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Lionesses of Africa

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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Quote of the Day by Miyoba Buumba

March 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Miyoba Buumba, founder of Mwabonwa Designs (Zambia)

Miyoba Buumba, founder of Mwabonwa Designs (Zambia)

"Don’t give up on your passion and dreams. In life we always have to push for the doors of success to open."

- Miyoba Buumba, founder of Mwabonwa Designs (Zambia)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Passion
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Celebrating 30 Leading African Women Beauty and Wellness Brand Builders

March 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Beauty&Wellness_Collage.jpg

Africa's beauty and wellness sector continues to grow, with new and exciting products coming onto the market every day, most of them celebrating the unique, natural ingredients that are produced on the African continent. This month at Lionesses of Africa, we celebrate 30  women entrepreneurs whose remarkable startup stories we have featured over the past year and who are building great brands and developing world class products from all corners of the African continent.

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In Features Tags Beauty & Wellness
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The 5 Second Rule: Transform your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage by Mel Robbins

March 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Mel Robbins

Mel Robbins

Throughout your life, you've had parents, coaches, teachers, friends and mentors who have pushed you to be better than your excuses and bigger than your fears.  What if the secret to having the confidence and courage to enrich your life and work is simply knowing how to push yourself? In her new book, The 5 Second Rule, Mel Robbins, show you how.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Getting fit for your business journey

March 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Getting fit for your business journey.jpg

by Eldari Visser, Managing Director of Picketfence.Life

If you ask me to join a gym I get a very uneasy feeling. The mere idea of putting myself through pain does not sit well with me. I prefer to go for the sexier options such as dancing or Zumba; or the calmer options like yoga or Pilates. I program my brain that these type of exercises will not hurt as much as going to the gym. Who exactly am I kidding? My body is going to complain, that is a fact. Don’t even mention all the good reasons that I can come up with for not getting started or not going each week. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Eldari Visser
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Own your meetings and interviews

March 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken
own-your-meetings.jpg

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

They used to say that your co-workers assessed your competence, likability and trustworthiness in about seven seconds, but the latest research conducted by Harvard Medical School suggests that all that happens now in just 250 milliseconds! And that’s all based simply on your appearance – so you really have to ensure you have it all worked out! Here are some tips on how to maximise your physical presence when it comes to meetings and interviews.

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner
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Becoming an authentic leader - Part 1

March 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken
authentic-leader.jpg

by Mignionette Fair, founder of Edita Services

Authenticity is a word that gets thrown around a lot in leadership, business and life. As with most things in life, we all define authenticity and authentic leadership differently. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Mignionette Fair
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Olivia Onyemaobi, the Nigerian social entrepreneur improving menstrual hygiene management education in her country

March 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Olivia Onyemaobi, founder of Pad-Up Creations (Nigeria)

Olivia Onyemaobi, founder of Pad-Up Creations (Nigeria)

Personal experiences and the desire to make a difference in the lives of others are often the two key drivers of social entrepreneurs when it comes to starting up their businesses. For Nigerian social entrepreneur, Olivia Onyemaobi, founder of Pad-Up Creations, her inspiration came from the need to help women and girls to manage their menstrual hygiene and fulfill their potential.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Social Entrepreneur
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Breaking through the glass ceiling

March 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Tatenda Rungisa, Human Resources Practitioner and co-founder of Twin Connect Solutions

Before I gained experience in my profession from the various sectors I had worked in, I frequently wondered why they were only a few successful women leaders and entrepreneurs. After working in different sectors I realized a few but huge hurdles have led to the demise of women leadership skills in the workplace. Women face challenges daily in their lives and for career women, the main one is that of penetrating into a male dominated sector or taking up roles that are societally termed “for men”. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Tatenda Rungisa
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Is Social Enterprise the new face of business? 

March 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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Over the last few years we’ve seen the theme of Social Entrepreneurship grow exponentially. From the 23 to 26 January, two awesome female social entrepreneurs from Cape Town returned from the World Economic Forum. They joined many other social entrepreneurs from around the world, ready to open the eyes of traditional business to new ways of using business principles to tackle major issues in our world, such as poverty, marginalization and climate change.

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In Guest Blog Tags Rachael Millson
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Keeping me sane! 5 ways I manage the demands of running my business

March 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

There are many things I do that seem selfish to many people; probably because they look like that; and also because behind them, these things are  mine only.  I have learned all these things are essential for me to stay alive, sane and motivated to complete all the great dreams our clients have.  Running a custom-made business is seriously a mind boggler.  You have over 300 clients; and have to remember each and every name; each design; each finish; each personality; each account, etc.  It can drive you insane, especially at peak business time.

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In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
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Quote of the Day by Stephina Zwane and Salamina Mosese

March 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Stephina Zwane and Salamina Mosese, founders of Sorele Media (South Africa)

Stephina Zwane and Salamina Mosese, founders of Sorele Media (South Africa)

"You will find strength you never knew you had. So, DO IT!”

