Pifa Gove, a Mozambican milliner taking the art of hat-making to new heights

April 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Epifania Stella Ernesto Gove, founder of Pifa Gove Millinery (Mozambique)

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Epifania Stella Ernesto Gove, or Pifa as she is fondly known, is a Mozambican entrepreneur who is building a global reputation for the beautiful hats she creates for her clients. No stylish woman who wants to make an impression at any special and glamorous occasion would be without one of Pifa’s unique and eye-catching hat creations. Her company, Pifa Gove Millinery, specializes in handmade modern millinery, offering a bespoke service and also a ready to wear collection for her clients. She has also recently launched a personal image consultancy.

LIONESS LAUNCH / Lionesses of Africa launches its Business Unusual Portal

April 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Launch

What a strange world we are currently living in. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a new and challenging reality for us all. These are seriously tough economic times, and as women entrepreneurs it requires us all to think differently about how we do business. It is going to take courage (lots of it), patience (lots of that too), innovation and sheer determination to get through this new normal.

Coronavirus, for those experiencing Demand Shock

April 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken

From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

Empathy is a Superpower along with your Fair but Firm Leadership. Empathy with and for your employees is what is going to get you and them through these challenging times. Empathy is not a weakness, you can understand what they are going through, understand their fears, whilst still doing what is best for the company, your employees and for the community at large. But to do this you must keep in your mind.

Lioness Launch / South Africa’s The Joinery launches TOGETHER campaign with a new tote bag

April 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Launch

This week sees South Africa’s leading sustainable and ethical product design brand, The Joinery, launching its new TOGETHER campaign. Founding sisters, Kim and Natalie Ellis, are asking customers and supporters to join them on their journey to making a difference. This initiative was created to support those in need with food parcels, as well as to support local farmers that can no longer supply to the restaurant industry due to COVID-19.

Nilsa Ribeiro, a Mozambican entrepreneur using the power of dance to build confidence

April 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Nilsa Ribeiro, founder of OWNit Movement (Mozambique)

Startup Story

They say that if you want to create change at scale, create a movement, and that is what entrepreneur Nilsa Ribeiro, founder of OWNit Movement has done. She is empowering women to find confidence and experience self love through the power of dance.

Tatiana Da Encarnação Casaca, an Angolan entrepreneur helping people find their dream property

April 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Tatiana Da Encarnação Casaca, co-founder of IMO NExT (Angola)

Startup Story

Identifying a collective need in Angola’s property market to make finding the perfect house or apartment as hassle free as possible, was the inspiration for Tatiana Da Encarnação Casaca and her co-founders to create IMO NExT. The company has developed the country’s first app to help streamline the property finding process.

Managing liquidity: a key consideration as businesses deal with the Covid-19 crisis

April 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Impact Partner Content: Absa / by Justin Schmidt, Head of New Sector Development, Absa Retail and Business Bank

While COVID-19 is first and foremost a global health crisis, the brutal reality is that the measures to “flatten the curve” have had a devastating impact on many businesses already – and will continue to in the medium to long term. The need to quickly conserve cash and to alleviate inefficiencies that may have crept into business in the good times are more important than ever, with revenues being down substantially due to these shocks. Acting quickly to manage your liquidity is essential in these uncertain times.

Being seen as a grasshopper, YET feeling like a giant, in the business world

April 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Nomihlali Ntsunguzi

It was the very first presentation I had to make to pitch for business after I had just started. The potential client was in an industry I knew very well, and I knew the human capital challenges everyone was experiencing. I was so excited yet anxious, but I was quite confident that my pitch was on point. As I walk into the boardroom, I recognize someone I know from church and I immediately felt relieved….my thought, “God indeed works in miraculous ways”. Little did I know that out of all the executives that were sitting there, I was going to get the worst treatment from the one I recognized.

Entrepreneur Advice from Annabel Biggar-David: Keep your values

April 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Annabel Biggar-David, founder of Organico (South Africa)

Keep your values….

"Keep your circle small and find your ‘tribe’ that celebrates the magnificent goddess that you and they are. Be a woman other women can trust. Keep your values front and centre as business integrity goes a very long way.”

Annabel Biggar-David, founder of Organico (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Fatuma Abdullah

April 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken

"No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up and never give up!"

