Bandile Mooka, a Botswana entrepreneur turning her passion for floral decor and art into a business

January 7, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Bandile Mooka, founder of Niyacraft (Botswana) — **Bandile Mooka**, founder of Niyacraft (Botswana)

Many busineses start out as a result of a passion or a personal interest. In the case of Botswana entrepreneur Bandile Mooka, founder of specialist events solution and decor business, Niyacraft, that passion stemmed from the world of art and design.

Entrepreneur Advice from Bev Missing - Stay authentic and true to your brand

January 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Bev Missing, founder of RAIN (South Africa) — **Bev Missing**, founder of RAIN (South Africa)

You need to stay authentic....

"The challenge as a business is to stay authentic and true to your brand. How do we achieve this? By having formalized mission statements, clear vision and company ethos and by revisiting our values each time we make critical direction altering decisions."

- Bev Missing is the founder of South African body and bath product brand RAIN. Back in 1999 Bev saw a gap in the market to start making soap as it was labour intensive and all the lovely soap at that stage were imported. Bev started the project in her garage hoping to help solve unemployment in her hometown of Ladybrand, and to make a difference in the lives of the poor and jobless. Today, RAIN has eight stores across South Africa, two unique wellness spa's, and two stores in New York. Bev has recently signed two huge contracts to open a further 70 Rain stores in the USA and Canada and then 40 in the UK and Ireland.

Quote of the Day by Dr Ola Orekunrin

January 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Dr. Ola Orekunrin, medical doctor, founder & managing director of Flying Doctors Nigeria

“I believe that the solutions to development in Africa lie in the minds of Africans. Particularly African entrepreneurs. An important part of Africa’s future lies in our ability to take Western ideas and adapt them to Africa.”

- Dr. Ola Orekunrin founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria

Beatha Shitemba, a Namibian entrepreneur who is brightening up children’s nurseries across Namibia

January 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Beatha Shitemba, founder of Nels Babies (Namibia) — **Beatha Shitemba**, founder of Nels Babies (Namibia)

Any design conscious parent in Africa knows how difficult it can be to find great, high quality children’s decor items for the nursery. But in Namibia, entrepreneur Beatha Shitemba, founder of Nels Babies, has the solution.

Nkatha Gitonga, a Kenyan entrepreneur curating chic jewellery through a unique storytelling marketplace

January 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Everyone loves a good story, and for today’s conscious consumers, getting to know more about the backstory of the brands and products they buy is increasingly important. Nkatha Gitonga, a Kenyan entrepreneur and founder of Yakutti, is using the power of storytelling to advance the identity of African design.

Here's Your Successful Sales Action Plan For The New Year

January 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken

By Karen Wessels, co-founder of SnappSales and VA Connect

What do you want to achieve in business in 2018? I know that typically when we start the New Year we think of New Year’s resolutions and more than likely these resolutions fizzle out by the 10th of January. So just how effective are these New Year’s resolutions really?

Crash diets and good habits

January 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken

By Lori Milner: author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress

If you are a regular reader of my blogs, you will notice I have a huge passion for reading and knowledge about how to become the best version of ourselves. One of my muses is Seth Godin, best-selling author of Purple Cow and Linchpin. I wanted to share one of his blogs as he so brilliantly demonstrates again the power of habit and how it shapes our lives.

Entrepreneur Advice from Anna Cole Ojukwu: Start small

January 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Anna Cole Ojukwu, founder of Pernia Couture (Ghana) — **Anna Cole Ojukwu**, founder of Pernia Couture (Ghana)

Start small....

"Start, no matter how small. Don’t sit down waiting for a very huge amount of capital because you might not have it, but starting small will rather let people around you see how determined you are and might push them to invest into your business. Also starting small minimizes your losses just in case the worst happens…"

- Anna Cole Ojukwu is the founder of Pernia Couture, an exciting fashion brand from Ghana using African beads to design and manufacture ladies’ accessories like neck pieces, bags, slippers and also transforms different African prints into beautiful ladies clothing. Anna's love for fashion began at an early age, originally inspired by her mother, Mrs. Mary Coleman, a seamstress who created rich and vibrant garments. She is passionate about growing her brand both locally and internationally and to promote African culture through her works.

