Gorilla Conservation pioneer and social entrepreneur, Gladys Kalema Zikusoka, acknowledged in new National Geographic film

November 3, 2019 Melanie Hawken

100 Lionesses

National Geographic's new documentary, which highlights mothers working in wildlife conservation and more. National Geographic has just launched a new documentary film, Women of Impact: Changing the World, which features prominent conservationists who discuss how they've shared their careers with their children and inspired them to be passionate about preserving wildlife, too. One of those featured is the inspirational Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, a wildlife veterinarian in Uganda, conservation biologist, founder of Conservation Through Public Health and Gorilla Conservation Coffee.

When NOW is the perfect time

November 3, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane, ceo & founder of Isabella – Estética & Cosméticos

Everyone wants immediate and effortless success, but as I started the entrepreneurial journey I realized that some actions needed to take place. I actually had to have a plan to reach where I wanted to be, by setting goals. More than planning to win, I had to understand how badly I wanted my dreams to come true. Also, to understand if I was ready to own a business, because it isn’t just about the money a business can bring to my life, but how driven I am to take action to make it a reality. To be a successful business owner, I have to both serve a higher purpose that is valuable for people, and at the same time, make money, because the more I serve, the more successful I become.

Why You Must Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway

November 3, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Saajidah Esat

I was inspired to write this article because of a book I am reading (for the second time). The title of the book is ‘Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway’ by Susan Jeffers. Fear comes up in our lives regularly and contrary to the belief that feeling fearful is a sign of weakness or lack of courage, this book enforces the fact that fear is a very normal emotion. It also offers great tips on how to act in spite of fear, when you are most likely to experience fear and a unique perspective on turning pain into power.

Own your values

November 3, 2019 Melanie Hawken

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

When we think about the word values – we tend to think of a poster inside corporate companies – ‘we value team work, trust, innovation’ – blah blah! Hopefully these values get brought into company culture and it forms the basis for how decisions are made, what to focus on and how to live the company brand. If they don’t – they live on the wall as a reminder of what they could choose to become.

Entrepreneur Advice from Londeka Mlawuza: Go Forth and Conquer

October 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Londeka Mlawuza, founder of LV & Co (South Africa) — **Londeka Mlawuza,** founder of LV & Co (South Africa)

Go Forth and Conquer….

“Start when you are ready, you'll know when you are. Don't Worry, you'll be fine. Don't wait for opportunities, create them for yourself. And Go Forth and Conquer!”

Londeka Mlawuza, founder of LV & Co (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Benji Coetzee

October 30, 2019 Melanie Hawken

"Don't be scared to ask. You will be surprised how willing people are to help, when you humble yourself."

Benji Coetzee, founder of EmptyTrips (South Africa)

Leading women entrepreneurs in Luanda gather at the first Lioness Lean In event in Angola

October 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken

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Event Report

On the morning of Friday 25 October, around 80 leading women entrepreneurs from Luanda gathered together for the first in a series of popular Lioness Lean In networking events in Angola. The event was hosted by Lionesses of Africa and Standard Bank Angola. The event built on the host of events that have been held already in Africa’s leading cities on the continent by Lionesses of Africa in partnership with Standard Bank Group over the past five years. As always, the focus of the event was on women entrepreneurs sharing their startup stories, inspiring each other with their experiences, and of course, lots of networking.

Durban’s high growth women entrepreneurs share insights and experiences of building scaling businesses

October 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Event Report

The most recent city stop on the Lioness Lean In Enterprise tour of South Africa was Durban, home to some of the most diverse yet exciting businesses, created by women entrepreneurs with growth in mind. Lionesses of Africa once again partnered with Absa to encourage these women business and brand builders to share, inspire and connect for greater business success.

Nandi Usher, an entrepreneur from Botswana making mobile beauty spa treatments accessible to everyone

October 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Nandi Usher, founder of Nandi’s Beauty Creations (Botswana)

Startup Story

Every woman wants to look and feel good, but not everyone can travel to a spa. However, in Botswana, one enterprising woman has created a mobile beauty spa experience that is convenient and affordable. Nandi Usher, founder of Nandi’s Beauty Creations, is winning fans with her quality service and products.

