Dusty pink

January 12, 2019 Melanie Hawken

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by Brigitte Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

Would you believe I have been creating dusty pink bridesmaids dresses since the inception of Roka Roko? My second group of bridesmaids in 2014 was a chiffon and lace dusty pink dress design; and that experience was terrible. Well, not because of the colour, but you can imagine I have had a few scary attachments to this colour. I have had a love hate relationship with the colour dusty pink for a while now. I think it is because as a creative you come to accept that things change and you expect the world to move with you…well no!

Be Fearless: 5 Principles for a Life of Breakthroughs and Purpose by Jean Case

January 12, 2019 Melanie Hawken

In her brand new book, Be Fearless, renowned philanthropist, investor, and technology pioneer Jean Case brings to life the five principles common to the people and organizations that change the world. This book is a call to action for those seeking to live extraordinary lives and bring about transformational change.

The Execution Factor by Kim Perell

January 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Serial entrepreneur, Kim Perell, author of The Execution Factor, first made headlines for her amazing transformative story of a startup entrepreneur to an internationally renowned CEO and prominent angel investor. From her modest beginnings at her kitchen table, she went from broke to multi-millionaire in just a few short years. Today, she has investments in over 70 startups many of which have been sold to some of the largest Fortune 500 companies. Now, in The Execution Factor, she offers indispensable wisdom as she shares her personal journey and proven program for achieving success.

Larissa Pienaar, an entrepreneur and co-founder of an innovative all-woman app design and development company in South Africa

January 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Larissa Pienaar, co-founder of Elemant Applications (South Africa) — **Larissa Pienaar**, co-founder of Elemant Applications (South Africa)

Find a problem and develop a unique solution that will fix it - that’s often the starting point for any business, especially in the tech sector. For the all women team behind South African startup business, Element Applications, their goal in life and in business is to develop smart apps that will solve a range of challenges for other businesses and organisations. Their first foray into the commercial app space sees them creating a much-needed solution for salon owners who need to manage their businesses more efficiently.

Looking back

January 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken

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by Tania Reid, Chief Experience Officer of Ithemba Office Solutions

As I sit and reflect, I look back on both the challenges and the blessings of 2018 and realize that the challenges are a given, but choosing to celebrate the blessings is a choice. I encourage everyone to reflect on and celebrate both your big and small victories.

O Medo de Vencer. The Fear of Winning.

January 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Nereyda Ah Hoy, writer, author and founder of Indika platform and digital magazine

Falhar é um dos maiores medos do Ser Humano. Mas já pensou que há pessoas que têm medo é de VENCER?

Failure is one of the greatest fears of the Human Being. But have you ever thought that there are people who are afraid of WINS? The fear of winning is not only a reality, but it is also one of the biggest obstacles to people's success.

100 LIONESSES: Featuring Kofo Akinkugbe, innovator and smart card technology market leader

January 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Kofo Akinkugbe is recognised globally for her entrepreneurial success story and strong business track record. She is founder & CEO of SecureID Nigeria Ltd a market leader in smart card technology and digital security. SecureID is a world-class manufacturing facility with the only smart card production plant in West Africa and one of only six on the continent. This company serves 16 countries across Africa and is fully certified by VISA, Verve and MasterCard. In 2012, Kofo won the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship Mature Business Award.

Elizabeth Crotty, an entrepreneur in South Africa helping global clients relocate to Australia to start new lives

December 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Elizabeth Crotty, founder of Aurora Migration Consulting (South Africa)

Relocating to a new country is a daunting prospect for many people, and for those interested in making Australia their new homes, it can seem particularly challenging to make the move. That’s where entrepreneur Elizabeth Crotty, founder of Aurora Migration Consulting, comes in. She has created a one-stop-shop to help any would-be relocator to Australia with all the fine details.

Temilade Adegbite, a Nigerian shoemaker creating bespoke footwear with a social impact

December 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Temilade Adegbite, founder of Right Legs (Nigeria)

Everyone loves great shoes that both look good and feel great, but for many school-children in Nigeria, having such shoes is simply not an option. For entrepreneur shoemaker, Temilade Adegbite, founder of Right Legs, her passion for making great shoes combined with her desire to make a difference to these young lives, was the inspiration for her business.

LIONESS LAUNCH: African Queen Magazine Online launches in Zimbabwe and globally

December 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Tofara Lindsay Chokera, founder of African Queen Zimbabwe

African Queen Zimbabwe has already built a reputation as a supplier of high quality African Print Fabric and Finished Products. But it is now launching an exciting new online publication, African Queen Magazine, which is aimed at motivating women and young people to start and grow their businesses online. The company is also offering advertising services in the magazine. TofaraOnline (Internet Marketing Coaching) also aims at assisting small businesses on strategies to grow their businesses online. These are exciting times for African Queen Zimbabwe.

True Empowerment - from order, right through to delivery and payment

December 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Tania Reid, Chief Experience Officer of Ithemba Office Solutions

A big thank you to all those corporates who had the courage to give SMMEs a chance this year. It has made a difference in profits, in creating more jobs and sustainability. Now, don’t get me wrong, it is a mutually beneficial relationship for all concerned when the SMME has all the right credentials and also provides high quality services and products. I’ve been in workshops where we are taught on how to do business with corporates, and I think it is equally important to teach the corporates on how to do business with entrepreneurs.

Beyond the Label: Women, Leadership, and Success on Our Own Terms by Maureen Chiquet

December 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken

In her book Beyond the Label, Maureen Chiquet, the former global CEO of Chanel charts her unlikely path from literature major to global chief executive, guiding readers to move beyond the confines of staid expectations and discover their own true paths, strengths, and leadership values.

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.