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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Charlotte Steenekamp - The startup story of a passionately committed South African entrepreneur creating a pure, organic, botanical skincare revolution in Africa

May 1, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Charlotte Steenekamp, founder of Africa Grace Botanical Skincare (South Africa)

Charlotte Steenekamp, founder of Africa Grace Botanical Skincare (South Africa)

Today, more and more consumers are making ethical and responsible decisions about the products they purchase, their sustainable footprint, and their community backstory. As a result, the marketplace for pure, organic and sustainable products, particularly in sectors such as beauty and skincare, is growing. Africa Grace Botanical Skincare, the brainchild of entrepreneur Charlotte Steenekamp, is a great example of a socially and environmentally responsible company and brand being created in Africa that is making a difference. 

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness
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Leslie Okoye - The startup story of a Nigerian entrepreneur dedicated to redefining traditional notions of beauty through a holistic approach to skincare

April 29, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Leslie Okoye, founder of L’Okoye Cosmetics Inc.

Leslie Okoye, founder of L’Okoye Cosmetics Inc.

A personal mission to find a simplified skin care regime for women of African descent, led to entrepreneur Leslie Okoye launching her own line of holistic skincare products specifically created for women of colour. Today, her company, L’Okoye Cosmetics Inc. and her CookieSkin specialist skincare range, is providing a way for women to build confidence in their skin and to create flawless complexions.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness
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Jacqueline Rogers - The startup story of a South African fashionpreneur on a mission to make maternity wear both chic and comfortable for mums-to-be

April 28, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Jacqueline Rogers, founder of Label of Love (South Africa)

Jacqueline Rogers, founder of Label of Love (South Africa)

Tenacity, determination and passion are all unique attributes that to towards describing entrepreneur Jacqueline Rogers, the founder of the exciting maternity wear company, Label of Love. She is genuinely on a mission to create the most beautiful clothes that make any mum-to-be feel special during this important time in their lives, whilst at the same time designing each garment to be comfortable, practical and long-lasting. Her brand is winning fans in large numbers who have been on the look out for maternity chic wardrobes that make them feel and look great.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion
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Kristine Pearson - The startup story of a social entrepreneur with a passion for bringing the power of radio and media to Africa’s communities through solar power

April 20, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Kristine Pearson, founder of Lifeline Energy

Kristine Pearson, founder of Lifeline Energy

Women entrepreneurs understand the power of the media to reach communities and to provide essential communication and education to both adults and children alike, in particular to women in remote communities. Kristine Pearson, the founder of Lifeline Energy, knows only too well how much of a lifeline radio can be, hence the name of the enterprise. By harnessing the power of solar, she is creating access to radio to millions of listeners who would previously be denied the opportunity - she is a real game-changer on the African continent.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, South Africa
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Thabisa Mjo - The startup story of a talented creative entrepreneur with an eye on building an exciting new lifestyle brand in Africa

April 19, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash.T Design Studio (South Africa)

Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash.T Design Studio (South Africa)

Interior design company, Mash.T Design Studio, is on a mission - to create beautiful spaces. Inspired by its creative founder, Thabisa Mjo, the company prides itself by continuously providing its clients with highly creative solutions to their spatial challenges. The company is constantly working to solidify its status as a design company synonymous with cutting edge, inspired design.

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In Startup Story Tags Design, Interior Design
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Nana and Afua Dabanka - The startup story of a luxury footwear label, proudly made in Ghana, and inspired by a powerful Ashanti heritage

April 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Nana & Afua Dabanka, founders of MONAA (Ghana)

Nana & Afua Dabanka, founders of MONAA (Ghana)

In the world of design, particularly luxury footwear, there is something truly inspirational about working with the finest leathers, fabrics and decorative elements that are reflective of a country’s design aesthetic. Nana and Afua Dabanka, the creative duo behind the incredibly beautiful MONAA brand, are taking the world by storm with their luxury footwear label that takes its inspiration from their proud Ashanti heritage.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion, Artisans, Ghana
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Nikki Davies - The start up story of a mom’s quest to serve wholesome real food to babies and toddlers

April 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Nikki Davies, co-founder of Orchard Baby and Toddler Foods (South Africa)

Nikki Davies, co-founder of Orchard Baby and Toddler Foods (South Africa)

Every parent knows how crucial it is to give their babies and toddlers the best start in life through a healthy diet, and yet in our increasingly busy lives, the convenience of a ready-made baby food makes all the difference. Finding options that are fresh and healthy, however, is a challenge. However, one South African company is changing all that. Nikki Davies, the inspiration and co-founder of the Orchard Baby and Toddler Foods company and brand is producing real food that both parents and babies will love.

