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Lionesses of Africa

276 5th Avenue
New York, NY, 10001
(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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    • Events Homepage & Booking
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    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
  • About +
    • About Us
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  • Connect +
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
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    • Become a Contributor
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    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

Chaymaa Rhou, a Moroccan entrepreneur on a mission to encourage more digital nomads to explore the world of film

October 30, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Chaymaa Rhou, founder of Nomadic Filmland Academy (Morocco)

Chaymaa Rhou, founder of Nomadic Filmland Academy (Morocco)

For all those who love the idea of global travel and filming combined into one unique offering, then the Nomadic Filmland Academy has a great proposition. Entrepreneur Chaymaa Rhou and her film expert colleagues are providing the opportunity for travellers to experience not only fascinating trips to new places, but also the chance to record a film of their travels at the same time. 

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications
Comment

Sarah Munyiva, a Kenyan entrepreneur on a mission to help busy people and companies with their cleaning needs

October 30, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Sarah Munyiva, founder of Royal Maids Cleaning Services (Kenya)

Sarah Munyiva, founder of Royal Maids Cleaning Services (Kenya)

For both homeowners and business owners alike, the challenge of keeping important living and work spaces clean and tidy is one that Kenya-based Royal Maids Cleaning Services is happy to deal with. Founder and CEO Sarah Munyiva is providing a useful and much-needed service to those requiring hassle-free cleaning solutions in their lives.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, Kenya
Comment

Rafiat Kasumu, a social entrepreneur passionate about celebrating the fine weaving craftsmanship of Ghana

October 29, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Rafiat Kasumu, founder of Kente Master (Ghana/USA)

Rafiat Kasumu, founder of Kente Master (Ghana/USA)

For all those Ghanaian students who have proudly graduated from university or college and worn their official graduation stoles, the chances are they may be wearing the entrepreneurial success story that is Kente Master.

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In Startup Story Tags Artisans, Ghana
Comment

Mapeka Polane, creates one of a kind cakes and children's party experiences in Lesotho

October 22, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Mapeka Polane, founder of Spegelicious Cakery And Party Rentals (Lesotho)

Mapeka Polane, founder of Spegelicious Cakery And Party Rentals (Lesotho)

Children’s birthday parties are synonymous with special cakes and in Lesotho, one company, Spegelicious Cakery And Party Rentals, created by entrepreneur Mapeka Polane, is making a name for itself by creating fun celebratory cakes to remember. 

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In Startup Story Tags Lesotho, Food & Drink
1 Comment

Bryony Parr, a South African entrepreneur on a mission to help you declutter your business and personal lives

October 2, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Bryony Parr, founder of Oh So Organised (South Africa)

Bryony Parr, founder of Oh So Organised (South Africa)

It’s true what they say, in order to declutter your mind you also need to declutter your space. And, for all those people who find it difficult to achieve the latter, South African entrepreneur Bryony Parr has the solution, Her company, Oh So Organised, is on a mission to bring a little order in to your work and home living spaces, creating the space for you to think more clearly and live more freely. 

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services
2 Comments

Memuna Williams, the story of an entrepreneur turning a passion for language and the art of translation into a global business

October 2, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Memuna Williams, founder of Avantgarde Translations

Memuna Williams, founder of Avantgarde Translations

Anyone who has ever been in the position of needing to translate information into different languages will appreciate just how critical it is to have the right specialist support. One company providing truly world-class translation and interpreting services, both globally and here in Africa is Avantgarde Translations.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, Media PR & Communications Month, South Africa
Comment

Messaynesh Geberesilassie, an entrepreneur bringing Ethiopia’s beautiful hand-woven cotton and leather goods to South Africa

October 2, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Messaynesh Geberesilassie, founder of Mela

Messaynesh Geberesilassie, founder of Mela

Often in business, finding an idea that is unique and that will resonate with customers can be hard. But in the case of Messaynesh Geberesilassie and her business Mela, she is tapping into the traditional handcrafted tradition of her home country to create a unique business opportunity in another marketplace - and she is winning new fans along the way.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion
Comment

Paula Quinsee, a South African entrepreneur helping people and companies with their relationship issues

September 25, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Paula Quinsee

Paula Quinsee

Healthy relationships are at the heart of successful personal and workplace environments, but often those relationships need a little specialist help to thrive. Paula Quinsee: Relationship Expert has the insights, personal experience and specialist expertise to provide that help for those that need it.

