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Lionesses of Africa

276 5th Avenue
New York, NY, 10001
(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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  • Events +
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
  • About +
    • About Us
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    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
  • Connect +
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
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    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

Entrepreneur Advice from Patricia Majule: Be patient

March 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Patricia Majule, founder of Unique Favors TZ (Tanzania)

Patricia Majule, founder of Unique Favors TZ (Tanzania)

Be patient….

“Being a woman is an added advantage for you to be successful as an entrepreneur in Africa, because we are naturally strong and can endure hardworking tasks. The only thing you need to add is to be patient with your business as it takes 5 to 10 years to grow a brand. So to be successful one needs to be consistent with the idea and the business for it to grow; avoid procrastination; put God first in everything you do; and do not give up.”

Patricia Majule, founder of Unique Favors TZ (Tanzania)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
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Quote of the Day by Julian Adyeri Omalla

March 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Julian Omalla, founder of Delight Uganda Limited (Uganda)

Julian Omalla, founder of Delight Uganda Limited (Uganda)

"I want to appeal to fellow women, we have to look back at our culture and mentor our young girls to have a bright future."

Julian Omalla, founder of Delight Uganda Limited (Uganda)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Mentoring
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Abai Schulze: Think big, but start small

March 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Abai Schulze, founder of ZAAF (Ethiopia)

Abai Schulze, founder of ZAAF (Ethiopia)

Think big, but start small....

"Find something that you are truly passionate about and build a vision for it – think big, but start small. Surround yourself with people who can challenge you and hold you accountable for your actions and progress."

Abai Schulze, founder of ZAAF (Ethiopia)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Passion
1 Comment

Quote of the Day by Aïssa Dione

March 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Aïssa Dione, founder of Aissa Dione Tissus (Senegal)

Aïssa Dione, founder of Aissa Dione Tissus (Senegal)

"I strongly believe in small-scale industries, as a way to bring development to West Africa. "

Aïssa Dione, founder of Aissa Dione Tissus (Senegal)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Aissa Dione
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Quote of the Day by Phindi Msomi

March 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Phindi Msomi, founder of Olwazini Consulting Services (South Africa)

Phindi Msomi, founder of Olwazini Consulting Services (South Africa)

"My greatest satisfaction is being able to provide jobs for other people."

Phindi Msomi, founder of Olwazini Consulting Services (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Job Creation
Comment

Meet 4 of South Africa’s Women Entrepreneurs of the Vine

March 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Special Feature

For years, South Africa’s Cape region has been synonymous with producing and marketing some of the finest wines, and in the process, exciting consumer palettes and markets around the world. Now, there is a growing number of women entrepreneurs in the country who are building exciting businesses and brands in the wine industry, winning legions of local and global fans along the way.

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In Features Tags South Africa, Wine
Comment

Hend Riad and Mariam Hazem, eco-innovators reviving Egypt’s weaving industry 

March 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Hend Riad and Mariam Hazem

Hend Riad and Mariam Hazem

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Reform Studio was founded by Hend Riad and Mariam Hazem, an internationally awarded lifestyle brand based in Cairo, Egypt. Directly after the 2011 revolution in Egypt, they were excited to be part of the great change around them, eager to make a stand and to make a difference, and this is how Reform Studio was born.

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In Cover Story Tags Egypt, Eco-preneur, Manufacturing
Comment

Thobile Nyawo, a powerhouse entrepreneur building a legacy civil construction business in South Africa

March 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Thobile Nyawo, founder of Nyawo Construction (South Africa)

Thobile Nyawo, founder of Nyawo Construction (South Africa)

Startup Story

The civil and building construction industry sectors are traditionally tough industry sectors to break into as a young, ambitious entrepreneur. But for Thobile Nyawo, founder of Nyawo Construction in South Africa, she believes there are no hurdles in business that cannot be overcome with hard work and tenacity.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Construction
Comment

Ubong Agina, a Nigerian creative fashion entrepreneur with a passion for training others

February 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Ubong Agina, founder of Nubeeka Concepts (Nigeria)

Ubong Agina, founder of Nubeeka Concepts (Nigeria)

Startup Story

As many entrepreneurs know, training and development can empower women to fulfill their potential, something Ubong Agina, founder of Nubeeka Concepts knows all too well. She is building a successful fashion design business and fashion training school to help others to realize their goals in the industry.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Fashion
Comment

Lioness Launch / South Africa’s Emeraldstone Events launches a one-stop-shop for wedding fashion and event design

February 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Khomotso Talane, founder of Emeraldstone Events (South Africa)

Khomotso Talane, founder of Emeraldstone Events (South Africa)

Lioness Launch

In South Africa, entrepreneur and creative design force, Khomotso Talane, founder of Emeraldstone Events, has launched a one-stop-shop to make the whole wedding outfit design and event planning experience so much easier for happy couples and their families.

