Quote of the Day by Aisha Pandor

December 1, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Aisha Pandor & Alen Ribic, husband and wife co-founders of SweepSouth (South Africa — **Aisha Pandor** & Alen Ribic, husband and wife co-founders of SweepSouth (South Africa

“If we can help to include more women in the ecosystem, we will see a much broader range of solutions coming out of it, that address issues at all levels of our economy,”

- Aisha Pandor, co-founder & CEO of SweepSouth (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Nunu Mugyenyi: Mind your own business!

November 30, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Ngyenzi ‘Nunu’ Mugyenyi,  co-founder of BOLD Kampala — **Ngyenzi ‘Nunu’ Mugyenyi**, co-founder of BOLD Kampala

Stay focused on your own business....

"Mind your own business. Focus your energy on how you can better your business, rather than on how the businesses of others are better than yours. There are enough entrepreneurial journeys to go around."

- Ngyenzi ‘Nunu’ Mugyenyi is one of the co-founders of BOLD Kampala, the brainchild of three vibrant and talented women entrepreneurs from Uganda who have a vision for raising awareness of, and retailing, African fashion brands. Their BOLD Kampala retail concept is truly world-class and provides affordable space and excellent exposure for uniquely African designer fashion brands.

Quote of the Day by Mary Spio

November 30, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Mary Spio, founder of Next Galaxy Corp — **Mary Spio,** founder of Next Galaxy Corp

“Really make a mark. Thinking big, going big—we should do more audacious things.”

- Mary Spio founder & CEO of CEEK VR INC

Quote of the Day by Dr. Ola Brown

November 29, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Dr. Ola Brown, founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria — **Dr. Ola Brown**, founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria

"True success is about a passion to create a better world, live a life that you can look back on and be truly proud of."

- Dr. Ola Orekunrin, founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria (Nigeria)

Entrepreneur Advice from Samantha Skyring: Get yourself a business mentor

November 29, 2017 Melanie Hawken

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

My top advice to any woman starting up....

"I would so advise having a business mentor and constant learning of how to do things in business from other business leaders."

- Samantha Skyring is the founder of Oryx Desert Salt in South Africa. A serial entrepreneur with a taste for adventure, Samantha has enjoyed a varied entrepreneurial journey taking her from Aircraft Interior Refurbishment to discovering Mumbo Island on Lake Malawi whilst on a kayaking expedition and starting Kayak Africa. A 5 month journey in Namibia, which included a 120km walk through the Namib desert, was the catalyst for creating her Oryx brand. Today, this company supplies a natural, crystal-white salt from the Kalahari – unrefined, sun-dried, and free from additives and preservatives.

Quote of the Day by Swaady Martin

November 28, 2017 Melanie Hawken

"The luxury industry is a great economic growth driver and can be a fantastic export champion... The luxury industry creates jobs and generates activities in a large variety of areas, including publishing, advertising, public relationship, tourism, real estate, culture and education."

- Swaady Martin, Founder and CEO of YSWARA

Entrepreneur Advice from Mary-Anne Calvert: Believe in yourself

November 28, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Mary-Anne Calvert, founder of The Human Element (South Africa) — **Mary-Anne Calvert**, founder of The Human Element (South Africa)

Believe in yourself....

"Believe in yourself and your capacity to bounce back when things get tough (as they will). Providing consistent service delivery to your clients no matter what the circumstances, will build your reputation and nothing is more valuable than that. Maintain good relationships with everyone - you never know who can and will help you on your journey, and pay this forward whenever you are able to."

- Mary-Anne Calvert is the founder of The Human Element in South Africa, a company provides leadership and soft skills development, performance coaching and business development, to nurture potential. Mary-Anne is a passionate developer of people and businesses to help them become the best they can be. She founded The Human Element in 2005 to use her adult education qualifications and experience in senior management positions to become a skills learning facilitator, performance coach and business development consultant.

Quote of the Day by Tara Fela-Durotoye

November 27, 2017 Melanie Hawken

"What drives me is living purpose. I think my business is a vehicle to change lives."

- Tara Fela-Durotoye founder of House of Tara (Nigeria)

Entrepreneur Advice from Sofia Cassimo: The sooner you fail, the sooner you'll win.

