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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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It Takes Ten Years to Become an Overnight Success!: The year-by-year story of my first ten years as a freelance business owner: 2008 -2018 by Pamela Hilliard Owens

October 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Pamela Hilliard Owens

Pamela Hilliard Owens

Everyone hears about the so-called ‘overnight success stories’ in business and the world of entrepreneurship, but the reality is often very different. But what is true is that every entrepreneur has a fascinating, personal story to tell, and in the case of author and entrepreneur, Pamela Hilliard Owens, her new book It Takes Ten Years to Become an Overnight Success! tells her story of her first ten years as a freelance business owner. 

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In Essential Tags Books
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Lionesses of Africa, Don’t Forget Your Thoughtwork

October 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken
mompreneur-multi-tasking.jpg

by Laura Camacho, PhD

Marketing, sales, operations, finances, picking up the children….so many responsibilities for today’s business owner. It often feels overwhelming, which is why we need mentors and coaches to help us make successful choices. One thing that helps you make better choices and be more productive is your thoughtwork.

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In Guest Blog Tags Laura Camacho
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South Africa’s Ntsiki Biyela of Aslina Wines wins Gold Medal at the Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards 2018

October 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Ntsiki Biyela, founder of Aslina Wines (South Africa)

Ntsiki Biyela, founder of Aslina Wines (South Africa)

In one of the most competitive line-ups in the 22 year history of the Michelangelo International Wine & Spirts Awards, South Africa’s winemaker and founder of Aslina Wines, Ntsiki Biyela, has good news to share. Aslina Wines has just been awarded a Gold Medal at the Michelangelo International Wine and Spirits Awards for its Umsasane 2016 wine, a very special Bordeaux blend. 

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In Award Winner Tags South Africa, Food & Drink
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Marta Mulungo, a Mozambican entrepreneur helping her business clients transform their ideas into results

October 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Marta Mulongo, founder of MMCoaching (Mozambique)

Marta Mulongo, founder of MMCoaching (Mozambique)

Many people have great ideas, but very few develop them into actual businesses or products. What is often needed is a great business coach to advise on how to create the right business habits from the start. That is where MMCoaching comes in, a niche coaching business in Mozambique created by founder Marta Mulongo who is on a mission to help her clients to succeed.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Business Services, Consulting Services
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Entrepreneur Advice from Charlotte Aubin: Believe in yourself

October 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Charlotte Aubin, co-founder of GreenWish Partners (Mauritius)

Charlotte Aubin, co-founder of GreenWish Partners (Mauritius)

Believe in yourself….

“A quote of Marianne Williamson: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light not our Darkness, that most frightens us.”  So my advice to women is believe in yourself and surround yourself with peers and mentors that will support you on your entrepreneurial journey.”

Charlotte Aubin, co-founder of GreenWish Partners

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Self Belief
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Entrepreneur Advice from Jennifer Riria: Expect to make mistakes

October 3, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Dr. Jennifer Riria, Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding

Dr. Jennifer Riria, Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding

“Have the humility to accept your failure so that you can use that as a basis as you move on. I never say I have a problem, I say I have a challenge. A challenge is like a pearl [which] grows in an oyster and it is an irritant to the oyster but when they come out they are precious. So you, as an entrepreneur, must find out what your pearls are. I use challenges as a basis to springboard to a better standard.”

Dr. Jennifer Riria, Group CEO of Echo Network Africa (ENA) & founding member of Kenya Women Holding and Kenya Women Finance Trust Microfinance Bank

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Jennifer Riria
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Quote of the Day by Thokoza Mjo

October 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Thokoza Mjo, founder of Beyond the Lemonade Stand (South Africa)

Thokoza Mjo, founder of Beyond the Lemonade Stand (South Africa)

"Starting a business, for me, is the best expression of backing yourself, taking a chance on you, believing that you have the ability to create value for yourself and for others."

Thokoza Mjo, founder of Beyond the Lemonade Stand (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Self Belief
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Entrepreneur Advice from Monica Musonda: Love what you do

October 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Love what you do....

“It is the only thing that will keep you going in your new business venture. If you don’t, you might give up at the very first failure encountered if things don’t go your way.”

Monica Musonda, founder of Java Foods (Zambia)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Monica Musonda, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Quote of the Day by Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu

October 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder and Managing Director of soleRebels (Ethiopia)

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder and Managing Director of soleRebels (Ethiopia)

“You’re not in a dynamic business if you’re not experiencing challenges.”

