How to Master Solo Start-ups: The Tell All Guide for Solo-preneurs to Help You Manage Like an Expert CEO by Dee Sarwan

February 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Managing a business successfully, means you need to learn how to organize your thoughts, fiercely focus on the best most effective solution to create your unique offering AND bring it to market quickly. PLUS, learn to think, evaluate, delegate and make decisions like an EXPERT CEO. In her book ‘How to Master Solo Start-ups: The Tell All Guide for Solo-preneurs to Help You Manage Like an Expert CEO’, author Dee Sarwan shows you how.

EVENT REPORT: 2017 Lioness Lean In Breakfast event rollout launches in Cape Town and Johannesburg in February

February 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken

It now feels like 2017 has well and truly got underway with the first two Lioness Lean In Breakfast events having taken place. The first in Cape Town on 21st February and the second in Johannesburg on 23rd February. At each event, women entrepreneurs representing all sectors and sizes of business gathered for a morning of inspirational startup story sharing and great networking.

Evelyne Ndabaneze-Masumbuko, an entrepreneur creating a unique online English city guide for expats in Cote d’Ivoire

February 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Evelyne Ndabaneze-Masumbuko, founder of Abidjan4you (Ivory Coast) — **Evelyne Ndabaneze-Masumbuko,** founder of Abidjan4you (Ivory Coast)

It can be difficult moving to a new country as an expatriate and not speaking the local language. But in Ivory coast, English speaking residents now have a great new resource to help out, thanks to entrepreneur Evelyne Ndabaneze-Masumbuko, founder of Abidjan4you.

The only stupid fundraising question is the one you don’t ask

February 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken

When I started considering fundraising for Little Pim many years ago, I was instantly overwhelmed by everything I didn’t know and had so many questions that I didn’t know who to ask. Many of the women I speak to today have the same questions and fears....

The power of punctuality

February 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Recently, I had the honour of being interviewed on a local radio station in Johannesburg, Radio 702, to share my entrepreneurial journey and passion for youth development with the Friday presenter stand in for the popular Redi Tlhabi show - Mr Frank Magwegwe. The interview was scheduled for 11:00 am and the producer requested that I arrive at 10:45 am on that Friday. What transpired was a testament to the power of punctuality.

Jolene Roelofse, a South African marketing and communications specialist on a mission to help other SMMEs and entrepreneurs with their brands

February 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Jolene Roelofse, founder of Bludoor Market (South Africa) — **Jolene Roelofse,** founder of Bludoor Market (South Africa)

One of the major challenges for any startup is understanding how to effectively to get their brands, products and services out into the marketplace and connecting customers. That’s where marketing and communications comes in, and for South African entrepreneur and marcomms specialist Jolene Roelofse, founder of Bludoor Market, it provided an opportunity to create a solution.

Understanding the Basics of Key Financial Ratios for Entrepreneurs - Part 1

February 25, 2017 Melanie Hawken

During the past 5 weeks I have been representing the Tariro Foundation at the first Lionesses of Africa Accelerator Program - and what a privilege it has been. Throughout these sessions one of the reiterating messages coming from the room has been around the many hats which we must wear as entrepreneurs, be it sales, marketing, HR matters, and not forgetting accounting.

Entrepreneur Advice from Lynda Smith: Failure is not fatal

February 24, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Lynda Smith, founder of Refirement Network (South Africa) — **Lynda Smith**, founder of Refirement Network (South Africa)

Failure is not fatal....

"I have been an entrepreneur for more than 38 years. Some lessons have been learnt the hard way through failure - but failure is not fatal. It helps build character and learning for the next round. I value people and relationships and this is my most important asset. We need to be realistic. Often we are so passionate about an idea and cannot see the pitfalls. It is important to have an advisor/coach/friend who can help you have helicopter vision rather than being stuck in the forest. Be resilient. Believe in yourself."

- Lynda Smith is a social entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Refirement Network in South Africa, a business involved in helping organisations and Individuals 50+ to understand the opportunities and challenges that the future holds for this demographic group. She is an accredited retirement coach in South Africa through Retirement Options USA. Lynda has a real passion for children, women in leadership and understanding how South Africans can unlock skills development and grow the economy.

Quote of the Day by Honey Ogundeyi

February 24, 2017 Melanie Hawken

“The next growth opportunity in many sectors will come from Africa and that is a fantastic opportunity for us women, especially in non-traditional sectors such as entertainment, retail, agriculture and technology. These are huge opportunities of a lifetime and I foresee more women taking up the mantle and leading these new-generation enterprises.”

- Honey Ogundeyi is the founder of Fashpa.com, a Nigerian online fashion store retailing trendy clothes, footwear, and accessories. Oyindamola started Fashpa.com after she couldn’tfind any great fashion in the country and decided to leverage her e-commerce platform to serve others frustrated like her.

Quote of the Day by Zaza Motha

February 23, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Zaza Motha, founder of POUT, South Africa — **Zaza Motha**, founder of POUT, South Africa

"Social media is making us more connected both globally and locally. It is easier to find organisations or individuals who are spearheading the women-empowerment ‘revolution' if they are active on social media. It is also more affordable to launch a project online."

- Zaza Motha, a journalist and social entrepreneur, is the founder of POUT, a self-empowerment movement for young South African women. POUT stands for Powerful, Outstanding, Unique & Talented. It is an inspirational and aspirational media platform for young women helping them to realise their full potential by sharing inspiring stories, information and opportunities to reach their dreams.

