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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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Ashley das Rosas Massingue, a Mozambican entrepreneur turning a passion for cashews into a business 

February 13, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Ashley das Rosas Massingue, founder of Shez Snacks Comércio & Serviços, E.I (Mozambique)

Ashley das Rosas Massingue, founder of Shez Snacks Comércio & Serviços, E.I (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Consumers’ love for snacks, in particular for healthy nuts, means a growing market and one that entrepreneur Ashley das Rosas Massingue, founder of Shez Snacks Comércio & Serviços, E.I in Mozambique, is keen to capitalize on. Her new business is packing appetizing flavours into a range of snack cashew nuts which are winning over fans of these tasty treats.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Food & Drink
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Phumzile Mthembu, a South African entrepreneur inspired to create a natural baby skin care brand

February 13, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Phumzile Mthembu, founder of PureB Baby Care (South Africa)

Phumzile Mthembu, founder of PureB Baby Care (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

Inspired by her son who was diagnosed with eczema as a baby, South African entrepreneur Phumzile Mthembu created a natural baby skincare brand, PureB Baby Care, providing a solution to her own family and many others too. Today, her company Ingcweti (Pty) Ltd, trading as PureB Baby Care, is a wholly black-owned manufacturing company that specializes in producing coconut oil based baby ointments that are 100% natural and without harmful chemicals.

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In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags absa, South Africa
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Susan Nel, an entrepreneur building a creative business that harnesses her passion for photography

February 7, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Susan Nel, founder of Susan Nel Photography (Namibia)

Susan Nel, founder of Susan Nel Photography (Namibia)

Startup Story

There is a well known saying that a picture says a thousand words, and in Namibia, entrepreneur Susan Nel, founder of Susan Nel Photography is helping her clients to tell their own unique stories through powerful images.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, Media PR & Communications, Namibia
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Rebecca Tshuma, a South African foodpreneur focused on supplying fresh produce to customers

February 7, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Rebecca Tshuma, founder of Becks Foods (South Africa)

Rebecca Tshuma, founder of Becks Foods (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

From major food retailers to the hospitality industry, commercial customers look for reliable, high quality, fresh produce suppliers to meet their needs. In South Africa, Rebecca Tshuma, founder of Becks Foods, is building a reputation for supplying some of the freshest, healthiest produce direct from the farm.

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In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags South Africa, Agri-business, absa
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Lelanie Basson, an entrepreneur building a boutique management consultancy in both Namibia and South Africa, helping clients to build sound businesses 

February 6, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Lelanie Basson, founder of Twafiika Consultant (Namibia)

Lelanie Basson, founder of Twafiika Consultant (Namibia)

Startup Story

For boutique consulting business, Twafiika Consultants, the phrase ‘it’s all in a name’ is particularly apt. Lelanie Basson’s business name was chosen as it is derived from Oshiwambo, and Twafiika means “to arrive”. This is one business in Namibia that has definitely arrived, building a solid reputation for developing highly creative and insightful strategies for businesses who are looking for that competitive edge.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, Namibia
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Zeenat Ghoor, a South African award-winning engineer transforming spaces  

January 31, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Zeenat Ghoor, founder of Aspire Consulting Engineers (South Africa)

Zeenat Ghoor, founder of Aspire Consulting Engineers (South Africa)

Startup Story

The construction sector is a notoriously tough one for women entrepreneurs to break into in Africa. But Zeenat Ghoor, founder of Aspire Consulting Engineers in South Africa, is one woman who is changing that by her example. She is building a successful civil and structural engineering business that is people centric, transforming spaces that are accessible and safe for everyone to use.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa
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Pam Snyman, a doyenne of South Africa’s real estate industry

January 31, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Pam Snyman, founder of REDZetc (South Africa)

Pam Snyman, founder of REDZetc (South Africa)

Startup Story

The real estate sector in South Africa is one that is highly competitive, and to build a business that has longevity and importantly a trusted reputation, requires a long and hard road to be travelled. Pam Snyman, founder of REDZetc has done just that, and today she is duly recognized as one of the true doyennes of the real estate sector in the country and on the continent. Not only that, she continues to innovate and to make real and lasting contributions to the future of the sector.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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Silungile Mokoena, a South African fashion designer creating much needed manufacturing jobs

