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Lionesses of Africa

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(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Let the business run itself

March 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Delegate.jpg

by Catia Mondlane

Who told you that you can’t do or have it all? Well, I’m here to affirm that yes you can do and have all that you want, just with some simple smart moves.

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In Guest Blog Tags Catia Mondlane, Management Advice
Comment

Efficient management of security operations is key to client satisfaction

March 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Ntsoaki Sibiya (née Kortjass), founder & ceo, Tsoabelo Security Solutions

Efficient management of a company-wide security policy is the key to making security a positive player in the corporate market, and will single-handedly cut out the negative connotations that some corporates may have attached to the industry.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ntsoaki Sibiya, Security Management
Comment

Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker by A’Lelia Bundles

March 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
A’Lelia Bundles

A’Lelia Bundles

Book Review

Soon to be a Netflix series starring Octavia Spencer, Self Made is the first full-scale biography of “one of the great success stories of American history” (The Philadelphia Inquirer), Madam C.J. Walker—the legendary African American entrepreneur and philanthropist, written by her great-great-granddaughter, A’Lelia Bundles.

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In Essential Tags Books
Comment

10 Phrases to Get You Through Almost Anything

March 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Laura Camacho

As a formerly-awkward person who still gets stumped in conversations, here are some of my go-to phrases and questions to get the conversation moving in a more productive way.

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In Guest Blog Tags Laura Camacho, Communication Skills
Comment

For the first time remote worker. Here’s to your new normal.

March 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Anja van Beek – Consultant & Coach

We have been talking about the remote worker for many years and suddenly, within a few days since COVID-19 was declared as a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation, companies around the world need to adopt this approach, and fast.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Anja van Beek, Remote Work, BU Remote Working
Comment

Quote of the Day by Bhavya Kalsi

March 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Bhavya Kalsi and Nimisha Kalipurayath, founders of KONA (Uganda)

Bhavya Kalsi and Nimisha Kalipurayath, founders of KONA (Uganda)

"Don’t let anybody else define what you can or cannot do!"

Bhavya Kalsi, founder of KONA (Uganda)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Entrepreneur Advice from Deborah Hartung: Find a balance between work and life

March 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Deborah Hartung

Deborah Hartung

Find a balance between work and life…

“It’s going to take some time and some planning, but you can definitely make time to find a more healthy balance between work and life. Do it for your health. Do it for your sanity and stress levels – your future self is already thanking you for loving yourself enough to take time out to rest.”

Deborah Hartung, founder of Pivot PeopleTech (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Deborah Hartung, Work Life Balance
Comment

So, now you’re at home. How to show up to your online meetings.

March 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Lori Milner

So, now you’re at home, life has done a 360 and you’re getting used to the ‘new normal’. I want to share some thoughts on how to show up to your meetings as your best self, because this will all come to an end at some point and life will resume back to what it once was. You need to take ownership and accountability for how you conduct yourself over this period, especially when it comes to your online meetings.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Lori Milner, Management Advice, BU Remote Working
Comment

COVID-19 lock down and the law in South Africa. What it means for your business.

March 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Aleshia van der Ploeg LLB. (RAU), Director VDP Legal Consulting (PTY) Ltd

The current worldwide crisis with Covid-19 and the latest announcement by the President regarding the upcoming 21-day lockdown has ALL South Africans in a spin. Everyone has questions regarding the personal impact, the financial impact and especially the legal impact of the impending lockdown.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Aleshia van der Ploeg, Legal, BU Legal Matters
Comment

Do business differently and be a disruptor

March 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Jolene Roelofse, Owner of Bludoor Market and Co-founder of Fluence

Given the current status quo globally and the State of Emergency declared this past weekend in South Africa, it is far from Business as Usual for businesses. But it is the ideal time to do business differently, change the course, be a disruptor, and use the current situation to your advantage.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Jolene Roelofse, BU Management Advice
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How does one survive the chaos of the Corona Virus?

March 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Paula Quinsee

With many people going into self-quarantine, being asked to work from home, schools and businesses shutting doors to do their bit to try and contain the impact of the Corona virus, it also brings with it a lot of change, anxiety and fear. If you missed our discussion on the Expresso Breakfast Show, you can view it here.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Paula Quinsee, Stress Management, BU Wellbeing & Mental Health
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What’s at stake for you with Coronavirus? 

March 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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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.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Kathy Mann, Stress Management, BU Wellbeing & Mental Health
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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

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.

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Productivity Time & Energy
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Quote of the Day by Lizl Naude

March 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa (South Africa)

Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa (South Africa)

“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)

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In Quote of the Day
Comment

Quote of the Day by Selassie Atadika

March 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Selassie Atadika, founder of Midunu Chocolates (Ghana)

Selassie Atadika, founder of Midunu Chocolates (Ghana)

“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)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

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)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

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

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.

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In Team Lioness, Business Unusual Tags Business Unusual, BU Relief Programs Business Support
Comment

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

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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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.

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In Essential Tags Books
Comment

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

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Chocoloza-Cover-Collage.jpg

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.

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In Cover Story Tags South Africa, Food & Drink
Comment

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

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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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.

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In Team Lioness, Features, Business Unusual Tags Business Unusual, Leadership, BU Crisis Strategy
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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

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


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

Lioness Radio Show Interview: Listen to Mr Jules Ngankam, Group Chief Executive Officer of the African Guarantee Fund, discussing the journey from Bias to Bankable - AGF’s Case for Financing Women Entrepreneurs.

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
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
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Khokho Collection

Summer Tote Bag…We love this super stylish woven summer tote bag, perfect for the weekend from Khokho Collection, founded by social entrepreneurs Philippa Thorne, Sapna Shah and master weaver Zinhle Vilaka
Image of the Day / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map
Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c
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 / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
Image of the Day / Afrobotanics

Nature inspired haircare… Banish dry hair with the Afrobotanics Hemp Seed Oil moisturising conditioner created by Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur and advocate for natural hair and body produc
Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind
Image of the Day / Mon Choco

Chocolate gifting goodies…Who doesn’t love a chocolate gift at this time of the year? So where better to sample some of the finest chocolate on the African continent than in Cote d’Ivoire, from Mon Cho
Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Celebratory cake…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-Obwaka
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 / Khokho Collection

Summer Tote Bag…We love this super stylish woven summer tote bag, perfect for the weekend from Khokho Collection, founded by social entrepreneurs Philippa Thorne, Sapna Shah and master weaver Zinhle Vilaka Image of the Day / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c 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 / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi Image of the Day / Afrobotanics

Nature inspired haircare… Banish dry hair with the Afrobotanics Hemp Seed Oil moisturising conditioner created by Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur and advocate for natural hair and body produc Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind Image of the Day / Mon Choco

Chocolate gifting goodies…Who doesn’t love a chocolate gift at this time of the year? So where better to sample some of the finest chocolate on the African continent than in Cote d’Ivoire, from Mon Cho Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Celebratory cake…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-Obwaka 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.

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
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
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
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
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
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country
Yanara Tavares Viana, a Mozambican entrepreneur developing a smart urban housing solution in the country

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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
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
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
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
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

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