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Dealing with Disappointment: Just Let It Flow

October 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Screen Shot 2018-10-21 at 3.01.32 PM.png

by Deborah Hartung, founder of Pivot PeopleTech

It’s a fact of life that we don’t always get what we want and it sure isn’t always fair. Being a woman in business and in leadership, you’re bound to have to face more than your fair share of disappointments. Here are some tips on learning to move with the flow of life and not let temporary disappointments become permanent setbacks. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Deborah Hartung
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Straight Talk for Smart Business Women: Critical Tools to Build and Grow Your Business by Cheryl Leitschuh

October 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Cheryl Leitschuh

Cheryl Leitschuh

What does it take to build a successful small business? Author Cheryl Leitschuh has some of the answers in her new book, Straight Talk for Smart Business Women. She believes it starts with accessing the critical tools needed to build and grow your business, and then hearing the stories of those who have successfully done it before.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Maybe the pie is really big enough for all of us

October 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Cherry-Pie-Recipe-2-1200.jpg

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

Competition is a subject I did in marketing at college. We were reviewing the ways companies compete for markets.  Direct competition and indirect competition.  Direct competition is CocaCola and Pepsi.  Indirect would be CocaCola and all banting products.  This subject tells us that there’s one market for all these companies, and they must all fight for their attention.  Ways of fighting include pricing, ingredients, advertising, location, pairing with other power brands in the industry, and of late going green/healthy. Are you exhausted already? Me too, but read on…

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In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
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Our role as entrepreneurs is bigger than us

October 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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by Thato Mokhothu-Ramohlanka

Recently I had the privilege of attending a workshop where I delivered a talk to a group of young learners about career development. This is a topic that is very close to my heart because many people are forced into unwanted careers for many reasons. The bottom line is that there is an enormous need for career guidance in underprivileged schools. This is specifically because advanced institutions have career coaches and counselors to assist learners in aligning their future goals and aspirations with their talents and capabilities from the early stages of their schooling.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thato Mokhothu-Ramohlanka
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Entrepreneur Advice from Johanna Mukoki: Invest in your staff

October 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Johanna Mukoki, speaking at the Annual Lionesses of Africa Conference 2016

Johanna Mukoki, speaking at the Annual Lionesses of Africa Conference 2016

Happy staff are key to your success…

“We learnt that the best way for us to build a lasting business has been to invest in our staff, and in training them well so that they want to stay and grow within our business.” 

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

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Johanna Mukoki, People Management
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Quote of the Day by Ally Angula

October 17, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia)

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

“The follow-through is just as important as the first action, if not more important!” 

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

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In Quote of the Day Tags Ally Angula, Management Advice
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Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, a Nigerian entrepreneur helping a new generation of writers to turn their passion for words into profits

October 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, founder of The Sparkle Writer's Hub (Nigeria)

Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, founder of The Sparkle Writer's Hub (Nigeria)

Many people have a natural talent for words, but turning that talent into a business is not always so easy. One woman entrepreneur, Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, founder of The Sparkle Writer's Hub in Nigeria, is providing a supporting learning environment for aspirant writers to develop that talent and pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams.

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In Startup Story Tags Media PR & Communications, Nigeria
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Entrepreneur Advice from Hazel Aggrey-Orleans: It can be a lonely journey

October 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, founder of Eki Orleans

Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, founder of Eki Orleans

It can be a lonely journey….

“Being an entrepreneur is without doubt one of the hardest roles to take on as you are your own boss and it can be a lonely journey as you do not have the structure of an establishment to support you. I always tell myself though, if being an entrepreneur were easy, every one would do it.”

Hazel Aggrey-Orleans, founder of Eki Orleans

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Journey
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Overcoming failure

October 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken
overcoming-failure

by Kathryn Main, founder of Money Savvy Kids

When I think about failure I truly believe I am an expert on this subject. I have failed in every area of my life many times - personally, financially, and in business. If you want advice on how to handle failure, ask an expert!

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In Guest Blog Tags Kathryn Main
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Charlene Van Riet-Lowe, an entrepreneur bringing a new approach to dispute resolution to Botswana

October 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Charlene Van Riet-Lowe, founder of Mediation Mechanics (Botswana)

Charlene Van Riet-Lowe, founder of Mediation Mechanics (Botswana)

Resolving disputes between communities, individuals and businesses can be a difficult process, and one that requires specialist advice and skills. In Botswana, Mediation Mechanics, founded by entrepreneur Charlene Van Riet-Lowe, is one company bringing its wealth of experience and expertise to help its clients to find solutions to their disputes. 