January 31, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Silungile Mokoena, founder of Sluvin Designs (South Africa)

Silungile Mokoena, founder of Sluvin Designs (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

Silungile Mokoena is the passion-driven founder and CEO of Sluvin Designs a fashion house based in the city of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. The business was established in 1999 and now employs 6 full time employees and up to 10 part-time employees, contributing to the growth of the sector in the city. It also outsources some of the company’s accessory production to more than 15 women who specialize in beadwork and work from the comfort of their homes mainly in rural areas.

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In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags absa, South Africa, Fashion
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Michelle Hammond, a woman entrepreneur fusing her Ghanaian culture with modern accessory design

January 24, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Michelle Hammond, founder of Ruahh (Ghana/USA)

Michelle Hammond, founder of Ruahh (Ghana/USA)

Startup Story

Often the inspiration to launch a creative brand is drawn from an entrepreneur’s heritage and cultural influences. In the case of Michelle Hammond and her accessories brand, Ruahh, her Ghanaian heritage has provided a rich source of inspiration and symbolism that she is rightly proud of. Today, Michelle’s customers can experience that sense of belonging she feels through her vibrant accessories.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion, Ghana
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Liz Creates, a South African creative entrepreneur on a mission to help clients find their brand voice

January 24, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Liz Creates, founder of Ostara Studio (South Africa)

Liz Creates, founder of Ostara Studio (South Africa)

Startup Story

Every business wants to stand out in the crowd, to reach potential customers with their product and service offerings, and to make their brands resonate in the marketplace. In South Africa, that’s where Ostara Studio, founded by Liz Creates, comes to the rescue, bringing a wealth of specialist expertise in strategic brand communications and design.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Media PR & Communications
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Noushinah Ganey, a South African entrepreneur passionate about wellness and aesthetics

January 24, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Noushinah Ganey, founder of Cowey Park Pharmacy & Skin Time Aesthetic Clinic (South Africa)

Noushinah Ganey, founder of Cowey Park Pharmacy & Skin Time Aesthetic Clinic (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

Noushinah Ganey is the Founder and Managing Director of Cowey Park Pharmacy and Skin Time Aesthetic Clinic. She has been a part of the Aesthetic industry for 18 years and the pharmaceutical industry for 5 years. She has been interviewed on many radio platforms and been a TV personality for 2 years hosting a weekly lifestyle show targeted at females. Noushinah was also recently selected to participate as a panelist for an International Cosmeceutical Company.

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In Startup Story, Lioness Content Lab Tags South Africa, Beauty & Wellness, absa
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Aasiyah Ravate, a Mozambican entrepreneur turning her passion for cooking into a business

January 17, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Aasiyah Ravate, founder of Home Cooking With Love (Mozambique)

Aasiyah Ravate, founder of Home Cooking With Love (Mozambique)

Startup Story

For many people, cooking is an expression of love, and for entrepreneur Aasiyah Ravate, founder of Home Cooking With Love in Mozambique, that is certainly the case. Every day, she prepares delicious meals and snacks for her customers that are both delicious and convenient.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Food & Drink
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Jane Bisset, a South African food entrepreneur passionate about business as a force for good

January 17, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Jane Bisset, founder of We are Food (South Africa)

Jane Bisset, founder of We are Food (South Africa)

Startup Story

A passion for cooking on the part of Jane Bisset collided with a demand for high quality convenience meals and a desire to create impact. All of this led to the creation of We are Food, a frozen meal production wholesale and retail business launched in South Africa.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Food & Drink
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Tasneem Ebrahim Latib, a South African agri-processor with a taste for chillies

January 17, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Tasneem Ebrahim Latib, founder of Chill-e Organics (South Africa)

Tasneem Ebrahim Latib, founder of Chill-e Organics (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

Chilli relishes and sauces have long been a favourite with food lovers, and no more so than in South Africa where they often the accompaniment of choice at mealtimes. For entrepreneur Tasneem Ebrahim Latib, founder of Chill-e Organics, this love of the chilli presented an exciting business opportunity. Today, her brand and much loved range of chilli sauces, chutneys and mayos are exciting palettes around the country.

