My ABC of business: It’s time to forget about your business! Understanding the art of taking that well-deserved break without feeling guilty

December 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa

The holiday season signifies such a special time of year and hopefully most of you will have time to rest and recoup after the busy year. As an entrepreneur it is so important to take a well-deserved break without feeling guilty!

From fashion in France to philanthropy in Guinea Bissau - the business of giving back

December 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Lucille Gomes, founder of AUA HELP NOMA - (Photo Credit: Nathalie Fina) — Lucille Gomes, founder of AUA HELP NOMA - *(Photo Credit: Nathalie Fina)*

by Maryanne Njeri Maina

A former advocate for the world of fashion, Lucille Gomes decided to give back to society by providing for children suffering from Noma, or Vincent’s disease as it is often known. A national of Guinea Bissau, and today based in France, she shares the story of her work.

Entrepreneur Advice from Mo Abudu: You must be able to execute your ideas

December 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Mo Abudu, founder and Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV (Nigeria) — **Mo Abudu,** founder and Chief Executive Officer of EbonyLife TV (Nigeria)

The most important piece of advice I can give to any entrepreneur….

“You must make sure your ideas are grounded, make sure they are realistic, and you must be able to execute them. Why are they going to switch to your channel? Why are they going to buy your product or your service? What makes you different? What makes you unique?”

Mo Abudu, founder & ceo of EbonyLife TV (Nigeria)

Catherine Shipushu, a Namibian entrepreneur helping clients to build strong, sustainable brands

December 23, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Catherine Shipushu, founder of Azania Communications (Namibia) — **Catherine Shipushu**, founder of Azania Communications (Namibia)

For many companies and organizations, building a brand that will stand the test of time and still be relevant for years to come, takes specialist expertise and experience. In Namibia, Azania Communications, founded by Catherine Shipushu, brings both of those essential elements to any client serious about investing in their brands for the long term.

Deyzes Pereira, a Mozambican entrepreneur helping small companies to grow and thrive

December 23, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Deyzes Pereira, founder of Startups Consulting (Mozambique) — **Deyzes Pereira**, founder of Startups Consulting (Mozambique)

Any young startup knows how hard it is in the early days to build a strong business foundation. In Mozambique, that’s where Startups Consulting comes to the rescue. Founder Deyzes Pereira and her team bring years of experience and specialist knowledge to help any new business to put the right strategy and organisational structure in place to increase the odds of success.

Going green is important

December 23, 2018 Melanie Hawken

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by Yolanda Ndlovu, founder of South African lifestyle brand Essy Sandisiwe

I run an eco business and have consciously chosen to do so because of my background. I have always loved nature, the preservation of the environment, and I have always been an activist. I make accessories out of discarded fabrics and/or materials that are biodegradable. This has been my life for the past five years and I don’t think I am about to change anytime soon.

10 tips to reduce festive season stress

December 23, 2018 Melanie Hawken

December holidays and the festive season can be stressful for many people, and for a number of different reasons as I outlined in a previous blog here on Lionesses of Africa - How to Deal with Festive Season Holiday stress.

Three Simple Habits to Be Much More Confident on a Daily Basis

December 23, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Laura Camacho

The reason you don’t feel confident at the precise moments you need it is because stress shuts down your brain’s memory. When facing the unexpected, many people are unable to remember how they handled past challenging events.

The Secret Ingredient: Recipes for Success in Business and Life by Gigi Butler

December 23, 2018 Melanie Hawken

In her new book The Secret Ingredient, Gigi Butler of the uber successful Gigi’s Cupcakes shares her personal success story, her hard-won business acumen, and the life-changing inspiration that she’s gained from a challenging life. Each chapter includes a delicious dessert recipe for cupcakes and more!

LIONESS LAUNCH: Amorambique launches the 'clutch', which is made of capulana and interlaced fabric

December 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Patricia Vasco, founder of Amorambique (Mozambique)

Amorambique in Mozambique recently launched their new clutch called ‘Méryda Mini’, which is made of capulana and interlaced fabric. It is a small size clutch, ideal for both formal and casual events.

