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Lionesses of Africa

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The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Tania Moonsammy, an entrepreneur offering a bespoke product sourcing service to clients

November 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tania Moonsammy, founder of The Business Concierge (South Africa)

Tania Moonsammy, founder of The Business Concierge (South Africa)

Startup Story

In South Africa, with more and more people choosing to work from home, sourcing essential products and services and, importantly, getting them delivered, has become a must-have. Tania Moonsammy, founder of The Business Concierge has the solution and the team to offer a bespoke product sourcing and delivery service for her clients.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, South Africa
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Tshego Ratshidi, a South African entrepreneur building a successful business inspired by her passion for flowers 

October 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tshego Ratshidi, founder of Bleu Rose Flowers (South Africa)

Tshego Ratshidi, founder of Bleu Rose Flowers (South Africa)

Startup Story

Who doesn’t love flowers, either as gifts or in the home and office? They make us feel good, they cheer up our living and work spaces, they can help with our healing processes, and they make us feel closer to nature. In South Africa, entrepreneur Tshego Ratshidi, founder of Bleu Rose Flowers, knows the power of flowers to brighten lives and is delighting customers daily with her beautiful floral arrangements and floral gift boxes.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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Nicoline Bole, an entrepreneur from Cameroon crafting beautiful shoes for women with larger feet

October 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nicoline Bole, founder of Bolnique Ltd (United Kingdom / Cameroon)

Nicoline Bole, founder of Bolnique Ltd (United Kingdom / Cameroon)

Startup Story

As any woman who has larger feet will tell you, it can be a real challenge trying to find shoes that not only look beautiful, but are also well crafted and comfortable to wear. Entrepreneur Nicoline Bole, founder of Bolnique Ltd based in London, has the solution. Her uniquely created designs are appealing to all those discerning women customers who want luxury shoes that actually fit larger feet.

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In Startup Story Tags United Kingdom, Fashion, Footwear, Cameroon
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Natércia Mondlane, a talented architectural design consultant delivering professional solutions to projects in Mozambique

October 17, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Natércia Mondlane, founder & CEO of Natercia Mondlane Arquitectura & Imobiliária (Mozambique)

Natércia Mondlane, founder & CEO of Natercia Mondlane Arquitectura & Imobiliária (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Finding a specialist, experienced and professional consultant who can navigate their way around any complex architectural real estate project can be tough. But in Mozambique, Natércia Mondlane, founder of Natércia Mondlane Arquitectura & Imobiliária, is creating highly innovative design solutions to meet all her clients’ urban design needs.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Design, Architectural Design
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Maeshibe Marema, a South African entrepreneur creating social impact through coffee 

October 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Maeshibe Marema, founder of Maeshibe Coffee (South Africa)

Maeshibe Marema, founder of Maeshibe Coffee (South Africa)

Startup Story

Coffee lovers in South Africa can now enjoy their favourite brew whilst making a difference to the lives of young deaf people, thanks to Maeshibe Coffee, founded by entrepreneur Maeshibe Marema.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Food & Drink
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Lucy Beard, an entrepreneur building a successful distillery and brand in South Africa 

October 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lucy Beard, co-founder of Hope Distillery (South Africa)

Lucy Beard, co-founder of Hope Distillery (South Africa)

Startup Story

The growing interest in small batch gins and other spirits that have great brand stories and individual personalities, has created a great growth story for South Africa’s Hope Distillery, co-founded by husband and wife team Lucy Beard and Leigh Lisk. The Hope brand is distinctive, modern and committed to quality, and is winning fans around the world, as are the spirits they design and distill for other popular boutique brands.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Food & Drink
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Tlhologelo Mabelane, a South African entrepreneur passionate about healthy African haircare

October 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tlhologelo Mabelane, founder of MabuTribe (South Africa)

Tlhologelo Mabelane, founder of MabuTribe (South Africa)