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In Startup Story Tags Botswana, Business Services
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TIME Magazine honours Wonderbag, founded by South African entrepreneur Sarah Collins

October 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken
WB feeding scheme_0_0.jpg

At the heart of every great business is a creative solution to a problem—and those solutions sometimes change the world. To assemble TIME’s first annual list of ‘The 50 Most Genius Companies of 2018’, it asked its global network of editors and correspondents to nominate businesses that are inventing the future. Then we evaluated candidates on key factors, including originality, influence, success and ambition. The result: 50 companies that are driving progress now, and bear watching for what they do next. The Wonderbag, created by Sarah Collins, is one of those companies to make the Top 50 list.

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In Award Winner, Lionesses, 100 Lionesses Project Tags Sarah Collins
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Mumboss: The Honest Mum's Guide to Surviving and Thriving at Work and at Home by Vicki Psarias

October 13, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Vicki Psarias

Vicki Psarias

In Mumboss, Vicki Psarias, founder of HonestMum.com, shares her #mumboss manifesto for surviving and thriving at work and at home. Vicki writes about everything from juggling work and family, to regaining your confidence after having a baby and battling imposter syndrome.

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In Essential Tags Books
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The challenge of people who order late

October 13, 2018 Melanie Hawken
fashion-studio.jpg

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

It’s the height of any fashion season right now. Whether you are a designer, seamstress, wholesaler, model, photographer or PR person in fashion, you are busy from August till January. And all your ‘please order in July for September’ advice has fallen on deaf ears. You are managing those who listened and risk managing those who didn’t. No matter how many no’s you can say, someone always convinces you to ‘pretty please help’; most of the time you help because it is someone you like and want to dress….again.

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In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
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My ABC of business: Why you should keep hustling

October 13, 2018 Melanie Hawken
hustle-mug.jpg

by Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa

Are you working really hard to build your business? Are you always on the look out for new opportunities to get income? Do you constantly follow up on clients and try and persuade them to buy your product/service? I have a newsflash for you…you’ve been hustling! Yes…you are a hustler!

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In Guest Blog Tags Lizl Naude
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Bupe Chipili Mulapesi, a Zambian strawberry farmer and processor

October 12, 2018 Melanie Hawken

VIDEO: Bupe Chipili Mulapesi is a Zambian agripreneur turning her passion for strawberry growing into a thriving business in the country.

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In Videos Tags Zambia, Agri-business
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Quote of the Day by Tabitha Karanja

October 12, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Tabitha Karanja, founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries (Kenya)

Tabitha Karanja, founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries (Kenya)

“… women feel their products and want to provide quality as they pay attention to details, causing customers to keep coming back.”

Tabitha Karanja, founder and CEO of Keroche Breweries (Kenya)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Tabitha Karanja
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Harare’s women entrepreneurs gather to share, inspire and connect for business success at the Lioness Lean In event

October 11, 2018 Melanie Hawken
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On the morning of Tuesday 9 October, Zimbabwe’s leading women entrepreneurs gathered together in Harare at The Venue to be inspired and to connect with their fellow women business and brand builders at the inaugural Lioness Lean In breakfast event in the country. And it lived up to its promise of a great occasion! The event was cohosted by Lionesses of Africa and Nedbank.

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In Events Tags Lioness Lean In, Zimbabwe, Harare
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Quote of the Day by Achenyo Idachaba

October 10, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Achenyo Idachaba, founder of MitiMeth (Nigeria)

Achenyo Idachaba, founder of MitiMeth (Nigeria)

“I just learned to use the challenges as stepping stones to reaching the desired goals.”

Achenyo Idachaba, founder of MitiMeth (Nigeria)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Achenyo Idachaba, Perseverance
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Bupe Chipili Mulapesi, a Zambian agripreneur turning her passion for strawberry growing into a thriving business in the country

October 8, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Bupe Chipili Mulapesi, founder of Farm23 Strawberry (Zambia)

Bupe Chipili Mulapesi, founder of Farm23 Strawberry (Zambia)

Inspiration to start a business comes in many forms, and for successful agripreneur Bupe Chipili Mulapesi, founder of Farm23 Strawberry in Zambia, her inspiration came from a fellow woman farmer across the other side of the world. 

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In Startup Story Tags Zambia, Agri-business, Farming
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Quote of the Day by Carrol Boyes

October 8, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Carrol Boyes, founder & CEO Carrol Boyes (South Africa)

Carrol Boyes, founder & CEO Carrol Boyes (South Africa)

“My dream was to be an artist and to earn enough money to survive from my art … I realized that I would have to risk it at some point, or end up spending the rest of my life wondering whether I could make it”

Carrol Boyes, founder & CEO Carrol Boyes (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Dream
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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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