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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Vânia Ribeiro, an Angolan entrepreneur providing digital solutions to create a paperless society 

December 8, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Vânia Ribeiro, founder of Assinebwe, Lda (Angola)

Vânia Ribeiro, founder of Assinebwe, Lda (Angola)

Startup Story

In Angola, individuals and companies spend vast amounts of time completing administrative tasks by hand that can be done in minutes by harnessing the power of digital technology. Entrepreneur Vânia Ribeiro, founder of Assinebwe, Lda, is bringing the necessary software solutions to make things faster and more efficient.

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In Startup Story Tags Angola, Business Services
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Sam Blake, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur taking a holistic approach to skincare with her business

December 1, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Sam Blake, founder of Skinadore Holistic Skincare (Zimbabwe)

Sam Blake, founder of Skinadore Holistic Skincare (Zimbabwe)

Startup Story

As more and more people are becoming conscious about the type of products they put onto their skin, the desire to find more natural solutions is growing. In Zimbabwe, Sam Blake, founder of Skinadore Holistic Skincare and an experienced Aesthetician herself, has the solution.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, Zimbabwe
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Tadziripa Madzima, a Zimbabwean social entrepreneur with a passion for helping the country’s youth to fulfill their potential 

December 1, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Tadziripa Madzima, founder of IGNITE Youth (Zimbabwe)

Tadziripa Madzima, founder of IGNITE Youth (Zimbabwe)

Startup Story

Africa is a young continent with millions of young people with vast potential ready to make their contributions to its future economic development and prosperity. But those young people need support, encouragement and the right environment to thrive. In Zimbabwe, social entrepreneur Tadziripa Madzima, founder of IGNITE Youth, has created an enterprise committed to empowering young people to fulfill that potential.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, Zimbabwe
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Felistas Pelagia Chigwaza, a Zimbabwean creative entrepreneur putting handcrafted expertise at the heart of her business

December 1, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Felistas Pelagia Chigwaza, founder of Honex International Projects t/a SAGI Jewellers (Zimbabwe)

Felistas Pelagia Chigwaza, founder of Honex International Projects t/a SAGI Jewellers (Zimbabwe)

Startup Story

Zimbabwe has a reputation for producing quality handcrafted goods. But entrepreneur Felistas Pelagia Chigwaza, founder of Honex International Projects t/a SAGI Jewellers, is looking to build a legacy business that harnesses that creativity to produce accessories that local consumers and visitors alike want to buy.

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In Startup Story Tags Artisan Enterprise, Zimbabwe
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Mati Malema, a South African entrepreneur creating tailor made suits and formal wear for style conscious women executives 

November 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Mati Malema, founder of Ukulu Clothing Concepts (South Africa)

Mati Malema, founder of Ukulu Clothing Concepts (South Africa)

Startup Story

In the world of business, every woman executive wants to look good and feel confident when they present themselves to their clients and to their staff in the workplace. But often, finding that perfectly fitting and great looking suit or item of formalwear, can be difficult, especially when time is a scarce commodity. In South Africa, that’s where Mati Malema, founder of Ukulu Clothing Concepts, comes to the rescue. Her bespoke approach to tailoring means that clients’ individual clothing needs are met in a stress free way.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Fashion
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Princess Nomzamo Madlala, a South Africa entrepreneur turning her passion for travel and sales into a thriving business 

November 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Princess Nomzamo Madlala, founder of Rose Pearl Travel (South Africa)

Princess Nomzamo Madlala, founder of Rose Pearl Travel (South Africa)

Startup Story

Many businesses and organisations find planning their travel and logistics a real headache, not to mention, stressful and time-consuming. For entrepreneur Princess Nomzamo Madlala, founder of Rose Pearl Travel in South Africa, this provided a unique business opportunity. Today, her business is thriving and her customers get to enjoy a stress-free experience, no matter where or how they are travelling.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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Mapholo Ratau, a South African entrepreneur creating a contemporary, successful clothing brand with global appeal 

November 15, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Ledikana-Collage.jpg

Startup Story

Entrepreneur Mapholo Ratau knows how to spot a gap in the marketplace, and for her, that gap was finding high quality, contemporary clothing designs that were a celebration of South African culture. Her solution was to create an exciting brand and range of clothing that is unmistakably her own.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Fashion
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Carla Pinto, a Mozambican entrepreneur creating a popular blogging platform for mothers and mothers-to-be 