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In Startup Story
Comment

Lucilla Blankenberg, a South African entrepreneur with a vision for harnessing the power of the media to make a difference

September 25, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Lucilla Blankenberg, founder of Off the Ground Media (South Africa)

Lucilla Blankenberg, founder of Off the Ground Media (South Africa)

Many small companies recognise that they need media and marketing support, but do not always have the time or money to develop these plans or produce the media to support their businesses. For entrepreneur Lucilla Blankenberg and her company Off the Ground Media, she is not only providing a great solution, but creating a company that makes a difference to the lives of others at the same time through those efforts.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications
Comment

Susan Granger, a proudly South African accessory manufacturer creating exclusive leather handbags from the heart of Johannesburg

September 25, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Susan Granger, founder of Nubian Queen on 101 (South Africa)

Susan Granger, founder of Nubian Queen on 101 (South Africa)

Nubian Queen on 101 is a disruptive new name on the leather accessory scene, creating exclusive, world-class, contemporary products that are both investments yet will not break the bank.

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In Startup Story Tags Artisans, Fashion, South Africa
Comment

Manyara Chigunduru, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur with a never give up attitude to business, and a great brand builder

September 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Manyara Chigunduru, Founder & Managing Partner Marianhill Capital (Pvt) Ltd & Marianhill Chartered Accountants (Zimbabwe)

Manyara Chigunduru, Founder & Managing Partner Marianhill Capital (Pvt) Ltd & Marianhill Chartered Accountants (Zimbabwe)

Integrity is everything in the fields of financial advisory services, auditing and accounting, and for the founder of Marianhill Capital (Pvt) Ltd & Marianhill Chartered Accountants, Manyara Chigunduru, she was driven by the desire to build a company with integrity at its foundation.

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In Startup Story Tags Professional Services
Comment

Mthuthukile Msibi, a South African entrepreneur transforming PVC into weather resistant trendy apparel and accessories

September 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Mthuthukile Msibi (L), founder of Rain Dear (South Africa)

Mthuthukile Msibi (L), founder of Rain Dear (South Africa)

How many times looking back in history have great companies and brands been created as a result of necessity. In the case of Mthuthukile Msibi and her company Rain Dear, she saw opportunity in Cape Town’s bad weather, creating a range of rainproof clothing and accessories that is winning fans at home and abroad.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion
Comment

Charmaine Ngobeni, a South African entrepreneur with a passion for branding and supporting creatives in the industry

September 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Charmaine Ngobeni, co-founder of Conté Creatives (South Africa)

Charmaine Ngobeni, co-founder of Conté Creatives (South Africa)

In the world of branding and design, standing out from the crowd is always a good thing, and Conté Creatives the Agency, the brainchild of South African entrepreneur Charmaine Ngobeni and her business partner Amanda Sibiya, is certainly doing that. Their unique differentiator in the marketplace is not only a great service offering, but also a wonderful creative portfolio magazine showcasing some great work by highly talented designers.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, Media PR & Communications, South Africa
Comment

Lana de Klerk, a South African entrepreneur turning her passion for marketing into a specialist corporate gifting business

September 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Lana de Klerk, founder of Prestige Marketing (South Africa)

Lana de Klerk, founder of Prestige Marketing (South Africa)

