Be your own permission agent

July 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner: author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress

Back in 2012, I knew I wanted to write a book that included interviews of amazing women to share their stories and insights. I didn’t know where to begin so I called Mandy Wiener, a well-known journalist. I had worked with her earlier that year on an event and reached out to her for advice. She was extremely helpful and at the end of coffee, I asked her which voice recorder she uses for her interviews.

15 Essential Tips for Women Franchisees

July 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Kabira Dewan

As a new franchisee, I discovered that women are particularly under-represented in the fast food franchise world. So, if, as a women, you have ever wondered if a fast food franchise is for you, the following are my tips to help you with your entrepreneurial journey. These are not in any order of preference but more aligned to my personal exposure in the Franchise World.

Serving my time - how I divide my most valuable resource

July 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Alice da Silva

Not to be confused with the prison term reference, by ‘serving my time’ I mean that I visualize my time as a sort of pie. There is only a certain amount, which I can divide into slices and serve accordingly. And I try to choose carefully, because it’s easy to get distracted.

Success has a price, pay up!

July 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Phindile Ndlovu, Founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation

I realized something the other day. I was so miserable, wondering if my job fulfilled me and if entrepreneurship is worth it. I was tired of feeling anxious, tight deadlines and constant cultivating relationships. Have you ever just wanted to stumble across a few million Rands and then switch off your phone? Spend your money and not worry about anything? Well, that was me, unmotivated and frustrated.

Entrepreneur Advice from Melanie Finch Keshwar and Ann Finch: Start small

July 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Melanie Finch Keshwar and Ann Finch, co-founders of The Chocolatiers (South Africa) — **Melanie Finch Keshwar and Ann Finch**, co-founders of The Chocolatiers (South Africa)

Start small…

“You don't need a loan - don't take one, if you can manage it. Start small on the side of whatever you currently do, and allow the sideline to grow to a point where it can sustain itself and later, sustain you. It is a good idea to carefully plan this route - any business takes a good few years to get onto its feet and be able to pay you a salary. Don't expect miracles, it’s many man hours and much trial and error.”

Melanie Finch Keshwar & Ann Finch, co-founders of The Chocolatiers (South Africa)

Dirce Abdala, a passionate foodpreneur in Mozambique building an exciting dried fruit business that is exciting tastebuds

July 21, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Dirce Abdala, founder of D-Fruit (Mozambique)

Being inspired by Mozambique’s wonderful array of fresh fruit led to the creation of an added-value enterprise, D-Fruit, founded by Dirce Abdala. Today she is extending the value of the fruit by producing healthy snacks that celebrate the raw ingredients but in a convenient, eat at any time, form.

Mirriam Murenga, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur building a unique accessory business that celebrates the craft of macramé

July 21, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Mirriam Murenga, co-founder of Trudy Mara (Zimbabwe)

Everyone loves a great handbag, and particularly one that stands out due to the craftsmanship shown in its creation. So for all those searching for a unique handbag that is the epitome of exquisite handicraft, Trudy Mara is the brand to look out for. Founders Mirriam Murenga and her sister Getrude are on a mission to introduce the beauty of macramé to discerning, stylish women customers.

LIONESS LAUNCH: South African financial advisory business, Simwealth, launches new financial literacy and coaching programmes for entrepreneurs and corporates

July 21, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Thandekile Moloko, founder of Simwealth (South Africa)

Managing personal and corporate finances for growth and creating generational wealth can be a challenge for any entrepreneur or business. But specialist advisory help is now at hand from South African finance expert and business coach, Thandekile Moloko, founder of Simwealth. This month sees the launch of a new series of financial literacy and coaching programmes for both individuals and corporates alike.

Lionesses of Africa CEO speaks at UN Senior Ministerial Roundtable event in New York on Mobilizing investment and private enterprise across Africa

July 21, 2019 Melanie Hawken

On a hot summer’s day in New York on 16 July, Lionesses of Africa Founder and CEO, Melanie Hawken, was at the United Nations to participate in a number of high level discussions as part of the Companies to Inspire Africa New York Day. One of the highlights of the day was the Senior Ministerial Roundtable event, co-hosted by UK and Kenya UN missions on supporting investment into Africa, where Melanie had the opportunity to speak about mobilizing investment for women entrepreneurs across the African continent.

Boss Up!: This Ain’t Your Mama’s Business Book by Lindsay Teague Moreno

July 21, 2019 Melanie Hawken

If you need to put your business on the map and get the ideas you’ve previously only dreamed about into the marketplace, then Boss Up! by Lindsay Teague Moreno is the book for you. It will help you overcome your fears of starting out in business, and the guilt of embarking on this crazy entrepreneurial journey, to find a fulfillment that changes you and your families lives for the better. And it will help you break free of the hard and boring in business and allow you to have fun along the way.

