One of the biggest challenges women entrepreneurs face in today’s increasingly crowded digital landscape is how to be distinctive, memorable, and stand out from the crowd. Building on the concepts of Seth Godin, the iconic teachings of Tom Peters, as well as her own experiences as an entrepreneur, Danielle M. Miller guides creative and smart women in applying big brand concepts to their businesses.
Read moreTabitha Karanja recognised by the 2015 Africa Awards for Entrepreneurs for her transformational socio-economic impact in Africa
Tabitha Karanja, founder of Keroche Breweries (Kenya)
Marrakech, Morocco: The 9th annual Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship, a celebration of successful African entrepreneurs from across the continent, has awarded Tabitha Karanja founder of Keroche Breweries, their 2015 Transformational Business Award. This award is given to a notable business leader who has created significant socio-economic impact in Africa by building a business with revenues greater than USD $50 million.
Read moreAlly Angula: My Republik - where the Citizen defines the look
My Republik, a brand under the Leap Holdings umbrella is Namibia’s first commercial clothing brand that is not only retailed in a branded outlet but also designed, developed, cut, trimmed and stitched in Namibia. My Republik was founded with the goal of offering the modern man and woman the best fitting clothes for any occasion, be it in the office or a day out in town. It aims to produce the best quality clothing that is in a class ready to compete on platforms in Namibia, in Africa and beyond.
Read moreAgata Karolina - the startup story of a South African based epicene perfume house creating exquisite small batch perfumes
Agata Karolina, founder of House of Gozdawa (South Africa)
There is something very evocative about the world of perfumery, taking its inspiration from nature and creating a scent that makes the wearer experience a particular sense of wellbeing and confidence. South Africa now has a second perfumier to celebrate, Agata Karolina, founder of House of Gozdawa in Cape Town, who is creating something really special and unique to Africa.
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Shonaquip, Africa’s first woman-run wheelchair business of its kind, scoops top export prize
Shonaquip, the first woman-run wheelchair business of its kind on the African continent, and founded by the inspirational Shona McDonald, has just won the top prize at the Cape Chamber of Commerce Exporter of the Year Award, beating 12 other finalists along the way. The competition, now in its 25th year, was celebrated at a gala event held on 5th November at the Kenilworth Racecourse. Shona’s win puts her in good company, as there have been been notable winners in the past who have enjoyed spectacular success as exporters, including Mark Shuttleworth’s company Thawte which won the Exporter of the Year in 1999.
Read moreMake Something Beautiful
It is the early 1980’s and computer monitors have a uniform monotonous green text running across them. But someone has studied calligraphy at college, and dreams of bringing beauty and elegance to computers….
Read moreThis November, Lionesses of Africa celebrates Africa’s creative food and drink entrepreneurs and brand builders
Every month at Lionesses of Africa, we shine a spotlight on a particular industry sector where Africa’s women entrepreneurs are making a real impact, through their businesses, their innovation, their products, services and craftsmanship, and their passion for what they do. This November we are turning our attention to the women who are changing the face of the food and drink industry in Africa, and creating new products, building new brands, and launching exciting food and drink retail concepts in the process.
Read morePODCAST: LoA speaks to the inspirational Rehmah Kasule of Uganda, author, entrepreneur and powerful advocate for the upliftment of women and children in Africa
Rehmah Kasule, author, entrepreneur and women's empowerment activist
Listen to LoA’s interview with Rehmah Kasule as she speaks about her new book, From Gomba to the White House: The journey of an African Woman Entrepreneur. She shares some of the highlights of her entepreneurial journey and gives some great advice to other women entrepreneurs who are hoping to follow in her footsteps on the continent.
Read moreYou are invited: The AMPION Venture Bus stops in Windhoek, Johannesburg and Cape Town
The Ampion Venture Bus, a seven day startups bootcamp fostering entrepreneurship across Africa, is on its way in Southern Africa. Starting in Windhoek on November 13th, the AMPION Venture Bus supports 40 young tech entrepreneurs to build an agriculture startup in seven days. You are invited to the opening day with keynotes, workshops and a mini-maker faire at FabLab Namibia in Windhoek on November 13th from 12am
Read moreFinancial Smarts for Women Entrepreneurs: So what should I have in my armoury from the Bank and should I shop around?
In the latest of a series of fascinating and insightful guest blogs that look at issues around financial management for women entrepreneurs, this week our focus is on understanding what exactly you need in your financial armoury and the benefits of shopping around for the right source of banking support.
Read moreEntrepreneur Advice from Malmsey Rangaka: Women must trust they have what it takes
Malmsey Rangaka, co-founder and CEO of M’hudi Wines
Women must trust they have what it takes to start their own businesses....
