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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Victoria Orr, a South African social entrepreneur showcasing talented artists to  the UK market

July 10, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Victoria Orr, founder and CEO, Amandla Ubuntu Limited (South African/UK)

Victoria Orr, founder and CEO, Amandla Ubuntu Limited (South African/UK)

Startup Story

Victoria Orr is the founder and CEO of Amandla Ubuntu Limited, a South African/UK social enterprise that works with South African artists, crafters and female owned businesses to provide a platform to showcase their talents to the world. The enterprise ethically sources beautiful arts and crafts, providing sustainable incomes and sells online in the UK, with plans to move into Europe and USA.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Social Entrepreneur, Artisan Enterprise
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Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi, a cyber law specialist helping clients to deal with cyber security challenges 

June 20, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi, founder, Orizur Consulting Enterprise (South Africa)

Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi, founder, Orizur Consulting Enterprise (South Africa)

Startup Story

Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi is a Cyber Law Specialist, a former public servant, and an award-winning thought leader who founded Orizur Consulting Enterprise in South Africa. She is a highly skilled knowledge worker with nearly two decades of experience working in a multi-disciplinary Cyber Law space. In her current role as a Cybersecurity Governance Specialist, she has pioneered unique solutions that creatively bring together cyber security governance, ICT procurement, and contract management. These regulatory compatible solutions give clients the ability to reduce cybersecurity and financial risks, whilst achieving cybersecurity regulatory compliance.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, Legal, Cybersecurity, South Africa
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Adanne Uche, a Nigerian agro-processing entrepreneur on a mission to improve consumer nutrition

June 20, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Adanne Uche, founder & CEO of Ady's Food Mart (Nigeria)

Adanne Uche, founder & CEO of Ady's Food Mart (Nigeria)

Startup Story

Adanne Uche is the founder/CEO of Ady's Food Mart, an agro-processing company in Nigeria that ensures families choose a healthier option in cooking ingredients and Spices. A graduate of Foreign Languages and Literature, she started Ady's Food Mart in 2017 in a bid to improve nutrition and well-being of consumers.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Food & Drink
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Makhosazana Megan Ngubane, a South African edupreneur committed to empowerment through skills development 

June 13, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Makhosazana Megan Ngubane, founder, Makhophila Training (South Africa)

Makhosazana Megan Ngubane, founder, Makhophila Training (South Africa)

Startup Story

To change people’s economic prospects, it’s essential to give them the skills they need to access jobs or to start their own businesses. In South Africa, Makhosazana Megan Ngubane has built a highly effective, specialist education business, Makhophila Training, to provide those essential skills, particularly to people in rural areas.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Education
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Zanele Hobongwana, a South African edupreneur uplifting young people through maths and science

June 13, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Zanele Hobongwana, founder, Swazi Tutor Academy (South Africa)

Zanele Hobongwana, founder, Swazi Tutor Academy (South Africa)

Startup Story

Every country knows that the education of young people is key to the alleviation of poverty and the economic growth of communities as a whole. In South Africa, Zanele Hobongwana, founder of Swazi Tutor Academy, is playing her role in tackling education in maths and science at a community level. Her work is helping to change young people’s lives as they open their minds and develop the key learning skills they need to become active contributing members of society.

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In Startup Story Tags Education, South Africa
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Caley van der Kolk, a South African entrepreneur connecting makers to markets

June 6, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Caley van der Kolk, founder, AYA Africa (South Africa)

Caley van der Kolk, founder, AYA Africa (South Africa)

Startup Story

One of the biggest challenges facing small creative goods makers and manufacturers is getting access to markets. Caley van der Kolk, founder of AYA Africa, has created a digital platform that allows small-scale makers and manufacturers to market and sell their goods online.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Online Service
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Kulukaya Sadiki, a sustainable fashion designer making an impact in Malawi

June 6, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Kulukaya Sadiki, founder, Glo-Ray Designs Sustainable Studio (Malawi)

Kulukaya Sadiki, founder, Glo-Ray Designs Sustainable Studio (Malawi)

Startup Story

The fashion sector is one of the most important sectors from a job creation and economic contribution perspective, and for Kulukaya Sadiki, founder of Glo-Ray Designs Sustainable Studio in Malawi, sustainable fashion is key. Her business approach is to incorporate fabric recycling and reuse into the production process to create timeless fashion pieces with minimal environmental impact.

