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Penny Mpanza - The startup story of a South African social entrepreneur on a mission to build the next generation of young leaders in her country

September 17, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Penny Mpanza, founder of Let’s Build Our Country Fund NPC (LBOC Fund), South Africa

Penny Mpanza, founder of Let’s Build Our Country Fund NPC (LBOC Fund), South Africa

There are some people you meet in life that really embody the idea of being a Changemaker and who genuinely understand the power of giving and positively touching the lives of others. Penny Mpanza is just that person, an inspirational social entrepreneur who passionately believes that real and lasting change will be driven by a new generation of young people who are well educated and have the tools to find the solutions to the challenges facing Africa today.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, Social Entrepreneurship Month
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Sophie Umazi Mvurya and Brigit Wasike - The startup story of two dynamic fashionpreneurs who are creating affordable, trend-setting clothes for discerning Kenyans

September 16, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Brigit Wasike (top) and Sophie Umazi Mvurya (bottom), founders of House of Tahzi

Brigit Wasike (top) and Sophie Umazi Mvurya (bottom), founders of House of Tahzi

They say that great minds think alike, and in the case of Sophie Umazi Mvurya and Brigit Wasike, this is certainly a meeting of the minds. These two highly talented and passionate fashionpreneurs have a dynamic vision, to not only capture the fashion market in Kenya, but to take their unique House of Tahzi brand and transform it into a major global lifestyle name.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion, Kenya
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Sarah Lambie - The startup story of an inspirational NGO in Uganda providing entrepreneurial training to startups in Africa

September 15, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Sarah Lambie, Work for Life

Sarah Lambie, Work for Life

We all know that life as an entrepreneurial startup can be tough, but with the right support, training and skills development especially in those early days, achieving business success becomes more of a reality. Work For Life is a focused NGO providing essential entrepreneurial training and support to African entrepreneurs, many of whom are women, just when it is needed most.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, Social Entrepreneurship Month, Uganda
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Diane Goldie - The startup story of a one-of-a-kind entrepreneur who creates incredibly beautiful wearable art that tells its own unique story

September 14, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Diane Goldie, founder and creative force behind c.Art

Diane Goldie, founder and creative force behind c.Art

Once seen, never forgotten - that is a phrase that perfectly encapsulates the work of Diane Goldie and her company, c.Art. This is one highly talented, passionate woman entrepreneur that is creating unique, bespoke pieces of wearable art with stories woven into the very fabric, to appeal to the confident, unapologetic and strong women who inspire her. 

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In Startup Story Tags Design, Artisans
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Pippa Hetherington - The startup story of a creative South African storyteller encouraging women to let their voices be heard

September 9, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Pippa Hetherington, founder of Behind the Faces (South Africa)

Pippa Hetherington, founder of Behind the Faces (South Africa)

Africa has many challenges and one of those is giving voice to those who need it. Pippa Hetherington is a social and information entrepreneur who is creating a unique platform, Behind the Faces, for encouraging women to let their voices be heard. Using storytelling as a catalyst, she is providing a powerful mechanism for these women to share their own personal stories of strength and inspiration, and to communicate with their compatriots across the African continent. 

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, Social Entrepreneurship Month, Art-preneur, South Africa
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Lungile Kunene - The startup story of a South African fashion designer embarking on a global retail journey

September 7, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Lungile Kunene, founder of Izembatho Creations (South Africa)

Lungile Kunene, founder of Izembatho Creations (South Africa)

Typically, fashionpreneurs are some of the most creative individuals and always passionate about the work they produce. They have a vision for the clothes they design and an idea of the people who will be wearing their creations and how they will make those people feel. Lungile Kunene of Izembatho Creations is one designer who has a clear vision for the aesthetic and emotional response she wishes the women who will be wearing her clothes to have.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion, South Africa
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Nobesuthu Ndlovu - The startup story of a South African fashion entrepreneur showcasing the best of the country’s design talent

September 6, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Nobesuthu Ndlovu, co-founder of Burgundy Fly (South Africa)

Nobesuthu Ndlovu, co-founder of Burgundy Fly (South Africa)

Building a successful fashion retail showcase brand is no small feat, and requires endless amounts of energy and passion, not to mention a great eye for detail and the knack of selecting the best designs for different marketplaces. However, Nobesuthu Ndlovu, the co-founder of Burgundy Fly, is a great example of a woman entrepreneur who has all these skills and more, and together with her business partner and husband, is building an exciting fashion retail company. 