Most entrepreneurs know from experience that the journey to building a business can be tough, with many hurdles to overcome along the way - determination and self-belief are key. In the case of Lana de Klerk and her business, Prestige Marketing, she knows only too well how important these two traits are. She has displayed both over the years to get to where she is today, building a successful business and brand and with great ambitions for the future.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services
Comment

Tariro Makina, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur providing virtual assistant solutions to clients across the world

September 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Tariro Makina, founder of Twenty47 Virtual Assistant (Zimbabwe)

Tariro Makina, founder of Twenty47 Virtual Assistant (Zimbabwe)

For many small to medium sized businesses, getting ahead can be challenging when you don’t have the resources in-house at your disposal. Recognising this challenge, Zimbabwean entrepreneur Tariro Makina, was keen to find a solution, and her business today, Twenty47 Virtual Assistant, is helping clients to streamline their business processes by providing a range of virtual business solutions.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, Virtual Assistant
Comment

Julie Cassidy, a South African entrepreneur with a passion for creating high quality HR and accounting solutions for small businesses

September 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Julie Cassidy, co-founder of ProFlex People (South Africa)

Julie Cassidy, co-founder of ProFlex People (South Africa)

They say that a business is only as good as its people, and for South African entrepreneur Julie Cassidy and her company ProFlex People, those words were the inspiration needed to create an innovative and highly flexible resourcing solution tailor-made for small businesses.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services
Comment

Mumbi Muturi-Muli, a Kenyan entrepreneur harvesting Africa’s natural ingredients to create a new hair and body product range

September 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Mumbi Muturi-Muli, founder of Harvest of Sunshine (Kenya)

Mumbi Muturi-Muli, founder of Harvest of Sunshine (Kenya)

The world is becoming much more attuned to the health and wellbeing benefits of natural ingredients that are harnessed from the local environment and transformed into world-class products. With her proudly African brand, Harvest of Sunshine, Kenyan entrepreneur Mumbi Muturi-Muli is embracing the best of the continent’s raw materials and creating a company that puts local and natural at the heart of its ethos.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Fatuma Abdullah, a Kenyan born entrepreneur and passionate advocate of entrenching a positive image of the African child amongst children

September 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Fatuma Abdullah, founder of Akiki Dolls (South Africa)

Fatuma Abdullah, founder of Akiki Dolls (South Africa)

Many companies are inspired by a dream or a vision to make a difference in some way. For company founder, Fatuma Abdullah, the visionary behind Akiki Distributors, aka Akiki Dolls, that dream came in the form of storytelling and creating dolls that embodied her vision of a new normal in Africa.

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In Startup Story Tags Manufacturing
Comment

Mimi Shodeinde, a Nigerian entrepreneur pushing the boundaries of the furniture and design world globally

September 4, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Mimi Shodeinde, founder of Miminat Designs (UK)

Mimi Shodeinde, founder of Miminat Designs (UK)

Many global consumers have a traditional concept of African design, but creative entrepreneur, Mimi Shodeinde, founder of Miminat Designs, is looking to change all that with her contemporary design outlook. She is demonstrating that African design is not only exciting in a minimal context, particularly when it comes to furniture design, but can also celebrate the best of tradition and technological innovation.

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In Startup Story Tags Design, United Kingdom, African Luxury
Comment

Alison Barnard, a South African entrepreneur bringing creativity and flair to the world of eventing

September 3, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Alison Barnard, founder of African Kaleidoscope Events (South Africa)

Alison Barnard, founder of African Kaleidoscope Events (South Africa)

For many companies and organisations, planning events can be a challenge and often a headache. But for event planner Alison Barnard and her company African Kaleidoscope Events, she embraces that challenge with enthusiasm, a great eye for detail, and an established track record of high quality event delivery. She is on a mission to bring events to life for her growing list of clients. 