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu, founder and Managing Director of soleRebels (Ethiopia)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu
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Bame Mabuse, a South African entrepreneur taking away the administrative burden for her clients 

September 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Bame Mabuse, founder of Amara Consulting Solutions (South Africa)

Bame Mabuse, founder of Amara Consulting Solutions (South Africa)

Many small businesses struggle with administration, and often feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks that need to be done. In South Africa, one company is providing an efficient answer for its clients. Amara Consulting Solutions, founded by Bame Mabuse, is providing a range of Virtual Administrative Support to take away the stress and the hassle of routine admin.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
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Lionesses of Africa shares its vision at the International Day for Universal Access to Information in Namibia

September 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken
UNESCO-NAMIBIA-Collage.jpg

This week, on 28 September, the topic of Operationalizing Access to Information and  Enhancing Access to Opportunities for Women and Girls was the focus of attention at the 3rd International Day for Universal Access to Information Commemoration Southern African Regional IPDCtalks, held in Windhoek, Namibia. Lionesses of Africa CEO and Founder, Melanie Hawken, was invited to give a keynote speech on how the organisation is fulfilling its vision to empower 1 million women entrepreneurs in Africa.

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In Events Tags Lioness on Tour
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LIONESS LAUNCH: A new weekly meal-kit service is launched in South Africa for those who want to cook Like A Chef

September 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Jolin Judd, founder of Like A Chef (South Africa)

Jolin Judd, founder of Like A Chef (South Africa)

For many people, cooking can be a chore and especially if they are not naturally gifted in the kitchen. But in Cape Town, South Africa, entrepreneur Jolin Judd, founder of Like A Chef, has a solution. This month sees her launching her new weekly meal-kits which turn everyone into a proficient cook, with none of the hassle and all the culinary inspiration.

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In Lioness Launch Tags Services, Food & Drink, South Africa
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Shantelle Booysen, a pioneer of the spa product industry in South Africa

September 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Shantelle Booysen, founder of Elim Spa Products (South Africa)

Shantelle Booysen, founder of Elim Spa Products (South Africa)

For all those who love the experience of visiting a spa for some much needed pampering, you know how important it is to have the best quality, specialist products and treatments. For one entrepreneur in South Africa, Shantelle Booysen, founder of Elim Spa Products, she saw this as an opportunity to build a successful global business creating world class products for the spa industry.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Beauty & Wellness
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South African entrepreneur Brenda Wilkinson and her olive oil company Rio Largo Win Gold at Sol D’Oro Awards

September 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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One of the most prestigious competitions in the world of olive oil production, The Sol D’Oro Awards, took place last week, and the Gold Award Winner was a South African olive oil produced by Brenda Wilkinson and husband Nick, the team behind Rio Largo Olive Oil in the Western Cape. 

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In Award Winner Tags Brenda Wilkinson, South Africa, Agri-business
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The Invisible Revolution: Join the empowered Mumpreneurs - Inspiration, insights & practical advice to build a business you love by Nicola Huelin

September 29, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Nicola Huelin

Nicola Huelin

The Invisible Revolution has been written especially for mums by Nicola Huelin, herself a mum and award-winning business coach and mentor. It’s an inspirational and practical handbook bringing you precious insights, inspiration and real-world advice on how to start, grow and sustain a successful business – without compromising your quality of family life, health or sanity. 

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In Essential Tags Books
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Black Tax: Don’t become the family ATM

September 29, 2018 Melanie Hawken
atm-cash-machine-woman.jpg

by Sylvia Walker, author of SmartWoman

You have worked hard to get to where you are and it feels good to be reaching your goals. However, you might not be alone in enjoying your success – many young professionals today feel pressurised to ‘pay back’ and support extended family members who may not be as fortunate.

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In Guest Blog Tags Sylvia Walker
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The importance of celebrating success: an overlooked, yet powerful motivator

September 29, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Celebrate-Success.jpg

by Deborah Hartung, founder of Pivot PeopleTech

As the year winds down and we’re all tempted to start planning for the next year, it’s important to take a moment to do a bit of a retrospective and to celebrate the successes we have had to date. In fact, it’s an important aspect of our development as leaders, that we are able to celebrate the small wins and reinforce that we are on the path to success, no matter what that looks like in our business or personal lives. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Deborah Hartung
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Why don’t you…?

September 29, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Why-dont-you?.jpg

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

If you are on earth you have either heard or said the words ‘Why don’t you?’ to someone.  If you are a first generation business owner in your family, you hear these words from everyone. Humans are kind, first. We are keen to help. Sometimes even when we are not asked. I cannot begin to tell you how many times people have asked the question “Why don’t you?” to me, believing that whatever they are saying is most definitely the answer to my challenges. Some even have contacts for me to action this idea they have come up with. It’s highly appreciated but most times not what we need. Sometimes we just need to vent - about our businesses!  

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In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
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Quote of the Day by Séfora Noor

September 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Séfora Noor (R), co-founder of Kakawa Chocolates (Mozambique)

Séfora Noor (R), co-founder of Kakawa Chocolates (Mozambique)

"Everyone is still figuring it out. So our advice is to follow your instincts and take the risk."

Séfora Noor (R), co-founder of Kakawa Chocolates (Mozambique)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Quote of the Day by Johanna Mukoki

September 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Johanna Mukoki, co-founder of Travel with Flair (South Africa)

Johanna Mukoki, co-founder of Travel with Flair (South Africa)

"Any business is difficult to start initially, however, if you persevere you will ultimately make it if you have passion for what you are doing."

Johanna Mukoki, co-founder of Travel with Flair (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Perseverance
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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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