Young Senegalese entrepreneur, Mame Khary Diene founder of Bioessence Laboratories, wins prestigious United Nations IFAD award

June 20, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Mame Khary Diene, founder and CEO of the Bioessence Laboratories receiving her award in the category of diaspora entrepreneurship at the 2015 UN IFAD Awards — **Mame Khary Diene**, founder and CEO of the Bioessence Laboratories receiving her award in the category of diaspora entrepreneurship at the 2015 UN IFAD Awards

Milan, Italy 18 June 2015: The United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has awarded young Senegalese entrepreneur, Mame Khary Diene the founder and CEO of the Bioessence Laboratories, with their 2015 'Excellence in Diaspora Entrepreneurship with Social and Environmental Impact' Award. The award ceremony was held in Milan on June 18th.

Bushera Bashir - The startup story of an entrepreneur building a luxury ethical cashmere fashion label in South Africa

June 19, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Bushera Bashir, founder of Trebene (South Africa) — **Bushera Bashir**, founder of Trebene (South Africa)

Every woman entrepreneur in Africa has a unique story to tell and usually an inspirational story of how their own personal entrepreneurial journey started. The back-story for Bushera Bashir, the founder of ethical fashion label Trebene, takes us on a unique journey from the birthplace of Cashmere wool, Kashmir, from where Trebene’s beautiful luxury cashmere scarves are handwoven, through to Cape Town in South Africa where they are designed, printed and retailed.

Luxurious AAKS raffia bags from Ghana showcased by prestigious Anthropologie stores in the USA

June 19, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, founder of AAKS, Ghana — **Akosua Afriyie-Kumi,** founder of AAKS, Ghana

Global recognition for the luxurious handmade accessories created by Ghanaian fashion and accessory designer, Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, continues with her latest collection being showcased and retailed by the prestigious Anthropologie stores in the USA.

The Bold Kampala design team looking to take Angola’s fashion scene by storm

June 19, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Hot on the heels of the Bold Kampala team's recent fashion tour successes to London and Kigali, their unique global fashion pop-up store concept is now headed to Luanda in Angola, giving local fashionistas the opportunity to check out the fabulous African designs on show.

Women Entrepreneurs in Africa — Hear Them Roar

June 16, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Melanie Hawken, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa — **Melanie Hawken**, founder and editor-in-chief of Lionesses of Africa

Source: Hai Afrika | by Melanie Hawken | 12 June 2015

Female-run enterprises are growing exponentially all over the world, contributing to household incomes and the growth of national economies. However, these women often face challenges like social and physical constraints that might limit their ability to grow their businesses. --- As featured in Hai Afrika

Entrepreneur Advice from Dr. Jennifer Riria - Find your passion

June 16, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Dr. Jennifer Riria, Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding — Dr. Jennifer Riria, Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding

My message to Africa’s young aspiring business people and entrepreneurs...

"What are they passionate about? What can you die for? That is the first thing they should find out and go die for it."

- Dr. Jennifer Riria is the Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding and one of Africa's leading women entrepreneurs who has always been on a mission to transform the lives of women and their families in her native Kenya. She is distinguished as a microfinance banker and practitioner, researcher and gender specialist. She has served in many leadership roles for which she has been recognized locally and internationally. In 2013 she was awarded the Ernst & Young (EY) Entrepreneur of the year, East Africa 2013, and subsequently, the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2014, at which point she was admitted to EY’s Global Hall of Fame.

Entrepreneur Advice from Ashley Heather: Your intuition is a powerful a tool

June 16, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Ashley Heather, founder of Ashley Heather Jewellery — **Ashley Heather**, founder of Ashley Heather Jewellery

Have patience and trust your inutition....

"Have patience. Ask for advice but also be prepared to disregard it - your intuition can be as powerful a tool as all the best business books combined. Be kind to yourself."