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In Startup Story Tags Malawi, Fashion
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Emilia Banda Tambatamba, a Mozambican coffee brand builder helping SMEs to grow

May 30, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Emilia Banda Tambatamba, founder, Dvyn Treat Batamba’s (Mozambique)

Emilia Banda Tambatamba, founder, Dvyn Treat Batamba’s (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Dvyn Treat Batamba’s is a Mozambican coffee brand and business, co-founded by Emilia Banda Tambatamba with the aim to assist SMEs with tailored coffee machinery solutions and premium fresh roasted coffee beans. She manages the daily operation of the business and also works a full-time job as a business assistant for an international company, working with sales and after-sales.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Food & Drink, Coffee
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Ntsiki Gwendolyn Bereng, an entrepreneur building an early childhood development legacy in South Africa 

May 30, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Ntsiki Gwendolyn Bereng, founder, Apple Tree Montessori (South Africa)

Ntsiki Gwendolyn Bereng, founder, Apple Tree Montessori (South Africa)

Startup Story

Providing a stimulating, safe learning environment for young children is key in Africa if they are to fulfill their potential. For entrepreneur and educator, Ntsiki Gwendolyn Bereng, founder of Apple Tree Montessori in South Africa, this need provided her with the inspiration to start her impact driven education business.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Education
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Adri Williams, a South African entrepreneur changing women’s lives in Khayelitsha through cookies 

May 16, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Adri Williams, owner, Khayelitsha Cookies (South Africa)

Adri Williams, owner, Khayelitsha Cookies (South Africa)

Startup Story

Khayelitsha Cookies is an impact driven, hand-made cookie manufacturing business making a difference to reducing employment in South Africa, and empowering women to look after their families.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Social Entrepreneur, Food & Drink
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Jessica Mkondiwa, an entrepreneur in Malawi creating an on-demand clothing business and creating jobs

May 16, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Jessica Mkondiwa, CEO, Malawi Luxury Inc

Jessica Mkondiwa, CEO, Malawi Luxury Inc

Startup Story

Jessica Mkondiwa is a CEO of Malawi Luxury Inc, a ‘print on demand’ clothing line in Malawi. She started the business in September 2019 with the help of her friend, Harrison Soko, with whom she shared ideas and joined together. It has been almost two years so far and she has employed 15 people in the business, of which 91% of them are Malawians.

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In Startup Story Tags Malawi, Business Services
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Lynda Smith, a pioneering online community builder for the 50plus generation who want to make an impact

May 9, 2021 Melanie Hawken
50-Plus-Skills-Collage.jpg

Startup Story

As the world’s population ages, the 50plus generation are looking to make a difference in the next productive phase of their lives, Lynda Smith is a thought leader in this space and founded 50Plus-Skills in South Africa. Lynda is a pioneer and has started a few businesses during her 40 years in business. She dreams about bringing social change while empowering others to grow.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Online Service, Community & Social Networks
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Vhongani Shumba, a South African entrepreneur building a gourmet flavoured butter brand

May 9, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Impact Partner Content - Absa

For all those cooks who want to bring extra flavour into their meals, Mi Butter, founded by entrepreneur Vhongani Shumba in South Africa has the answer in a jar. Vhongani is the founder and CEO of mi butter SA, founded in 2016, a proudly local woman-led company introducing the market to the world of flavoured butters. She is a marketing and brand manager by day and small business developer by night. Vhongani has brought her company to life by her own hard work and tenacity, and today is involved in the daily operations of the business, providing strategic insights and ensuring that the quality of mi butter meets customers’ expectations.

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In Startup Story, Lioness Content Lab Tags absa, South Africa, Food & Drink
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Mildred Agbana, a premium organic, vegan skincare brand builder in Ghana

May 2, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Kinapure-Collage.jpg

Startup Story

The beauty and wellbeing benefits of shea butter are well known, but now for those looking for a premium brand and product range which is organic, vegan, and suitable for the most sensitive skins, help is at hand from Kinapure1`. In Ghana, Kina Africa, founded by entrepreneur and health specialist, Mildred Mawusi Agbana (Millie), and trading under the brand name Kinapure, is creating a range of products that are handcrafted, organic, cruelty-free, 100% vegan, hypoallergenic and non-GMO.

