Sarah Nakisanze - The startup story of an entrepreneur in Uganda celebrating traditional barkcloth fabric and reinventing it in great new design pieces

March 17, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Sarah Nakisanze, founder of Easy Afric Design (Uganda) — **Sarah Nakisanze**, founder of Easy Afric Design (Uganda)

The world is becoming increasingly more enamoured by the wonderful traditional designs and fabrics of Africa, particularly when they are incorporated into contemporary fashion and decor pieces. Entrepreneur Sarah Nakisanze and her business Easy Afric Design, is harnessing the inspiration of the wonderful Ugandan traditional fabric of Barkcloth for her collections of fashion and art.

Entrepreneur Advice from Sibongile Sambo: My top advice for any aspiring entrepreneur

March 17, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Sibongile Sambo, founder SRS Aviation Ltd., South Africa — **Sibongile Sambo**, founder SRS Aviation Ltd., South Africa

Top advice for any aspiring entrepreneur....

"Go into business with an open mind. Know you can have a very good business idea, but be prepared that sometimes the environment will not allow you to achieve it. Be flexible. Think out of the box. Think about ways to diversify. Think of ways to be profitable at all times. Once you are in business it does come down to profitability. It doesn't help to be so passionate about something that is not bringing in money for you. You should be able to realize profits. If you can’t make money from the initial idea, then alter it to help keep you afloat."

- Sibongile Sambo is a pioneering woman of South African aviation. She is founder and Chief Executive Officer of SRS Aviation Ltd., the first 100 percent black, female-owned aviation services company in South Africa. Launched in 2004, SRS is an integrated provider of private aviation services offering South African and international clients professional and personalized flight options including VIP Charter, tourist charter and helicopter services, to destinations around the world. Today, the company also provides maintenance, sales and fleet management services to private jet owners.

Irisha Luhanga - The startup story of an entrepreneur with a passion for helping organisations and people to reach their potential

March 15, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Irisha Luhanga, founder Redefine Human Capital (South Africa)

In today’s increasingly competitive world, companies and organisations are becoming more focused on empowering their people in order to help them fulfil their full potential in their careers and in the workplace generally. Irisha Luhanga is one entrepreneur with a passion for human capital and with her company, Redefine Human Capital, she is redefining the way people view their work and helping them to align it to their true purpose.

Entrepreneur Advice from Evashnee Naidu: You'll learn as you go along

March 15, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Evashnee Naidu, founder of EnablED (South Africa) — **Evashnee Naidu**, founder of EnablED (South Africa)

You'll learn as you go along....

"If you feel you have it in you to start your own business, then follow that dream. It is not the easiest path to take. Being your own boss and a boss to other people takes a lot of passion and commitment. When you make the decision go all in, don't expect to know it all right from the start. You learn as you go along, no one can prepare you - its subject to change, your industry and your personality. But it is a journey that will provide you with the most satisfying results."

- Evashnee Naidu is the founder of EnablED in South Africa. After gaining more than a decades worth of marketing and advertising experience in the corporate world she was inspired to start her own company in the enterprise development space. Today, her company is playing a key role in managing enterprise and supplier development solutions for SMMEs.

Olubukola Asafa - The startup story of a Nigerian entrepreneur with a passion for fine craftsmanship and building a bespoke luxury leathergoods brand

March 14, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Olubukola Asafa, founder of Oba Couture (Nigeria) — **Olubukola Asafa**, founder of Oba Couture (Nigeria)

There is a growing interest right now in AfroLuxe, bespoke finely crafted luxury items all proudly designed and created here in Africa. Oba Couture, the brand created by Nigerian entrepreneur Olubukola Asafa, is a new name in the world of luxury leather accessory brands emerging from the African continent, to add to the list of those brands currently winning legions of fans around the world with their high-end, luxury products.

Talking the rise and rise of women’s entrepreneurship at the Global Women’s Summit in Rwanda

March 13, 2016 Melanie Hawken

L-R: Melanie Hawken, founder & CEO of Lionesses of Africa, with Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Chairperson of New Faces, New Voices Rwanda Chapter, and Mr Ignace Rusenga Mihigo Bacyaha, Country Resident Representative, International Finance Corporati… — L-R: Melanie Hawken, founder & CEO of Lionesses of Africa, with Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Chairperson of New Faces, New Voices Rwanda Chapter, and Mr Ignace Rusenga Mihigo Bacyaha, Country Resident Representative, International Finance Corporation World Bank Group

On 8th March, the world celebrated International Women’s Day, putting the topic of the empowerment of women at the top of the global agenda. Lionesses of Africa founder and ceo, Melanie Hawken, was invited to help celebrate this important occasion in the inspirational surroundings of Kigali in Rwanda, to speak at the Global Women’s Summit being held there. Her topic was the rise and rise of women’s entrepreneurship in Africa, something highly relevant to the country given that it has recently been ranked the Best Place to be a Woman in Africa, according to the Global Gender Gap Report, and ranked 6th overall in the world in terms of closing gender gaps.