- Ashley Heather is the founder and creative force behind Cape Town-based Ashley Heather Jewellery. All her jewellery is handcrafted at her Woodstock work+shop using precious metals reclaimed from circuit boards by a small refinery in South Africa. Ashley takes great care about every aspect of the craft and is constantly striving for the most sustainable studio practices from the manufacturing processes right through to the packaging.

DEF.I.NI.TION Africa unveil more of their exciting new fashion and lifestyle designs during the latest stage of their Kenya tour

June 16, 2015 Melanie Hawken

The dynamic trio behind DEF.I.NI.TION Africa are once again hitting the road this month as their Kenya tour continues, following a highly successful outing at the Soko Soke event in Rosslyn. The latest leg of their tour is now heading to The Bizarre Bazaar venue in Nairobi. The team have not only created some special new fashion designs to showcase to discerning buyers, but also newly created merchandise including a trendy range of stationery and other exciting new lifestyle items.

Global Women’s Summit heads to Johannesburg, South Africa as part of National Women's Month celebrations

June 16, 2015 Melanie Hawken

As part of National Women’s Day celebrations, the Women’s Information Network is presenting 1,000 Global Women’s Summits as part of a massive global women’s initiative. The prestigious Global Women’s Summit in Johannesburg on 8 August aims to educate and engage women in meaningful discussions about women’s issues, business needs, entrepreneurial aspirations, and most importantly action oriented programmes. Learn how you can attend.

Bianca Sibiya - The startup story of Punk and Ivy, a fashion brand that celebrates it’s unique African-ness ‘on the road’

June 14, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Bianca & Khaya Sibiya, co-founders of Punk & Ivy (South Africa) — **Bianca & Khaya Sibiya**, co-founders of Punk & Ivy (South Africa)

The fashion industry loves a brand that is unique, authentic and has a refreshingly different approach to the way it promotes itself to its customers. The dynamic husband and wife team, Bianca and Khaya Sibiya, deliver all of this and so much more with their uber-trendy Punk and Ivy clothing brand.

Anna Raimondo - The startup story of a contemporary South African jewellery designer inspired by bold and quirky references of the past

June 14, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Anna Raimondo, founder of SMITH Jewellery (South Africa) — **Anna Raimondo**, founder of SMITH Jewellery (South Africa)

In any jewellery design space, it is sometimes hard to make things that are instantly recognisable as the work of one creative person. Yet Anna Raimondo has created a brand personality and a design style that are uniquely hers, and as a result, the SMITH Jewellery brand is truly memorable.

100 Lionesses - Monica Musonda: 'Difficult to compete as a local food processor, says Zambian entrepreneur'

June 14, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Monica Musonda, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Java Foods (Zambia) — Monica Musonda, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Java Foods (Zambia)

Source: How We Made It in Africa | by Kate Douglas | 12 June 2015

In 2012 Monica Musonda left her 15-year career as a successful commercial lawyer to return to her home country Zambia and set up a food processing company, Java Foods. The company supplies the market with the eeZee instant noodles brand.

Quote of the Day

June 13, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Rebecca Enonchong, founder and CEO of AppsTech — **Rebecca Enonchong**, founder and CEO of AppsTech

“In Cameroon, in the last year, we’ve had a start-up raise 1.3 million dollars through venture funding, we’ve had another raise 240 thousand dollars through crowdfunding, and just three start-ups have generated 150 jobs. Those are real jobs and that’s real impact….we always talk about the Africa of tomorrow, but these tech entrepreneurs are working with the Africa of today, and we’re building jobs and creating jobs today.”

- Rebecca Enonchong is a Cameroonian born technology entrepreneur. She is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of AppsTech, a leading global provider of enterprise application solutions serving clients in more than 50 countries. Rebecca currently serves as a mentor/advisor to several Africa based technology startups and sits on the board of VC4Africa, the largest online community dedicated to entrepreneurs and investors building companies in Africa. She is also a director of the award winning Salesforce.com Foundation.

