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Lionesses of Africa

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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

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Look Great on Video

February 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Skype interview.jpg

by Dr Laura Camacho, founder of Mixonian Institute

Video is where it's at. Whether it's a job interview or early-stage pitch or other key meeting, video is faster, cheaper and more convenient than in-person, yet more personal than talking on the phone. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Laura Camacho
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Quote of the Day by Tracy Mulei

February 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Tracy Mulei, founder of Shujaa Delivery (Kenya)

Tracy Mulei, founder of Shujaa Delivery (Kenya)

“… there will be lots of sleepless nights, tears, prayers while you are stuck in the traffic jams and experiencing long working hours, but at the end of the journey it's all worth it.”

- Tracy Mulei, founder of Shujaa Delivery (Kenya)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Perseverance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Samantha Rice: There comes a time when you just need to jump in

February 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Samantha Rice, founder of Creative Compass (South Africa) 

Samantha Rice, founder of Creative Compass (South Africa) 

There comes a time when you just need to jump in…

“It never feels as though it is the right time to take the leap - sometimes you cannot prepare any more, you just need to jump into the deep end and learn how to swim.”

Samantha Rice, the founder of Creative Compass, is a South African creative media expert with a passion for helping her clients to realize their business visions. She is a qualified journalist who has specialized in communication design and brand development. Samantha has traveled through the editorial space, as well as the advertising agency side, and has worked across many communication platforms. She has a passion for carving out the creative course for businesses. Read Samantha’s startup story.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
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3 Talented women chef entrepreneurs sharing their culinary love in South Africa

February 18, 2018 Melanie Hawken
L-R: Chef Naledi, Chef Teddy, Mogau Seshoene (The Lazy Makoti)

L-R: Chef Naledi, Chef Teddy, Mogau Seshoene (The Lazy Makoti)

South Africa has long been known for its lively culinary scene. But three women chef entrepreneurs in the country are demonstrating that it’s not only about creating great food for customers. It’s also about sharing their culinary knowledge with others. Chef Naledi, Chef Teddy and The Lazy Makoti, otherwise known as Mogau Seshoene, are all taking their specialist knowledge and expertise to the next level by teaching others how to cook.

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In Features Tags Food & Drink
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The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business: Make Great Money. Work the Way You Like. Have the Life You Want, by Elaine Pofeldt

February 17, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Elaine Pofeldt

Elaine Pofeldt

The rise of one-million-dollar, one-person businesses in the past five years is the biggest trend in employment today, offering the widest range of people the most ways to earn a living while having the lifestyles they want. In The Million-Dollar, One-Person Business, Elaine Pofeldt outlines the pathways to joining this entrepreneurial movement, synthesizing advice from hundreds of business owners who've done it. 

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In Essential Tags Books
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Negative self-talk damages your soul: 5 Tips to help you silence your inner critic and boost your self esteem

February 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Deborah Hartung, founder of Pivot PeopleTech

You will never speak to anyone as often as you speak to yourself – that silent little voice in your head that is hyper-critical of everything and keeps on telling you that you are somehow ‘not enough’. We call it negative self-talk and it is really bad for you because it breaks you down and keeps you from being the best version of YOU. Here are 5 tips to help you silence your inner critic and boost your self-esteem.

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In Guest Blog Tags Deborah Hartung
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Gaceri Kirimi, a Kenyan entrepreneur building a niche on-demand laundry business for busy people

February 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Gaceri Kirimi, co-founder of Destello Laundry Cleaning Services (Kenya)

Gaceri Kirimi, co-founder of Destello Laundry Cleaning Services (Kenya)

As entrepreneurs, we all know how difficult it can be to balance work and life commitments, and when it comes to managing household chores such as laundry, it can be difficult without help. That’s where Destello Laundry Cleaning Services comes in, helping Nairobi’s busy professionals and families to deal with the chore of doing laundry each week.

