Rejane & Krissie Gwynne, two South African entrepreneurs building an ethical fashion brand celebrating African textiles

August 3, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Rejane Gwynne and Krissie Gwynne, co-founders, OYOO Style (South Africa)

Rejane Gwynne and partner Krissie Gwynne are co-founders of OYOO Style in South Africa, an ethical fashion and homeware range made from African textiles. The business supports skills development for local seamstresses, and also has a focus on sustainability with its no waste approach to production. The entrepreneurial pair met in the UK and after 16 years abroad they returned to South Africa to be closer to family and to explore the beautiful African continent. OYOO Style was created in 2021 and has 3 employees.

Dr Michélle Booysen, a South African entrepreneur providing businesses with specialist expertise to integrate change and improve performance

August 3, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Dr Michélle Booysen is the CEO of the Pétanque NXT Group, providing business leaders with the clarity to implement necessary changes swiftly and effectively, through its offices in South Africa and The Netherlands. Michélle is a consultant with over 35 years of experience spanning the legal profession and economics, driven by a passion for using enterprise as a catalyst for societal progress. She holds a PhD in Economics, a Bachelor of Law and Economics degree, and a multitude of other academic and practical application qualifications. Michélle specializes in integrating change and performance improvement by mapping and analyzing business processes. The business was founded in 2002 and today employs 17 people.

Ginette Blackbeard, a South African sustainable beauty brand builder with a passion for the circular economy

July 28, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Ginette Blackbeard, founder Enough. Upcycled Beauty-Health (South Africa)

Ginette Blackbeard, founder of ENOUGH. Upcycled Beauty-Health in South Africa, is harnessing her upbringing which instilled in her a profound respect for the environment and an unwavering commitment to minimizing waste. Her passion for the circular economy and sustainability inspired her to establish her business, driven by a belief in the essential shift towards circularity for the future of our planet. Ginette brings over two decades of experience in entrepreneurship across diverse sectors, from creative enterprises to manufacturing and engineering. She is also a co-founder of Emrin, a manufacturer of PLA filament, a biodegradable plant-based polymer.

Enid Katorobo Bashengezi, a South African financial and project management specialist consultancy builder

July 28, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Enid Katorobo Bashengezi, founder, EKB Consultants (South Africa)

With over 20 years of experience in accounting and project management, Enid Katorobo Bashengezi is the founder of EKB Consultants in South Africa. She is a seasoned professional specializing in leadership development, fiduciary assurance, and financial management across sectors, including decentralized systems. She is a Chartered Accountant (FCCA) and holds master’s degrees in Business Administration (MBA) and Information Technology (MSc IT), alongside certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified Personal Leadership Effectiveness Coach and Consultant.

Lusanda Omelo, a South African digital marketing and AI automation business helping SMMEs establish their online presence

July 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lusanda Omelo, Managing Director, Luome Brands (South Africa)

Lusanda Omelo is the Managing Director of Luome Brands, a digital marketing and AI automation business in South Africa. After many years in the corporate world, Lusanda embarked on her entrepreneurial journey. With a rich background in marketing, she has worked with both multinationals and startups. Her true passion lies in helping SMMEs thrive in their environments. In her exploration of AI, Lusanda developed findaiforthat.co.za, an online AI directory featuring over 1,000 tools designed to make business tasks easier. This platform is a testament to her commitment to leveraging AI to support businesses in achieving their goals. She has partnered with various international clients to ensure that these tools are used and easily available to Africans.The business started in 2021 and has created jobs for 3 people.

Lindiwe Masuku, a fleet management solutions business builder in Botswana

July 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lindiwe Masuku, founder & ceo, Frotcom Botswana (Pty) Ltd

Lindiwe Masuku is the founder and ceo of Frotcom Botswana (Pty) Ltd, a fleet management solutions entity whose head office is currently in Gaborone but which services clients from all over the country. She is a business professional with a Degree in Business Administration, currently pursuing her master’s in business administration and management with the University of East London. Lindiwe has 16 years' experience in Business Management having worked in Finance and Administration before forming Frotcom. Her entrepreneurship journey began in 2019, but months later the Covid 19 pandemic started, and despite the challenges Frotcom has had to emerge as a solution post Covid 19, used by reputable entities across the country. The business has created jobs for 9 people.

Vuyolwethu Reoagile, a South African communications agency with a passion for storytelling and digital innovation

July 14, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Vuyolwethu Reoagile, founder, RR Comms (South Africa)

Vuyolwethu Reoagile is the founder of RR Comms, an aspirational communications agency in South Africa. With a passion for storytelling and digital innovation, Vuyolwethu has built RR Comms into a dynamic team dedicated to delivering creative and strategic communications solutions. Her expertise spans business writing, digital campaign management, and paid ads management. The business has created jobs for 4 people.