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In Startup Story Tags Ghana
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Sarah Motshwane Sebetola, a South African corporate branding solutions specialist 

May 2, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Sarah Motshwane Sebetola, co-founder, Tshepiso Branding Solutions

Sarah Motshwane Sebetola, co-founder, Tshepiso Branding Solutions

Impact Partner Content - Absa

Every business and organisation needs to get its brand message across to its customers and audiences, and to ensure it has that all important visibility in the marketplace. In South Africa, Tshepiso Branding Solutions, cofounded by Sarah Motshwane Sebetola, is a company bringing both brand expertise and solutions to suit all needs.

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In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags absa, South Africa, Media PR & Communications, Brand
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Emray May, a South African entrepreneur building a digital marketplace for the  event and wedding industry 

May 2, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Partee-Collage.jpg

Startup Story

Emray May is the founder of The Partee App in South Africa, a digital marketplace for businesses in the event, party and wedding industry. The marketplace was created to assist small and informal business owners who struggle with marketing, networking and growing their businesses. Emray was inspired to start the business when she found herself in this position through her own party decorations company three years ago. She was unable to find the solution to her problem so she became the solution. The vision is to be the global go-to platform for everyone in this industry to allow all small- and informal businesses to save with marketing.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Apps, Online Service
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Sinah Mojanko, a South African recycling entrepreneur creating opportunities and jobs

April 25, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Sinah Mojanko, founder, TiyAmo Recycling (South Africa)

Sinah Mojanko, founder, TiyAmo Recycling (South Africa)

Startup Story

Sustainable waste management is a growing business sector on the African continent. In South Africa, TiyAmo Recycling, founded by Sinah Mojanko, is aiming to grow and coach a new generation of recycling entrepreneurs who can tackle the problem of waste.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Eco-preneur, Recycling
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Clara Njeri, a Kenyan entrepreneur creating a natural bath and beauty product manufacturing business

April 25, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Clara Njeri, founder, Naturalglam (Kenya)

Clara Njeri, founder, Naturalglam (Kenya)

Startup Story

Entrepreneur Clara Njeri is the Director at Naturalglam, a business which she started at the age of 21 as a result of trying to clear her own acne. The business started more like a hobby, but three years later, the company has grown to having one major physical shop in Nairobi and a network of distributors. Her Instagram Sensation business is slowly growing to be a powerhouse.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Kenya, Natural Wellness, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Thokozile Mangwiro, a South African premium quality, natural hair care product manufacturer

April 25, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Thokozile Mangwiro, founder, Nilotiqa (South Africa)

Thokozile Mangwiro, founder, Nilotiqa (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

It is in growing her own natural hair for the past 15 years that Thokozile Mangwiro found her inspiration to create a natural hair care product line. After going to several salons and an endless search of locally produced products that truly work for afro natural hair, it was clear that there was a HUGE gap in the market for professionally formulated products for natural hair. Thokozile, like many other women, struggled with extremely dry hair. This, and the lack of knowledge, led to intense research and experimentation with natural ingredients such as Shea butter and avocado oil for skin and hair. After several years of research, formulations and product testing, Thokozile launched Nilotiqa, a line of products that are proudly made from organic and naturally formed ingredients to deeply moisturize and nourish natural hair.

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags absa, South Africa, Haircare, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Mayra Pereira, a Mozambican entrepreneur helping clients transition to a sustainable low-carbon future

April 18, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Mayra Pereira, founder, Gaia EES Consulting (Mozambique)

Mayra Pereira, founder, Gaia EES Consulting (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Many companies are now actively thinking about sustainability in their businesses and in Mozambique, impact driven entrepreneur Mayra Pereira, founder of Gaia EES Consulting, is helping them to make the move towards more sustainable action.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Social Entrepreneur, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Industry
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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 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 / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found
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 / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th
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 / 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 / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found 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 / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th 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

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
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
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

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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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