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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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Always be closing: The ABC of business

May 31, 2018 Melanie Hawken
something-to-be-learned.jpg

by Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa

On Thursday, I had a full day of meetings scheduled in Cape Town City. I had a product-related meeting that lasted three hours till about lunch time. After I was done with my meeting I made my way to the car in the mezzanine parking lot. By this time I was ravenous and I needed to eat before going onto my next meeting. I packed all my sample products and display units in the car and took out the left-overs from supper that I brought from home. I made myself comfortable in the driver seat, and just took a moment to enjoy the peace and quiet and my meal!

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In Guest Blog Tags Lizl Naude
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Living your Best Life as an Entrepreneur

May 31, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Happy-Monday.jpg

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

When you wake up on a Monday morning thinking its Saturday, I reckon that’s a great start to the week! Although some of you probably wouldn’t agree with this because more than likely you’ll feel disappointed to realize its Monday. I love Mondays! To me it’s symbolic of a fresh start to the week, an opportunity to start on a clean slate and do even better than what we did last week.

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In Guest Blog Tags Karen Wessels
Comment

Quote of the Day by Ally Angula

May 31, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia)

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

“Back your dreams with action. Stand up for what you know is right and don’t let anyone tell you that it cannot be done.”

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

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In Quote of the Day Tags Ally Angula, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Getting Started
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Quote of the Day by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi

May 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, founder of AAKS (Ghana)

Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, founder of AAKS (Ghana)

“In Europe, everything has been done. We (African entrepreneurs) have something unique: a very different mindset to work, and raw ideas that haven't been explored.”

Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, founder of AAKS (Ghana)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Quote of the Day by Adèle Dejak

May 29, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Adèle Dejak, founder of Adèle Dejak (Kenya)

Adèle Dejak, founder of Adèle Dejak (Kenya)

“My big dream would be to become the Coco Chanel of Africa. It doesn’t get bigger than that.”

Adèle Dejak, founder of Adèle Dejak (Kenya)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Ambition
Comment

Quote of the Day by Divine Ndhlukula

May 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Divine Ndhlukula, founder of SECURICO Security Services (Zimbabwe) - speaking at the Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference 2016.

Divine Ndhlukula, founder of SECURICO Security Services (Zimbabwe) - speaking at the Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference 2016.

"We want to expand from being solely a Zimbabwean security services company into being an African giant.”

Divine Ndhlukula, founder of SECURICO Security Services (Zimbabwe)

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In Quote of the Day, Lionesses Tags Growing Your Business, Divine Ndhlukula
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Mozambique’s next generation women entrepreneurs share, inspire and connect

May 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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In Mozambique there is an exciting new wave of young women entrepreneurs emerging, all building great new businesses and brands, and inspiring each other with their success. On 18 May, Lionesses of Africa together with Standard Bank in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, brought together some of these up and coming young entrepreneurs with an audience of young women who look to follow in their footsteps.

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In Events Tags Mozambique, Young Lioness Lean In
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Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, a Mozambican entrepreneur making events and celebrations memorable

May 25, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, founder of Dali Banga and Mulandi Brindes (Mozambique)

Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, founder of Dali Banga and Mulandi Brindes (Mozambique)

Everyone organising a celebration or a special event wants to make it memorable, and that takes a huge amount of creativity. For Mozambican entrepreneur, Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, founder of Dali Banga and Mulandi Brindes, she found a gap in the market to create two successful brands providing the solution.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Event Management, Business Services
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Nicola Luther, a South African entrepreneur building an eco-fashion and lifestyle brand inspired by Nature

May 25, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Nicola Luther of Lunar (South Africa)

Nicola Luther of Lunar (South Africa)

In a world that is dominated by fast fashion, there is a beautiful, eco-conscious antidote for consumers looking for a handcrafted, designer alternative. Lunar, a two decade old, nature inspired fashion and lifestyle brand is now moving into a new era, led by South African entrepreneur Nicola Luther. 

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Fashion
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PANICKING ABOUT POPI?

May 25, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Aleshia van der Ploeg LLB. (RAU), Director of VDP Legal Consulting (PTY) Ltd

I have had numerous clients hearing the adverts on the radio, or being misinformed by their fellow entrepreneurs, and calling me in a panic about the POPI Act - Protection of Personal Information Act. So let me unpack it for you...

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In Guest Blog Tags Aleshia van der Ploeg
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Conversations are the currency of change

May 24, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Susan Cain delivering her TED Talk on the the power of introverts

Susan Cain delivering her TED Talk on the the power of introverts

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

Susan Cain is most famous for her Ted Talk ‘The Power of Introverts’. In a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. But, as Susan Cain argues in this passionate talk, introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated.

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner
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African Female Entrepreneurship: Merging Profit and Social Motives for the Greater Good by Amanobea Boateng

May 24, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Amanobea Boateng

Amanobea Boateng

Contributing to academic discussions on entrepreneurship and gender in Africa, Amanobea Boateng’s new book African Female Entrepreneurship: Merging Profit and Social Motives for the Greater Good, makes for fascinating reading. It provides coverage of recent trends and an exploration of the evolution of female entrepreneurship over time. This innovative new text, written from an African woman’s perspective, fills a gap in the current literature on this topic and places important focus on the role of female entrepreneurship in Africa’s development as a continent.

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In Essential Tags Books
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The challenges of the wedding dress designer in Africa

May 24, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Brigitte Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

It is May, and I have had a few requests about weddings - mostly for events in December, and most of them believe it is still early to start the planning. No, it is not! A wedding party is a big job to dress, especially in South Africa where we have three or more bridesmaids and groomsmen; and we mostly have two weddings at a time. This is good business for a fashion designer but with more work comes more challenges. This is why it is essential that you start as early as possible; especially if you as the bride need more than one dress too.

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In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
Comment

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

May 20, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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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
own-your-feedback.png

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
Comment

Incorporating change habits into your day

May 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Rapid-Change.jpg

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
Fireside-chats.jpg

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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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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