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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

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Rosemary Obi, a Nigerian entrepreneur creating the first make-up reality show in Africa

August 24, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Rosemary Obi, founder Project FX Make-Up Show Africa (Nigeria)

Rosemary Obi, founder Project FX Make-Up Show Africa (Nigeria)

On a mission to take Africa’s most talented make-up artists to the world of film and television, Project FX Make-Up Show Africa, the brainchild of Rosemary Obi, is looking to supercharge the careers of a new generation of home-grown African make-up artists.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications
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Susan Kinuthia, a Kenyan entrepreneur taking on the skin and haircare industry by providing natural alternatives

August 22, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Susan Kinuthia, founder of Ruzena Naturals (Kenya)

Susan Kinuthia, founder of Ruzena Naturals (Kenya)

Starting any business with a personal passion is always a good building block, and Susan Kinuthia is taking her love of natural skin and hair products to the next level, using it as the inspiration for her own company, Ruzena Naturals. This new kid on the beauty block is creating high quality, natural skin and haircare products for people who are sensitive to mass produced, chemical laced products on the market.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness
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Bridget Edwards, a South African stress expert on a mission to help others to overcome challenges in life

August 21, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Bridget Edwards, author and emotional change catalyst

Bridget Edwards, author and emotional change catalyst

For many people, stress can have a devastating impact on their lives, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Bridget Edwards is an entrepreneur and specialist stress counsellor showing people how to harness stress as a positive force, rather than a negative one. Her consulting work and her books provide an inspirational guide to living life more positively and differently, resolving personal challenges and issues along the way.

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In Startup Story Tags Work Life Balance
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Gloria Michelle Otieno, a Kenyan entrepreneur with a passion for human resources and skills development

August 20, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Gloria Otieno, founder of Recours Four Kenya Consultants (Kenya)

Gloria Otieno, founder of Recours Four Kenya Consultants (Kenya)

Finding the perfect niche for a business is always a tricky thing, but for Gloria Otieno, she knew intrinsically that her entrepreneurial journey would like in the field of human resources and training. Her business, Recours Four Kenya Consultants Limited, is allowing her to live her dream and fulfil not just her aspirations, but also those of all the young people who use its services. She is making a huge difference to the development of a new, well-trained population who will drive the future economy of the country.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services
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Amanda Ioannoy, a South African entrepreneur enriching brands through her corporate gifting and event management expertise

August 15, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Amanda Ioannoy (founder) & Varisha Singh, the dynamic duo behind Ambella Corporate and Promotional Gifts (South Africa)

Amanda Ioannoy (founder) & Varisha Singh, the dynamic duo behind Ambella Corporate and Promotional Gifts (South Africa)

Being customer centric is the key to business success, and in the case of Amanda Ioannoy’s business, Ambella Corporate and Promotional Gifts in South Africa, she understands how to connect with customers by providing quality gifting and promotional merchandise options that can effectively promote company brands.

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In Startup Story Tags Brand, Media PR & Communications Month
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Claire Keet, a South African entrepreneur making the world of yoga and fitness a more inspirational design place

August 14, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Claire Keet, founder of Sentiens (South Africa)

Claire Keet, founder of Sentiens (South Africa)

For those of us who have spent hours in yoga studios, with boring yoga mats tucked under our arms, help is at hand. Claire Keet, founder of Sentiens, is on a mission to create beautiful yet practical yoga mats that will inspire anyone looking for that perfect zen moment as they exercise and meditate.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness
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Angela Livu, a Kenyan entrepreneur providing her customers with luxury, ethically sourced hair products

August 14, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Angela Livu, founder of Luxury Hair (Kenya)

Angela Livu, founder of Luxury Hair (Kenya)

