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Lionesses of Africa

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The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Mozambique’s women entrepreneurs gather for a morning of Lioness Lean In event inspiration

May 20, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Lioness-Lean-In-Maputo.jpg

Mozambique continues to be an exciting place to be a woman entrepreneur on the African continent right now. On 18 May, Lionesses of Africa together with Standard Bank in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, showcased some of the leading women business and brand builders who are putting the country on the map and getting the world interested in the products and service offerings they are creating. 

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In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, Mozambique
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Mid Life Career Rescue: Employ yourself by Cassandra Gaisford

May 20, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Cassandra Gaisford

Cassandra Gaisford

What if you could increase your income, health and happiness with a few simple steps? How would your life be different if you had more financial freedom, time flexibility, energy, motivation, confidence and self-belief? What if you could hit your business, personal and financial targets easily and make a huge difference in this world? Imagine waking up every morning with no boss, looking forward to your day, working and living with purpose, passion and profit. In her new book, Mid Life Career Rescue, author and career expert Cassandra Gaisford suggests you employ yourself and get the career you have always wished for.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Nonkuthalo Thithi, a South African entrepreneur bringing a sense of style to corporate executives

May 20, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Nonkuthalo Thithi, founder of Styled to a T (South Africa)

Nonkuthalo Thithi, founder of Styled to a T (South Africa)

In the corporate world, many executives struggle to find their personal style when it comes to clothing, and often just go with the crowd to fit in. Nonkuthalo Thithi, founder of Styled to a T, has made it her mission to help just such people to find an image that works for their business and personal lifestyles. 

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services, Fashion
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Charlotte Aubin, a pioneering entrepreneur dedicated to finding renewable energy power solutions for Africa

May 20, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Charlotte Aubin, GreenWish Partners (Mauritius)

Charlotte Aubin, GreenWish Partners (Mauritius)

Africa has a challenge in finding new, innovative and sustainable solutions to meet its growing energy needs, and that’s where GreenWish Partners headquartered in Mauritius has a renewable solution. 

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In Startup Story Tags Mauritius, Eco-preneur
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Own your feedback

May 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Lori Milner - author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress

I came across a podcast where leadership guru, Simon Sinek, was being interviewed by Tony Robbins. He mentioned a concept I hadn’t heard of before -  ‘Care-frontation’. In my research, I came across a great definition that characterizes it as follows...

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Entrepreneur Smarts
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Incorporating change habits into your day

May 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Leigh Ann Gowland

Rapid change, disruption, adaptability, agility and flexibility are recurring words in daily business conversations from strategy to operations. Whether the change is triggered within the organisation or from the external environment how you respond to the change determines success. The best mechanism to manage constant change is to incorporate change habits into your daily activities, hone your change abilities and be prepared for unexpected changes.  Change is no longer an event or process but an ability to continuously adapt. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Leigh-Ann Gowland, Entrepreneur Smarts
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Fireside talks - to believe or not?

May 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Eldari Visser, Managing Director, Picketfence.Life

To stare into flames dancing, listening to the crackling of the fire, with good company to talk to, is food for the soul. No matter where you stay, a fireplace or open fire experience is cherished and enjoyed by most people. This is the very space where we reflect on our lives, we discuss future plans, do some soul searching and learn to listen to the wisdom shared. It feels like we can handle all our problems and the world. We create friendships and new network opportunities and we do business.

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In Guest Blog Tags Eldari Visser, Money Matters
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How Distractions in Business can become a Costly Thing

May 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Karen Wessels, co-founder of VA Connect and co-founder of SnappSales

Since starting this crazy mad entrepreneurial journey which is filled with passion, great rewards and eternal lessons, I’m exceptionally grateful for all the lessons that have been placed on my path, to help me grow and mature as a business owner and person. And trust me, there are many! Like learning that distractions can start costing your business money. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Karen Wessels, Entrepreneurial Journey
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3 Health Benefits of Forgiveness and Letting Go

May 17, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Deborah Hartung, founder of Pivot PeopleTech

Here in the Southern Hemisphere, the days are getting shorter, the winds are blowing and leaves are falling from the trees. Autumn is well and truly taking hold and Mother Nature is providing us with an opportunity to let go of the beliefs, habits and people that no longer serve us, so that we may emerge with renewed beauty and energy in Spring. So, take a leaf from Mother Nature’s book this month and just let go of the things you don’t need anymore – the health benefits may just surprise you!

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In Guest Blog Tags Deborah Hartung, Mindful Entrepreneur
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Meet 24 of Africa’s most innovative jewellery designers and crafters 

May 13, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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Every month at Lionesses of Africa, we showcase the passionate women entrepreneurs who are making a real impact through their businesses, their innovation, their products, services and craftsmanship, in a particular business sector in Africa and the Diaspora. This month (May), we are turning our attention to the incredibly creative women jewellery designers who are turning precious metals, gems and semi-precious stones into beautiful decorative pieces for the world to wear. They are putting the continent on the global map through their uniquely African-inspired jewellery designs and technical brilliance.

