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Lionesses of Africa

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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Juanita Haasbroek, a South African entrepreneur building a natural beauty brand inspired by Hemp Oil

July 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken
HEMP-AT-HEART-Collage.jpg

As more and more people are looking to natural beauty and wellness brands to find solutions to skin problems, traditional healing ingredients are coming to the fore. For South African entrepreneur, Juanita Haasbroek, founder of Hemp at Heart, she looked to the power of Hemp Oil and CBD Oil for inspiration and healing properties for her skincare range.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Beauty & Wellness
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Djamila Machava De Sousa, co-founder of Karingana Wa Karingana in Mozambique is introducing the country’s famous Capulana to the world

June 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Djamila Machava De Sousa, co-founder of Karingana Wa Karingana (Mozambique)

Djamila Machava De Sousa, co-founder of Karingana Wa Karingana (Mozambique)

Mozambique is famous for its Capulana, but one company is taking this unique textile to whole new design levels. Karingana Wa Karingana, co-founded by Djamila Machava De Sousa and Wacy Zacarias, are building a powerhouse brand that combines traditional design and cultural values presented in a modern context.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Fashion, Design
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Zanele Thabede-Vilakati, a woman entrepreneur from Eswatini taking event management in the country to a whole new level

June 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Zanele Thabede-Vilakati, co-founder of Women Working Together Initiative (Eswatini)

Zanele Thabede-Vilakati, co-founder of Women Working Together Initiative (Eswatini)

Hosting and organizing successful events takes in-depth experience, practical specialist knowledge, and a strong knack for networking and collaborating with people to get things done. Zanele Thabede-Vilakati, co-founder of Women Working Together Initiative in Eswatini, is using her experience to showcase and connect talented women in the country through a series of innovative and highly effective networking events.

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In Startup Story Tags Eswatini, Community & Social Networks
1 Comment

Eunice Andrade, a Mozambican retail entrepreneur creating a marketplace for great local products in the country

June 23, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Eunice Andrade, founder of Fabrazilbyeunice (Mozambique)

Eunice Andrade, founder of Fabrazilbyeunice (Mozambique)

Mozambique is building a reputation as an entrepreneurial centre where local, women owned brands can emerge and thrive. Fabrazilbyeunice, launched by Eunice Andrade, is one such retail brand, created to showcase local designers and product manufacturers in an environment where customers want to shop.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion, Mozambique
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Marie-Paule Tano, an entrepreneur with a passion for Cote d’Ivoire creating a luxury jewellery and accessory brand inspired by African art and culture

June 15, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Marie-Paule Tano

Marie-Paule Tano

In the global jewellery and accessory design space, finding your niche and your design style is all important. For Marie-Paule Tano, founder of rising star brand ROKUS LONDON, her inspiration came from her African heritage and her interest in the ancient cultures of the continent.

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In Startup Story Tags Cote d'Ivoire, Jewellery
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Annette Cassy, an entrepreneur in Mozambique who is passionate about specialist paediatric care in the country 

June 8, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Annette Cassy, founder of Kidz Kare Centro Médico Infanto-Juvenil (Mozambique)

Annette Cassy, founder of Kidz Kare Centro Médico Infanto-Juvenil (Mozambique)

When children get sick, they need the reassurance of a specialist, caring environment that gives them comfort, specialist care and advice, and understanding. In Mozambique, Kidz Kare Centro Médico Infanto-Juvenil, founded by entrepreneur Annette Cassy, does just that.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Healthcare
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Nthabiseng Dube, a South African entrepreneur who has created a real HR and payroll powerhouse to support businesses of all sizes

June 8, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Nthabiseng Dube, founder of Polish Management Services (South Africa)

Nthabiseng Dube, founder of Polish Management Services (South Africa)

Managing people and payroll for any size and type of business can be a challenge, but in South Africa, that is no longer the case. Entrepreneur Nthabiseng Dube, founder of Polish Management Services, is bringing her specialist HR expertise to add value and, importantly, find solutions for her clients. From Recruitment Solutions, Payroll Contract Management and Labour Relations, Polish Management Services is a go-to source of help and advice.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, South Africa
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Zodidi Gaseb, an entrepreneur in Namibia celebrating Africa’s rich natural ingredients to formulate a new ethnic hair and skin care range 

June 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Zodidi Gaseb, founder of African Naturals (Namibia)

Zodidi Gaseb, founder of African Naturals (Namibia)

Many women entrepreneurs are inspired to start their businesses as a result of trying to solve a particular problem or challenge as consumers. In the case of entrepreneur Zodidi Gaseb, her brand African Naturals, was created to find a natural but effective solution to great hair and skin health.