- Stephina Zwane and Salamina Mosese, founders of Sorele Media (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Maria Auma, a Ugandan entrepreneur helping startups to build sustainable businesses with impact

February 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Maria Auma, founder of Blue Luxury Investments (Uganda)

Maria Auma, founder of Blue Luxury Investments (Uganda)

For many startups, taking their businesses to the next level can be challenging. In Uganda, one woman entrepreneur is helping small business owners to increase their production capacity and access finance. Maria Auma, founder of Blue Luxury Investments, is bringing her expertise and investment community to help startups to fulfill their potential.

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In Startup Story Tags Uganda, Business Services
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Quote of the Day by Ashley Heather

February 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Ashley Heather, founder of Ashley Heather Jewellery

Ashley Heather, founder of Ashley Heather Jewellery

"Entrepreneurship is intensely personal - it is your passions and your energies made manifest for the world to see and growing a business has been an amazing process of self-discovery and personal growth."

- Ashley Heather, founder of Ashley Heather Jewellery (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Journey
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Entrepreneur Advice from Jenna Clifford: Be frugal with your money

February 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Jenna Clifford 2.jpg

Women need to be resourceful and frugal when starting up....

“It’s the same old banking story – if you have no money they won’t give it to you; if you have money, they want to throw more at you. Women are very resourceful but they need leaders and mentors like me and material to read to give them information about the facts.” ..... “I have always saved bits of money and lived very frugally and invested the little I have made back into the business and not spent it,”

- Jenna Clifford is a world-renowned jewellery designer, known for her unique designs and superlative craftsmanship. Established in 1992, her company has steadily grown its clientele and improved its profile to institute itself as a powerful force in the jewellery industry. Her bold and dramatic designs are sought after by some of the most recognised business icons and celebrities from around the world. Today, Jenna Clifford Designs employs around 70 people, including some of the finest jewellery artisans and craftsmen in South Africa.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Jenna Clifford
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2018 Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards Africa finalists announced

February 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken
L-R: Evelyn Namara, Audrey Cheng, Melissa Bime

L-R: Evelyn Namara, Audrey Cheng, Melissa Bime

The prestigious Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards, the international business plan competition created in 2006 to identify, support and encourage projects by women entrepreneurs, has just announced their finalists for Africa for 2018. 

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In Award Programme, Features Tags Cartier Awards
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Bianca Hansen, a South African entrepreneur bringing an award winning beer brewed using surplus fresh bread to the country’s craft beer market

February 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Bianca Hansen, co-founder of Toast Ale SA (South Africa)

Bianca Hansen, co-founder of Toast Ale SA (South Africa)

When you think about beer making, bread as a key ingredient doesn’t automatically come to mind. But Toast Ale SA, co-founded by Bianca Hansen, is different, using surplus bread from bakeries as the foundation for brewing this delicious beer. 

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Social Entrepreneur, Food & Drink
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Finding your best expedition guide. How to select your business coach or financial advisor

February 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken
safari-guide.png

I have wondered many times, if I am ever in the position to choose an expedition guide for a trip, who would it be? The likes of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Vin Diesel, Bear Grylls, or the steady hand of a game ranger? The most obvious question is ultimately who will die for me? Yes, it is that serious?

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In Guest Blog Tags Eldari Visser
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Quote of the Day by Gaceri Kirimi

February 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Gaceri Kirimi, co-founder of Destello Laundry Cleaning Services (Kenya)

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

“You must start, however small or big. You must start and believe in your brand and dream!”

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

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In Quote of the Day Tags Getting Started
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Entrepreneur Advice from Roxanne Edson: Persevere!

February 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Roxanne Edson, founder of Hidden Halos (South Africa)

Roxanne Edson, founder of Hidden Halos (South Africa)

Take a deep breath and persevere....

"Persevere - Even when it seems like there is no way forward, take a deep breath and remember how far you have already come!"

- Roxanne Edson is the founder of Hidden Halos, a South African non-profit organisation doing work around foster care advocacy and support and Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, as well as exit strategies for children currently in the State’s child welfare system. Roxanne has an educational background in Psychology, Criminology and Foundation Phase Education. She has also become extremely knowledgeable in  Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and is passionate about creating awareness of this disorder.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
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Liesl Esau, a South African entrepreneur passionate about health, safety and environmental compliance

February 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Liesl Esau, founder of HSE Matters (South Africa)

Liesl Esau, founder of HSE Matters (South Africa)

Every company needs to ensure their workplace is safe and their employees are trained in best practice health, safety and environmental compliance, and that’s where Liesl Esau comes in. Her company HSE Matters is helping companies to get it right.

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In Startup Story Tags Business Services, South Africa
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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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