Sandra Kourouma, a Mozambican entrepreneur turning a passion for sporting events into a business

July 14, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Sandra Kourouma, founder, Millkappas Multiservices & "SK Escolinha de Futebol e Futsal Project" (Mozambique)

Sandra Kourouma is the founder of Millkappas Multiservices and the "SK Escolinha de Futebol e Futsal Project" in Mozambique. She is an experienced entrepreneur and has certificates for trainer courses and trainer instructors. Sandra's business is focused on for society football and futsal for women and young girls and briefly for child girls. She founded the business 4 years ago and employs according to the needs of the event, but few women join the work for this type of event. She has 15 years of certification and experience in football training and more than 10 years in organizing sporting events that she started as a volunteer.

Irina Samade, a Mozambican serial entrepreneur manufacturing accessories using natural resources

July 4, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Irina Samade, Founder and Designer, Rawá (Mozambique)

Irina Samade is the Founder and Designer of the Rawá brand in Mozambique. She has worked to build this brand for the past 4 years, and in addition to Rawá, she is also the Founder and Floral Designer of Frangipani Flores. She has worked in this area of business for 15 years and is now a 41 year old entrepreneur. Irina is passionate about flowers and the idea of being able to use natural resources in art, consciously using what nature offers and discards.

Lerato Zulu, a South African entrepreneur building a growing cleaning product manufacturing business

July 4, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lerato Zulu, founder, ChemWeb (South Africa)

Lerato Zulu is the founder of ChemWeb, a South African manufacturing business producing household and industrial cleaning detergents in accordance with the strictest Quality Management System as specified by ISO, thus ensuring consistent quality of the highest standard, while maintaining competitive prices. The company offers a wide range of cleaning products necessary for maintaining hygiene and cleanliness of households, hospitals, learning institutions and essentially all environments of work.

Soraya Voskuil, a South African entrepreneur building a personal development business specializing in transformative coaching

June 30, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Soraya Voskuil, Director, Elevate Coaching (South Africa)

Soraya Voskuil is a Director of Elevate Coaching in South Africa, a leading personal development company that specializes in providing transformative coaching and counselling services. She brings 22 years of corporate and personal expertise in all industries focusing on Personal and Leadership Development, Organizational Development and Productivity Improvement. She is an entrepreneur, counsellor, life coach, mother, with expertise in the fields of leadership, environmental change, inspiration, motivation, and emotional intelligence. Soraya has worked with various clients across multiple sectors such as banking, logistics, timeshare, catering, insurance, information technology, recruitment, retail, schools, government sectors and individuals on a personal level across the globe. Soraya has been successful in the sales and marketing, operations, procurement, accounts, payroll, HR, administration, teaching environment, having worked with staff in all positions to bring alignment to achieve the company’s vision. Her expertise in the fields of Leadership, Human Development, Relationships and Counselling will help to bring out the best and true character in people.

Arline Ferrão, a Mozambican entrepreneur building a green alternative to disposable bags

June 30, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Arline Ferrão, founder and managing partner, Kasunga (Mozambique)

Arline Ferrão is the founder and managing partner of Kasunga, a 100% Mozambican company and brand, committed to sustainability, offering personalized reusable bags and bags, produced with exceptional care, combining environmentally friendly materials and traditional African fabrics. Well-being and sustainability, in its environmental, social and human components, are at the center of its actions on different fronts. In addition to Kasunga, Arline is a psychologist focused on the area of mental health and well-being at work.

Sabine Lydia Müller, an entrepreneur passionate about regenerative organic agriculture in Mozambique

June 23, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Sabine Lydia Müller, founder, Tchambalakate Comércio e Serviços Soc.Unip., Lda (Mozambique)

Sabine Lydia Müller is the founder of Tchambalakate Comércio e Serviços Soc.Unip., Lda in Mozambique. She is passionate about regenerative organic agriculture, agroforestry, Mozambique, and the decolonization of Africa. Through her self-employed work as consultant in Germany and Mozambique, her involvement in various publications, and in organic certifications, Sabine aims to share knowledge and best practices on how to improve the resilience and sustainability of food systems and ecosystems. She believes in the peaceful coexistence of nature and human beings, and strives to make a positive impact with her work. As a Communications Manager with over 17 years of experience in PR, social media, and brand marketing, Sabine leverages her skills and network to raise awareness and support for her clients’ projects and initiatives.

