Are you not too young?

September 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Phindile Ndlovu, Founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation

My response to the question “Are you not too young?” My age often comes up and people are not only shocked but worried about the responsibilities I have acquired. I am 22 years old, married, have a two months old son, and I am a social entrepreneur.

Is It Time To Spring Clean Your Relationships?

September 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Paula Quinsee, Relationship Expert

Spring season has always been associated with decluttering, clearing out, spring cleaning and making space for the new. This gives us wonderful opportunities to take stock of what we have, what's working, what's not working, what is valuable and what has passed it's 'sell by' date. It's not that different when it comes to our relationships.

Kehinde Falade, a Nigerian entrepreneur creating a natural solution to hair growth and scalp problems

September 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Kehinde Falade, founder of Osteena Range of Cosmetics (Nigeria) — **Kehinde Falade**, founder of Osteena Range of Cosmetics (Nigeria)

For many people, maintaining healthy hair and scalps can be a challenge, particularly for those trying to avoid products that use harsh chemicals. And that’s where Kehinde Falade and her company, Osteena Range of Cosmetics, come to the rescue, using organic natural ingredients to encourage new and healthy hair growth for clients.

Quote of the Day by Jazeera Suwani

September 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken

"You won't know if it will work unless you try, and if you try then there is hope for it to work.”

Jazeera Suwani, founder of Say it with Chocolate (Kenya)

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.