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In Startup Story Tags Kenya, Services
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How change management can support common business challenges

February 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Change.jpg

by Leigh Ann Gowland, founder of Employee Driven Change

The old adage “the only constant is change” often flippantly quoted negates the importance of good change management. It is important to remember that not all change is created equal and the value of a good change management strategy lies in understanding and supporting unique change management requirements of the business. To demonstrate the importance of carefully constructed change management strategy we explore factors to be considered in three different business change scenarios and how change management could support these efforts.

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In Guest Blog Tags Leigh-Ann Gowland
Comment

Location Based Marketing, what is it and how to take advantage of this trend

February 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Location-based-marketing.jpg

by Lynette Hundermark, managing director of Useful & Beautiful

Location-based marketing has been around for a few years now and has been a much hyped-up trend especially with the advent of apps, but what is it exactly? In layman’s terms, location marketing means  using the physical location to inform and optimize messaging and communication from brand to a consumer in order to create a one-on-one relationship to deliver the most relevant message at the right place and right time (context marketing). 

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In Guest Blog Tags Lynette Hundermark
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Quote of the Day by Annie Muronda

February 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Annie Muronda, founder of Rufaro Garments (South Africa)

Annie Muronda, founder of Rufaro Garments (South Africa)

"Being an entrepreneur has been life changing. It has opened my world and view point, I feel I am more connected to the world around me.”

- Annie Muronda, founder of Rufaro Garments (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Journey
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Entrepreneur Advice from Lunice Johnston: Be disciplined and professional

February 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Lunice Johnston, founder of Lunice Johnston Communications (South Africa)

Lunice Johnston, founder of Lunice Johnston Communications (South Africa)

Be disciplined and professional…

“Be disciplined - wake-up every morning with a purpose… dress up, take your handbag and physically go to a workspace, even if it's at a dining room table. Don’t ever fall into a habit of working in your PJs. Allow yourself enough me-time, as you will certainly bear the fruits. Be professional - your personal brand is of utmost importance in building your business.”

- Lunice Johnston is the founder of Lunice Johnston Communications, a South African communications professional with a passion for guiding her clients on their own business journeys in the public domain. Her company specialises in media relations, PR, reputation management, crisis communication, stakeholder management, social media management and training.Read Lunice’s startup story.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Personal Brand
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What’s the story we tell ourselves?

February 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken
i-can.png

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

Welcome to 2018, it is amazing to be here. My overarching theme for 2017 which had a massive impact on my life is, ‘What is the story we tell ourselves?’ So, what is the story we tell ourselves? Often this story gets moulded from childhood by our parents and teachers on what we can, can’t, should or shouldn’t do. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner
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The world of corporate spewed me out

February 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken
leaving-corporate-life-behind.jpg

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

It is approximately 4 years and some months since I resigned from my corporate job to pursue my business dream. I remember the mixed emotions I had leading to that day and on that day. I recall also all the people I spoke to about it prior to; but on D-day, I made the decision alone. Four years later I see things differently and realize a lot of things were aligned for me to leave. It was time.  

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In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
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Naledi Toona, a South African entrepreneur taking her skills as a private chef to the next level in business

February 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Chef Naledi, Private Chef and Cooking Instructor (South Africa)

Chef Naledi, Private Chef and Cooking Instructor (South Africa)

They say that to build a successful business, you should start with your specialist skills, passion and knowledge, and harness those as the basis for a business that can grow. This is an approach being taken to the full by the talented Chef Naledi, a South African private chef and culinary instructor who is now helping others to build their knowledge and experience of cooking at home.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Food & Drink
3 Comments

Quote of the Day by Beatha Shitemba

February 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Beatha Shitemba, founder of Nels Babies (Namibia)

Beatha Shitemba, founder of Nels Babies (Namibia)

“The mere fact that ideas can become a reality is exciting. It's rewarding being an entrepreneur.”