Puleng Kgosiesele, a mindset coach helping people to maximise their full potential in Botswana

June 23, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Puleng Kgosiesele, Founding Director, MindGYM (Botswana)

Puleng Kgosiesele is the Founding Director of MindGYM in Botswana. A Mindset Coach, Facilitator, and Speaker, her business is focused on empowering others to show up and participate in work and life in new ways, making new choices, and practicing new behaviours needed for lasting change in the area of personal growth. She offers solutions based on elevating mindsets, to strip away misguided self-beliefs that hinder and thwart people at every turn, helping them mature into a more complex understanding of themselves and maximizing their full potential.

Tuduetso Tebape, an eco-friendly, green beauty brand-builder in Botswana

June 16, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Tuduetso Kereeditse Tebape, co-founder, Nubian Seed (Botswana)

Tuduetso Kereeditse Tebape is the co-founder of Nubian Seed in Botswana, a business that produces natural and organic personal care products using indigenous African botanical and bio-derived ingredients. Tuduetso is passionate about educating on the benefits of these natural ingredients and showcasing Africa's natural wonders for personal care. Tuduetso supports holistic, sustainable living and strives to teach Nubian Seed product users that 100% natural products benefit not only the skin but also foster a connection to the Earth, promoting mindfulness about holistic well-being and a state of Oneness with Mother Earth.

Kgomotso Twagirayezu, a natural cosmetics manufacturer in Botswana passionate about indigenous botanicals

June 16, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Kgomotso Twagirayezu, founder, Shedol Group (Botswana)

Kgomotso Twagirayezu is the founder of Shedol Group, a natural cosmetics manufacturing company founded in 2015 and which commenced its operations in 2018. She has an extensive background not only in the cosmetics industry but also as a businesswoman with broad experience in varied industries. The company is passionate about the use of sustainable indigenous botanicals from across the African continent while paying special attention to Kgomotso’s homeland, Botswana, by continually incorporating and researching the natural plants that are beneficial not only for ingestion but also for healthy skin. She not only caters for individual personal care but also serves the hospitality industry by manufacturing sustainable and eco-friendly hotel amenities. The business has created jobs for 10 people.

Segametsi Mafa, an ICT professional fulfilling a lifelong ambition to build a specialist ICT consulting business in Botswana

June 9, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Segametsi Mafa, founder, Service Xcellence (Botswana)

Segametsi Mafa is the founder of Service Xcellence in Botswana, an ICT professional with over 18 years of corporate experience acquired from Government, Parastatals and Private companies. She brings almost 4 years of full-time entrepreneurial consulting experience gained from being the Founder and Managing Director of Service Xcellence, an ICT and Management Consultancy Business focused on IT Governance, IT Service Management, Strategy, Risk and Project Management Consulting. She also serves as an Independent Consultant for other companies.

Nilza Mazive, a Mozambican entrepreneur building a green energy business helping consumers reduce costs

June 9, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Nilza Mazive is the co-founder of Xiphefu Digital Ligth, Lda (Mozambique)

Nilza Mazive is the co-founder of Xiphefu Digital Ligth, Lda, a green energy business developing solutions to help consumers reduce energy costs in Mozambique. The business develops solutions to help consumers reduce energy costs, acting on electrical equipment to avoid wasting electrical current. The business also adds the solar component, offers a range of internal and external lamps, and installs solar systems.

Kelebogile Phendu, a traditional ginger drink manufacturer in Botswana turning a family recipe into a commercial brand

June 2, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Kelebogile Phendu, founder and ceo, Kells Ginger (Botswana)

Kelebogile Phendu is the founder and ceo of Botswana ginger drink brand, Kells Ginger. Her business manufactures traditional recipe ginger drinks but with a contemporary freshness and a purity of ginger taste. She founded the business in 2019 and now employs 2 people from the local community. Kelebogile brings more than 5 years of experience as an entrepreneur in different fields to her business and brand.

Elisa Marcos Ouana, a Mozambican creative entrepreneur turning upcycling into a design brand

June 2, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Elisa Marcos Ouana, founder, Ariel EcoArte e Serviços, EI (Mozambique)

Elisa Marcos Ouana is the founder of Mozambican upcycled accessory brand, Ariel EcoArte e Serviços, EI. She is also studying for a degree in Environmental Engineering at Eduardo Mondlane University. The daughter of a tailor and passionate about sewing since childhood, at the age of 13 she started her career as an entrepreneur in the sewing sector. She reused the scraps of fabric and capulana that her father discarded and made items for girls (hair ribbons, bows, cat ties, pencil cases, etc.). At the age of 18, she discovered the world of upcycling and made her first backpack out of recycled jeans. Since then, Elisa has had the opportunity to expand her business and register her company. It’s a journey with a lot of learning and improvement. With her business, she aims to reach many more people of all age groups and be able to generate sources of employment for more women.

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