Having beautiful hair is something many women long for, but often can’t attain. For one Kenyan entrepreneur, Angela Livu, this provided an opportunity to create a business that would provide the solution. Her company, Luxury Hair, is providing discerning women with the highest quality hair products that are 100% ethically sourced and beautiful to look at and wear.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness
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Mignionette Fair, a South African entrepreneur on a mission to improve the quality of written communication

August 14, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Mignionette Fair, founder of Fair Translation and Editing Services (South Africa)

Mignionette Fair, founder of Fair Translation and Editing Services (South Africa)

In the world of business, the art of storytelling is no longer a ‘nice to have’ but a necessity. People connect with brands through stories and therefore companies are becoming more aware of the need to tell those stories in a way that will best connect with consumers. Entrepreneur and language guru, Mignionette Fair, the founder of Fair Translation and Editing Services, has a passion for helping companies to master the art of language to make that all important connection with customers.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications
1 Comment

Karené Wedekind, a creative photographer on a mission to help businesses succeed through great imagery

August 12, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Karené Wedekind, founder of Karené Wedekind Photography (South Africa)

Karené Wedekind, founder of Karené Wedekind Photography (South Africa)

We’ve all heard the phrase ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ and in the case of South African entrepreneur, Karené Wedekind, she is capturing eye-catching images that can help businesses to portray themselves and their products in the best possible light.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications
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Hanita Muthray, a South African entrepreneur making her mark in the spa and wellness industry

August 7, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Nish & Hanita Muthray, founder of Nt Shonalanga Valley Resort (South Africa)

Nish & Hanita Muthray, founder of Nt Shonalanga Valley Resort (South Africa)

Many entrepreneurs find themselves pivoting along their career journeys, often by finding a passion that can translate into a business. Hanita Muthray’s entrepreneurial journey took such a turn, making the move from physiotherapy and joining the family business. Today,  her experience and passion for wellness has found a new mission through the creation of a successful company, Nt Shonalanga Valley Resort, that creates a unique spa and wellness experience for individuals and corporates alike.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness
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Christine Khasinah Odero - A Kenyan entrepreneur on a mission to connect and inspire mums in her country

August 5, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Christine Khasinah Odero, founder of Supamamas (Kenya)

Christine Khasinah Odero, founder of Supamamas (Kenya)

Every mum and mum-to-be knows how important it is to learn as much as possible about being a parent and caring for those precious little ones. Seeing a gap in the market for a focused online and event platform that would bring the best information, networking and support for mums in Kenya, led to entrepreneur Christine Khasinah Odero creating Supamamas, a destination of choice for discerning mums.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications
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Abisola Owolawi - a Nigerian entrepreneur harnessing communications to positively impact human capital

August 2, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Abisola Owolawi, founder of 30Watt Media (Nigeria)

Abisola Owolawi, founder of 30Watt Media (Nigeria)

Nigerian woman-owned startup 30Watt Media understands the power of exceptional service delivery and great communication, helping companies to make the necessary business shifts from simply selling products to offering real customer experiences. At the heart of the business is an understanding of the power of human capital to make a difference to the way consumers experience brands and businesses.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications
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Mariam Mpaata - A Kenyan social entrepreneur with a passion for soccer empowers youth and women in her country through sport

July 31, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Mariam Mpaata, founder of Junior Stars Youth Development Programme (Kenya)

Mariam Mpaata, founder of Junior Stars Youth Development Programme (Kenya)

To make real social change happen in Africa, you need people with the vision and passion to make a difference, and to find practical solutions to challenges faced each day. Mariam Mpaata is one such social entrepreneur on a mission to empower youth and women through the power of soccer, and started her Junior Stars Youth Development Programme to make a huge impact on young people’s lives in Kenya.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur
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Valerie Nyamwaya, a Kenyan fashionpreneur putting local designers on the global map

July 29, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Valerie Nyamwaya, founder of Afrivazi Limited (Kenya)

Valerie Nyamwaya, founder of Afrivazi Limited (Kenya)