"We are actually better suited for business than men. Our natural way of working is inclusive, orderly and emotional. All this clenched teeth aggression of the men simply makes them less effective. So it is incumbent on us to get into business. We do it better. But be prepared for the brickbats though."
- Malmsey Rangaka is co-founder and CEO of M’hudi Wines, a family wine farm located in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The M’hudi wine brands are sold not only in South Africa but also the US, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and Nigeria. M’hudi was founded in 1999 by Malmsey and her husband, and is said to be the first black-owned wine tourism farm in South Africa.
Read morePODCAST: White Rabbit Days founder Helen Andrews talks laser cutting to create beautiful jewellery
Helen Andrews, founder of White Rabbit Days (South Africa)
LoA had the opportunity to chat with Helen Andrews, the creative founder of White Rabbit Days, at the Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair in October. Her unique jewellery design company uses laser cutting techniques to craft astonishingly beautiful pieces from a range of materials from leather to brass.
Read moreSuret Louw - The startup story of a South African entrepreneur on a mission to help women find better balance in their lives
Suret Louw, founder of Alive Image and Lifestyle Company
Startup Story
Taking a more holistic approach to helping women achieve greater emotional and physical wellbeing, Suret Louw’s entrepreneurial venture, Alive Image and Lifestyle Company, is dedicated to finding that elusive work/life balance.
Read morePODCAST: Benji & Moon, your cats and dogs favourite designer!
Hanneke Schutte & Karen Carr, co-founders of Benji and Moon
LoA recently had the pleasure of meeting co-founders Hanneke Schutte and Karen Carr of Benji and Moon, a wonderful South African startup creating beautiful handcrafted products for your beloved cats and dogs. At the recent Sanlam Handmade Contemporary Fair in Johannesburg, LoA chatted to Karen who shared the exciting journey the pair are currently on in launching their great company and products. Listen to our interview….
Read moreEssential Read: Women’s Guide to Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur - 4 Building Blocks to Fulfilling Your Dream by Heather Brooke Quick
Heather Brooke Quick
For all those women entrepreneurs who are spending long hours trying to build their businesses but just barely turning a profit, or struggling with feelings of self-doubt and simply feeling overwhelmed, this very practical guide could provide some of the answers. In The Women’s Guide to Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur - 4 Building Blocks to Fulfilling Your Dream, author Heather Brooke Quick looks at how to entepreneurs often need to remind themselves of who they are and why their businesses exist, in order to convince others to buy their products or use their services.
Read moreMonica Musonda shares five key business lessons she has learned
Monica Musonda, founder of Java Foods (Zambia)
Zambian entrepreneur Monica Musonda is the founder of Java Foods who produce the eeZee instant noodles brand. In a recent webcast, ''Secrets for a Successful Start-Up' webinar organised by The Tony Elumelu Foundation, Monica shared some of the lessons she has learnt in business and answered questions posed to her by participants. Below are 5 key lessons she has learnt in business.
Read moreIt's All About Dignity: 'Now I Have My Own Toilet'
"Now I have my own toilet!" That was the incredulous reply Gift Dick-Tom gave Megan Chapman, when asked what she liked most about her new home. Her family of seven had recently moved from Marine Base "waterside" settlement in Port Harcourt to the Passive House Prototypes (PHPs).
Read moreSocial enterprise Abury announces the release of its first ADEX Winner Accessories Collection, created by talented Zimbabwean designer, Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri
Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri, founder Vanhu Vamwe
On 28 October in Berlin, social enterprise Abury, and creator of the first global contest in search of the best accessories design talent worldwide, the ABURY Design Experience, announced the first collection of handmade handbags made by artisans in Ecuador and designed by the winner of the 2015 contest, Zimbabwean designer, PamSamasuwo-Nyawiri.
Read moreOctober 2015 Image of the Day Gallery: FREE e-Book celebrating Lionesses of Africa through the power of images
The October 2015 edition of the Image of the Day Gallery e-book is out today! They say that a picture says a thousand words, and we couldn't agree more. At Lionesses of Africa, we love the powerful images that conjure up the spirit of women-owned businesses and the products and services they create. These images give us an insight into the unique creativity that exists here in Africa and that is capturing the imagination of the world.
Read moreAlly Angula: My Republik celebrates one year of effortless style
Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia)
As Namibia’s first clothing brand, not only retailed in a branded outlet, but that is also designed, developed, cut, trimmed and stitched locally, the team had plenty to celebrate as they looked back on their first year in business. Building a brand from scratch is no easy feat and although they were challenged, the team behind My Republik persisted in delivering a unique shopping experience, such as free alterations and offering coffee and water to welcome customers as they shopped, which kept them coming back for more.
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