Essential Read: Play to Win - What women can learn from men in business - by Donna Rachelson

March 13, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Women are occupying more senior positions in the new world of work than ever before, but they still have a way to go. In many respects, the workplace is still a man’s world, run according to men’s rules. Donna Rachelson gets to grips with these rules and shows women how to work with them to advance their careers, while still retaining their femininity and bringing all of the strengths women possess to the workplace. Drawing on Rachelson’s own experience, as well as the experience of some of South Africa’s top businesswomen, this quick, practical read is a must for any woman who wants to make her mark in the business world.

Meet 28 African Women Entrepreneurs Changing the Face of the Beauty and Wellness Industry

March 12, 2016 Melanie Hawken

In the world of beauty and wellness, there is a huge interest right now in products and services that celebrate the essence of Africa’s unique natural resources and ingredients, whilst at the same time harnessing traditional skills and up-to-the-minute knowledge of leading women innovators in the industry. These game-changers are changing the face of the beauty and wellness industry in Africa, and creating fabulous new, proudly African products and brands in the process that the world wants to buy and use. Some of the names and brands are well-known - others are new to the scene - but all of them are capturing the imaginations of consumers across the continent, and indeed the world.

Jennifer Riria wins the 2016 Oslo Business for Peace Award

March 12, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Dr Jennifer Riria, Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding (KWH) — **Dr Jennifer Riria**, Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding (KWH)

March 8, 2016 – Oslo, Norway: On International Women’s Day, UNDP Administrator Helen Clark highlighted the role of female business leaders in driving positive societal change as she announced this year’s Business for Peace Honourees.Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations Development Program, announced the three winners of the 2016 Oslo Business for Peace Award; Sarah Beydoun from Lebanon, Dr Jennifer Nkuene Riria from Kenya and Tore Lærdal from Norway.

TELEVISION INTERVIEW: Melanie Hawken talks Women and Leadership on Women's International Day with Rwanda TV

March 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Lionesses of Africa Founder and CEO, Melanie Hawken, together with Global Women’s Summit Rwanda Director and Founder of Kora Associates, Mireille Karera, were invited into the Rwanda TV studios on 7th March to take part in the Debate 411 television programme, hosted by renowned anchor and tv personality, Eugene Anangwe. The topic under discussion was Women’s Empowerment and Entrepreneurship, to coincide with International Women’s Day.

Ysolde Shimwe and Kevine Kagirimpundu- The startup story of two fashion design entrepreneurs creating beautiful handcrafted shoes with a unique Rwandan aesthetic

March 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Ysolde Shimwe and Kevine Kagirimpundu, co-founders of Azuri K&Y (Rwanda)

The art of fine shoe-making is a specific design discipline and one that excites the team of entrepreneurs behind the Rwandan shoe brand, UZURI K&Y. Ysolde Shimwe (CFO & Co-Creative designer) and Kevine Kagirimpundu (CEO & Co-Creative designer), are combining their substantial design talents to create some of the hottest shoes on the continent.

PODCAST: Lionesses of Africa speaks to Lydie Hakizimana, serial entrepreneur in Rwanda, and founder of the Happy Hearts Day Care and Nursery School in Kigali

March 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Lydie Hakizimana, founder of the Happy Hearts Day Care and Nursery School (Rwanda)

Listen to Lionesses of Africa Founder and CEO, Melanie Hawken, in conversation with Lydie Hakizimana, serial entrepreneur and founder of the Happy Hearts Day Care and Nursery School in Kigali, Rwanda. The interview was recorded at the school during LoA’s visit to Rwanda for the Global Women’s Summit to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March 2016.