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In Startup Story Tags Food & Drink
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Gloria Kamanzi Uwizera - The startup story of a rising star of the Rwandan design and interior decor scene, putting the country’s design talent on the global map

April 16, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Gloria Kamanzi Uwizera, founder of Glo Creations (Rwanda)

Gloria Kamanzi Uwizera, founder of Glo Creations (Rwanda)

Tapping into the growing global interest in African design, entrepreneur Gloria Kamanzi Uwizera is building an award-winning company, Glo Creations, that is celebrating traditional batik printing techniques but with a contemporary twist.

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In Startup Story Tags Artisans, Rwanda, Fashion
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Pascale Bukize - The startup story of a Rwandan TV production company lighting up the country’s TV screens with great content for women

April 12, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Pascale Bukize, founder of Nawel Company Ltd (Rwanda)

Pascale Bukize, founder of Nawel Company Ltd (Rwanda)

There is something truly inspirational about women entrepreneurs who harness the real power of the media, in particularly TV and Radio, to empower women in their countries through positive messaging, great storytelling, and powerful women role-models. Rwandan entrepreneur, Pascale Bukize, and her fellow team members founded Nawel Company Ltd to produce not only great content and TV shows, but also to launch a pioneering show The Real Women Show, to uplift and inspire other women in the country. 

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications, Rwanda
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Denise Umunyana and Celine Uwineza - The startup story of a Rwandan talent management company that believes in the power of tapping potential

April 12, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Denise Umunyana and Celine Uwineza, founders of RightSeat (Rwanda)

Denise Umunyana and Celine Uwineza, founders of RightSeat (Rwanda)

The challenge for any company or organisation is finding the right people and building great teams, and one entrepreneurial team is making this process a whole lot easier. Right Seat is a specialist talent management company in Rwanda, spearheaded by two young women entrepreneurs, Denise Umunyana and Celine Uwineza, who are focused on building a strong HR pipeline in the country.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, Rwanda
1 Comment

Thokoza Mjo - The startup story of a social entrepreneur with a passion for providing economic opportunities for South Africa’s teenagers

April 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Thokoza Mjo, founder of Beyond the Lemonade Stand (South Africa)

Thokoza Mjo, founder of Beyond the Lemonade Stand (South Africa)

South Africa’s future economic prosperity depends on its young people making active contributions to the socio-economic development of the country. Yet with unemployment being a major challenge, the future lies in creating a new generation of entrepreneurs who can make a difference. Beyond the Lemonade Stand, the brainchild of founder Thokoza Mjo, is a social venture looking to do just that!

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, South Africa
1 Comment

Roxanne Edson - The startup story of a social entrepreneur inspired to make a difference in the lives of those affected by Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and in foster care in South Africa

April 8, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Roxanne Edson, founder of Hidden Halos (South Africa)

Roxanne Edson, founder of Hidden Halos (South Africa)

The challenge of dealing with the effects of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and the devastating impact it can have on the lives of innocent children, is a major one in South Africa. Social entrepreneur Roxanne Edson, and her team of supporters at Hidden Halos, are working tirelessly to champion foster care advocacy and support for those children affected by the syndrome. 