Kenya is fast becoming a rising star of African fashion, with new talented designers emerging every day. Afrivazi is a company helping those designers reach discerning customers looking to support proudly ‘Made in Kenya’ brand names, and its founder Valerie Nyamwaya, is an entrepreneur on a mission to make it happen.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion
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Michelle Ntalami, a Kenyan haircare entrepreneur making natural products for the African woman

July 28, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Michelle Ntalami, founder of Marini Naturals (Kenya)

Michelle Ntalami, founder of Marini Naturals (Kenya)

Marini Naturals is a proudly Kenyan natural haircare brand, designed to celebrate women’s natural kinks and curls. Founded by entrepreneur Michelle Ntalami, the vision for the brand is to create a range of haircare products that take their inspiration and ingredients from nature, but which help beauty conscious women to really showcase their beautiful and naturally curly hair.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness
1 Comment

Tiguidanke Mounir Camara - The Guinean woman entrepreneur breaking barriers in African mining

July 27, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Tiguidanke Mounir Camara, founder of TIGUI MINING GROUP TMG (Guinea)

Tiguidanke Mounir Camara, founder of TIGUI MINING GROUP TMG (Guinea)

Africa’s mining sector is focused on sustainability, entrepreneurship, and contributing meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the continent. Local communities depend on these natural resources for their futures and this requires new ways of thinking, not to mention a new approach to ensuring diversity in the sector. One woman entrepreneur is leading the way - Tiguidanke Mounir Camara is the founder of the woman-mine owned TIGUI MINING GROUP (TMG) and is carving a new and exciting pathway for women in Africa’s mining sector.

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In Startup Story Tags Mining & Beneficiation, Guinea
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Amanda Sibiya - The startup story of a passionate South African entrepreneur on a mission to get the world talking and reading about Africa’s creatives

July 24, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Amanda Sibiya, co-founder of Conté Magazine (South Africa)

Amanda Sibiya, co-founder of Conté Magazine (South Africa)

Creatives and their work need to be seen to be appreciated, and often finding the right outlets and platforms to achieve that visibility is tough, particularly in Africa. One entrepreneur, Amanda Sibiya, co-founder of Conté Magazine is looking to change that, by creating a high quality, content rich publication and accompanying exhibition event that aims to put the continent’s creatives on the map.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications Month
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Mary Njoki - The startup story of a tenacious Kenyan entrepreneur helping the continent’s brands become newsmakers

July 23, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Mary Njoki, founder of Glass House PR (Kenya)

Mary Njoki, founder of Glass House PR (Kenya)

The world of public relations and brand positioning is a highly competitive one, particularly on the African continent, but Mary Njoki, the founder of successful Kenyan PR firm Glass House PR, is determined to be an industry leader by building a foundation of innovation and creativity.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications, Kenya
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Robertinah Nzula - The startup story of a Kenyan entrepreneur transforming the image of the modelling and talent industry

July 22, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Robertinah Nzula, founder of The Tianar Models (Kenya)

Robertinah Nzula, founder of The Tianar Models (Kenya)

Changing perceptions and creating opportunities are objectives at the heart of The Tianar Models, an organisation created by Robertinah Nzula, a Kenyan entrepreneur on a mission to make a difference to the lives of others. She is not only changing an industry sector for the better, but she is empowering young people to follow their unique career and life paths. 

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, Kenya
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Thiitu Karega - The startup story of a natural beauty entrepreneur who is celebrating Africa’s bounty of natural ingredients

July 21, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Thiitu Karega, founder Binti Naturals (Kenya)

Thiitu Karega, founder Binti Naturals (Kenya)

Many women entrepreneurs in Africa are inspired to create businesses as a way of not only fulfilling personal ambitions and goals, but also of creating solutions or products that can help others. Binti Naturals is one such company that is looking to make its mark on the African beauty scene and provide natural beauty solutions for women who want an organic alternative.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, Kenya
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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 / 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 / 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 / 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 / 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

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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