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Entrepreneur Advice from Olivia Onyemaobi: Just start something!

March 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Olivia Onyemaobi, founder of Pad-Up Creations (Nigeria)

Olivia Onyemaobi, founder of Pad-Up Creations (Nigeria)

Just start something!…

“To every woman out there, just start something! Do not wait until you have all you need, no one gets all their needs met in the early days. If I hadn’t started the campaign against sexual abuse, I wouldn't have discovered that there is such a need for sanitary pads in Nigeria. You can start, no matter how small, and surely you will grow bigger.” 

Olivia Onyemaobi, founder of Pad-Up Creations (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
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Quote of the Day by Mapeka Polane

February 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Mapeka Polane, founder of Spegelicious Cakery And Party Rentals (Lesotho)

Mapeka Polane, founder of Spegelicious Cakery And Party Rentals (Lesotho)

“Start the business that you are very passionate about. It’s a blessing to run a business that you love.”

Mapeka Polane, founder of Spegelicious Cakery And Party Rentals (Lesotho)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Getting Started
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Entrepreneur Advice from Jacoline Wentzel: Start making things happen

February 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
THE-SPA-WAREHOUSECollage.jpg

Start making things happen…

“Your dream will always just stay a dream if you do not start "doing". Put your phone down, stop living in that dream world of Instagram and Pinterest (don't get me wrong, I love them too!) and start making things happen around you.” 

Jacoline Wentzel, founder of The Spa Warehouse (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
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Entrepreneur Advice from Adedoyin Jaiyesimi: Focus on adding value

January 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, founder of The Sparkle Writer's Hub (Nigeria)

Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, founder of The Sparkle Writer's Hub (Nigeria)

Focus on adding value....

"Let your focus be on adding value through your business and meeting the needs of your target market. That's what will ensure the long-term sustainability of your business."

Adedoyin Jaiyesimi, founder of The Sparkle Writer's Hub (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
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Entrepreneur Advice from Gloria Otieno: Just start

January 17, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Gloria Otieno, founder of Recours Four Kenya Consultants (Kenya)

Gloria Otieno, founder of Recours Four Kenya Consultants (Kenya)

Just start....

"I would advise any woman out there to explore their ideas, I mean what is the worst that could happen? Fear is often a hindrance for many, but the greatest thing is that success lies on the other side of fear. Let it all go and just START."

Gloria Otieno, founder of Recours Four Kenya Consultants (Kenya)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
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Entrepreneur Advice from Monica Musonda: Learn by doing

January 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Monica Musonda, founder and CEO of Java Foods (Zambia)

Monica Musonda, founder and CEO of Java Foods (Zambia)

It's often best for entrepreneurs to learn by doing....

“I think you have got to learn by doing. You may not have all the answers, you may not know the size of the market, you may not know how much the competition is selling. But if you get into the business, do your initial groundwork as much as you can – but get in there and then start gathering your own data.”

Monica Musonda, founder of Java Foods (Zambia)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Monica Musonda, Getting Started
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Quote of the Day by Flora Mutahi

December 9, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Flora Mutahi, founder & CEO of Melvin Marsh International (Kenya)

Flora Mutahi, founder & CEO of Melvin Marsh International (Kenya)

“If in your heart you know that this is what you want to do, please do it despite all the pressure from society.”

Flora Mutahi, founder & CEO of Melvin Marsh International (Kenya)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Getting Started, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Flora Mutahi
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Entrepreneur Advice from Bhatupe Mhango: Start with what you have

November 18, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Bhatupe Mhango, founder of Bha’s Fragrance Boutique (Malawi)

Bhatupe Mhango, founder of Bha’s Fragrance Boutique (Malawi)

Start with what you have....

"Start where you can, with what you have, right where you are. All these brands we see out here started off as little seeds, so we should do the same. Don't compete with those who are not in your lane."

Bhatupe Mhango, founder of Bha’s Fragrance Boutique (Malawi)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
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When NOW is the perfect time

November 3, 2019 Melanie Hawken
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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.

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In Guest Blog Tags Catia Mondlane, Getting Started
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Entrepreneur Advice from Adenike Akinsemolu: Start now, start right, start proud and don’t stop!

October 8, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Start now, start right, start proud and don’t stop....

"Life is a journey, with problems to solve, lessons to learn, but most importantly, experiences to enjoy. All you need is a burning passion, an open mind and a compassionate heart. There will never be a perfect time to start a business. Start now, start right, start proud and don’t stop. I recommend reading People over Profit by Dale Partridge."

Adenike Akinsemolu, founder of the Green Campus Initiative (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
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Entrepreneur Advice from Phindile Ndlovu: Share your vision and go public

August 9, 2019 Melanie Hawken
0d4b37de-5faa-422b-840e-6e37307720b5.jpeg

Share your vision and go public….

“… sharing your goals can make you more accountable! Tell people you trust about your plans and ideas. Share your milestones. No one wants to look like a talker and not a doer.”

Phindile Ndlovu, founder of Bhekizenzo Foundation (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
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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)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
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Entrepreneur Advice from Christine Wanjiru: Your heart needs to be in the right place

May 23, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Christine Wanjiru, founder of Ayari Ani Cosmetics (Kenya)

Christine Wanjiru, founder of Ayari Ani Cosmetics (Kenya)

Your heart needs to be in the right place…

“Question your reasons for why you want to start a venture, ensure that your heart is in the right place, do your research, and brace yourself for what may come. Finally just do it.”

