Quote of the Day by Divine Ndhlukula

August 22, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Divine Ndhlukula, founder SECURICO Security Services (Zimbabwe) — **Divine Ndhlukula**, founder SECURICO Security Services (Zimbabwe)

“What Africa requires are entrepreneurs that start up and create not just wealth for themselves, but employment for others, because that is what is vital for sustainable development.”

- Divine Ndhlukula founded SECURICO Security Services from humble beginnings in Zimbabwe in 1998. Divine identified a need in the market for a quality oriented security company and she has driven SECURICO to become the market leader in Zimbabwe. She has tackled a previously male-dominated industry head on and her business success story is nothing short of remarkable - marking her as one of Africa's most tenacious and inspiring women entrepreneurs. She is also the largest employer of women in her country outside of government.

EVENT REPORT: Women’s Month in South Africa celebrated with three inspirational Lioness Lean In Breakfast Events

August 21, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Every year in the month of August, South Africa celebrates National Women’s Month, and to support this commemorative initiative, Lionesses of Africa, powered by Standard Bank, made plans to host three of its hugely popular Lioness Lean In Breakfast Events. The first two events have now taken place, the first in Durban on 16th August, and the second in Johannesburg on 18th August. At each event, women entrepreneurs representing all sectors of business and industry, gathered for a morning of inspirational startup story sharing and great networking.

Bridget Edwards, a South African stress expert on a mission to help others to overcome challenges in life

August 21, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Bridget Edwards, author and emotional change catalyst — **Bridget Edwards**, author and emotional change catalyst

For many people, stress can have a devastating impact on their lives, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Bridget Edwards is an entrepreneur and specialist stress counsellor showing people how to harness stress as a positive force, rather than a negative one. Her consulting work and her books provide an inspirational guide to living life more positively and differently, resolving personal challenges and issues along the way.

Essential Read: Networking: Success For Women Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners by Jenn August

August 21, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Jenn August, author, certified business success coach, success mindset expert & international speaker — **Jenn August**, author, certified business success coach, success mindset expert & international speaker

Networking should be fun and profitable! But for many women entrepreneurs, networking is tough and doesn’t come naturally. If networking is not working for you, it's not your fault - it's just not the right kind of networking. Jenn August, the founder of Women's Success Tribe an international women's networking organization, shares the secrets to creating successful and profitable business connections in her new book, Networking: Success For Women Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners.

Gloria Michelle Otieno, a Kenyan entrepreneur with a passion for human resources and skills development

August 20, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Gloria Otieno, founder of Recours Four Kenya Consultants (Kenya) — **Gloria Otieno**, founder of Recours Four Kenya Consultants (Kenya)

Finding the perfect niche for a business is always a tricky thing, but for Gloria Otieno, she knew intrinsically that her entrepreneurial journey would like in the field of human resources and training. Her business, Recours Four Kenya Consultants Limited, is allowing her to live her dream and fulfil not just her aspirations, but also those of all the young people who use its services. She is making a huge difference to the development of a new, well-trained population who will drive the future economy of the country.

100 LIONESSES: Margaret Hirsch wins the Top Business Women of 2016 Award at Standard Bank's Top Woman Awards

August 19, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa) — **Margaret Hirsch**, co-founder of Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa)

Johannesburg, 18 August --- Margaret Hirsch wins the Top Business Women of 2016 Award at the Topco Media and Standard Bank Top Women Awards hosted on 18 August 2016 at Emperor’s Palace, Johannesburg. This event celebrates and recognises female leaders in business that form a part of the 13–year legacy that is the Top Women Awards.

Second lucky winner announced for the Lioness Lean In Breakfast SnappSales #WomensMonth value drive competition

August 19, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Tinyiko Mareane and Boitumelo Mogoai, founders of Nik Muffins

The amazing Lioness Lean In Breakfast SnappSales #WomensMonth value drive competition giveaway continued on Thursday 18th August at the Standard Bank Business Incubator in Johannesburg, and to a rapturous reception. Karen Wessels, co-founder of SnappSales and the inspiration behind the giveaway to celebrate National Women’s Month in South Africa, was once again on hand at the event to announce the giveaway.

Quote of the Day by Juliana Rotich

August 19, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Juliana Rotich, technologist, strategic advisor, and entrepreneur (Kenya) — **Juliana Rotich**, technologist, strategic advisor, and entrepreneur (Kenya)

“We need to open up to experiences and to visiting other African countries to learn about them, so that when we talk about intra-African trade ... it’s not just the thing that people talk about at the World Economic Forum Africa,”

- Juliana Rotich is a technologist, strategic advisor, entrepreneur, and keynote speaker. She is Executive Director of BRCK.org, a not for profit affiliate of BRCK Inc. for deploying reliable technology for the edges of society, and advocating for internet access and literacy. She drives partnerships for tackling social problems through connectivity and appropriate technology. She is a Venture Partner in Africa Technology Ventures (ATV) which is raising a fund to invest in and support the growth of tech enabled start-ups in key sectors in East and West Africa. She is a champion for internet connectivity and works to support entrepreneurs to scale their work and impact.