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services
Comment
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25 leading African women entrepreneurs share practical strategies, real experiences and advice. Playbook link


Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

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


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys Podcast features Melanie Hawken, founder & CEO, Lionesses of Africa and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, who share insights on creating greater access to finance and economic growth opportunities for women business builders in Africa. Also in conversation are three women entrepreneurs building sustainable, impact-driven businesses - Anne Rweyora, founder of Smart Havens Africa in Uganda, an enterprise creating affordable, climate-smart homes for women; and Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, co-founders of Mo’s Crib in South Africa, a high-growth, sustainable handmade decor manufacturing business.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys Podcast focuses on women entrepreneurs in the agribusiness sector who are in growth mode. In conversation with host Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, are Yvette Dickson-Tetteh, co-founder of Pure and Just Food in Ghana, a high-impact business transforming fresh fruit into premium tropical dried fruit products; and Hadija Jabiri, founder of GBRI Business Solutions in Tanzania, which specialises in growing, processing and selling premium fruits and vegetables for local and export markets.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys Podcast co-hosted by Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, focuses on the important topic of how to advance smart, inclusive investment in WSMES for sustainable economic development on the African continent. Guests in conversation and sharing their considerable insights include: Dipuo Phakathi, founder of Denic Cabinets in South Africa, Mariam Zein, MD of MAFCI in Mauritania, and Aniela Koffi, SME/SMI Manager, Commercial Banking Division, Ecobank.

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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Pleroma Patch, a South African innovative wellness brand creating plant-based patches to support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health.

Vanessa Mhlom is the founder and CEO of Pleroma Patch and is a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. Pleroma Patch is a modern wellness brand pioneering a simpler, smarter way to care for your body, through transdermal vitamin patches. Pleroma’s discreet, plant-based patches support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health. Driven by her belief that dignified self-care should be a right, not a luxury, she is developing the ‘Patch It Forward’ initiative, a give-back model that channels a portion of each purchase toward expanding access to wellness essentials like menstrual and sleep support for underserved women and girls.

Read more →
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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Mo’s Crib, a premium sustainable homeware brand founded by sisters Morongwe and Michelle Mokone in Pretoria, South Africa. From humble beginnings making origami at local markets, the company has grown into one of Africa’s leading exporters of handcrafted décor. Using recycled PVC waterpipes and natural materials such as banana bark, cane, and sisal, Mo’s Crib creates globally sought-after baskets, planters, furniture, and ornaments. Today, the brand supplies major international retailers including Crate & Barrel, Target, and Woolworths Home. Committed to social impact, Mo’s Crib empowers over 85 artisans, creating jobs while advancing environmental sustainability and African design innovation. The business was launched in 2019 and today employs 280 people.

Read more →
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Hazile Group, a South African agribusiness focused on sustainable food systems, renewable energy, and water stewardship

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi is a social entrepreneur and thought leader in climate resilience, and a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. She leads Hazile Group, a black woman-led enterprise driving climate-smart solutions in agriculture, energy, and water. The company’s core mission is to address food insecurity, water scarcity, and energy transition while uplifting marginalised communities. Hazile's focus on rural development, empowering farmers, and integrating climate-smart technologies directly supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals, notably zero hunger, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and climate action. She also runs Acumind Consulting, guiding organisations toward inclusive, values-driven leadership and ESG strategies.

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Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Setšong Tea Crafters, an agri-business specialising in the crafting of speciality indigenous teas from the natural flora found in South Africa’s rural Limpopo

A former quantity surveyor turned social entrepreneur, Retang Phaahla is the co-founder and CEO of Setšong Tea Crafters in South Africa, and the winner of the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award. Her business celebrates indigenous tea knowledge while driving rural development. Based in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, the majority women-owned social enterprise collaborates with communities to produce a range of health-promoting teas (known for calming nerves, relieving tension, and supporting balanced blood pressure), and hosts cultural tours to promote eco-tourism and preserve heritage. Setšong’s business model has created sustainable income streams for rural women while reviving ancient botanical traditions. The business was launched in 2017 and has created 30 jobs for local people.