Fatuma Abdullah, founder of Akiki Dolls (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Marjorie Atuhurra: Step out of your comfort zone

April 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Marjorie Atuhurra, founder of Gejja Women Foundation (Uganda)

You need to step out of your comfort zone….

"You have to leave your comfort zone, and you can find more than you expect. If you stay within your perceived limits it will not work. So don't settle for what you have – instead, set a goal. And I think it's best to go together. I am not going alone, but I'm going with my fellow girls and women.”

Marjorie Atuhurra, founder of Gejja Women Foundation (Uganda)

Quote of the Day by Debra Mwodza

April 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken

"Surround yourself with people that challenge you, encourage you and hold you accountable.”

Debra Mwodza, founder of Quest Support Solutions (South Africa)

Show up ‘your way’ by letting go

April 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

There is so much advice on how to tackle our new way of being. One of which is to ensure a well-organized schedule for your time as well as your kids. Now I am the preacher on using your calendar to schedule work and life tasks to ensure they get done. My mantra is – ‘If it gets scheduled, it gets done!’ There is a huge ‘however’ coming…HOWEVER….this philosophy has been tested to its limits in the last week. I planned the week ahead knowing exactly what outputs and deliverables I wanted to achieve and then sat down to make an ‘excellent’ schedule for my children ages 5 and 7. Day 1 did not work out too well….

Quote of the Day by Maria Natália João

April 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken

"Every day is always a new challenge, one more goal to fulfill, more surprises, some mishaps, but with persistence, focus and determination, I can overcome any difficulty and go on.”

Maria Natália João, founder of MNJ Eventos & Serviços (Mozambique)

Entrepreneur Advice from Tatenda Ndambakuwa: Shoot high!

April 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Tatenda Ndambakuwa, founder of Shiri (Zimbabwe) — **Tatenda Ndambakuwa**, founder of Shiri (Zimbabwe)

Shoot high!…

“Find your passion and seize every opportunity related to it. Do lots of research around the industry you want to break into. Focus on the things you can control and perfect the details. Cultivate a network of trusted mentors and colleagues. Choose the right teammates. Above all shoot high, the most important thing is to get up and keep trying, never give up on something you believe in. PS: Don't forget to shatter glass ceilings!”

Tatenda Ndambakuwa, founder and developer of shiri (Zimbabwe)

Effective brand communication during uncertain times of COVID-19

March 31, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Kelebogile Makhafola

The saying that goes, “you cannot manage what you cannot measure” proves to be earnest in such a time. Marketing managers, brand leaders and business owners are not only having to deal with the core sustenance of the business, but also forced to figure out how best to keep their brand healthy and helpful in such a time. Effective brand communication during uncertain times is vital for stakeholder management and brand impact. Below are 5 ways to keep your brand engaged and empathetic to its’ customers as we globally navigate uncharted territory.

The influence of COVID-19 in South Africa’s work environment

March 31, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Nomihlali Ntsunguzi

In the last week prior to and during the lockdown, the number of people working from home increased, some were sent home on unpaid leave. This has distinguished companies that have started adapting to the 4IR through proper systems, from those that haven’t adapted at all. Jacques du Preez (IOA) says, “those quickest to utilize the new technologies that come with the 4IR will reap the most benefit. Some estimates place the profits reaped by early-adopting firms at almost 120%, with a measly 10% for those who only adopt the new technologies later on”.

8 Ways Designers Can Adapt During The Crisis

March 31, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Tapiwa Matsinde

The pandemic has forced us to rethink the business plans we set out for the year ahead. While we cannot control what is happening we can control how we choose to react and for designers and creatives that includes adapting the way we work. Conversations with designers in my network have revealed the ways in which they are pivoting and I share theirs and my suggestions with you.

How I keep my spirits up, while adapting to a new reality

March 31, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Alice da Silva

The global Covid-19 pandemic has forced us to live differently. I am noticing that many people are very distressed about changes to planned goals and activities. The social distancing and self-isolation is causing many to be apprehensive and frustrated at home. I have decided to share how I keep my spirits up, while adapting to a new reality. I’m no expert, and what works for me may not be everyone’s solution, but maybe some of this will inspire others with their own ideas.