What’s at stake for you with Coronavirus?

March 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Kathy Mann, Author & Speaker

Stress researchers define stress to be what happens when something we care about is at stake. This definition allows us to understand our values and motives and to uncover what’s happening beneath the surface when we feel stress or anxiety.

Entrepreneur Advice from Adenike Ogunlesi: How I find strength in difficult times

March 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken

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

On finding strength in the difficult times....

“Having peace around you, positive energy, people who are positive, who are doers and want to achieve. I love that energy so that it further energises me.”

- Adenike 'Nike' Ogunlesi is the founder of Ruff 'n' Tumble a leading designer, manufacturer and retailer of designer children's clothing in Nigeria. Nike started out modestly in 1996 selling the clothes she made from the boot of her car and in bazaars. Today, Ruff 'n' Tumble is an instantly recognisable brand in Nigeria and has a reputation for being one of the top manufacturers of children's clothing throughout West Africa. Ruff 'n' Tumble successfully caters to the unique fashion sense of today’s youngsters, from new born to age 16, happily mixing indigenous lifestyle trends with an international appeal.

Quote of the Day by Lizl Naude

March 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“In my experience, the most potent killer of creative thinking is fear! It can absolutely choke creativity…”

Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Selassie Atadika

March 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“The real sign of an entrepreneur is falling to the ground and being able to get yourself up, time after time. It can be a bitter sweet journey.”

Selassie Atadika, founder of Midunu Chocolates (Ghana)

Entrepreneur Advice from Candice Johnson: Stay grounded and centred

March 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Candice Johnson, founder of Miss Knitwear (South Africa) — **Candice Johnson,** founder of Miss Knitwear (South Africa)

Stay grounded and centred....

"My advice would be to know that you will go through ups and downs in your business and to let that be okay. Not to get swept away by the difficult times but to keep focused and know that those you can weather. There will be expansion on the other side. Keep going and don't worry too much about making mistakes. There will be many but staying grounded and centred can allow you to see that there is learning in each step of the way and to trust the process. If your heart is in what you are doing, then you will be supported by the universe."

Candice Johnson, founder of Miss Knitwear (South Africa)

Message of support from Melanie Hawken. As a Lioness of Africa, you are not alone!

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa

From Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo of Lionesses of Africa

What turbulent and uncertain times we are living in. The COVID 19 virus outbreak globally has created a new and challenging reality for us all. Businesses are feeling the pain already, and the true impact of the crisis is still unknown. As entrepreneurs, we are dealing with a multitude of issues, from managing cashflow, through to trying to get sales when the market is struggling. At Lionesses of Africa, we understand what our community of 1 million+ women entrepreneurs is going through, and we are committed to playing our part in trying to help.

Get It Developed: Design the Business of Your Dreams by Sorana Blackfoot

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

Entrepreneur Sorana Blackfoot’s new book Get It Developed: Design the Business of Your Dreams brings experience and insights from eight experienced entrepreneurs who pool their collective knowledge and share their best personal tips with you, so you too can benefit from their journeys to success.

Vicki Bain, a South African artisan chocolate maker creating luxury and jobs

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

In Johannesburg, South Africa, true chocolate lovers who are constantly on the search for the purest of taste sensations and the highest quality ingredients, know there is one destination to choose for their chocolate fix. Chocoloza, the brainchild of entrepreneur and passionate chocolatier, Vicki Bain, combines the best Belgian chocolate with the finest local, fresh African ingredients. The result is a taste sensation unlike anything else you will taste in the chocolate world.

Coronavirus - Leadership is the number one superpower during times of crisis

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept.

Last week we looked at the most important aspect of any business when times turn tough - that of Cash Flow. Please note those practical steps have worked for our team in other businesses around the globe, and although not guaranteed to work in every case, will at least encourage thinking in our Lionesses to preparing for the threat coming.

Customer experience design and an agile approach

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

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

There is a marriage made in heaven between two practices that have been around for a while, and it is time to formally unite them. Welcome to the merger of Customer Experience (CX) and Agile management practices.

Anabela Marcos, an Angola entrepreneur on a mission to develop people talent

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Anabela Marcos, founder of Gestão Profissional (Angola)

Startup Story

Everyone knows the phrase, ‘a company is only as good as it’s people’. But developing, nurturing and connect people to the right career opportunities so they fulfill their potential is key to achieving that goal. In Angola, Anabela Marcos, founder of Gestão Profissional, has built a business that is helping both companies and employees alike with their talent development needs.

Darshani Persadh, a South African entrepreneur driving R&D innovation technology

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Darshani Persadh, co-founder of Darjyo (Pty) Ltd (South Africa)

Startup Story

As 4IR becomes the key talking point for business, ushering in the second wave of the internet, South African entrepreneur Darshani Persadh, co-founder of Darjyo (Pty) Ltd is bridging the gap between ideas and reality.

The boundary breakers

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Catia Mondlane

We were taught to play safe and within pre-established limitations that brought blockages to our mindset and how we approach things in life. As a result we have those that are scared of taking risks to go after their dreams, especially when this requires breaking established behavioral patterns and unconscious boundaries.

Leading from the heart

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

Last week, I got an enquiry on my phone about us making a dress for a collection on Thursday - the problem was this message was coming in on a Tuesday. I immediately responded with the message that we unfortunately wouldn’t be able to make a dress by Thursday. This, of course was not a lie. The entire process of making a dress is just not possible in 1 day. Even one week is not enough. So many things can and will go wrong.

The first rule of sales. Listen.

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Clare Appleyard

Many entrepreneurs struggle with sales and often ask what is the secret to making that all important successful sale. Well, it all starts with the first rule of sales - listen!