Entrepreneur Advice from Amanda Ioannoy: Dream big and aim even higher!

August 19, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Amanda Ioannoy (founder) & Varisha Singh, the dynamic duo behind Ambella Corporate and Promotional Gifts(South Africa) — **Amanda Ioannoy** (founder) & Varisha Singh, the dynamic duo behind Ambella Corporate and Promotional Gifts(South Africa)

Dream big and aim even higher!...

"With many young women today, the lack of self belief and the "I Can" attitude is common, yet something as simple as this can change your outlook on any situation. The belief in yourself is the most powerful attribute to have, and with this attribute already half of the battle is won!"

- Amanda Ioannoy is the founder of Ambella Corporate and Promotional Gifts in South Africa, a company that provides gifting and promotional merchandise products to effectively promote company brands. Amanda is passionate about enriching the brands she works with and to positively impact the corporate world by creating a thriving brand culture. With a B.Comm degree in Business Management and as a dedicated wife and mother to two beautiful girls, Amanda embodies the lifestyle and career aspirations of today's generation of women entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneur Advice from Claire Keet: Be clear about your motivation for starting up

August 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Claire Keet, founder of Sentiens (South Africa) — **Claire Keet**, founder of Sentiens (South Africa)

Be clear about your motivation for starting up....

"Interrogate your motivation for starting a business. And be honest with yourself. That motivation is what you'll rely on to get you out of bed when it feels like your business is failing. It will be what helps you remain strong when you're learning the really tough lessons, of which there will be plenty. It will inspire you to find solutions for challenges that seem unconquerable. Write down your motivation and make sure it's real enough not to waver in the face of the fear, hard work, stress and challenges that you will face."

- Claire Keet is a multi-faceted entrepreneur and the founder of Sentiens in South Africa, a company that works with local designers to create a range of beautiful, functional yoga and fitness gear. Claire's focus is on printed yoga and active mats, which combine gorgeous aesthetics with great performance. She studied a Bachelor of Journalism specialising in English Literature and Communication Design at Rhodes University before the call to explore sent her packing to Asia where she travelled extensively and made a life for herself in South Korea for several years. She returned to South Africa to launch the creative, brand consultancy, BorisHenry in 2012.

Quote of the Day by Uche Pedro

August 18, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Uche Pedro, founder of BellaNaija.com (Nigeria) — Uche Pedro, founder of BellaNaija.com (Nigeria)

"We might not be able to meet up in a town hall somewhere but via Twitter, via Facebook, via BellaNaija, we can, you know, we can come together, and we can make a change."

- Uche Pedro is founder of BellaNaija.com, a company that develops and delivers exciting online content aimed at Nigerian and Pan-African audiences. Uche’s savvy grasp of media trends has led to BellaNaija.com becoming the go-to lifestyle, entertainment and fashion portal in Africa. Her website has established a loyal following amongst the young, cosmopolitan, upwardly mobile set in Nigeria, with over 1 million unique visitors and 9 million page views each month.

First winner announced for the Lioness Lean In Breakfast SnappSales #WomensMonth value drive competition

August 17, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Tebogo Petlele, founder of Seponono (South Africa) — **Tebogo Petlele**, founder of Seponono (South Africa)

This month it’s great to be in the Lionesses of Africa community, particularly for those women entrepreneurs attending the Lioness Lean In Breakfast events in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town. There is an amazing giveaway taking place at each event, courtesy of the inspirational Karen Wessels, co-founder of SnappSales. And, the first winner has just been announced from the Durban event which took place yesterday 16th August.

Quote of the Day by Tammy Frazer

August 17, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Tammy Frazer, founder of Frazer Parfum (South Africa) — **Tammy Frazer**, founder of Frazer Parfum (South Africa)

"I have always believed in Africa as a source of artisanal innovation and beauty."

- Tammy Frazer founded Cape-Town-based Frazer Parfum in 2008 creating organic and natural perfume products, all handcrafted in collaboration with local artists. Tammy is part of a growing new generation of African women entrepreneurs transforming quality local raw materials into world-class African luxury products.

Entrepreneur Advice from Angela Livu: Patience is a virtue

August 17, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Angela Livu, founder of Luxury Hair (Kenya) — **Angela Livu,** founder of Luxury Hair (Kenya)

Patience is a virtue....

"Be Patient. Rome was not built in a day. Also put God first in everything that you do."