The Power of Goal Statement

July 21, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Marta Mulungo

If you are reading this blog post, chances are that you are an adult and as such, there is at least one thing that you desire in life. Human beings are goal orientated and this means that regardless of the level of achievement they are in, there is something else that they desire, it is how we are wired and we cannot get away from it, and it’s a good thing – it took us from the stone age, to the current digital era, it took us from carriages and horses to airplanes and space travel…

The myth of passion

July 21, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner: author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress

The word ‘passion’ has become a huge buzzword lately. Experts sharing their tips on how to discover your calling, your passion, your purpose for being on this planet. What I have found is that this is starting to become a destructive word. It creates this huge sense of fear – ‘what if I am not doing the thing I meant to be doing?’ It makes the present moment insignificant, it’s this thing we need to get through in order to get to the next more important moment because maybe we’ll discover it then. It has the ability to create huge self-doubt because the word passion indicates there is ONE thing we should be doing and that we should instantly know what that thing is.

100 Lionesses: Bernie de Le Cuona, a renowned purveyor of luxury textiles building a truly global brand

July 21, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Bernie de Le Cuona, founder of de Le Cuona — **Bernie de Le Cuona**, founder of de Le Cuona

It was a love of linen and an attention to detail that first fired Bernie de Le Cuona’s desire to create beautiful fabrics. Today, her company and brand, de Le Cuona, is a renowned purveyor of luxury textiles for interiors with a 25-year history. The company sources the finest fibres from around the world to create exquisitely understated linen, wool paisley, velvet, silk, cashmere and alpaca.

Solar Sister wins 2019 Keeling Curve Prize for Energy Access

July 14, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Solar Sister, the company that has spent the last decade helping bring clean energy to rural homes in Africa, and founded by Katherine Lucey its CEO, has now earned global recognition courtesy of an international award for projects and organizations dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Solar Sister is one of two winners of the 2019 Keeling Curve Prize for energy access, an honor that comes with $25,000 that the nonprofit plans to use to continue supporting local, female entrepreneurs with clean energy businesses in Africa.

Bloomingdale’s and The Lion King collaborate with Africa’s women entrepreneurs on new Pop-Up retail shop

July 14, 2019 Melanie Hawken

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Iconic US retailer Bloomingdale’s has launched the latest rendition of The Carousel Bloomingdale’s: Style Kingdom. From July 11th – September 2nd. The Carousel, a rotating pop-up shop driven by culturally relevant themes with a dynamic merchandise mix hand-selected by guest curators, guides shoppers to discover something new with each visit. This time around Florence Kasumba, the German-Ugandan actress who plays the role of Shenzi the hyena, in the upcoming film Disney’s The Lion King, serves as guest curator. She has tapped into her love of African fashion to identify select items that capture the spirit of the savanna. Leading African women entrepreneur brands such as Ghana’s luxury accessory brand AAKS, founded by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi; Swaziland’s accessory and homeware brand Khokho, founded by Philippa Thorne, Zinhle Vilakati and Sepna Shah; and South African luxury homeware brand, Carrol Boyes, founded by the designer herself.

LIONESS LAUNCH: South African entrepreneur, Sizalobuhle Helen Dube, launches new skills development programmes for aspiring mechanics

July 14, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Skills development in the automotive and mechanics sectors in South Africa is greatly needed in order to create sustainable economic opportunities for people. The Knowledge is Your K.E.Y Academy, otherwise known as KiYK, founded by entrepreneur Sizalobuhle Helen Dube in Pretoria, South Africa, is launching some exciting new skills development and training programmes.

Michelle Adelman, an entrepreneur in Botswana building a powerful business to find innovative solutions to food security in Africa

July 14, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Michelle Adelman, founder of Accite Holdings (Botswana)

One of the biggest challenges facing the African continent is ensuring a strong agricultural sector that can assure future food security, and that challenge requires innovative entrepreneurs to come to the table with ideas. One such entrepreneur is Michelle Adelman, founder of Accite Holdings in Botswana, who is harnessing the power of technology combined with sustainable business and investment models to create fast growing solutions to meet the need for fresh produce and alternative sources of protein.

Eki Okubanjo, a Nigerian fashionpreneur building a successful fashion and kidswear business that is winning fans locally and globally

July 14, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Eki Okubanjo, founder of Eki Oris Fashion Company (Nigeria)

Building a successful brand in the fashion industry can be tough. But for Nigerian entrepreneur Eki Okubanjo, founder of Eki Oris Fashion Company, she is proof positive that it is possible by knowing your customers and their needs. Today, Eki is creating beautiful and practical clothing for both her discerning and chic women customers, and also their kids who want to look just as good.