PODCAST: LoA speaks to Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Chairperson of New Faces, New Voices, Rwanda Chapter, about an exciting new Women's Fund launching in the country

March 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Rwanda First Lady Mrs Jeanette Kagame, and Mrs Graca Machel at the launch of New Faces New Voices in Kigali

Listen to Lionesses of Africa Founder and CEO, Melanie Hawken, in conversation with Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Chairperson of New Faces, New Voices, Rwanda Chapter, recorded at the Global Women’s Summit which took place on 8th March 2016 in Kigali, Rwanda, to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Samantha Skyring - The startup story of a South African entrepreneur bringing the unique desert salt of the Kalahari to the world’s kitchens

March 11, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Samantha Skyring, founder of Oryx Desert Salt (South Africa)

With the world looking to source more sustainable, ethically produced and renewable sources of foodstuffs, one South African business venture, Oryx Desert Salt, founded by entrepreneur Samantha Skyring, is looking to bring an exceptional source of salt to enrich both the flavour of food and also promote good health.

Quote of the Day by Tabitha Karanja

March 10, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Tabitha Karanja founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries — Tabitha Karanja founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries

"I’m a leader who happens to be a woman. When people look at me, they don’t see me as a woman; they see me as an entrepreneur."

- Tabitha Karanja is founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries. She is one of Kenya's leading entrepreneurs, a remarkable trailblazer and an example of a woman made good against all the odds. Tabitha chose to venture where none before her had dared. She took on an 87-year-old business monopoly and entered an industry with a deeply entrenched male gender stereotype. Tabitha broke the mould to become Kenya’s first home-grown beer and alcoholic drink manufacturer. Today, her company's state-of-the-art production facility is targeting 20% of the Kenyan market.

Entrepreneur Advice from Khanyi Dhlomo: It's never to late to chase your dream

March 7, 2016 Melanie Hawken

It's never too late to start pursuing your dreams....

"The saddest thing is to die with your dreams inside you, never having pursued them. I think a lot of regrets come from not having done things we were meant to do. It's important to keep active and to try and achieve your goals. And there's a huge value in having gained experience in other things which you can then apply to what you decide to do. So no matter your age, go for it."

- Khanyi Dhlomo is the Managing Director of Ndalo Media, which she founded in 2007. She is also the founder of DestinyConnect and the founding editor of Destiny Magazine. Before starting her own media company, Khanyi was editor of True Love magazine for eight years. In 2013, Khanyi ventured in retail and launched Luminance, a high-end fashion and lifestyle department store. Khanyi was named most influential woman in South African Media by The Media Magazine in 2003 and made the 2011 Forbes list of 20 Young Power Women in Africa.

What a great gathering at the first Lioness Lean in Breakfast Event in Cape Town!

March 6, 2016 Melanie Hawken

With the spectacular scenery of Table Mountain in the background, and a cloudless sunny day in prospect, almost 60 women entrepreneurs from across the Western Cape gathered together for the first Lioness Lean In Breakfast event of the year, held in the inspirational surroundings of Workshop 17 in Cape Town. The aim of the event was to share startup stories, to hear inspirational women entrepreneurs speaking about their personal business journeys to success, to connect with each other for future business and collaboration, and to do some serious networking. And, given the incredible energy and noise levels of women deep in conversation from the minute they arrived, the whole concept of ‘leaning in’ to share ideas, swop stories, and do business, was absolutely understood by everyone.

Quote of the Day by Julian Adyeri Omalla

March 3, 2016 Melanie Hawken

"I am delighted when I employ people and see them work and educate their children. I encourage my employees to develop themselves, to save money, buy land and build houses for themselves."

- Julian Adyeri Omalla is one of Uganda's top female entrepreneurs. She is founder, chairperson and managing director of Delight Uganda Limited, producing the country's most popular fruit drink sold under the brand name 'Cheers'. Julian has diversified into a range of other business activities, including egg and poultry farming, maize-feed production, a flour mill and bakery, a student hostel for 400, as well as coordinating women’s farmer cooperatives that provide food aid into Sudan. Today, Julian employs over 1,000 Ugandans and exports to countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan and Zaire.

Essential Read: Pilot to Profit: Navigating Modern Entrepreneurship to Build Your Business Using Online Marketing, Social Media, Content Marketing and Sales by Lisa Larter

February 28, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Lisa Larter, founder of The Lisa Larter Group — **Lisa Larter**, founder of The Lisa Larter Group

Seatbelts fastened. Business dreams in the upright position. Entrepreneurs, prepare for takeoff with this new book on harnessing the power of digital media to build a great business, written by Lisa Larter.

Monica Musonda: Don't happily be a spectator in your own economy

February 28, 2016 Melanie Hawken

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

Do you want to be a spectator or a participant in your country? Monica Musonda narrates her journey into entrepreneurship as a Zambian woman. Working for the richest man in Africa, her former employer Aliko Dangote asked “Where are the Zambian Banks & Factories?” Monica reflected on how Nigerians run their economy and this inspired her to actively participate in her own country’s economy.