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion, E-commerce, South Africa
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Monica Masiga & Justine Kiwanuka - The startup story of two micro-entrepreneurs bringing health and wellbeing to their communities in Kenya and Uganda

September 6, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Justine Kiwanuka (L) & Monica Masiga (R), Living Goods micro-entrepreneurs

Justine Kiwanuka (L) & Monica Masiga (R), Living Goods micro-entrepreneurs

Across the African continent, particularly in rural areas, promoting good community health and wellness to local people remains a challenge. Life-saving products and services don’t do any good unless they get into the hands of the people that need them and know how to use them. Social entrepreneurship venture, Living Goods, is helping to solve the “last mile” problem by recruiting, training, and managing the performance of Community Health Promoters. Monica Masiga in Kenya, and Justine Kiwanuka in Uganda, are two such Living Goods micro-entrepreneurs who are making a difference. 

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, Social Impact, Social Entrepreneurship Month, Uganda, Kenya
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Nisha Maharaj - The startup story of a South African techpreneur looking to bridge the technology gap in her country

August 28, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Nisha Maharaj, founder of Niche Integrated Solutions (South Africa)

Nisha Maharaj, founder of Niche Integrated Solutions (South Africa)

Companies in the IT sector have long built a reputation for finding solutions to many of the business challenges we face today, but Niche Integrated Solutions is an IT company with a difference, thanks to its founder Nisha Maharaj. It has genuinely found a niche for itself in a highly competitive sector, and as a result, is not just building a rapidly growing and successful business, but it is also positively impacting on the lives and businesses of others.

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In Startup Story Tags Women in Tech, Technology, South Africa
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Terryanne Chebet - The startup story of a Kenyan entrepreneur with a passion for changing how the world looks at Africa, beautifully

August 25, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Terryanne Chebet, founder of Keyara Organics (Kenya)

Terryanne Chebet, founder of Keyara Organics (Kenya)

Keyara Organics is a natural skincare company with a soul and a real passion for African ingredients. Founder and serial entrepreneur, Terryanne Chebet, has a vision to grow the company to be among the world’s leading natural skincare brands, understanding that everyone needs a natural skincare routine.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, Beauty & Wellness Month, Kenya
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Damaris Nyabuti - The startup story of a Kenyan PR company that exemplifies the entrepreneurial never-give-up attitude

August 25, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Damaris Nyabuti, founder of Dharkemmy Corporate Communications

Damaris Nyabuti, founder of Dharkemmy Corporate Communications

If there is one word that could best describe PR entrepreneur, Damaris Nyabuti, the founder of Dharkemmy Corporate Communications in Nairobi, Kenya, it is tenacious. Despite all the challenges that have faced her throughout her career, she has remained true to her passion for PR and communications and been determined to realise her vision of starting her own company. She is a force to be reckoned with and understands the power of sheer hard work to make things happen.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications Month, Media PR & Communications, Kenya
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Amanda Blankfield-Koseff - The startup story of a social entrepreneur on a mission to empower a new generation of South African citizens

August 23, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Amanda Blankfield-Koseff, founder & CEO of Empowervate (South Africa)

Amanda Blankfield-Koseff, founder & CEO of Empowervate (South Africa)

South Africa is a country with its fair share of challenges, and particularly amongst its youth, but the way to address those challenges is to empower a new generation of proactive citizens to lead a new way of thinking and to find the much needed solutions for change. Social entrepreneur Amanda Blankfield-Koseff and her Empowervate Trust has a vision to help these new young citizens to be the changemakers of tomorrow.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, Social Entrepreneurship Month, South Africa
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Sheila Afari - The startup story of a PR entrepreneur with a passion for promoting proudly African brands

August 13, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Sheila Afari, founder of Sheila Afari Public Relations (South Africa)

Sheila Afari, founder of Sheila Afari Public Relations (South Africa)

Africa has a wealth of PR, media and communications talent, and no two companies are the same. In the case of Sheila Afari Public Relations, this proudly African PR entrepreneur is passionate about showcasing the best of African brands to the rest of the world, and is differentiating herself and her company in the marketplace as a result.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications Month, Media PR & Communications, South Africa
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Juanita van der Merwe - The startup story of an award winning South African social enterprise up-cycling billboard ads into funky bags!

August 12, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Juanita van der Merwe, co-founder of Little Green Number (South Africa)

Juanita van der Merwe, co-founder of Little Green Number (South Africa)

Little Green Number is the brainchild of a passionate young social entrepreneur, Juanita van der Merwe, who is aiming to change the world for the better by not only creating unique, really funky handmade bags from up cycled advertising billboard posters thereby helping the environment, but also creating much-needed local jobs for young people in her community.