My Hall of Mentors: Lessons learned along a journey of success by Ntsiki Mkhize

July 14, 2019 Melanie Hawken

For author and social entrepreneur Ntsiki Mkhize, success is a journey we're all on and it looks different from moment to moment for each of us. In her new book, My Hall of Mentors, she shares her experience of understanding that the best way to learn, grow and succeed as entrepreneurs is to look at those who've gone before us and ask those who currently find themselves where we want to be. Then apply their lessons to our lives.

What is holding you back? Your mind is your super computer

July 14, 2019 Melanie Hawken

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by Madelaine Gomes (MsC.D)

Many of us are going through our day without even thinking about our mindset or the thoughts that we are entertaining and how these thoughts affect the results that we are creating. 90% of our thoughts a day are spent on past experiences, and only 10% of our thoughts a day is being spent on the actual now and tomorrow! Our thoughts are the most powerful tool and determine the direction and all outcomes of our lives.

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25 leading African women entrepreneurs share practical strategies, real experiences and advice. Playbook link

Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

LATEST PODCASTS

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Lioness GoTrade Podcast Episode 1

Episode 1: Lioness GoTrade Podcast: your go-to resource for growing your business beyond borders. Lionesses of Africa and DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa launch a new podcast series to help women-owned and women-led SMEs break into new markets through cross-border trade. Our launch episode features four remarkable women, each with a different view and experience of cross-border trade.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys Podcast features Melanie Hawken, founder & CEO, Lionesses of Africa and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, who share insights on creating greater access to finance and economic growth opportunities for women business builders in Africa. Also in conversation are three women entrepreneurs building sustainable, impact-driven businesses - Anne Rweyora, founder of Smart Havens Africa in Uganda, an enterprise creating affordable, climate-smart homes for women; and Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, co-founders of Mo’s Crib in South Africa, a high-growth, sustainable handmade decor manufacturing business.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys Podcast focuses on women entrepreneurs in the agribusiness sector who are in growth mode. In conversation with host Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, are Yvette Dickson-Tetteh, co-founder of Pure and Just Food in Ghana, a high-impact business transforming fresh fruit into premium tropical dried fruit products; and Hadija Jabiri, founder of GBRI Business Solutions in Tanzania, which specialises in growing, processing and selling premium fruits and vegetables for local and export markets.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys Podcast co-hosted by Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, focuses on the important topic of how to advance smart, inclusive investment in WSMES for sustainable economic development on the African continent. Guests in conversation and sharing their considerable insights include: Dipuo Phakathi, founder of Denic Cabinets in South Africa, Mariam Zein, MD of MAFCI in Mauritania, and Aniela Koffi, SME/SMI Manager, Commercial Banking Division, Ecobank.

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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Pleroma Patch, a South African innovative wellness brand creating plant-based patches to support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health.

Vanessa Mhlom is the founder and CEO of Pleroma Patch and is a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. Pleroma Patch is a modern wellness brand pioneering a simpler, smarter way to care for your body, through transdermal vitamin patches. Pleroma’s discreet, plant-based patches support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health. Driven by her belief that dignified self-care should be a right, not a luxury, she is developing the ‘Patch It Forward’ initiative, a give-back model that channels a portion of each purchase toward expanding access to wellness essentials like menstrual and sleep support for underserved women and girls.

Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Mo’s Crib, a premium sustainable homeware brand founded by sisters Morongwe and Michelle Mokone in Pretoria, South Africa. From humble beginnings making origami at local markets, the company has grown into one of Africa’s leading exporters of handcrafted décor. Using recycled PVC waterpipes and natural materials such as banana bark, cane, and sisal, Mo’s Crib creates globally sought-after baskets, planters, furniture, and ornaments. Today, the brand supplies major international retailers including Crate & Barrel, Target, and Woolworths Home. Committed to social impact, Mo’s Crib empowers over 85 artisans, creating jobs while advancing environmental sustainability and African design innovation. The business was launched in 2019 and today employs 280 people.

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Hazile Group, a South African agribusiness focused on sustainable food systems, renewable energy, and water stewardship

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi is a social entrepreneur and thought leader in climate resilience, and a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. She leads Hazile Group, a black woman-led enterprise driving climate-smart solutions in agriculture, energy, and water. The company’s core mission is to address food insecurity, water scarcity, and energy transition while uplifting marginalised communities. Hazile's focus on rural development, empowering farmers, and integrating climate-smart technologies directly supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals, notably zero hunger, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and climate action. She also runs Acumind Consulting, guiding organisations toward inclusive, values-driven leadership and ESG strategies.

Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Setšong Tea Crafters, an agri-business specialising in the crafting of speciality indigenous teas from the natural flora found in South Africa’s rural Limpopo

A former quantity surveyor turned social entrepreneur, Retang Phaahla is the co-founder and CEO of Setšong Tea Crafters in South Africa, and the winner of the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award. Her business celebrates indigenous tea knowledge while driving rural development. Based in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, the majority women-owned social enterprise collaborates with communities to produce a range of health-promoting teas (known for calming nerves, relieving tension, and supporting balanced blood pressure), and hosts cultural tours to promote eco-tourism and preserve heritage. Setšong’s business model has created sustainable income streams for rural women while reviving ancient botanical traditions. The business was launched in 2017 and has created 30 jobs for local people.

Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise promoting literacy through children’s storybook publishing and capacity building

Dr Margaret Kemigisha is the founder and CEO of Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise that promotes literacy through the publishing of children’s storybooks, offers social research consulting, and builds capacity among fresh graduates. Her work bridges development and applied research, supporting governments, development organizations, and the private sector with evidence-based solutions and creative tools for impact.

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…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-

Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat

Image of the Day / Nokware Skincare

Sustainable skincare…We love to see natural cosmetics companies with a sustainable approach to business succeeding in Africa, and Nokware Skincare, founded by Tutuwa Ahwoi in Ghana is a great example. She f

Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma

Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene

Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured

Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range

Startup Story

Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger are co-founders of Twenty 4 Skin, a unique South African medical-grade skincare brand. Juanri is a medical doctor with a special interest in regenerative medicine, so you could say she is a holistic regenerative GP, and Bernadette is a somatologist. The brand focuses on hormone optimization, aesthetic medicine, as well as skincare formulations.

Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment

Startup Story

Gillian Holl, founder of VELD Architects in South Africa, has built a business renowned for creating spaces that serve not as statements but as sanctuaries. It’s an architecture deeply connected to the African landscape, fostering a sense of belonging and calm.

Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management

Startup Story

Júlia Silota is the founder and CEO of J&G Environment Ltda, a Mozambican company operating in the environmental field, focused on the purchase and sale of solid waste, and providing solid waste collection services, solid waste management training, and environmental project evaluation. It was founded in August 2020 and began operations in 2023. It employs four people, two full-time and two part-time.

Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses

Startup Story

Cláudia Machaieie is the founder of Sea Glasses in Mozambique. She is a 28-year-old with a degree in Marine Biology, a postgraduate degree in Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Biology and Conservation Ecology. She has completed several technical courses in monitoring and project management. She began her activity as a volunteer and social activist at the age of 14 and is currently a founding volunteer of SOA Mozambique and a volunteer with Solo Adventures. She has worked in public (IIP), private (SEPPA, Centro Terra Viva), and international organizations (Girl Move Academy, UN - World Food Programme) developing activities in administration, monitoring, and management of humanitarian and environmental programs. Currently, she is the social responsibility coordinator at TOPACK Mozambique.

Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country

Startup Story

Matilde Mawelele Rungo is a digital transformation consultant, cybersecurity specialist, and founder of RealityTech Advisory in Mozambique, where she leads technology-driven projects for businesses and startups. She is also an evangelist and the creator of MTI – A Triad of Hope for Children, an initiative that integrates Evangelism, Technology, and Innovation to empower young people and communities. With a global vision, Matilde is committed to advancing individuals, organizations, and ecosystems through technology, faith, and meaningful social impact. The business was launched in 2024 and today has created jobs for 6 people.

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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

Book Review

Successful entrepreneur Betsy Fore, in her new book Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams, shows how, by practicing a manifesting mindset, you can discover your deepest purpose. She calls this an “inner why” and believes finding it can unlock your greatest potential as a creator, founder, and builder of great products.

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

Book Review

The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur by Mary Grant is a transformative guide for high-achieving women entrepreneurs, business owners, and coaches who are ready to amplify their influence, impact, and income. Written by Mary Grant, a seasoned entrepreneur and innovation expert with over 30 years in the fashion industry, this book unpacks the art of empowered presence, bold confidence, and defining success on your own terms. Through insights, strategies, and a fresh perspective on success, the author empowers women to harness their unique strengths, navigate challenges, and rise to their next level with clarity and unstoppable momentum.

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

Book Review

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 is not just another business book. Most focus on strategies and tactics. This one rewires the woman behind the business—so your growth is aligned, sustainable, and actually feels good.

Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting

Book Review

In the book, Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business, author Liz Elting, one of the most celebrated and successful women in America, has created a guide for how to not only dream big, but also win―both in business and in life.

After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

Book Review

In her new book, After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup, entrepreneurship expert Julia Austin shares battle-tested strategies to help founders and startup joiners build their venture from the ground up.

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