November 27, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Sofia Cassimo, founder of SamSara Development and Investment — **Sofia Cassimo**, founder of SamSara Development and Investment

The sooner you fail, the sooner you'll win....

"Identify the opportunity; think and rethink; gather as much information as possible; study how others are doing similar things; and create your business model. Don’t give up - the sooner you fail, the sooner you'll win."

- Sofia Dias Cassimo is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Samsara Development and Investment and Sublime Special Events & Catering in Mozambique. Sofia, who has a medical degree, turned entrepreneur following a stint working for an NGO, when she followed her passion for food, catering and hosting, starting up Sublime Special Events & Catering. She also followed her passion for developing programs that help neglected people and communities, starting Samsara Development and Investment, a social enterprise that creates programs for empowering women to become changemakers in rural communities.

Johannesburg leans-in to learn the art of business and personal brand building

November 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken

L-R: Deborah Hartung, Raksha Mahabeer, Melanie Hawken, Kathryn Main, Ngwana Matloa — L-R: Deborah Hartung, Raksha Mahabeer, Melanie Hawken, Kathryn Main, Ngwana Matloa

Another packed audience of women entrepreneurs assembled this month on 23 November at the Standard Bank Business Incubator for the last in the South African series of Lioness Lean In events for 2017. The theme for the morning was the art of building powerful business and personal brands, and understanding how to leverage those brands for success as women entrepreneurs.

Essential Read: Keep Going by Keneilwe Monei Magula

November 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Author and entrepreneur, Keneilwe Magula, is a firm believer that without the correct recipe, no matter how good you are in the kitchen, you will always make a terrible meal. She also believes that this is true about life also. She says that no matter how good you might be at something, if you don’t understand how life responds to our intentions you will always get the same bad results. Her new book, Keep Going, encourages you to look at life as a journey, and to realise that your current situation is not your final destination.

Ngwana Matloa, a South African entrepreneur helping companies get to grips with their IT strategies

November 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Ngwana Matloa, co-founder of ABOT Technology (South Africa) — **Ngwana Matloa**, co-founder of ABOT Technology (South Africa)

How often do you see companies and organisations investing in IT and technology solutions but not actually ensuring they are aligned to overall business strategies? As a result, maximum efficiencies and highly functional systems never realize their full potential. IT specialist, Ngwana Matloa, co-founder of ABOT Technology, is on a mission to change that.

Nicola Bokaba, a South African manufacturer inspired by traditional cooking implements and taking them to the mass market

November 26, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Nicola Bokaba, founder of Earthy Cook (South Africa) — **Nicola Bokaba**, founder of Earthy Cook (South Africa)

Sometimes, the best ideas have been around a long time but simply need adapting or updating for a contemporary marketplace. In the culinary world, that is certainly the case for the traditional South African mafehlo (pap making whisks). Entrepreneur Nicola Bokaba, founder of Earthy Cook, saw an opportunity to start a business inspired by these traditional cooking implements but updated to meet today’s kitchen needs.

Entrepreneur Advice from Angela Dick: Find your purpose

November 24, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Angela Dick, co-founder and CEO of Transman — **Angela Dick**, co-founder and CEO of Transman

Women need to find their purpose....

"You need to ask the question of what am I actually here for? What can I actually do that will make a positive difference? What ever it is, do it. Keep doing it and be steady and determined to make it happen in your own environment. Trust yourself and instincts. And don’t let anyone tell you – you are not good enough because you are."

- Angela Dick, co-founder and CEO of Transman (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Ally Angula

November 24, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings and founder of My Republik Brand

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

- Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia)

Quote of the Day by Ayoronke Tosin-Yeye

November 23, 2017 Melanie Hawken

"I eagerly look forward to the concept of Mentorship becoming not just a buzzword but a way of life across Africa. I look forward to that day when every successful African will willingly reach out to walk others through their path, and thereby work together to develop Africa and end poverty."

- Ayoronke Tosin-Yeye, founder of IMentorAfrica (Nigeria)

Entrepreneur Advice from Evylin Munyi: You will overcome obstacles

November 23, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Evylin Munyi, co-founder of KOFAR Kenya — **Evylin Munyi**, co-founder of KOFAR Kenya

You will overcome obstacles....