Startup Story

On a mission to bring back health into the African haircare space, Tlhologelo Mabelane, founder of MabuTribe in South Africa, is creating great products combined with hair health education to help consumers to enjoy and celebrate their natural hair.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Beauty & Wellness, Haircare
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Louisa Gibbons, a South African entrepreneur passionate about children’s developmental and nutritional needs

October 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Louisa Gibbons, founder of Little Foodease (South Africa)

Louisa Gibbons, founder of Little Foodease (South Africa)

Startup Story

Recognizing that many families have increasingly busy lifestyles with limited time, entrepreneur Louisa Gibbons, founder of Little Foodease, is providing parents with solutions. A range of nutritious meals, fun mealtimes and stimulating playtimes that equip parents to fulfil their child’s developmental and nutritional needs, while giving them peace of mind to spend more quality time with their families.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Education, Childhood Development
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Devaksha Maharaj, a South African engineering entrepreneur with a passion for STEAM education for kids

October 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Devaksha Maharaj, founder of Ikigai Engineering (South Africa)

Startup Story

Building a successful energy and electrical consulting company, Ikigai Engineering, drives South African entrepreneur Devaksha Maharaj on one level. But her passion for STEAM and the education of children has driven her to create her IKI KIDS, a business that teaches kids such subjects as engineering, mathematics, robotics and coding, creating a new generation of future STEAM specialists.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Manufacturing & Engineering
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Sofia Pedrosa, an entrepreneur developing special tea blends for health conscious consumers in Mozambique 

September 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Sofia Pedrosa, co-founder of  Mokcha (Mozambique)

Sofia Pedrosa, co-founder of Mokcha (Mozambique)

Startup Story

As the world becomes increasingly health conscious, so consumers are constantly on the look-out for products that will contribute to their sustainable lifestyle. In Mozambique, entrepreneur and nutritionist Sofia Pedrosa, co-founder of Mokcha, is introducing consumers to soothing and relaxing teas and natural infusions that aid health and wellbeing.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Health & Wellbeing
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Sibonelo Gamnca, a South African entrepreneur helping businesses reduce their carbon tax footprint 

September 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Sibonelo Gamnca, co-founder of EcoDiesel (South Africa)

Sibonelo Gamnca, co-founder of EcoDiesel (South Africa)

Startup Story

As the world looks to reduce CO2 emissions in order to address the growing threat of climate change, one South African business is playing its part. EcoDiesel, co-founded by Sibonelo Gamnca, is making the process of choosing biodiesel easy for customers who want to be more environmentally conscious.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services, Alternative Energy
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Kathy de Araújo, a Mozambican entrepreneur with a passion for personal development and self knowledge 

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Kathy de Araújo, co-founder of Fluir - Centro de Desenvolvimento Pessoal (Mozambique)

Kathy de Araújo, co-founder of Fluir - Centro de Desenvolvimento Pessoal (Mozambique)

Startup Story

For all those people in Mozambique who want to develop and improve their quality of life and find greater harmony with their communities and the environment in which they live, help is at hand. Fluir - Centro de Desenvolvimento Pessoal, co-founded by coach Kathy de Araújo and yoga instructor Adriana Jamisse, offers a holistic approach through yoga and coaching workshops, and positively changing lives.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Business Services, Health & Wellbeing
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Marta Vânia Uetela, a Mozambican entrepreneur changing the lives of amputees with her prostheses  

September 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Marta Vânia Uetela, founder of BioMec (Mozambique)

Marta Vânia Uetela, founder of BioMec (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Inspired to find a solution to the problem of 90% of amputees in Mozambique never getting access to prosthetic limbs to improve their lives, young entrepreneur Marta Vânia Uetela, founder of BioMec, came up with a plan. Today, she is changing lives through her innovations.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Healthcare
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Grace Gichanga, a South African legal techpreneur transforming lives through the law 

September 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Grace Gichanga, founder of Luma Law (South Africa)

Grace Gichanga, founder of Luma Law (South Africa)