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In Startup Story Tags Namibia, Beauty & Wellness
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Jacqueline Shaw, an entrepreneur from Ghana on a mission to showcase African fashion and textiles to the world

June 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Jacqueline Shaw, founder of Africa Fashion Guide

Jacqueline Shaw, founder of Africa Fashion Guide

There are people in the world who are driven to make a difference and an impact in their chosen business sector, and entrepreneur Jacqueline Shaw is one of those who is making a big difference in Africa’s fashion and textile industry. With her Africa Fashion Guide, she is bringing the continent’s talented fashion and textile designers to the attention of global markets and buyers.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion, Online Service, United Kingdom, Ghana
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Jamilla and Fierdowsah Jacobs, two women entrepreneurs bringing world-class kids accessories to Namibia’s trend conscious parents 

May 26, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Jamilla and Fierdowsah Jacobs, founders of Kids Emporium Namibia

Jamilla and Fierdowsah Jacobs, founders of Kids Emporium Namibia

Every proud parent knows how exciting it is to shop for their children, but it is often hard to find just the right item of clothing or furniture that is both practical and trendy. In Windhoek, Namibia, two sister entrepreneurs have filled the gap with their beautiful retail store, Kids Emporium Namibia. It stocks a wealth of must-have products to suit the needs of babies and toddlers, whilst fulfilling the needs of moms and parents to be.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion, Children's Clothing, Children's Toys, Namibia
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Petrina Auino-Mwandingi, a serial entrepreneur creating unique leather accessories for the Namibian marketplace 

May 25, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Petrina Auino-Mwandingi, founder of KOVA (Namibia)

Petrina Auino-Mwandingi, founder of KOVA (Namibia)

Lovers of fine leather accessories in Namibia are now able to shop locally to buy beautifully designed and handcrafted handbags and other specialist products, thanks to the talented entrepreneur Petrina Auino-Mwandingi, founder of KOVA. She has created a premium leather accessory brand specially for the local Namibian market, and her customers are loving the end result.

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In Startup Story Tags Artisan Enterprise, Fashion, Namibia, Handbags
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Samantha Collen, a South African entrepreneur and her co-founder mom Jenny, creating quirky, loveable African print clothing for trendy kids

May 19, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Samantha Collen and mom Jenny, co-founders of JenniDezigns (South Africa)

Samantha Collen and mom Jenny, co-founders of JenniDezigns (South Africa)

As any parent knows, young kids love to wear clothes that reflect their personalities and which make them feel and look good whilst they are enjoying their active lives. But finding kids clothing that not only looks great but is also affordable can be challenging. Samantha Collen and mom Jenny, co-founders of growing, trendy kids clothing brand JenniDezigns has the answer.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Fashion
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Ifeoma Dike, a Nigerian entrepreneur connecting African contemporary art and artists with the global marketplace

May 19, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Ifeoma Dike, founder of IDD UK LTD

Ifeoma Dike, founder of IDD UK LTD

Anyone working in the fine art sector, particularly in Africa, knows only too well how difficult it is to find the right platforms to showcase work and connect with potential buyers, both private and corporate. That’s where passionate art entrepreneur, Ifeoma Dike, founder of IDD UK LTD comes in. Her specialist art agency identifies talented artists and showcases their work to the right people in the right places.

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In Startup Story Tags United Kingdom, Art-preneur
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Sanele Dlamini, an entrepreneur from Swaziland creating a successful retail business and empowering others at the same time

May 12, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Sanele Dlamini, founder of Flexy (eSwatini)

Sanele Dlamini, founder of Flexy (eSwatini)

The inspiration for entrepreneur Sanele Dlamini to establish her clothing retail and beauty business, Flexy, came from the need to create an economic future for herself. Today she is doing much more, creating future career paths for other young women in her country.