Creating a compliant cyber secure environment

October 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi, Cyber Law Consultant and MD Orizur Consulting Enterprise

Is there a reason to be concerned about cyber security? Absolutely! In fact, October has been declared a cybersecurity awareness month where campaigns are held to inform the public and businesses about the importance of cybersecurity.

Getting Noticed: A No-Nonsense Guide to Standing Out and Selling More for Momtrepreneurs Who Ain't Got Time for That by Lindsay Teague Moreno

October 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Momtrepreneurs, listen up! You don t have time for another change everything you re doing on social media and be just like me book. You need information and you need it fast. Author and uber successful momtepreneur, Lindsay Teague Moreno, believes if you want to grow your following, sell more product, and experience the freedom that comes with being your own boss, you need a guide along your journey? Lindsay’s book Getting Noticed isn’t the secret to social media, it’s a no fluff, take charge guide to the way we present ourselves, our business, and connect with customers online.

Lynelle Blunden, a South African entrepreneur fabricating finely crafted granite and marble surfaces into interior spaces

October 26, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Lynelle Blunden, owner of City Granite (South Africa)

Startup Story

Visit any good home, office or hotel interior and the chances are you will see beautiful granite or marble work surfaces and staircases. They are the mark of a high quality interior design space. In South Africa, entrepreneur Lynelle Blunden, owner of City Granite, is a specialist in fabricating and installing these unique materials to transform any ordinary space into something special.

Build A Belief Ladder to Reach Your Goals

October 26, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Laura Camacho

Just because you don’t know how to do something doesn’t mean it can’t be done.

According to the psychological concept of “agency”, which is essentially your belief in your own abilities, you will not achieve more than you think you can. That means if you want to build your business, you have to have the belief that you can do it.

The Strong African Woman Stereotype and Entrepreneurship

October 26, 2019 Melanie Hawken

by Martine Irakoze

African women. Do you feel like you were raised to be strong? Do you feel like being an African woman embodies a perpetual and unique strength? Have you heard words such as “African women are indestructible. African women are tough lionesses.” “Girl, get up! You got this in your heritage!” “Think of your mothers and grandmothers who raised nations through tough history!”

Quote of the Day by Marilyn Kamuru

October 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken

"For every dollar that you put in women's hands 80 cents goes to the family."

Marilyn Kamuru, Founder & Managing Director of eManage Africa

Quote of the Day by Lori Milner

October 23, 2019 Melanie Hawken

“…if you don’t make yourself heard, no one will know your value.”

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

The Bombshell Business Woman - How to Become a Bold, Brave Female Entrepreneur by Amber Hurdle

October 20, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

According to entrepreneur Amber Hurdle, The Bombshell Business Woman, the title of her book, at her best stands proud in who she is and what she offers, abandoning the whirlwind of uncertainty. A Bombshell Business Woman commands attention for her business, attracting the right customers, who fall in love with her brand experience. Her business allows her to live life on her terms so she can enjoy her family, friends, and her abundant life.

Lionesses of Lagos come out in force for the first Lioness Lean In event in Nigeria

October 20, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Event Report

It was a long anticipated event, but when the first Lioness Lean In event in Lagos, Nigeria took place on Thursday 17 October at the Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi, cohosted by Lionesses of Africa and Sigma Pensions, the atmosphere was buzzing. Around 120 leading women entrepreneurs from across the city came to be inspired, motivated and to connect for greater business success. It was a recipe for a great event - and it didn’t disappoint!

Selma Uamusse, a Mozambican entrepreneur building a proudly organic cosmetics brand in the country

October 20, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Selma Uamusse, founder of Nhani (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Many consumers are becoming much more discerning and knowledgeable about the cosmetics they buy and put onto their skin. But finding good quality organic cosmetic products that celebrate local, natural plants and production techniques can be difficult. That’s where Mozambican entrepreneur, Selma Uamusse, founder of Nhani comes in. She is producing great quality, organic cosmetic products that customers want to buy and can trust.

Lineia Caldeira, a Mozambican entrepreneur harnessing the power of 3d printing technology for her business

October 20, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Lineia Caldeira, founder of LC3D Produções (Mozambique)

The development of 3d printing technology means that today, if you can visualise it, you can make it. In Mozambique, entrepreneur Lineia Caldeira, founder of LC3D Produções, is literally bringing her clients’s ideas to life through the use of 3d printing.