Quote of the Day by Mo Abudu

January 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Mo Abudu, founder and Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV — **Mo Abudu**, founder and Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV

“Ladies, employ ladies; women have the opportunity to make this happen so that the imbalances can be balanced."

- Mo Abudu founder & CEO of EbonyLife TV (Nigeria)

Quote of the Day by Fatima Babakura

January 3, 2018 Melanie Hawken

"I encourage African women to embrace African luxury brands the way they have embraced foreign brands."

- Fatima Babakura founder of Timabee (Nigeria)

Entrepreneur Advice from Terryanne Chebet: Tough times help us grow

January 3, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Terryanne Chebet, founder of Keyara Organics (Kenya) — **Terryanne Chebet**, founder of Keyara Organics (Kenya)

Tough times help us grow....

"When times are tough, and there are many such times, we are forced to think, be creative, and then for sure we can really grow from both a personal perspective and as a woman entrepreneur."

- Terryanne Chebet is a household name in Kenya, having worked as an actress, television news anchor, reporter and producer. Outside the glitz and glamour of television, Terryanne is also a successful entrepreneur having founded two businesses. Scarlet Digital is an advertising, communications and digital branding agency; and Keyara Organics, is a natural skin and hair care brand.

Quote of the Day by Emelda Mwamanga

January 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken

"When you dream, shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars"

- Emelda Mwamanga founder of Bang! magazine (Tanzania)

Entrepreneur Advice from Shereen Makhanye: Be the best of yourself

January 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Shereen Makhanye, founder of Nubian Nature (South Africa)

Be the best of yourself....

"If you have an idea you believe in, just start. There's no secret or trick to it. The universe is conspiring on your behalf, all you need to do is show up with the best of yourself."

- Shereen Makhanye is the founder of Nubian Nature, a natural hair care business she launched in South Africa in 2013. Her struggle to source local natural African hair care products was the driver to start Nubian Nature. Shereen's dream of sharing the experience and richness of Africa with Africans and the rest of world by putting together the best of Nature & Science brought Nubian Nature to life. Her love for hair and science stems from having grown up known as her local township’s resident stylist and her dream of one day becoming a Scientist.

Quote of the Day by Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu

December 21, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder of soleRebels (soleRebels) — Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder of soleRebels (soleRebels)

“SoleRebels is like hip-hop, something that started really small and today can be found in every country on the planet.”

- Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder of soleRebels (Ethiopia)

Entrepreneur Advice from Ana Alecia Lyman: Be courageous

December 21, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Ana Alecia Lyman, founder of Bio Óleos de Miombo and Grupo Trichilia (Mozambique) — **Ana Alecia Lyman**, founder of Bio Óleos de Miombo and Grupo Trichilia (Mozambique)

Be courageous....

"Seek out mentors and skilled expertise. And, be courageous. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it."

- Ana Alecia Lyman is a specialist in value chain development for non-timber forest products. She is the founder and Managing Director of Bio Óleos de Miombo, a company producing high-quality, natural skin care products based in locally available ingredients from the Mozambican landscape. She is also a co-founder of Trichilia Group, a startup focused on bulk processing of indigenous oilseed species for the local and international markets. She has done extensive consulting work in the field, including market research, business plan development and supply chain planning for inclusive business models focused on engaging rural women. For the last three years, Ana Alecia has sat on the Board of Directors for PhytoTrade Africa, the Southern African natural products trade association. She is also a graphic designer with 20 years of professional experience.

Entrepreneur Advice from Deidrè Akaloo and Lynnette Murua: Believe!

December 20, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Deidrè Akaloo and Lynnette Murua, founders of Earth Elements (South Africa) — **Deidrè Akaloo and Lynnette Murua**, founders of Earth Elements (South Africa)

Believe!...

"Believe in what you do and the rest will follow. Live fearlessly with the vision only to succeed, in any way or form which positively contributes to all."

- Deidrè Akaloo and Lynnette Murua are the founders of Earth Elements in South Africa, a company that hand-makes organic and natural body products. This family business established in 2016 by sisters, Deidrè Akaloo and Lynnette Murua is on a journey to create environmentally friendly products. They are passionate about creating products that are handcrafted, organic and chemical-free using only the best quality natural, raw ingredients that are ethically sourced from fair community trade.