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In Features Tags Jewellery Design
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Bernie de Le Cuona, a South African born entrepreneur building a luxury fabric brand that is taking the world by storm

May 13, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Bernie de Le Cuona, founder of de Le Cuona

Bernie de Le Cuona, founder of de Le Cuona

In the highly discerning world of luxury interiors, global designers and homeowners are always trying to source the most beautiful fabrics and furnishings to create the ultimate living environments. The de Le Cuona luxury fabric brand has built a global reputation at the forefront of this industry, producing some of the finest fabrics on the planet.

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In Startup Story Tags United Kingdom, African Luxury, Interior Design
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Essential Read: Fix Your Business - A 90-Day Plan to Get Back Your Life and Remove Chaos From Your Business By Melinda Emerson

May 11, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Melinda Emerson

Melinda Emerson

Building on the success of her bestselling book, Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, Melinda Emerson is back with her new book, Fix Your Business, her 90-day plan to get control of your business and get back your life. Readers will get concrete advice on the problem areas of running a small business with a step-by-step turn around system to build a flourishing enterprise. 

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In Essential Tags Books
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Investment risk – how real is it?

May 11, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Sylvia Walker, author of SmartWoman

I have yet to meet an investor who hands over their hard-earned money and says, “Invest it in a high risk investment, I love to take chances.” Unless one is talking about cryptocurrencies, but that’s a whole different story.

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In Guest Blog Tags Sylvia Walker, Money Matters
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Own your Micro Bravery

May 11, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Lori Milner, author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress

I recently listened to the Tim Ferris Show podcast with his guest Caroline Paul, who is a fire fighter talking about Micro Bravery. I absolutely love this concept!

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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All around the world we can feel the change of seasons in the air

May 11, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Eldari Visser, Managing Director, Picketfence.Life

Some of us will like the next upcoming season whilst others know they must handle a season which is not particularly their favorite. We each have a favorite time of the year. What is obvious is that we have to go through the next phase. That is a natural law. Each phase has potential. Either to cleanse or to create time to think and evaluate. Maybe to bring new beginnings like Spring or the breakthrough of the sun during summer.

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In Guest Blog Tags Eldari Visser, Money Matters
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Christella Kirezi, a Mozambican entrepreneur with a passion for natural haircare

May 10, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Christella Kirezi, founder of Moz Crespas (Mozambique)

Christella Kirezi, founder of Moz Crespas (Mozambique)

Many women in Mozambique find it a challenge to care for their naturally curly hair and keep it in good condition. But Christella Kirezi, founder of Moz Crespas, has the natural solution and is building up a business with a reputation for providing beautifully natural haircare for her customers.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Beauty & Wellness, Haircare
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Your business is changing, are you?

May 9, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Leigh-Ann Gowland, founder of Employee Driven Change

Business change can be driven by changes experienced by the leader as much as it can be influenced by changes in market or organic change from the business. Acknowledging when change needs to be managed is vital to ensuring successful transitions to better business. The scope of my role as a change manager is no longer limited to organizational change but includes coaching leaders to recognize and manage their personal change journeys. In this article, I share some examples of change triggers to keep in mind. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Leigh-Ann Gowland, Entrepreneur Smarts
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26 Mozambican women entrepreneurs to watch in 2018

May 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Mozambican-Women-Entrepreneurs-Collage.jpg

Mozambique continues to be an exciting place to be a woman entrepreneur on the African continent right now. So this month, Lionesses of Africa will be showcasing some of the women business and brand builders who are putting the country on the map and getting the world interested in the products and service offerings they are creating.

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In In Focus, Features Tags Mozambique
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Disrupters: Success Strategies from Women Who Break the Mold by Dr Patti Fletcher

May 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Dr Patti Fletcher

Dr Patti Fletcher

This book is not about what women should do, and it’s not a preachy TEDTalk. Disrupters by Dr Patti Fletcher shows what different women in business have done to reach success as they define it. From board members to CEOs to freelancers to entrepreneurs, the business world is stacked against women because they follow the unspoken rules of business culture made long before women entered the workforce. 

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In Essential Tags Books
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Séfora Noor of Kakawa Chocolates shares the story of four friends turning a passion for chocolate into a business in Mozambique

May 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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Many successful businesses are inspired by a combination of passion and friendship. That is certainly the case with Kakawa Chocolates, a Mozambican company that is winning a passionate following of chocolate lovers in the country.

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In Startup Story Tags Chocolate, Mozambique, Food & Drink
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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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