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Lionesses of Africa

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(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Quote of the Day by Carrol Boyes

September 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Carrol Boyes, founder of Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd (South Africa) 

Carrol Boyes, founder of Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd (South Africa) 

“It’s always the finances. I constantly had to find the balance between having enough money to expand, and not sinking into so much debt that I would not be able to sleep at night.”

Carrol Boyes, founder of Carrol Boyes (Pty) Ltd (South Africa) 

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In Quote of the Day Tags Management Advice, Carrol Boyes, Finance
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Quote of the Day by Ruka Sanusi

September 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Ruka Sanusi, founder and CEO of Alldens Lane (Ghana)

Ruka Sanusi, founder and CEO of Alldens Lane (Ghana)

"Ladies, make your vision pop like pink champagne!"

Ruka Sanusi, founder and CEO of Alldens Lane (Ghana)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Ruka Sanusi
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Entrepreneur Advice from Leigh-Ann Gowland: Everyone's journey is unique

September 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Leigh-Ann Gowland, founder of Employee Driven Change (South Africa) 

Leigh-Ann Gowland, founder of Employee Driven Change (South Africa) 

Everyone's journey is unique....

"There is no perfect formula for success. Everyone's journey is unique. Recognize that all your experiences have equipped you uniquely to make your mark in the world."

Leigh-Ann Gowland, founder of Employee Driven Change (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice
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Quote of the Day by Melissa Bime

September 3, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Melissa Bime, founder of Infiuss (Cameroon)

Melissa Bime, founder of Infiuss (Cameroon)

“What’s my motivation? Put simply, it’s hunger. I am hungry to create change and make a difference. I have overcome so much but know that it is all worthwhile.”

Melissa Bime, founder of Infiuss (Cameroon)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Entrepreneur Advice from Louise Bijleveld: The advice that helped me most

September 3, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Louise Bijleveld, co-founder of LONO (Cote d’Ivoire)

Louise Bijleveld, co-founder of LONO (Cote d’Ivoire)

My top advice...

“The two pieces of advice that helped me most were to surround yourself with the right people and to not give up. It sounds cheesy but it turned out to be so true for me. Firstly, the right people help you to be in the right mindset, to challenge your ideas and to make you grow stronger. And secondly, there will be highs and lows and your idea will adjust along the way but giving up shouldn't be an option. Successful companies have one thing in common; they didn't give up otherwise they wouldn't exist. I think about that very regularly.”

Louise Bijleveld, co-founder of LONO (Cote d’Ivoire)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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LIONESS LAUNCH: Lunar launches its exciting new Spring/Summer 2018 Womenswear collection

September 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Lunar-Launch-Collage.jpg

Lunar, one of South Africa’s top design labels for the past two decades, is set to unveil its exciting new Spring/Summer 2018 collection on Friday 7 September in Johannesburg. At a special evening launch event to be held at the Lunar showroom located at 44 Stanley Avenue, Milpark, customers will get the chance to preview and buy pieces from this much anticipated collection. 

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In Lioness Launch Tags Fashion
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100 LIONESSES: Jennifer Riria recognized with two prestigious awards in Kenya

September 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Jennifer-Riria-Award-Collage.jpg

Dr Jennifer Riria, the founding member of Kenya Women Holding and Kenya Women Finance Trust Microfinance Bank, and the CEO of Echo Network Africa, has been officially recognized for her longstanding impact and contribution to Kenyan society with two awards.

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In Award Winner, 100 Lionesses Project Tags Jennifer Riria
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Pioneering African women entrepreneurs showcase their businesses to UK influencers

September 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken
SA-UK-Business-Forum.jpg

The visit of the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, to South Africa on Tuesday 28 August as part of her delegation’s tour of three African countries (South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya), provided an unprecedented opportunity to showcase pioneering women’s entrepreneurship on the continent. The prestigious South Africa-UK Business Forum, held in the beautiful city of Cape Town, brought together an audience of captains of industry and leading government officials, for a day of business conversation and networking. Lionesses of Africa together with Future CEOs co-hosted a panel discussion featuring four inspirational women entrepreneurs from the Lionesses of Africa community representing Swaziland, Zimbabwe and South Africa. 

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In Events Tags International Trade Delegation, United Kingdom
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Winds of opportunity. Keeping a birds-eye view on your finances.

September 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Winds-of-Opportunity.png

by Eldari Visser, founder of PicketFence Life

Having a bird’s eye view brings to mind a very common concept. It shows you with one overall look at what you need to know about any situation. We use this in corporate situations and in our own lives. Most entrepreneurs have to take a couple of steps back from their work to take a good look at what they have created, what they are busy with, or their action plans towards reaching their goals. Access the progress and problems.

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In Guest Blog Tags Eldari Visser, Finance
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Mellisa Mazingi, a global brand builder revolutionizing the world view of traditional Swaziland handicrafts

September 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Mellisa Mazingi, Managing Director of Gone Rural Swaziland

Mellisa Mazingi, Managing Director of Gone Rural Swaziland

Africa has a long tradition of producing handcrafted goods that are lovingly produced by each country’s rural communities. But for one company, Gone Rural in eSwatini, headed by entrepreneur Mellisa Mazingi, the mission is to create world class, handcrafted products that the world can fall in love with.