- Beatha Shitemba, founder of Nels Babies (Namibia)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Entrepreneur Advice from Chule Gobodo: Give yourself permission to fail

February 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Chule Gobodo, co-founder of Brainbow Conscious Creatives (South Africa)

Chule Gobodo, co-founder of Brainbow Conscious Creatives (South Africa)

Give yourself permission to fail…

“Just start. Even if you fail big that's okay, give yourself permission to fail. If you don't you won't take risks and push your boundaries. Love yourself and make sure you nourish yourself and your relationships. Your family and friends are stakeholders, giving you the space to build.”

- Chule Gobodo is the co-founder of Brainbow Conscious Creatives, a South African film-maker connecting consumers and brands through visual storytelling. Her company is the only youth, female black owned boutique creative story agency in South Africa, specializing in using storytelling as a brand activism tool. This graduate of motion picture studies is constantly on the look out for the perfect story that is able to best create a connection between her client and their customers. Read Chule’s startup story.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Failure, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Maria Natália João, a Mozambican entrepreneur mastering the art of event planning and related services

February 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Maria Natália João, founder of MNJ Eventos & Serviços (Mozambique)

Maria Natália João, founder of MNJ Eventos & Serviços (Mozambique)

The world of eventing is a hugely competitive business, so the secret to success is building a reputation and service offering that is differentiated in the industry. For entrepreneur, Maria Natália João, founder of MNJ Eventos & Serviços, that meant harnessing her considerable expertise and experience as an event MC and building upon that to create a multifaceted business. 

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Event Management
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Why I don’t attend New Year’s Eve Parties

February 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken
new-year-planning.jpg

by Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa

It’s hard to believe that we are already in the second month of 2018! Most of us have made earnest promises to better ourselves during this coming year. Some resort to making New Year’s resolutions, others just continue with their routines as in the past. Some are very disciplined by nature, others like me have to be very intentional about discipline. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Lizl Naude
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Visualize your unique wealth destination

February 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken
woman-on-mountain-top.jpg

by Eldari Visser, managing director of Picketfence Life

We have established that we need to understand journeys and destinations to ensure that we focus to reach our ultimate goal. This is for our personal life, our business careers and our wealth. Yet so many still miss the mark. They seem to be working so hard at it but after a while it is just not working out. We give up on our dreams or goals and many give up on life. That can be avoided if we just take some time in the beginning of any journey and think about our destination.

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In Guest Blog Tags Eldari Visser
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Quote of the Day by Winnie Ochieng

February 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Winnie Ochieng (L), co-founder of Wipedo Ltd (Kenya)

Winnie Ochieng (L), co-founder of Wipedo Ltd (Kenya)

“Start with what you have to get to where you want.”

- Winnie Ochieng, co-founder of Wipedo Ltd (Kenya)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Getting Started
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

Five female founders win over $100,000 in TechFoundHER Africa Challenge. Read more


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

Lioness Radio Show Interview: Listen to Mr Jules Ngankam, Group Chief Executive Officer of the African Guarantee Fund, discussing the journey from Bias to Bankable - AGF’s Case for Financing Women Entrepreneurs.

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
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
Image of the Day / Afrobotanics

Nature inspired haircare… Banish dry hair with the Afrobotanics Hemp Seed Oil moisturising conditioner created by Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur and advocate for natural hair and body produc
Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind
Image of the Day / Mon Choco

Chocolate gifting goodies…Who doesn’t love a chocolate gift at this time of the year? So where better to sample some of the finest chocolate on the African continent than in Cote d’Ivoire, from Mon Cho
Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Celebratory cake…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-Obwaka
Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need.
Image of the Day / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa
Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The
Image of the Day / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th
Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi Image of the Day / Afrobotanics

Nature inspired haircare… Banish dry hair with the Afrobotanics Hemp Seed Oil moisturising conditioner created by Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur and advocate for natural hair and body produc Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind Image of the Day / Mon Choco

Chocolate gifting goodies…Who doesn’t love a chocolate gift at this time of the year? So where better to sample some of the finest chocolate on the African continent than in Cote d’Ivoire, from Mon Cho Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Celebratory cake…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-Obwaka Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need. Image of the Day / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The Image of the Day / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses
Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses
Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country
Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business

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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
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
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
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
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
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
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

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