November 15, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Carla Pinto, founder of Arco-Íris & Borboletas (Mozambique)

Carla Pinto, founder of Arco-Íris & Borboletas (Mozambique)

Startup Story

When you are a new mom, getting access to great quality information and resources, combined with insights and opinions from other moms is so useful. So in Mozambique, one woman entrepreneur is creating the ultimate, go-to resource for parents to be and those who are already on their family raising journey. Carla Pinto, founder of Arco-Íris & Borboletas, is creating a safe space for the sharing of information and feedback so that moms and dads can learn from each other and get access to great resources too.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Online Service, Children's Clothing
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Hape Marite Mphale, an entrepreneur creating natural hair care products and building a great brand in Lesotho

November 15, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Hape Marite Mphale, founder of Blackhair (Lesotho)

Hape Marite Mphale, founder of Blackhair (Lesotho)

Startup Story

The haircare business globally is big business, and in Africa, the market for high quality, home-grown brands that know exactly how to cater to the specific haircare needs of African women is exploding. In Lesotho, entrepreneur Hape Marite Mphale has created the Blackhair brand, a popular and rapidly growing natural hair care brand and range of products.

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In Startup Story Tags Haircare, Beauty & Wellness, Lesotho
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Ana Loyd Vasconcelos, an Angolan fashion designer creating beautiful contemporary clothes inspired by the past

November 10, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Ana Lloyd Vasconcelos (Angola)

Ana Lloyd Vasconcelos (Angola)

Startup Story

Finding stunningly beautiful clothes to wear for any occasion in Angola, whether formal or casual wear, has never been easier, thanks to the creative design talent of Ana Lloyd Vasconcelos. Her fashion company and brand, AnaLoyd Lda, is bringing a touch of glamour to all her customers who want to look and feel beautiful in her clothing.

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In Startup Story Tags Angola, Fashion
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Ntsiuoa Makoae, a foodpreneur in Lesotho creating healthy, locally produced dairy products for happy local customers

November 10, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Ntsiuoa Makoae, founder of Boiphihlelo (Lesotho)

Ntsiuoa Makoae, founder of Boiphihlelo (Lesotho)

Startup Story

In Lesotho, one enterprising woman took a challenge of finding new markets for local dairy farmers and turned it into a successful business venture. Ntsiuoa Makoae, founder of Boiphihlelo, is today producing a popular range of dairy products that provide an income for local dairy farmers and a source of great nutrition for local consumers. 

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In Startup Story Tags Lesotho
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Morenike Okebu, a Nigeria legal entrepreneur providing access to quality and affordable legal services to SMEs

November 3, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Morenike Okebu, founder of Reni Legal (Nigeria)

Morenike Okebu, founder of Reni Legal (Nigeria)

Startup Story

As every entrepreneur knows, getting the right legal advice for a growing business is essential, yet it can often be out of reach from an affordability perspective in the early days. But in Nigeria, entrepreneur and lawyer, Morenike Okebu, founder of Reni Legal, is bringing legal advice and expertise within reach of all SMEs.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Professional Services
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Zilia Ximenes, a woman entrepreneur in Angola building a successful real estate agency business built on personal service

November 3, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Zilia Ximenes, founder of Zximenes – Imobiliária (Angola)

Zilia Ximenes, founder of Zximenes – Imobiliária (Angola)

Startup Story

Finding the right property for your business or personal needs can be a stressful and time consuming process, and one that requires specialist expertise. In Angola, entrepreneur Zilia Ximenes, founder of Zximenes – Imobiliária, is helping her clients with all their property needs, bringing her personalized approach and specialist experience to every job.

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In Startup Story Tags Angola, Real Estate, Business Services
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Nandi Usher, an entrepreneur from Botswana making mobile beauty spa treatments accessible to everyone

October 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Nandi Usher, founder of Nandi’s Beauty Creations (Botswana)

Nandi Usher, founder of Nandi’s Beauty Creations (Botswana)

Startup Story

Every woman wants to look and feel good, but not everyone can travel to a spa. However, in Botswana, one enterprising woman has created a mobile beauty spa experience that is convenient and affordable. Nandi Usher, founder of Nandi’s Beauty Creations, is winning fans with her quality service and products.