"There are unique obstacles you will meet on your entrepreneurial journey as a woman - they will slow you down but believe it or not you will overcome them."

- Evylin Munyi is the co-founder of KOFAR Kenya, a company that supplies farmers, especially small-holder farmers, with Organic and Natural inputs to use on their farms so as to restore the soil back to health from overuse and abuse from conventional inputs. Evylin started doing research on Organic inputs and Organic Agriculture back in 2009-2010 and registered a company in 2011. She teamed up with local and international scientists and came up with the KOFAr soil repair package suitable for all soil types in Kenya and beyond. This changemaker has come up with a business concept that can change farming across Africa.

Quote of the Day by Divine Ndhlukula

November 22, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Divine Ndhlukula, Founder and Managing Director of SECURICO — Divine Ndhlukula, Founder and Managing Director of SECURICO

"Conquer your fears as that is what enslaves most women."

- Divine Ndhlukula founder of SECURICO Security Services (Zimbabwe)

Entrepreneur Advice from Lilian Muhammed: Know your purpose

November 22, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Lilian Muhammed, founder of LONDRÉ TAN (South Africa) — **Lilian Muhammed**, founder of LONDRÉ TAN (South Africa)

Know your purpose....

"Know your purpose and always stay focused on your passion. Many other thoughts and obsessions will come your way as you plan your great journey, but lean on your first love - PLAN A."

- Lilian Muhammed is the founder of LONDRÉ TAN, a company that designs and manufactures handcrafted leather bags, purses and precious stone jewellery in their studio in Johannesburg, South Africa. The brand was created with the aim of producing great quality, locally made fashion accessories with exceptional craftsmanship, and a modern look and feel.

Credit: know your score and keep tabs on it!

November 21, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Screen Shot 2017-11-21 at 2.58.10 PM.png

by Sylvia Walker, author of SmartWoman

Most of us will all need to apply for credit at some time in our lives, and as an entrepreneur, this is almost a certainty. By taking ownership and being pro-active in managing your credit, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises and make sure that financial support will be there when you need it most.

Download your FREE copy of the latest Playbook: Financing Business Growth

25 leading African women entrepreneurs share practical strategies, real experiences and advice. Playbook link

Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

LATEST PODCASTS

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Lioness GoTrade Podcast Episode 1

Episode 1: Lioness GoTrade Podcast: your go-to resource for growing your business beyond borders. Lionesses of Africa and DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa launch a new podcast series to help women-owned and women-led SMEs break into new markets through cross-border trade. Our launch episode features four remarkable women, each with a different view and experience of cross-border trade.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys Podcast features Melanie Hawken, founder & CEO, Lionesses of Africa and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, who share insights on creating greater access to finance and economic growth opportunities for women business builders in Africa. Also in conversation are three women entrepreneurs building sustainable, impact-driven businesses - Anne Rweyora, founder of Smart Havens Africa in Uganda, an enterprise creating affordable, climate-smart homes for women; and Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, co-founders of Mo’s Crib in South Africa, a high-growth, sustainable handmade decor manufacturing business.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys Podcast focuses on women entrepreneurs in the agribusiness sector who are in growth mode. In conversation with host Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, are Yvette Dickson-Tetteh, co-founder of Pure and Just Food in Ghana, a high-impact business transforming fresh fruit into premium tropical dried fruit products; and Hadija Jabiri, founder of GBRI Business Solutions in Tanzania, which specialises in growing, processing and selling premium fruits and vegetables for local and export markets.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys Podcast co-hosted by Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, focuses on the important topic of how to advance smart, inclusive investment in WSMES for sustainable economic development on the African continent. Guests in conversation and sharing their considerable insights include: Dipuo Phakathi, founder of Denic Cabinets in South Africa, Mariam Zein, MD of MAFCI in Mauritania, and Aniela Koffi, SME/SMI Manager, Commercial Banking Division, Ecobank.