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Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise promoting literacy through children’s storybook publishing and capacity building

Dr Margaret Kemigisha is the founder and CEO of Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise that promotes literacy through the publishing of children’s storybooks, offers social research consulting, and builds capacity among fresh graduates. Her work bridges development and applied research, supporting governments, development organizations, and the private sector with evidence-based solutions and creative tools for impact.

Read more →

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza-
Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat
Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f
Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need.
Image of the Day / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o
Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma
Image of the Day / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i
Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business
Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene
Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro
Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza- Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need. Image of the Day / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma Image of the Day / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range
Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range

Startup Story

Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger are co-founders of Twenty 4 Skin, a unique South African medical-grade skincare brand. Juanri is a medical doctor with a special interest in regenerative medicine, so you could say she is a holistic regenerative GP, and Bernadette is a somatologist. The brand focuses on hormone optimization, aesthetic medicine, as well as skincare formulations.

Read more →
Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment
Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment

Startup Story

Gillian Holl, founder of VELD Architects in South Africa, has built a business renowned for creating spaces that serve not as statements but as sanctuaries. It’s an architecture deeply connected to the African landscape, fostering a sense of belonging and calm.

Read more →
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management

Startup Story

Júlia Silota is the founder and CEO of J&G Environment Ltda, a Mozambican company operating in the environmental field, focused on the purchase and sale of solid waste, and providing solid waste collection services, solid waste management training, and environmental project evaluation. It was founded in August 2020 and began operations in 2023. It employs four people, two full-time and two part-time.

Read more →
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

Startup Story

Cláudia Machaieie is the founder of Sea Glasses in Mozambique. She is a 28-year-old with a degree in Marine Biology, a postgraduate degree in Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Biology and Conservation Ecology. She has completed several technical courses in monitoring and project management. She began her activity as a volunteer and social activist at the age of 14 and is currently a founding volunteer of SOA Mozambique and a volunteer with Solo Adventures. She has worked in public (IIP), private (SEPPA, Centro Terra Viva), and international organizations (Girl Move Academy, UN - World Food Programme) developing activities in administration, monitoring, and management of humanitarian and environmental programs. Currently, she is the social responsibility coordinator at TOPACK Mozambique.

Read more →
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

Startup Story

Matilde Mawelele Rungo is a digital transformation consultant, cybersecurity specialist, and founder of RealityTech Advisory in Mozambique, where she leads technology-driven projects for businesses and startups. She is also an evangelist and the creator of MTI – A Triad of Hope for Children, an initiative that integrates Evangelism, Technology, and Innovation to empower young people and communities. With a global vision, Matilde is committed to advancing individuals, organizations, and ecosystems through technology, faith, and meaningful social impact. The business was launched in 2024 and today has created jobs for 6 people.

Read more →

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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

Book Review

Successful entrepreneur Betsy Fore, in her new book Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams, shows how, by practicing a manifesting mindset, you can discover your deepest purpose. She calls this an “inner why” and believes finding it can unlock your greatest potential as a creator, founder, and builder of great products.

Read more →
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

Book Review

The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur by Mary Grant is a transformative guide for high-achieving women entrepreneurs, business owners, and coaches who are ready to amplify their influence, impact, and income. Written by Mary Grant, a seasoned entrepreneur and innovation expert with over 30 years in the fashion industry, this book unpacks the art of empowered presence, bold confidence, and defining success on your own terms. Through insights, strategies, and a fresh perspective on success, the author empowers women to harness their unique strengths, navigate challenges, and rise to their next level with clarity and unstoppable momentum.

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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

Book Review

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 is not just another business book. Most focus on strategies and tactics. This one rewires the woman behind the business—so your growth is aligned, sustainable, and actually feels good.

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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

Book Review

In the book, Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business, author Liz Elting, one of the most celebrated and successful women in America, has created a guide for how to not only dream big, but also win―both in business and in life.

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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

Book Review

In her new book, After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup, entrepreneurship expert Julia Austin shares battle-tested strategies to help founders and startup joiners build their venture from the ground up.

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