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In Startup Story Tags Botswana, Beauty & Wellness
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Lynelle Blunden, a South African entrepreneur fabricating finely crafted granite and marble surfaces into interior spaces

October 26, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Lynelle Blunden, owner of City Granite (South Africa)

Lynelle Blunden, owner of City Granite (South Africa)

Startup Story

Visit any good home, office or hotel interior and the chances are you will see beautiful granite or marble work surfaces and staircases. They are the mark of a high quality interior design space. In South Africa, entrepreneur Lynelle Blunden, owner of City Granite, is a specialist in fabricating and installing these unique materials to transform any ordinary space into something special. 

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Construction
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Selma Uamusse, a Mozambican entrepreneur building a proudly organic cosmetics brand in the country 

October 20, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Selma Uamusse, founder of Nhani (Mozambique)

Selma Uamusse, founder of Nhani (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Many consumers are becoming much more discerning and knowledgeable about the cosmetics they buy and put onto their skin. But finding good quality organic cosmetic products that celebrate local, natural plants and production techniques can be difficult. That’s where Mozambican entrepreneur, Selma Uamusse, founder of Nhani comes in. She is producing great quality, organic cosmetic products that customers want to buy and can trust.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Beauty & Wellness
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Lineia Caldeira, a Mozambican entrepreneur harnessing the power of 3d printing technology for her business 

October 20, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Lineia Caldeira, founder of LC3D Produções (Mozambique)

Lineia Caldeira, founder of LC3D Produções (Mozambique)

The development of 3d printing technology means that today, if you can visualise it, you can make it. In Mozambique, entrepreneur Lineia Caldeira, founder of LC3D Produções, is literally bringing her clients’s ideas to life through the use of 3d printing.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Technology
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Isis Mbaga, a fashionpreneur building an exciting ready-to-wear women’s clothing brand in Mozambique 

October 13, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Isis Mbaga, founder of Isis Mbaga (Mozambique)

Isis Mbaga, founder of Isis Mbaga (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Mozambique has some exciting design talents emerging on the entrepreneurial scene, and Isis Mbaga, founder of the brand that carries her name, is one such talent. Her fashion brand has appeal to local and global consumers who are looking for unique designs with local flair.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Fashion
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Davina Toale, an entrepreneur taking dog walking to a whole new business level in South Africa 

October 13, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Davina Toale, founder of Power Paws (South Africa)

Davina Toale, founder of Power Paws (South Africa)

Startup Story

As any dog owner knows, it can often be difficult to fit into a busy day the amount of walking that your precious pet needs to stay fit and healthy. But in Johannesburg, South Africa, expert help is at hand, thanks to Power Paws, a specialist dog walking business founded by entrepreneur Davina Toale and her co-founder Ondine.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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Julia ‘Masina Mafike, an entrepreneur in Lesotho inspired by bees to build a successful business 

October 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Sr. Julia ‘Masina Mafike, founder of JMM Beekeeping (Lesotho)

Sr. Julia ‘Masina Mafike, founder of JMM Beekeeping (Lesotho)

Startup Story

Lesotho is renowned for its natural beauty, attracting visitors from around the world. Today, however, it is also renowned for the quality of its honey production, thanks to an enterprising business, JMM Beekeeping, founded by Julia ‘Masina Mafike. 

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In Startup Story Tags Agri-business, Lesotho
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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 / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map
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 / 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 / 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 / Afrobotanics

Nature inspired haircare… Banish dry hair with the Afrobotanics Hemp Seed Oil moisturising conditioner created by Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur and advocate for natural hair and body produc
Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind
Image of the Day / Mon Choco

Chocolate gifting goodies…Who doesn’t love a chocolate gift at this time of the year? So where better to sample some of the finest chocolate on the African continent than in Cote d’Ivoire, from Mon Cho
Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Celebratory cake…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-Obwaka
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 / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map 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 / 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 / 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 / Afrobotanics

Nature inspired haircare… Banish dry hair with the Afrobotanics Hemp Seed Oil moisturising conditioner created by Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur and advocate for natural hair and body produc Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind Image of the Day / Mon Choco

Chocolate gifting goodies…Who doesn’t love a chocolate gift at this time of the year? So where better to sample some of the finest chocolate on the African continent than in Cote d’Ivoire, from Mon Cho Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Celebratory cake…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-Obwaka 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

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
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
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

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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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