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In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags absa, Food & Drink
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Mary Nyaga, an entrepreneur creating a floral business in Kenya with a difference

January 10, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Mary Nyaga, founder of LorMar Florium (Kenya)

Mary Nyaga, founder of LorMar Florium (Kenya)

Startup Story

Everyone loves flowers, for their homes and their offices, and in Kenya, entrepreneur Mary Nyaga, founder of LorMar Florium, is harnessing the power of technology to bring flowers to everyone’s lives. The business combines a flower subscription business using silk flowers, with a new app called Flowerhood, creating virtual floral arrangements and messages for customers to send to their family and friends.

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In Startup Story Tags Kenya, Business Services
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Edna Reis, an entrepreneur passionate about active wellness in Angola

January 10, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Edna Reis, founder of Active Wellness (Angola)

Edna Reis, founder of Active Wellness (Angola)

Startup Story

Companies and organizations know that their strength lies in their people, and it’s why employee wellbeing is key to their success. Helping employees to avoid burnout and ensuring they have support in managing their mental and physical balance is important. In Angola, entrepreneur Edna Reis, founder of Active Wellness, has created a business to meet this growing demand for better health and wellbeing in the workplace.

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In Startup Story Tags Angola, Work Life Balance
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Pitsi Ledwaba, a South African entrepreneur building a natural, organic beauty brand  

January 10, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Pitsi Ledwaba, founder of Bonolo Naturals (South Africa)

Pitsi Ledwaba, founder of Bonolo Naturals (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

Pitsi Ledwaba is from Polokwane in the Limpopo Province of South Africa and the founder of Bonolo Naturals, a growing natural, organic beauty brand. For the past 12 years she has been in the retail industry managing both local and international brands. It is where she fell in love with beauty, fashion and everything that makes people look and feel good.

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In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags South Africa, absa, Beauty & Wellness, Natural Wellness
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Nidia D’Almeida, a Mozambican entrepreneur helping businesses protect their intellectual property 

January 3, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Nidia D’Almeida, founder of API - Agência de Propriedade Intelectual (Mozambique)

Nidia D’Almeida, founder of API - Agência de Propriedade Intelectual (Mozambique)

Startup Story

So many businesses wonder if you can protect your Intellectual Property Rights in Mozambique, and the answer is yes, you can. Entrepreneur Nidia D’Almeida, founder of API - Agência de Propriedade Intelectual, is there to show you how.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Legal, Business Services
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Josefa Amélia Massinga, a Mozambican entrepreneur taking floral decor to a new level

January 3, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Josefa Amélia Massinga, founder of Florista Flor Khyathu e Servicos (Mozambique)

Josefa Amélia Massinga, founder of Florista Flor Khyathu e Servicos (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Every great event needs great floral decorations to create memorable occasions, and it is the same with creating the right impression in a home or office. In Maputo, Mozambique, entrepreneur Josefa Amélia Massinga, founder and CEO of Florista Flor Khyathu e Servicos, has just the floral decorations and expertise to turn any event or space into something truly special.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Business Services
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Charlene Shapiro, a South African entrepreneur supplying the hospitality industry with quality food products

January 3, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Charlene Shapiro, founder of CNC Products (South Africa)

Charlene Shapiro, founder of CNC Products (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

Charlene Shapiro is the founder and Managing Member of CNC Products in South Africa. She is an all-rounder entrepreneur and has 29 years’ business experience working in the hospitality industry. Charlene's business is focused on providing high quality service and affordable food products to the hospitality industry, corporates and home users at large. Her experience in sales and marketing come from her years spent in the newspaper industry. She is proudly continuing a family legacy of service and is proud to have her daughter, Kerry, continuing with the same passion at CNC Products.

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In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags absa
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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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