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In Startup Story Tags Eswatini, Artisan Enterprise
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Social media horror! Here's how I reduced my social media overload

September 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken
socialmedia-overload.jpg

By Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

A few months back I decided to remove myself from social media. Okay, let us say a percentage of me.  Or, was it a decision to remove social media from my life? I made a conscious decision to limit my time on it for personal reasons.  The biggest reason is social media is LOUD. And most of the time the loudness is so much negativity and pain happening all over the world.  So much information filed into my mind on a daily basis, and in some instances I found myself interacting emotionally, it was just not good.  One of the reasons our grandmothers have great skin is that they honestly didn’t know as much as we know about everything…and they made it through life!

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In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
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The Barefoot Executive: The Ultimate Guide for Being Your Own Boss and Achieving Financial Freedom by Carrie Wilkerson

September 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Carrie Wilkerson

Carrie Wilkerson

The Barefoot Executive by Carrie Wilkerson offers practical advice on how to live life on your terms. Want to start your workday with e-mail and coffee on the back patio? Want the flexibility of joining your fourth grader on an all-day field trip? Are you ready to take that vacation you've been planning for years? Then you have a choice to make, and The Barefoot Executive will help jump-start your transition. 

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In Essential Tags Books
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The best productivity tips for parenting entrepreneurs

September 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Karen Wessels, founder of VA Connect and SnappSales

Life loves throwing us curveballs at the best of times. It’s going to happen and it will continue happening. So, the question is, how do we best manage this? As entrepreneurs we are solution-based thinkers. This means that we are continuously seeking solutions as opposed to looking straight into the problem. It could take years of figuring out, adapting, changing, making sure that your process and flow work for you. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Karen Wessels
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Abai Schulze, founder of a new generation artisan enterprise taking Ethiopia's luxury leather craft heritage to the world

September 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Abai Schulze, founder of ZAAF (Ethiopia)

Abai Schulze, founder of ZAAF (Ethiopia)

The world’s fashion conscious buyers are increasingly interested in knowing where the luxury goods they purchase are made, and by whom. For entrepreneur Abai Schulze, founder of growing brand ZAAF, her company’s strong backstory and ethos is resonating with these buyers, who are rapidly becoming fans and brand ambassadors with each purchase they make.

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In Startup Story Tags Ethiopia, Artisans, Artisan Enterprise
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Quote of the Day by Mishingo Aaron

August 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Mishingo Aaron, founder of Naga Earth (Botswana)

Mishingo Aaron, founder of Naga Earth (Botswana)

“Believe in your idea no matter how big or crazy it looks and work every day towards it.”

Mishingo Aaron, founder of Naga Earth (Botswana)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Entrepreneur Advice from Shirley Hayes: Determine your own path

August 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Shirley Hayes, founder of SHiP Copper Company (South Africa)

Shirley Hayes, founder of SHiP Copper Company (South Africa)

Determine your own path…

“Realize your strength. Never play the victim card - the world owes you nothing. You and you alone will determine your path.”

Shirley Hayes, founder of SHiP Copper Company (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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The importance of staying fit and healthy as an entrepreneur

August 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Hlengiwe Moepe, founder of Marpemed

As an entrepreneur, are you fully aware of the importance of good nutrition, and avoiding becoming overweight or obese? Your food choices each day affect your health — how you feel today, tomorrow, and in the future. Good nutrition is an important part of leading a healthy lifestyle. Combined with physical activity, your diet can help you to reach and maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases (like heart disease and cancer), and promote your overall health.

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In Guest Blog Tags Hlengiwe Moepe, Health & Wellbeing
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The Female Entrepreneur: A step-by-step guide to the adventure that is starting your own business! - by Charly Lester and Caroline Brealey

August 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Charly Lester and Caroline Brealey

Charly Lester and Caroline Brealey

The Female Entrepreneur, by Charly Lester and Caroline Brealey, is a step-by-step guide to starting your own business. Combining personal stories, practical advice and quotes from leading female founders, The Female Entrepreneur will teach you how to start your business, brand it, attract clients, and make sales. 

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In Essential Tags Books
Comment

How to Stay Focused at Work and in Business During Tough Times

August 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken
stressed-working-mother.jpg

by Tatenda Rungisa, Human Resources Practitioner and co-founder of Twin Connect Solutions

Women have been known for being nurturers by nature, and it is only with the emancipation and empowerment that women have started taking on roles traditionally thought to be for men, and also undertaking entrepreneurial activities. However, it is wise to note that there is still a need for women to balance their nurturing roles in the family, as well as their roles in the workplace and in their businesses.

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In Guest Blog Tags Tatenda Rungisa, Stress Management
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Louise Bijleveld, an entrepreneur in Cote d’Ivoire building a clean technology business converting waste to energy

August 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Louise Bijleveld, co-founder of LONO (Cote d’Ivoire)

Louise Bijleveld, co-founder of LONO (Cote d’Ivoire)

Africa’s need to find innovative and sustainable solutions to waste management and energy generation is growing, and for Louise Bijleveld, co-founder of LONO, that challenge provided the inspiration for a game-changing business.

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In Startup Story Tags Cote d'Ivoire, Renewable Energy
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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 / 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 / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis
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 / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis

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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