- Angela Livu is the founder of Luxury Hair in Kenya, a company that imports Luxury Hair products and helps women manage hair loss. Angela is committed to providing discerning women with the highest quality hair products that are 100% ethically sourced and beautiful to look at and wear. Prior to following her entrepreneurial path, Angela, who holds an MBA, worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

How Your Life Experiences Can Help Other Entrepreneurs

August 16, 2016 Melanie Hawken

This past week I was in Cape Town where I was invited to join other entrepreneurs watch a few hand selected startups pitch their business ideas. The startups varied from post revenue all the way to MVP (minimal viable product), meaning they don’t currently have customers, however they do have a working product. As a group of entrepreneurs who have travelled the path, got the proverbial t-shirt and faced our fair share of challenges, a few things really struck me. The reason why we were there was to identify the best matching mentors for each startup. And isn’t this something that is seriously lacking in our startup community - the power and importance of having a great mentor on your team, who can take their life experiences and help you on your journey.

Quote of the Day by Abai Schulze

August 16, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Abai Schulze, founder of ZAAF (Ethiopia) — **Abai Schulze**, founder of ZAAF (Ethiopia)

“I don’t think business school was going to teach me how to run a business in Ethiopia. You don’t go by the book when you are running a business here. You just have to jump into it and learn as you go.”

- Abai Schulze is founder of the creative, new Afro-luxe brand ZAAF who create handcrafted luxury leather handbags and accessories produced by artisans in Ethiopia. Abai, born in a remote village in Ethiopia, has had a truly remarkable life journey. Her journey has taken her from an orphanage in Addis Ababa to the United States where she was raised, and back to Ethiopia. Today, she passionately uses her background in economics and fine arts to create unique and practical expressions of beauty, and to open avenues of opportunity for talented artisans in Ethiopia and the rest of Africa. Her designs draw upon precious cultural relics and allow them renewed expression through fresh, uplifting and modern designs.

Entrepreneur Advice from Mignionette Fair: Find yourself a mentor

August 16, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Mignionette Fair, founder of Fair Translation and Editing Services (South Africa) — **Mignionette Fair**, founder of Fair Translation and Editing Services (South Africa)

Find yourself a mentor....

"Get a mentor who can support your dreams and who has similar values. My mentor has been the biggest blessing in my business. I don't know where I would be without her."

- Mignionette Fair is the founder of Fair Translation and Editing Services in South Africa, a company that edits and translates books, personal and professional documents and also does copy-writing for websites and magazines. Mignionette has a B.Com degree in Financial Journalism from the University of the Free State and an Honours Degree in Journalism and Media from the University of Witwatersrand. She is passionate about providing a world-class service at a fair price.

Amanda Ioannoy, a South African entrepreneur enriching brands through her corporate gifting and event management expertise

August 15, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Being customer centric is the key to business success, and in the case of Amanda Ioannoy’s business, Ambella Corporate and Promotional Gifts in South Africa, she understands how to connect with customers by providing quality gifting and promotional merchandise options that can effectively promote company brands.

Entrepreneur Advice from Karené Wedekind: Focus, focus, focus

August 15, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Karené Wedekind, founder of Karené Wedekind Photography (South Africa) — **Karené Wedekind**, founder of Karené Wedekind Photography (South Africa)

Focus, focus, focus....

"Be more specific. Figure out what you do differently, make that your special thing - focus focus focus and use that to stand out in the crowd. Then always dress your business for success. Make it look more confident than you feel. If your business looks professional, it'll be taken more seriously."

- Karené Wedekind is the founder of Karené Wedekind Photography in South Africa, a company that serves small and medium businesses by creating bespoke photos that give their companies a sense of quality and value. Karené passionately believes good photography and design can elevate the smallest business and make them more competitive in the market place. She has a degree in Fine Art with Photography as her Major.

Quote of the Day by Graça Machel

August 15, 2016 Melanie Hawken

Graça Machel, founder of the Graça Machel Trust — **Graça Machel**, founder of the Graça Machel Trust

"Our lives will only have a meaning if each one of us can confidently say that I was able to bring five, ten, fifteen and twenty women along with me. What I am saying is, do not climb alone!"

- Graça Machel is the founder of the Graça Machel Trust and one of the world’s leading advocates for women, children, and communities affected by conflict and injustice. Born in a rural part of Portuguese East Africa, she attended university in Lisbon before returning home to be a freedom fighter and schoolteacher. After the declaration of Mozambique’s independence, Machel became the country’s first Education Minister. In the years following her government ministry, Machel produced a ground-breaking UNICEF report on the impact of armed conflict on children that changed the way the United Nations and member states respond in conflict zones. Since then, she has worked tirelessly in support of global health, child welfare, and women’s rights and empowerment. Machel is a founding member of The Elders, and played a key role in establishing Girls Not Brides.