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In Startup Story Tags Eco-preneur, Fashion, Artisans
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Kerryne Krause Neufeldt - The startup story of a South African beauty and wellness global brand builder

July 31, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Kerryne Krause Neufeldt, founder of eyeSlices® (South Africa)

Kerryne Krause Neufeldt, founder of eyeSlices® (South Africa)

Many of us with busy entrepreneurial lives, heavy travel schedules, and lots of late nights will probably have experienced the effects of tired puffy eyes, with increasingly dark circles and redness, exacerbated by staring at computer screens and smartphones all day long. However, one innovative South African entrepreneur, Kerryne Krause Neufeldt, thinks she has found the solution - eyeSlices®! 

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness Month, Beauty & Wellness, South Africa
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Thokozile Mangwiro - The startup story of a South African entrepreneur building a natural hair and skin care brand formulated for African women

July 30, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Thokozile Mangwiro, founder of Nyla Naturals (South Africa)

Thokozile Mangwiro, founder of Nyla Naturals (South Africa)

Africa is seeing a growing interest in natural skin and haircare products, utilising indigenous ingredients and demonstrating an ethical and more environmentally friendly approach to production. South African based Nyla Naturals is the brainchild of founder Thokozile Mangwiro, who is taking the renowned native Marula oil and using its natural properties to create a whole new product range that is both sustainable and specially formulated to care for African women’s skin and hair.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness Month, Beauty & Wellness
1 Comment

Alana Bond - The startup story of a South African entrepreneur dedicated to helping the country transform itself through business and social enterprise

July 29, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Alana Bond and Lana Lovasic, directors of Simanye Group

Alana Bond and Lana Lovasic, directors of Simanye Group

The Simanye Group is on a mission to help South Africa, and the African continent as a whole, find sustainable solutions to positive transformation and to support new economic development and growth in the communities that most need it to grow and thrive.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Consulting Services
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Anne Nduati - The startup story of a Kenyan social entrepreneur looking to raise greater awareness of the sleep disorder Narcolepsy

July 28, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Anne Nduati, founder of Narcolepsy Awareness Kenya

Anne Nduati, founder of Narcolepsy Awareness Kenya

Anne Nduati is a woman on a mission, working to make more people in her country, Kenya, and indeed across the African continent, aware of the sleep disorder Narcolepsy, a condition that her daughter was diagnosed with when young. The organisation she founded, Narcolepsy Awareness Kenya, aims to empower those who suffer from the condition to live their lives to the fullest, but she also hopes to inform and support the families and teachers who look after those children.

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In Startup Story Tags Healthcare, Healthpreneur Month, Kenya, Social Entrepreneur
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Jacqueline Kiage - The startup story of a social entrepreneur with a vision to tackle the issue of preventable blindness in rural Kenya

July 27, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Jacqueline Kiage, co-founder of Innovation Eye Centre (Kenya)

Jacqueline Kiage, co-founder of Innovation Eye Centre (Kenya)

Africa has some truly dedicated and inspirational social entrepreneurs who want to make a real and positive difference to the lives of others. Jacqueline Kiage is doing just that in rural Kenya by starting a world-class social enterprise eye clinic, Innovation Eyecare Centre, to provide life-enhancing eye surgery and specialist eye care to patients that is affordable and accessible.

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In Startup Story Tags Healthcare, Healthpreneur Month
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Maria Auma - The startup story of an African woman-owned investment management company looking to empower the continent’s entrepreneurs

July 27, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Maria Auma, founder of Blue Luxury Investments (Uganda)

Maria Auma, founder of Blue Luxury Investments (Uganda)

At a time when access to funding and capital-raising for business start-ups in Africa is difficult and stressful at the best of times, one Ugandan woman entrepreneur is looking to forge a path where few African women tread. Maria Auma is taking her passion for economics and financial management and building her company, Blue Luxury Investments, as a platform for investment management solutions for entrepreneurial ventures that are environmentally conscious.

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In Startup Story Tags Finance, Uganda
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

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


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


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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 / 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 / Pichulik

Beautiful bracelets… Introducing The Aruba Bracelets by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear atelie
Image of the Day / Eva Sonaike

Vibrant textile design…This striking textile design by Eva Sonaike caught our eye this morning. Like the rest of the world, we love the African aesthetic which is increasingly finding its way into global interio
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 / Pichulik

Beautiful bracelets… Introducing The Aruba Bracelets by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear atelie Image of the Day / Eva Sonaike

Vibrant textile design…This striking textile design by Eva Sonaike caught our eye this morning. Like the rest of the world, we love the African aesthetic which is increasingly finding its way into global interio

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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