stress and How to Overcome Them

April 12, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

As a life coach, my job is to listen to what is being said and mine for the hidden limiting beliefs that hold my clients back from maximising their potential in their personal and professional lives.

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Upskilling as an Antidote to Imposter Syndrome

April 12, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

At a recent meeting with entrepreneurs, I was asked about overcoming imposter syndrome. No one liked it when I responded by asking, “Are you an imposter?” This is an uncomfortable question, particularly when you are regularly questioning your abilities, feeling insecure, and struggling to feel confident in a particular role or task. For you to be able to respond with a firm “No,” to such a question you need to be sure that you are equipped with the knowledge and skills for the work you are proposing to do. And that was my point in asking the question.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thembe Khumalo, Communication Skills, Personal Brand
Comment

Strategies to Grow a Business

April 12, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Helena Naitsuwe Amadhila

Businesses are unique entities that require constant upgrading to grow to ensure relevance and generation of income at all times. Here are some strategies to grow a business in a dynamic world.

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In Guest Blog Tags Helena Naitsuwe Amadhila, Marketing, Management Advice, Growing Your Business
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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 / 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

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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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