Entrepreneur Advice from Thokozile Mangwiro: Focus on your vision

September 10, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Thokozile Mangwiro, founder of Nyla Naturals (South Africa) — **Thokozile Mangwiro**, founder of Nyla Naturals (South Africa)

Focus on your vision....

"A start-up can be challenging to women who do not have a vision of what they are trying to accomplish. My advice to fellow entrepreneurs is to focus on their vision. Focusing on a strong vision will pull you through the emotional roller-coaster; it will pull you through the fear and doubt that will surely come. A strong vision will lead to the success of your business."

Thokozile Mangwiro, founder of Nyla Naturals (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Mariam Hazem

September 10, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“We believe that design can solve stubborn problems and thus we started with a major issue in Egypt: waste.”

Mariam Hazem, co-founder of Reform Studio (Egypt)

Celebrating 5 Zambian women entrepreneurs taking the country’s economy forward

September 9, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Throughout the month of September, Lionesses of Africa will be celebrating Zambia’s many innovative and talented women entrepreneurs who are helping to shape a new and dynamic economy in the country.

Maneo Mapharisa, an entrepreneur on a mission to get Lesotho girls coding to bridge the STEM gender gap

September 9, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Maneo Mapharisa, Co-founder of Girls Coding Academy (Lesotho) — **Maneo Mapharisa**, Co-founder of Girls Coding Academy (Lesotho)

Giving young women and girls access to opportunities and stimulating careers in the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), is the mission of Girls Coding Academy. By doing so, the organisation’s 7 co-founders are making a tangible and lasting contribution to the reduction of the gender gap in Lesotho.

Mbali Masike, a young South African wine brand builder creating highly personal, story driven wines

September 9, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Mbali Masike, founder of ngiyiMbali Brands (South Africa) — **Mbali Masike**, founder of ngiyiMbali Brands (South Africa)

Behind every great wine is a great story, and that is certainly the case with the exciting South African wines being created by ngiyiMbali Brands. Founder Mbali Masike brings her own personality and taste profiles into each individual wine she creates, sharing stories and creating memories for her customers.

Hey Ladies, Stop Apologizing by Maja Jovanovic

September 8, 2018 Melanie Hawken

In her latest edition of Hey Ladies, Stop Apologizing, author Maja Jovanovic shows women how to push themselves out of their comfort zones and into action! If you are one of those women who constantly doubt themselves or their abilities, or who downplay their achievements, or refuse to take credit for a job well done, then this is the book for you.

South Africa’s women-owned brands shine at the Lioness Lean In Johannesburg event

September 8, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Johannesburg’s women entrepreneurs were treated to a Lioness Lean In event with a difference on Friday 7 September. Gathering together in the rooftop venue of the Volkswagen SA offices in Sandton, the event impact partners for the morning, attendees were treated to not only a great view of the city as they enjoyed breakfast networking, but also a fabulous wine and chocolate pairing session.

Full heart entrepreneurs have a process

September 8, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Laura Camacho, PhD

Fortune favors those who give their businesses Full Heart. Women entrepreneurs, more so than our male counterparts, tend to have several projects to manage beside their business. These projects can include children, parents (and other family members), a day job and perhaps running a home.

Standard Bank Incubator wins Best Accelerator and Incubator Programme Mozambique

September 8, 2018 Melanie Hawken

The Standard Bank Incubator L-R: Celeste Miambo, Neusa Xavier, Sheila Juvane, Sasha Vieira

The Southern Africa Startup Awards Mozambique have just taken place in Maputo and the Standard Bank Incubator has won the award category of Best Accelerator and Incubator Programme in the country.

LIONESS COLAB: Gone Rural Swaziland X Dokter and Misses

September 8, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Innovative South African design company, Dokter and Misses have teamed up with artisan weavers Gone Rural Swaziland, a high impact social enterprise in rural eSwatini, to develop the modular Soldier Screens system. The screens are made of a slender steel frame with inserts woven from a combination of sustainably harvested sisal and indigenous Lutindzi grass, which grows wild on rocky outcrops in the Swazi mountains.

Just Listen…

September 7, 2018 Melanie Hawken

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

I always know where my focus and head space is by the status of the wallpaper on my phone. Not quite what you were expecting to read right? So, a few months ago, I made myself a wallpaper with the word ‘Pause’. This was to remind myself to slow down, be mindful, not rush, not look 5 steps ahead but to just be in the moment and be present with those around me.

Quote of the Day by Teta Isibo

September 7, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“I am doing something that I chose to do, something I am passionate about and naturally good at. To me, that’s a blessing because many people go through life with no idea of what they want to do, or if they have the idea, they simply do not have the courage to do it!"

Teta Isibo, founder of Inzuki (Rwanda)

Entrepreneur Advice from Eva Muraya: You have to work hard

September 7, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Eva Muraya, founder and CEO of Brand Strategy and Design (Kenya)

You have to work hard....

"We need to quit this ‘microwave results’ mentality. Media has not reminded us enough of the value of working hard. There is nothing you will gain from not working hard. If you want to be successful, then you have to work hard and whilst at it, it would also help a lot if you work smart!"

Eva Muraya, founder and CEO of Brand Strategy and Design (Kenya)

Entrepreneur Advice from Yvonne Manyiki: Face your fears

September 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Yvonne Manyiki, founder of Dimzique Enterprise (South Africa) — **Yvonne Manyiki**, founder of Dimzique Enterprise (South Africa)

Face your fears....

"We all have dreams and talents, but fear always stands in the way of many people. My advice is to take the first move by starting small, face your fears, believe in God and in yourself and you will succeed."

Yvonne Manyiki, founder of Dimzique Enterprise (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Ally Angula

September 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“With sheer determination and conviction nothing is impossible. We can all achieve the unimaginable.”

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

Entrepreneur Advice from Divine Ndhlukula: Keep reinvesting in your business

September 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Divine Ndhlukula, founder of Securico, Zimbabwe — **Divine Ndhlukula**, founder of Securico, Zimbabwe

Keep reinvesting in your business…

"...I think that is the folly of many of our people. You make a bit of money and you think you've arrived. You start spending the money and the business does not grow."

Divine Ndhlukula, founder of Securico, Zimbabwe

Quote of the Day by Carrol Boyes

September 5, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“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)

Quote of the Day by Ruka Sanusi

September 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken

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

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

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)

Quote of the Day by Melissa Bime

September 3, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“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)

“We believe that design can solve stubborn problems and thus we started with a major issue in Egypt: waste.”

“I am doing something that I chose to do, something I am passionate about and naturally good at. To me, that’s a blessing because many people go through life with no idea of what they want to do, or if they have the idea, they simply do not have the courage to do it!"

"We need to quit this ‘microwave results’ mentality. Media has not reminded us enough of the value of working hard. There is nothing you will gain from not working hard. If you want to be successful, then you have to work hard and whilst at it, it would also help a lot if you work smart!"

"We all have dreams and talents, but fear always stands in the way of many people. My advice is to take the first move by starting small, face your fears, believe in God and in yourself and you will succeed."

“With sheer determination and conviction nothing is impossible. We can all achieve the unimaginable.”

"...I think that is the folly of many of our people. You make a bit of money and you think you've arrived. You start spending the money and the business does not grow."

“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.”

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

"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."

“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.”

Sign up today to receive the #1-rated newsletters for Africa's women entrepreneurs.