Quote of the Day by Mariéme Jamme

December 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Mariéme Jamme, founder Spotone Global Solutions — **Mariéme Jamme**, founder Spotone Global Solutions

"The future of Africa depends on technology, and the opportunity it gives girls and young women for greater prosperity."

Mariéme Jamme, founder of iamtheCODE

Entrepreneur Advice from Essma Ben Hamida: Maintain a balance

December 21, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Essma Ben Hamida, co-founder and Executive Director of Enda Inter-Arabe (Tunisia) — **Essma Ben Hamida**, co-founder and Executive Director of Enda Inter-Arabe (Tunisia)

It's essential to maintain a balance....

“Maintain a balance between your private life and your work. Do what you are passionate about so you can give more. I am happy and passionate even if I work a lot. Take care of your health so you will be able to see the results of your hard work.”

Essma Ben Hamida, co-founder of Enda Inter-Arabe (Tunisia)

Entrepreneur Advice from Nonkuthalo Thithi: Keep moving forward

December 20, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Nonkuthalo Thithi, founder of Styled to a T (South Africa) — **Nonkuthalo Thithi**, founder of Styled to a T (South Africa)

Keep moving forward….

“Just start! There are so many reasons why you shouldn't but the important ones are why you should. The reason you have that idea is reason enough, and the world needs more women entrepreneurs. Every yes you get is a step forward and every no you get is a lesson for the next opportunity. Do not get caught up in the no's, just keep moving forward.”

Nonkuthalo Thithi, founder of Styled to a T (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Lorna Rutto

December 20, 2018 Melanie Hawken

"....the best thing about female entrepreneurs is that they have an inborn responsibility toward society and aspire to help others and enjoy doing it."

Lorna Rutto, founder of EcoPost (Kenya)

Entrepreneur Advice from Bernice Dapaah: It takes patience and persistence

December 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Bernice Dapaah, co-founder of the Ghana Bamboo Bike Initiative — **Bernice Dapaah**, co-founder of the Ghana Bamboo Bike Initiative

It takes patience and persistence....

“I have come to learn to be patient and not to give up too quickly. It takes patience and persistence to bring a new and innovative product and ways of doing things to a community. There are early adopters who immediately embrace the product and there are traditionalists who resist the change that the initiative represents.”

Bernice Dapaah, co-founder of Ghana Bamboo Bike Initiative (Ghana)

Quote of the Day by Ruka Sanusi

December 18, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“Running a business successfully needs focused, deliberate leadership and women entrepreneurs and CEOs can lead the way in that regard through purposeful and transformational leadership.”

Ruka Sanusi, founder of Alldens Lane (Ghana)

Entrepreneur Advice from Christella Kirezi: Never give up

December 18, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Christella Kirezi, founder of Moz Crespas (Mozambique) — **Christella Kirezi**, founder of Moz Crespas (Mozambique)

Never give up….

"The greatest advice is to never give up even though it seems difficult or impossible to reach your ultimate goal. There will always be obstacles and difficulties to overcome.”

Christella Kirezi, founder of Moz Crespas (Mozambique)

Entrepreneur Advice from Nita Chivwara: Keep up with trends

December 17, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Nita Chivwara, Business Development Consultant (Malawi) — **Nita Chivwara**, Business Development Consultant (Malawi)

Keep up with trends....

"There is more than one way of growing a talent, a skill or an enterprise. Keeping up with trends and emerging online market places is key to growth."

Nita Chivwara, Business Development Consultant (Malawi)

100 Lionesses: South African Homeware Designer, Carrol Boyes, launches new textile range

December 16, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Building on her highly successful global homeware brand, South Africa’s leading design and retail entrepreneur Carrol Boyes has launched her first range of textiles incorporating her signature figure motifs.