Christine Wanjiru, founder of Ayari Ani Cosmetics (Kenya)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Quote of the Day from Jazeera Suwani

February 22, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Jazeera Suwani, founder Say it with Chocolate (Kenya)

Jazeera Suwani, founder Say it with Chocolate (Kenya)

Just try!...

"You won't know if it will work unless you try, and if you try then there is hope for it to work."

Jazeera Suwani, founder of  Say it with Chocolate (Kenya)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Getting Started
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Entrepreneur Advice from Akosua Afriyie-Kumi: Begin NOW!

November 22, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, founder of AAKS, Ghana

Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, founder of AAKS, Ghana

Begin NOW!…

"It is really easy to get wrapped up in the planning of your business but sometimes you have to know what you want and just go for it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin now!"

Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, founder of AAKS (Ghana)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, Getting Started
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Quote of the Day by Tiguidanke Mounir Camara

September 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Tiguidanke Mounir Camara, founder of TIGUI MINING GROUP TMG (Guinea)

Tiguidanke Mounir Camara, founder of TIGUI MINING GROUP TMG (Guinea)

"Start now. Do not postpone your dream to tomorrow, thinking that you are not experienced enough."

Tiguidanke Mounir Camara, founder of TIGUI Mining Group TMG (Guinea)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Getting Started
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Quote of the Day by Jazeera Suwani

September 14, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Jazeera Suwani, founder of Say it with Chocolate (Kenya)

Jazeera Suwani, founder of Say it with Chocolate (Kenya)

"You won't know if it will work unless you try, and if you try then there is hope for it to work.”

Jazeera Suwani, founder of Say it with Chocolate (Kenya)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Getting Started
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Quote of the Day by Ally Angula

May 31, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia)

Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia)

“Back your dreams with action. Stand up for what you know is right and don’t let anyone tell you that it cannot be done.”

Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Ally Angula, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Getting Started
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Entrepreneur Advice from Tepsii Tshikororo: Give yourself a chance

April 24, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Tepsii Tshikororo, founder of Tepsii (South Africa)

Tepsii Tshikororo, founder of Tepsii (South Africa)

Give yourself a chance....

"Stop analyzing, criticizing, and giving reasons why this won't work. Give yourself a chance and just go for it. Any mistakes you make are opportunities for improvement!"

- Tepsii Tshikororo is the founder of Tepsii in South Africa, a company providing education and training in copywriting and online entrepreneurship as well as offering business coaching. Tepsii was previously a sought after professional writer in the corporate space for 12 years using her bachelor’s of science from a top university in New England to write scientific, engineering, aviation, and other technical documentation. Today, she is passionate about putting her copywriting and coaching skills to use for clients so that you can bring in maximum profit. 

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
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Quote of the Day by Nkatha Gitonga

March 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Nkatha Gitonga, founder of Yakutti (Tanzania)

Nkatha Gitonga, founder of Yakutti (Tanzania)

“Start as soon as you have an idea or a solution you are passionate about.”

Nkatha Gitonga, founder of Yakutti (Tanzania)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Getting Started
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


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LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace

Lioness Radio Show: AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace - Tune in for an engaging conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI and unlock its possibilities for your business.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Ledikana

Contemporary South African Chic…Knowing exactly how to spot a gap in the marketplace is key to the success of any fashion brand, and Mapholo Ratau, founder of Ledikana in South Africa, has achieved that goal. For h
Image of the Day / The 1964 Brand

Modern relaxed fashion…Olakunmi Oni is the founder of The 1964 Brand in Nigeria, a fashion business that proudly promotes self-care through minimalist clothing for the modern woman. Loyal patrons of The 1964
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c
Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi
Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company
Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p
Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized
Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has
Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y
Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates
Image of the Day / Ledikana

Contemporary South African Chic…Knowing exactly how to spot a gap in the marketplace is key to the success of any fashion brand, and Mapholo Ratau, founder of Ledikana in South Africa, has achieved that goal. For h Image of the Day / The 1964 Brand

Modern relaxed fashion…Olakunmi Oni is the founder of The 1964 Brand in Nigeria, a fashion business that proudly promotes self-care through minimalist clothing for the modern woman. Loyal patrons of The 1964 Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs
Anneline Lucinda Lopis, an entrepreneur on a mission to grow small scale miners around the African continent
Anneline Lucinda Lopis, an entrepreneur on a mission to grow small scale miners around the African continent
Gadifele Moeng, a South African entrepreneur empowering young people to find their voices through public speaking
Gadifele Moeng, a South African entrepreneur empowering young people to find their voices through public speaking
Elizabeth Karamangi, Linda Chawe, and Sophia Mrimi, three women founders building a specialist HR consulting business in Tanzania
Elizabeth Karamangi, Linda Chawe, and Sophia Mrimi, three women founders building a specialist HR consulting business in Tanzania
Kelly Jean Valigy, a dynamic marketing and communications professional building a creative powerhouse in Mozambique
Kelly Jean Valigy, a dynamic marketing and communications professional building a creative powerhouse in Mozambique

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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
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos

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