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In Startup Story Tags Eswatini, Fashion, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Ntsoaki Kortjass, a South African entrepreneur building a specialist security business to be reckoned with

May 12, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Ntsoaki Kortjass, founder of Tsoabelo Security Solutions (South Africa)

Ntsoaki Kortjass, founder of Tsoabelo Security Solutions (South Africa)

For many companies and individuals alike, security is a key concern and one that needs addressing by experienced professionals. In South Africa, one woman entrepreneur is building a business that brings peace of mind together with a highly experienced approach to risk management. Ntsoaki Kortjass, founder of Tsoabelo Security Solutions, is putting people and property first, and building a reputation for great service at the same time.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services, Security Services
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Kabwe Mulolo, a South African recruitment entrepreneur helping the construction and engineering industry to find the right people

May 5, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Kabwe Mulolo, founder of Construct Executive Search (CES) (South Africa)

Kabwe Mulolo, founder of Construct Executive Search (CES) (South Africa)

A company is only ever as good as its people, and that’s why it is so important to hire the right people with the right skills in order to grow and thrive. In South Africa, one company, Construct Executive Search founded by Kabwe Mulolo, is building a great reputation for specialized recruitment, helping businesses in the construction, technical and engineering sectors find the professional staff they need. 

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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Cindy Leah, a South African photographer creating opportunities for other women photographers on the continent to thrive

April 28, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Cindy Leah, founder of The African Pictionary (South Africa)

Cindy Leah, founder of The African Pictionary (South Africa)

Take two challenges - one, the need to address the gender pay gap for Africa’s women entrepreneurs; and two, the need for consumers to source world-class images on Africa; and you have a recipe for a great business. The highly creative Cindy Leah, founder of The African Pictionary, is on a mission to create a business that provides an impactful solution to both challenges.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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Itweva Nogueira, an Angolan entrepreneur providing specialist legal advice to big and small businesses

April 14, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Itweva Nogueira, founder of law firm I. N sociedade de Advogados (Angola)

Itweva Nogueira, founder of law firm I. N sociedade de Advogados (Angola)

In business, having a good source of legal advice is essential in order to deal effectively with all the challenges that present themselves along the journey. In Angola, one woman entrepreneur lawyer is creating a highly successful business that is helping businesses large and small with their legal needs.  Itweva Nogueira, founder of law firm I. N sociedade de Advogados is just the legal advisor that entrepreneurs and business leaders need on their side.

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In Startup Story Tags Professional Services, Angola
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Dorothy Mofomme, a South African entrepreneur building innovative, specialist technology solutions for Africa’s railway sector

April 14, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Dorothy Mofomme, founder of Valotech228 (South Africa)

Dorothy Mofomme, founder of Valotech228 (South Africa)

The railway sector has always been a tough one, particularly for ambitious women entrepreneurs to enter. But for entrepreneur Dorothy Mofomme, founder of Valotech228 in South Africa, she saw the railway sector as one filled with businesss opportunities and one that had the potential to create employment for young people. Her growing business is testimony to her tenacity and vast specialist experience. 

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Transport Logistics & Mobility
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Epifania Stella Ernesto Gove, a Mozambican entrepreneur creating beautiful hats for stylish women who want to make an impression

April 7, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Epifania Stella Ernesto Gove, founder of Pifa Gove Millinery (Mozambique)

Epifania Stella Ernesto Gove, founder of Pifa Gove Millinery (Mozambique)

There is a long tradition of hat wearing for special occasions in Africa. And in Mozambique, one talented woman entrepreneur is taking this art form to a whole new design level, and building a wonderful niche business too. Epifania Stella Ernesto Gove, founder of Pifa Gove Millinery, is turning heads and winning fans with her extraordinarily beautiful millinery creations, all proudly made in Mozambique.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Fashion, Artisans
2 Comments
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

MEET THE 10 FINALISTS — We look forward to announcing the winning women founders on 19 November 2025.


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
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
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing 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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