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In Lioness Launch Tags Event Management, Fashion, South Africa
Comment

Women in Leadership

February 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tina Playne

Tina Playne

Impact Partner Content: Absa | by Tina Playne, Managing Executive: Sectors and Segments, Private & Business Banking, Absa Retail and Business Bank

Our brave new world demands brave new leadership - leaders who understand their purpose in life and in business, and who are able to inspire and motivate others. But how do you make the shift, find your purpose, and successfully transition from manager to leader. Tina Playne shares her insights on what makes great leaders who can move business forward.

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags Absa, Leadership
Comment

Reboot: Probably More Than You Ever Wanted To Know About Starting A Global Business by Jodie Fox

February 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Jodie Fox

Jodie Fox

Book Review

Jodie Fox, founder of Shoes of Prey, launched her business in 2009. It allowed people to design their dream shoes online, get them expertly manufactured, and have them shipped to anywhere in the world within two weeks. The startup broke even at two months, hit multi-million dollar revenues in under two years, raised tens of millions in funding from top-tier investors and shipped to more than 100 countries. It sounds like a fairytale business story, but that’s not where it ended. Her new book, Reboot, Jodie shares her very personal entrepreneurial journey.

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In Essential Tags Books
Comment

7 Lessons I Learnt from Network Marketing

February 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Clare Appleyard, founder of Katannuta Diamonds

My journey into entrepreneurship started in 2006 with a nervous breakdown (if you want the story, it’s on YouTube) and a subsequent interest in personal development.

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In Guest Blog Tags Clare Appleyard, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

The reasons I got tired

February 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

During the festive season people talk about how exhausted they feel; that they have been working hard the entire year and need a break. Most people are referring to the period of a year, 12 months of constant working and no rest. These people are mostly in corporate, makes sense! Then there is us; and those other brave souls that do corporate and business! We have been working 24/7 every day of the year, with random rests brought upon us by the flu! Then on a more personal level, there was me last year who was exhausted from 5 years’ worth of work. Constant, continuous, painful work. With doses of stress sessions in between as to whether we would make it. To say I was exhausted is an understatement; I felt depleted.

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In Guest Blog Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset, Brigette Mashile
Comment

Finding the optimal balance in your cash flow management

February 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Thandekile Moloko

An integral part in the running and growing of a business is finding an optimal balance of managing revenue and expenses. This is one aspect of financial management that cannot be disregarded. In most cases, the management of your revenue and expenses can be the lifeline of the business. It allows for a longer runway to achieve the financial and expansion goals set out for the business.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thandekile Moloko, Financial Management
Comment

Quote of the Day by Mo Abudu

February 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Mo Abudu, founder of EbonyLife TV (Nigeria)

Mo Abudu, founder of EbonyLife TV (Nigeria)

"Anyone who wishes to be an entrepreneur must know that bright ideas are great, however, they are not even half of the work; execution is everything.”

Mo Abudu, founder of EbonyLife TV (Nigeria)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Mo Abudu
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Adenike Ogunlesi: Discover your 'why'

February 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Adenike 'Nike' Ogunlesi, founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble (Nigeria)

Adenike 'Nike' Ogunlesi, founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble (Nigeria)

Discover your 'why'....

“Before going into a business, you must discover the reason for going into the business. You need to ask yourself the following questions; why do I have to do this, why am I here, what is my purpose and what is it that I want to achieve in this business?”

Adenike Ogunlesi, founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Adenike Ogunlesi
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Quote of the Day by Tania Reid

February 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tania Reid, founder of ithemba Office Solutions (South Africa)

Tania Reid, founder of ithemba Office Solutions (South Africa)

“... stop making excuses about your 'small' business, all empires started off small.”

Tania Reid, founder of ithemba Office Solutions (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Quote of the Day by Lynette Hundermark

February 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lynette Hundermark, co-founder of Useful & Beautiful (South Africa)

Lynette Hundermark, co-founder of Useful & Beautiful (South Africa)

"Don’t feel intimidated, trust in your abilities, follow your passion and go with it.”

Lynette Hundermark, co-founder of Useful & Beautiful (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Lynette Hundermark, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Entrepreneur Advice from Bernie de Le Cuona: You can grow and fund your business through sales

February 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Bernie de Le Cuona, founder of de Le Cuona

Bernie de Le Cuona, founder of de Le Cuona

You can grow and fund your business through sales….

“(My business) was totally self-funded. I never even used an overdraft. It was literally selling something, investing the money from that in something else and selling that.” 

Bernie de Le Cuona, founder of De Le Cuona

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Finance
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Download your FREE copy of the latest Playbook: Financing Business Growth

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


Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

Five female founders win over $100,000 in TechFoundHER Africa Challenge. Read more


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
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.

Read more →
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

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.

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

Read more →
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
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.

Read more →
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
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.

Read more →

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 / 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 / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o
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 / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i
Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business
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
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 / 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 / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o 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 / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business 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
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.

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

Read more →
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
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.

Read more →
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

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.

Read more →
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

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.

Read more →

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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

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.

Read more →
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

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.

Read more →
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

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.

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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

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.

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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

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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