Quote of the Day by Nkemdilim Begho

December 19, 2017 Melanie Hawken

"There is still a woeful lack of women in technology globally and Africa is unfortunately not any better. Development roles, leadership pipelines and leadership development all need attention. We need more role models for women in technology...."

- Nkemdilim Begho founder of Future Software Resources Limited (Nigeria)

Entrepreneur Advice from Agata Karolina: Follow your intuition

December 19, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Agata Karolina, founder of House of Gozdawa (South Africa) — **Agata Karolina**, founder of House of Gozdawa (South Africa)

Follow your intuition.....

"It is the strength of women that puts us in a much better position than a lot of men - we are more sensitive towards our work, which means that we really understand our market spaces. So it is all about believing in what you do, not being afraid to stand out, standing up for what you want, and following your intuition."

- Agata Karolina is the founder of House of Gozdawa, a small batch perfumery company founded in Cape Town in 2015, dedicated to creating high quality epicene scents, following a strict production utilising only natural essential oils and carriers. Each scent is personally developed by Agata, a design initiator and curator who studied Contextual Design Masters at the Design Academy Eindhoven in 2009 before returning to Cape Town to pursue her passion for perfumery and natural scents.

Entrepreneur Advice from Raksha Mahabeer: Embrace collaboration

December 18, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Raksha Mahabeer (R) is the co-founder of SummerTime (South Africa) — Raksha Mahabeer (R) is the co-founder of SummerTime (South Africa)

Embrace collaboration....

"Embrace a stance of collaboration instead of competition. As women, we’ve got so much of work to do on this continent. Let’s work together, to learn new things, to welcome new entries into the market, to compliment and complement each other’s product and service offerings, and to hold each other up. Together, we can achieve so much more!"

- Raksha Mahabeer is a co-founder of SummerTime in South Africa, a vibrant creative design studio that specialises in fresh graphic design, comprehensive brand development and innovative marketing support services for both SMEs and corporate clients. Raksha is a connector, a communicator, a purpose-driven, inspired inspirer! She prides herself in partnering with SME’s in establishing new South African brands with a view to creating jobs in South Africa.

Quote of the Day by Binta Coudy Dé

December 18, 2017 Melanie Hawken

Binta Coudy Dé, vice president & co-founder of Jjiguene Tech Hub — **Binta Coudy Dé**, vice president & co-founder of Jjiguene Tech Hub

“It’s in the most difficult times that we discover our capabilities. When you are passionate, you do not give up.”

- Binta Coudy Dé co-founder Jjiguene Tech Hub (Senegal)

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.

"The challenge as a business is to stay authentic and true to your brand. How do we achieve this? By having formalized mission statements, clear vision and company ethos and by revisiting our values each time we make critical direction altering decisions."

“I believe that the solutions to development in Africa lie in the minds of Africans. Particularly African entrepreneurs. An important part of Africa’s future lies in our ability to take Western ideas and adapt them to Africa.”

“Ladies, employ ladies; women have the opportunity to make this happen so that the imbalances can be balanced."

"I encourage African women to embrace African luxury brands the way they have embraced foreign brands."

"When times are tough, and there are many such times, we are forced to think, be creative, and then for sure we can really grow from both a personal perspective and as a woman entrepreneur."

"When you dream, shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars"

"If you have an idea you believe in, just start. There's no secret or trick to it. The universe is conspiring on your behalf, all you need to do is show up with the best of yourself."

“SoleRebels is like hip-hop, something that started really small and today can be found in every country on the planet.”

"Seek out mentors and skilled expertise. And, be courageous. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it."

"Believe in what you do and the rest will follow. Live fearlessly with the vision only to succeed, in any way or form which positively contributes to all."

"There is still a woeful lack of women in technology globally and Africa is unfortunately not any better. Development roles, leadership pipelines and leadership development all need attention. We need more role models for women in technology...."

“It’s in the most difficult times that we discover our capabilities. When you are passionate, you do not give up.”

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