Startup Story

Speak to Grace Gichanga, founder of Luma Law (South Africa), and she will tell you that she loves, loves, loves the law, because of its power to transform lives. As an attorney with over 10 years of experience, not surprisingly Grace has built a business which allows her to share her love of the law and how it works with the people of South Africa. The business was founded 2 years ago and LUMA the legal literacy chatbot officially went live on Facebook Messenger at the beginning of April 2020. Grace is committed to the vision of an empowered Africa through technology, innovation and the principles of social justice.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Apps, Legal
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Nosisa Dhlomo, a South African entrepreneur on a mission to mobilize the country’s tech scene 

September 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nosisa Dhlomo, founder of Afrizulu Tech (South Africa)

Nosisa Dhlomo, founder of Afrizulu Tech (South Africa)

Startup Story

South Africa needs vibrant, bright young women with ideas and entrepreneurial ventures that have the potential to transform the economic landscape of the country and bring with it a wealth of opportunities. Nosisa Dhlomo, founder of Afrizulu Tech is one such pioneering woman entrepreneur. She believes in building African female leadership through industry platforms and hubs to produce more female leaders.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Technology, Women in Tech
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Marlese Wallis, a South African entrepreneur building a natural body product brand celebrating mother nature

September 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Marlese Wallis, founder of Mies Body Products (South Africa)

Marlese Wallis, founder of Mies Body Products (South Africa)

Startup Story / First published March 19, 2017 / Updated September 7, 2020

Marlese Wallis is the creator and vision carrier of MIES body products. She studied Drama at Pretoria Technicon in South Africa and pursued an awesome career as a performer in the first Afrikaans girl band called Shine 4. It was during this time that Marlese made the very first product and only after moving down to Cape Town from Johannesburg, did she pursue it as a career. Eleven years later and MIES is still growing and building business muscles! Marlese loves all things natural especially body care, loves people, giving them work, and loves the hustle of being an entrepreneur.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, South Africa
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Bathabile Mpofu, a South African entrepreneur passionate about science education 

September 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Bathabile Mpofu, founder of Nkazimulo Applied Sciences (South Africa)

Bathabile Mpofu, founder of Nkazimulo Applied Sciences (South Africa)

Startup Story

Many young learners in South Africa never get the chance to perform science experiments as part of their studies, and this means that few go on to study science as a possible future career. Entrepreneur Bathabile Mpofu, founder of Nkazimulo Applied Sciences, is on a mission to change that.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Education, Edupreneur
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Sarah Morrow, a South African edupreneur creating an accessible, affordable preschool experience

September 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Sarah Morrow, owner of Little Leaders Preschool (South Africa)

Sarah Morrow, owner of Little Leaders Preschool (South Africa)

Startup Story

In South Africa, for many parents finding a preschool for their children to attend that is both accessible and affordable can be a hugely challenging experience, often with little reward. But one passionate, impact driven woman entrepreneur is changing that reality. Sarah Morrow, founder of Little Leaders Preschool is making quality, affordable preschool education available to parents and their children from all walks of life.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Education, Edupreneur
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Ntokozo Mbuli, a South African entrepreneur developing television and film content with a purpose

August 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Ntokozo Mbuli, founder of Sugar Bean Pictures (South Africa)

Ntokozo Mbuli, founder of Sugar Bean Pictures (South Africa)

Startup Story

The media can be a powerful force for good and positive change, and television programmes and films are particularly impactful in educating, informing and entertaining people. In South Africa, Ntokozo Mbuli, the creative force behind television and film production company, Sugar Bean Pictures, is on a mission to develop powerful content with a purpose beyond just entertainment.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Media PR & Communications
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Hloki Raphuting, a South African manufacturer creating luxury shoes and handbags

August 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Hloki Raphuting, founder of PalmH (South Africa)

Hloki Raphuting, founder of PalmH (South Africa)

Startup Story

Who doesn’t love a beautifully crafted leather handbag or a stylish, eye-catching pair of leather shoes? In South Africa, entrepreneur Hloki Raphuting, founder of PalmH, is manufacturing high quality bags and shoes, all made from the finest leather, and for customers who want to look and feel good.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Fashion
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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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