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur
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Joycee Awojoodu - The startup story of an African luxury personal grooming brand fusing the continent’s beloved botanicals with scientific research

April 6, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Joycee Awojoodu, founder ORÍKÌ (Nigeria)

Joycee Awojoodu, founder ORÍKÌ (Nigeria)

As the fast developing world of personal grooming and skincare grows in Africa, so too does the desire to find products that harness the unique natural ingredients from the continent for their inspiration. One luxury brand, ORÍKÌ, is not only creating a range of products that truly celebrate Africa’s natural resources, but it also positively touches the lives of those who harvest those raw materials.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, Nigeria
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Frances Edwards - The startup story of a South African entrepreneur who quit the world of finance to create the finest handcrafted shoes and handbags

April 6, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Frances Edwards, founder of House of Cinnamon (South Africa)

Frances Edwards, founder of House of Cinnamon (South Africa)

They say one of the most successful ways of building a company and a brand is to follow a passion, and in the case of South African entrepreneur Frances Edwards, that has certainly been the inspiration for the launch of her business, House of Cinnamon. Today, Frances is creating a unique luxury footwear and accessories brand, that celebrates the art of fine craftsmanship in Africa.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion
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Christelle Kwizera - The startup story of a social entrepreneur on a mission to provide much-needed affordable water solutions in East Africa

April 5, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Christelle Kwizera, founder of Water Access Rwanda (WARwanda)

Christelle Kwizera, founder of Water Access Rwanda (WARwanda)

Water scarcity in Africa is a huge challenge today, but one young woman socialpreneur is building an enterprise that is looking to bring an answer that is both affordable and durable. Christelle Kwizera, founder of Water Access Rwanda (WARwanda), a company providing essential water filtration solutions, is already making a difference in her country. 

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, Eco-preneur
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Carine-Zoe Umutoni - The startup story of a Rwandan fashion entrepreneur bringing a great sense of style combined with big ambitions to a proudly Rwandan fashion brand

April 5, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Carine-Zoe Umutoni, founder of ONYX (Rwanda)

Carine-Zoe Umutoni, founder of ONYX (Rwanda)

Developing a distinctive fashion brand which celebrates African fabric and inspiration with contemporary design that reflects the uniqueness of Rwanda, is what makes ONYX  stand out in the marketplace. Founder Carine-Zoe Umutoni has a passion for her country which is only matched by her talent for creating must-wear garments which the fashion conscious want to own.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion
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Wunmi Amokeodo - The startup story of a Nigerian fashion entrepreneur celebrating the country’s traditional fabrics in contemporary design

April 4, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Wunmi Amokeodo, founder of Design for Love (Nigeria)

Wunmi Amokeodo, founder of Design for Love (Nigeria)

For many entrepreneurs, their businesses start with a passion or a need to address a key challenge that exists in the marketplace - in the case of talented Nigerian fashion design entrepreneur, Wunmi Amokeodo, founder of Design for Love (DFL), it was both of these factors. 

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion, Nigeria
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Bhavya Kalsi - The startup story of a Ugandan company and brand influenced by Indian roots

April 4, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Bhavya Kalsi and Nimisha Kalipurayath, founders of KONA (Uganda)

Bhavya Kalsi and Nimisha Kalipurayath, founders of KONA (Uganda)

KONA, the name of a unique new accessories and homeware company in Uganda was inspired by a mixture of cultures, the word literally meaning CORNER in Swahili Luganda and Hindi. So, from a little corner in Africa, two women entrepreneurs, are creating an exciting new brand with a distinctive personality.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion, Uganda
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Bernadette Umunyana - The startup story of a Rwandan leather fashion accessories company committed to Fair Trade principles and the training of young people

March 30, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Bernadette Umunyana, founder of Dokmai Rwanda

Bernadette Umunyana, founder of Dokmai Rwanda

A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for Made in Rwanda products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company and a brand that would celebrate the skills and raw materials of Rwanda. Today, her company is producing a range of high quality leather fashion accessories that are proudly made and designed in Rwanda, and custom tailored to meet the needs of the brand’s discerning customers.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion, Artisans
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Sonia Mugabo - The startup story of a fashion entrepreneur in Rwanda, building a strong men and womenswear brand that celebrates local artisan craftsmanship

March 30, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Sonia Mugabo, founder of Sonia Mugabo (SM), Rwanda

Sonia Mugabo, founder of Sonia Mugabo (SM), Rwanda

Recognising the high potential of the Rwandan fashion scene, and having a passion for mainstream and bespoke clothing design, was the inspiration for Sonia Mugabo to make the move and establish a new and exciting fashion company in the country. Her label, Sonia Mugabo (SM) is winning legions of new fashion conscious fans along the way.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion
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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 / 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 / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa
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 / 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 / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa 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

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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