Quote of the Day

June 12, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Arancha González, Executive Director, International Trade Centre — **Arancha González**, Executive Director, International Trade Centre

“Women entrepreneurs invest 90% of their revenues into the community".... "women entrepreneurs are not only an amazing engine for growth, but they are an amazing engine for equitably distributing growth.”

- Arancha González is the recently appointed Executive Director of the International Trade Centre, the joint agency of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the World Trade Organization. Arancha is an expert in international trade and development and is passionate about using trade and aid4trade as an engine for development, growth and jobs; working to unlock the potential of SMEs. She is a leading advocate of women's economic empowerment.

Entrepreneur Advice from Amorie Daubern: When you feel like giving up - Don't!

June 12, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Amorie Daubern, founder of Volhart — **Amorie Daubern**, founder of Volhart

Coping with the many challenges that you will confront as an entrepreneur....

"When you are on your entrepreneurial journey, and you are facing challenges and feel like giving up, don’t - just keep going and remember you are only half-way through your journey. Get through your challenges and then you will see the results and get that satisfaction that no money in the world can buy."

- Amorie Daubern is an interior architect and the founder of Volhart, a company that creates beautiful and unique, handmade and environmentally friendly homeware and stationery items. Armorie's products are inspired by the breath-taking beauty and indigenous character of the country she so loves - South Africa.

Amanta Hooman - The startup story of a South African entrepreneur bringing the luxurious truffle to everyone’s table

June 11, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Amanta Hooman, founder of Flavour Union (South Africa) — **Amanta Hooman**, founder of Flavour Union (South Africa)

Just mention the word truffle and you are instantly transported to a world of luxury fine dining and one of the most exquisite tastes on earth. Now, one young South African woman entrepreneur is making it accessible to everyone through her wonderful new range of truffle-based gourmet products under her new label Flavour Union.

How to work with a Virtual Assistant to Manage your Social Media

June 11, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Love it or Hate it, social media is here to stay. As a smart entrepreneur you know the power that social media platforms carry. Combine all the social media platforms available, and you have an instant powerhouse of brand recognition, digital marketing and a 24/7 sales rep on your side. The downside? Great social media takes time and we all know time is a precious resource!

Entrepreneur Advice from Amy Sinovich: There is no set formula to follow

June 11, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Amy Sinovich, founder of Resonate by amy — **Amy Sinovich**, founder of Resonate by amy

Trust the process and be prepared to keep learning....

"There is no set formula to starting a business and no two businesses will ever be the same, so my advice is trust your instincts and make decisions based on what feels right for you and your business, not based on what other people are doing."

- Amy Sinovich is an incredibly talented South African jewellery designer and the founder of Resonate by amy, a company that designs and manufactures bespoke jewellery. Amy is a graduate of the University of Johannesburg and the Ruth Prowse School of Art and in 2012 she was selected to exhibit as part of the Emerging Creatives programme at the 2013 Design Indaba.

Unlocking the potential of female entrepreneurship

June 10, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Susan Mashibe, founder of VIA Aviation (Tanzania) — **Susan Mashibe**, founder of VIA Aviation (Tanzania)

Source: The Guardian | by Anthony Demetriou and Nathan Gamester | 10 June 2015

Entrepreneurship can be an empowering experience that has impacts beyond economic development. Barriers need to be removed so more African women have tools to become entrepreneurs. Success stories like that of Susan Mashibe are still the exception rather than the rule, but it offers a model of what can happen when women have access to the tools for successful entrepreneurship.

RAPELANG RABANA '100 Lionesses' Profile: Meet a game-changing South African education technology entrepreneur

June 10, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Rapelang Rabana is a South African technology entrepreneur who is making waves both on the African continent and around the world. Rapelang is the innovative founder of Rekindle Learning, a company looking to improve education in Africa by turning people’s compulsion to check their phones into an opportunity to learn.