Lioness Radio Show: Five Mozambican women entrepreneurs share their experiences of building successful green businesses and creating green jobs for local people. From an environmentally-friendly, high-impact skincare brand, to an innovative green transportation business transforming marine waste into bicycles, these Lionesses are making waves in Mozambique. Listen to their stories, learn from their experiences, and be inspired by their tenacity.

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY

Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Pleroma Patch, a South African innovative wellness brand creating plant-based patches to support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health.

Vanessa Mhlom is the founder and CEO of Pleroma Patch and is a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. Pleroma Patch is a modern wellness brand pioneering a simpler, smarter way to care for your body, through transdermal vitamin patches. Pleroma’s discreet, plant-based patches support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health. Driven by her belief that dignified self-care should be a right, not a luxury, she is developing the ‘Patch It Forward’ initiative, a give-back model that channels a portion of each purchase toward expanding access to wellness essentials like menstrual and sleep support for underserved women and girls.

Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Mo’s Crib, a premium sustainable homeware brand founded by sisters Morongwe and Michelle Mokone in Pretoria, South Africa. From humble beginnings making origami at local markets, the company has grown into one of Africa’s leading exporters of handcrafted décor. Using recycled PVC waterpipes and natural materials such as banana bark, cane, and sisal, Mo’s Crib creates globally sought-after baskets, planters, furniture, and ornaments. Today, the brand supplies major international retailers including Crate & Barrel, Target, and Woolworths Home. Committed to social impact, Mo’s Crib empowers over 85 artisans, creating jobs while advancing environmental sustainability and African design innovation. The business was launched in 2019 and today employs 280 people.

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Hazile Group, a South African agribusiness focused on sustainable food systems, renewable energy, and water stewardship

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi is a social entrepreneur and thought leader in climate resilience, and a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. She leads Hazile Group, a black woman-led enterprise driving climate-smart solutions in agriculture, energy, and water. The company’s core mission is to address food insecurity, water scarcity, and energy transition while uplifting marginalised communities. Hazile's focus on rural development, empowering farmers, and integrating climate-smart technologies directly supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals, notably zero hunger, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and climate action. She also runs Acumind Consulting, guiding organisations toward inclusive, values-driven leadership and ESG strategies.

Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Setšong Tea Crafters, an agri-business specialising in the crafting of speciality indigenous teas from the natural flora found in South Africa’s rural Limpopo

A former quantity surveyor turned social entrepreneur, Retang Phaahla is the co-founder and CEO of Setšong Tea Crafters in South Africa, and the winner of the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award. Her business celebrates indigenous tea knowledge while driving rural development. Based in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, the majority women-owned social enterprise collaborates with communities to produce a range of health-promoting teas (known for calming nerves, relieving tension, and supporting balanced blood pressure), and hosts cultural tours to promote eco-tourism and preserve heritage. Setšong’s business model has created sustainable income streams for rural women while reviving ancient botanical traditions. The business was launched in 2017 and has created 30 jobs for local people.

Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise promoting literacy through children’s storybook publishing and capacity building

Dr Margaret Kemigisha is the founder and CEO of Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise that promotes literacy through the publishing of children’s storybooks, offers social research consulting, and builds capacity among fresh graduates. Her work bridges development and applied research, supporting governments, development organizations, and the private sector with evidence-based solutions and creative tools for impact.

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…If you are anything like the sweet treat-loving team at Lionesses of Africa, you will love a slice of the great cakes on offer from Spez Catering in Kenya, founded by Esmeralda De Souza-

Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat

Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f

Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma

Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene

Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured

Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range

Startup Story

Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger are co-founders of Twenty 4 Skin, a unique South African medical-grade skincare brand. Juanri is a medical doctor with a special interest in regenerative medicine, so you could say she is a holistic regenerative GP, and Bernadette is a somatologist. The brand focuses on hormone optimization, aesthetic medicine, as well as skincare formulations.

Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment

Startup Story

Gillian Holl, founder of VELD Architects in South Africa, has built a business renowned for creating spaces that serve not as statements but as sanctuaries. It’s an architecture deeply connected to the African landscape, fostering a sense of belonging and calm.

Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management

Startup Story

Júlia Silota is the founder and CEO of J&G Environment Ltda, a Mozambican company operating in the environmental field, focused on the purchase and sale of solid waste, and providing solid waste collection services, solid waste management training, and environmental project evaluation. It was founded in August 2020 and began operations in 2023. It employs four people, two full-time and two part-time.

Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses

Startup Story

Cláudia Machaieie is the founder of Sea Glasses in Mozambique. She is a 28-year-old with a degree in Marine Biology, a postgraduate degree in Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Biology and Conservation Ecology. She has completed several technical courses in monitoring and project management. She began her activity as a volunteer and social activist at the age of 14 and is currently a founding volunteer of SOA Mozambique and a volunteer with Solo Adventures. She has worked in public (IIP), private (SEPPA, Centro Terra Viva), and international organizations (Girl Move Academy, UN - World Food Programme) developing activities in administration, monitoring, and management of humanitarian and environmental programs. Currently, she is the social responsibility coordinator at TOPACK Mozambique.

Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country

Startup Story

Matilde Mawelele Rungo is a digital transformation consultant, cybersecurity specialist, and founder of RealityTech Advisory in Mozambique, where she leads technology-driven projects for businesses and startups. She is also an evangelist and the creator of MTI – A Triad of Hope for Children, an initiative that integrates Evangelism, Technology, and Innovation to empower young people and communities. With a global vision, Matilde is committed to advancing individuals, organizations, and ecosystems through technology, faith, and meaningful social impact. The business was launched in 2024 and today has created jobs for 6 people.

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured

Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore

Book Review

Successful entrepreneur Betsy Fore, in her new book Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams, shows how, by practicing a manifesting mindset, you can discover your deepest purpose. She calls this an “inner why” and believes finding it can unlock your greatest potential as a creator, founder, and builder of great products.

The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant

Book Review

The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur by Mary Grant is a transformative guide for high-achieving women entrepreneurs, business owners, and coaches who are ready to amplify their influence, impact, and income. Written by Mary Grant, a seasoned entrepreneur and innovation expert with over 30 years in the fashion industry, this book unpacks the art of empowered presence, bold confidence, and defining success on your own terms. Through insights, strategies, and a fresh perspective on success, the author empowers women to harness their unique strengths, navigate challenges, and rise to their next level with clarity and unstoppable momentum.

Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter

Book Review

Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter is not just another business book. Most focus on strategies and tactics. This one rewires the woman behind the business—so your growth is aligned, sustainable, and actually feels good.

Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting

Book Review

In the book, Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business, author Liz Elting, one of the most celebrated and successful women in America, has created a guide for how to not only dream big, but also win―both in business and in life.

After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

Book Review

In her new book, After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup, entrepreneurship expert Julia Austin shares battle-tested strategies to help founders and startup joiners build their venture from the ground up.

“If we can help to include more women in the ecosystem, we will see a much broader range of solutions coming out of it, that address issues at all levels of our economy,”

"Mind your own business. Focus your energy on how you can better your business, rather than on how the businesses of others are better than yours. There are enough entrepreneurial journeys to go around."

“Really make a mark. Thinking big, going big—we should do more audacious things.”

"True success is about a passion to create a better world, live a life that you can look back on and be truly proud of."

"I would so advise having a business mentor and constant learning of how to do things in business from other business leaders."

"The luxury industry is a great economic growth driver and can be a fantastic export champion... The luxury industry creates jobs and generates activities in a large variety of areas, including publishing, advertising, public relationship, tourism, real estate, culture and education."

"What drives me is living purpose. I think my business is a vehicle to change lives."

"Identify the opportunity; think and rethink; gather as much information as possible; study how others are doing similar things; and create your business model. Don’t give up - the sooner you fail, the sooner you'll win."

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

"I eagerly look forward to the concept of Mentorship becoming not just a buzzword but a way of life across Africa. I look forward to that day when every successful African will willingly reach out to walk others through their path, and thereby work together to develop Africa and end poverty."

"There are unique obstacles you will meet on your entrepreneurial journey as a woman - they will slow you down but believe it or not you will overcome them."

"Conquer your fears as that is what enslaves most women."

"Know your purpose and always stay focused on your passion. Many other thoughts and obsessions will come your way as you plan your great journey, but lean on your first love - PLAN A."

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