Entrepreneur Advice from Grace Mlimo: Do not let anyone discourage you

February 20, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Grace Mlimo, founder of Luxuria Lifestyle Africa — **Grace Mlimo**, founder of Luxuria Lifestyle Africa

Do not let anyone discourage you....

"Starting a business can be challenging, and along the journey many challenges do indeed occur. However, we encourage fellow women to follow their dreams with passion. Do not let anyone discourage you from your journey, remain focused, be determined to reach your goal. We encourage women to surround themselves with people who add value to their journeys and who influence them positively. Stay away from friends and people who are negative and do not add value to avoid being discouraged from your journeys, and nurture relationships that add value. If you have kids, make them part of your journey and celebrate with them special milestones. Let them understand your journey and they will appreciate what you do as a mother and a woman - self respect and respect for others is key. Respect and reward your team as your business is only as strong as the team behind it. Identify women support groups and forums such as LoA which can help you grow."

- Grace Mlimo is the founder of Luxuria Lifestyle Africa, an online digital platform showcasing luxury African brands and service providers globally. Grace is a seasoned traveller in Africa and internationally and is passionate about providing her readers with independent unbiased articles, features and reviews of the best high-end products and services that money can buy. Her mission is to help other businesses to grow and forge meaningful partnerships both locally and at international levels.

Miss Jessie's: Creating a Successful Business from Scratch—Naturally by Miko Branch

February 19, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Miko Branch, author and co-founder of Miss Jessie’s — **Miko Branch,** author and co-founder of Miss Jessie’s

Miss Jessie's is a memoir and business guide rich with inspirational life lessons and unique business advice from Miko Branch, the Chief Executive Officer of the dynamic Miss Jessie’s, the company that revolutionized the hair care industry.

Cecilia Mnisi, a South African entrepreneur with a passion for the art of translation and interpretation in business

February 19, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Cecilia Mnisi, founder of MMJ Interpretation Services (South Africa) — **Cecilia Mnisi,** founder of MMJ Interpretation Services (South Africa)

In countries such as South Africa where there are so many official languages, and on the African continent in general where language can so often be the key to doing effective business across the continent, it can be challenging. But specialist language and translation expert, Cecilia Mnisi, founder of MMJ Interpretation Services Pty Ltd, has the solution, and her company is breaking down language barriers for business each and every day.

Leigh-Ann Gowland, a South African entrepreneur helping others to manage change for growth

February 19, 2017 Melanie Hawken

**Leigh-Ann Gowland, founder of Employee Driven Change (South Africa)**

Change at a personal and business level can often be challenging and feel like an uphill struggle. But change specialist Leigh-Ann Gowland and her company Employee Driven Change (Pty) Ltd have a solution to make the journey easier to navigate.

Grace Mlimo, an entrepreneur providing a gateway to showcase Africa’s luxury brands on the continent

February 18, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Getting the world to sit up and take notice of Africa’s luxury products is a challenge, but for entrepreneur Grace Mlimo, founder of Luxuria Lifestyle Africa, she thinks she has the solution with her online platform.

So what’s wrong with calling your business, your baby?

February 17, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Have you ever wondered why so many entrepreneurs refer to their businesses as their baby? I sometimes find myself having to ask the question: “does the baby ever grow into an adult?”

Quote of the Day by Juliana Rotich

February 17, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Juliana Rotich, Venture Partner in Africa Technology Ventures (ATV) — **Juliana Rotich,** Venture Partner in Africa Technology Ventures (ATV)

“There is great opportunity in interconnecting the insides of Africa, continuing to connect Africans to Africans, South Africa to Kenya, South Africa to Egypt, South Africa to Addis”

- Juliana Rotich is is a technologist, strategic advisor, entrepreneur, and keynote speaker. She co-founded Ushahidi Inc., a non-profit tech company, which specializes in developing free and open source software for changing how information flows in the world. Her personal mission is to make things, fix problems and help others. Juliana serves as an advisor to the councils of BASF, Risk Cooperative, Africa Technology Ventures (ATV) and the Lemelson Foundation. She is also a trustee of Bankinter Foundation for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Spain and former trustee of the iHub in Kenya and is on the Kenya Vision 2030 Delivery Board.

8 Ways to attract more clients to your business without breaking the bank!

February 14, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Starting any new business can be daunting, as the time and money it takes to start your venture can be a challenge at the best of times. The hardest part though, is to entice and keep clients for the longevity of your business. For entrepreneurs, building and maintaining relationships with your clients is the most important aspect when it comes to offering the best service in your field.

The Lioness Lean In Breakfast Event Series for 2017 heads to Johannesburg

February 13, 2017 Melanie Hawken

One of the highlights again for 2017 will undoubtedly be the monthly Lioness Lean In Breakfast Event Series, run in partnership with Standard Bank. These hugely popular gatherings bring together women entrepreneurs in key African cities to listen to other successful women business brand builders share their stories, to inspire one another, and to network and connect for business success. On Thursday 23rd February, Johannesburg plays host to one of the first events of the year.

Quote of the Day by Tabitha Karanja

February 13, 2017 Melanie Hawken

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

“I believe women entrepreneurs can do so much better than men, because women feel their products and want to provide quality as they pay attention to details, causing customers to keep coming,”

- 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.