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Lionesses of Africa

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The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Shaden Abushaera, an Algerian entrepreneur creating an online platform for emerging women-focused brands 

April 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Shaden Abushaera, founder of HeraCloset Online (Algeria)

Shaden Abushaera, founder of HeraCloset Online (Algeria)

Startup Story

Shaden Abushaera, founder of HeraCloset Online, knows what her customers want when looking for clothing that meets their lifestyle needs. Her dream was simple; to create a new world of self-expression for independent local artists and to help them sell their creations in a meaningful way.

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In Startup Story Tags Algeria, E-commerce, Fashion
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Ruth Wewura Guribie, a Ghanaian cosmetics brand builder celebrating the natural power of shea butter

April 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Ruth Wewura Guribie, founder of Sava Shea Company Limited (Ghana)

Ruth Wewura Guribie, founder of Sava Shea Company Limited (Ghana)

Startup Story

For decades, women across the African continent have known how good shea butter is for the skin. Now, Ruth Wewura Guribie, the founder of Sava Shea Company Limited in Ghana, is creating a natural skincare brand that celebrates this much-loved local ingredient.

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In Startup Story Tags Ghana, Beauty & Wellness
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Coronavirus / 8 practical steps to get your employee communication right

April 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

In the world of entrepreneurship, the founder of the business is the most trusted of all social messengers when it comes to effective communication – beating business in general, government, media and NGOs by 20-point margins. When the founder speaks, people listen, in particular employees — and the tone, accuracy and relevance of employers’ advice can make all the difference between calm and panic in this current, unsettling crisis situation.

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In Team Lioness, Business Unusual Tags Team Lioness, BU Employees
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LIONESS LAUNCH / Mozambique’s Black Khakhela launches new natural hair and skin care range

April 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Carmen Miral, founder of Black Khakhela (Mozambique)

Carmen Miral, founder of Black Khakhela (Mozambique)

Lioness Launch

For conscious consumers looking to buy proudly Mozambican natural skin and haircare products, entrepreneur Carmen Miral, founder of Black Khakhela has the answer. She is launching a new range of ten products that celebrate Mozambican culture and ingredients, and which are completely natural. Fans of Carmen’s business and brand will be delighted to see this new range as it is not only of the highest quality, but also supports the growth of a local cosmetics industry in the country.

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In Lioness Launch Tags Mozambique, Beauty & Wellness, Haircare
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COVID-19 Funding Relief landscape in South Africa

April 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: Absa

The recent global health crisis has many of us deeply concerned about the health and wellbeing of our family, friends and employees. Not to mention the impact it has on us as business owners. We may consider a multitude of strategies, tactics and angles, but at the end of the day it effectively comes down to one thing – the lifeblood of our businesses…cashflow!

Read more
In Lioness Content Lab, Business Unusual Tags Absa, BU Relief Programs Business Support
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Interest rate cut. Take advantage.

April 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Ronel Jooste CA(SA), Financial Consultant, Speaker and Author of ‘Financially Fit and Wealthy’

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has announced an interest rate cut of 1% (100 basis points) effective from March 2020. The interest rate cut brings the repo rate down to 5,25% and the prime lending rate to 8,75%. This follows the previous cut of 0,25% that was announced three months ago in January 2020 bringing the repo rate to 6,25%. The cut in the interest rate is in response to a South African economy struggling for quite some time now.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Ronel Jooste, BU Management Advice, Finance
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From the heart and mind of a Social Entrepreneur

April 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Natasha Singh-Ally, Founder: Business Ecology

Together we are conceiving of the complexity and fragility of the living ecosystem we have always been a part of, but perhaps never before so harshly experienced.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Natasha Singh-Ally, BU Crisis Strategy
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Why compassionate sales is the new way of doing business 

April 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Karen van Zyl, Founder & CEO, VA Connect and SnappSales

If you Googled “always be closing” the first page will bring up results of Alec Baldwin’s monologue in a dated movie called Glengarry Glen Ross. There was a lot of hype back then regarding this ABC monologue. And if you ask around today they’ll tell you this mind-set dead.

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In Guest Blog Tags Karen van Zyl, BU Sales & Marketing, Sales
Comment

Quote of the Day by Vânia Ribeiro

April 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Vânia Ribeiro, founder & ceo, Assinebwe, Lda (Angola)

Vânia Ribeiro, founder & ceo, Assinebwe, Lda (Angola)

“We women are more than special, we were born to shine. So make sure every day you wake up you do a little something to get closer to your dreams.”

Vânia Ribeiro, founder & ceo, Assinebwe, Lda (Angola)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Dream
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Entrepreneur Advice from Faith Dzwinamurungu / Push yourself

April 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Faith Dzwinamurungu, founder, Fay’s Kitchen (Eswatini)

Faith Dzwinamurungu, founder, Fay’s Kitchen (Eswatini)

Push yourself…

“To any woman out there with a passion for anything, I say to you the sky is the limit. Push yourself, do not procrastinate, just be a go-getter and everything will work out, only if you push, push, push!”

Faith Dzwinamurungu, founder, Fay’s Kitchen (Eswatini)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Passion
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Adapting Our Businesses

April 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Catia Mondlane

The new Coronavirus pandemic has forced most of us to stay indoors, and having to work from our homes seems to be the only way out to survive the current situation. As bad as things seem to get, I truly believe that there is a bright side out of the bad news we have been seeing and hearing about what is going on around the world.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Catia Mondlane, BU Crisis Strategy, BU Management Advice
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From Budding Entrepreneur to Empowered Business Owner: The essential foundations and systems you need to build a thriving, successful business by Lisi B Kempton

April 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lisi B Kempton

Lisi B Kempton

Book Review

Author and business growth expert, Lisi B Kempton, knows it is not easy being an entrepreneur with a new business. Her new book, From Budding Entrepreneur to Empowered Business Owner, was written with the early-stage entrepreneur in mind. It takes a whole-business and systematic approach to implementing the essential foundations and systems you need to build a thriving successful business and gives you the confidence to share your gifts with the world.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Post Pandemic: Restructuring in a Restructured Economy.

April 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Mandisa Makubalo, founder and managing director, Unlimited Experiences SA (Pty) Ltd

Pandemics may take months, sometimes years, to reach their full destructive potential. Let us look at how small businesses can re-structure themselves in a restructured marketplace. It would be rather risky and naïve to neglect the fact that COVID-19 has resulted in a restructuring across the globe from an economic, social and political perspective.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Mandisa Makubalo, BU Crisis Strategy
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How to show up when you are feeling just plain lost

April 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Lori Milner

We all wear many hats – the parent hat, friend hat, work hat, child hat, etc. most of us identify strongest with our work hat because this takes up most of the day to day actions. We spend most of our time at work and therefore this shapes us greatly. If I ask you to tell me about yourself, you will probably answer ‘I’m a marketing manager, I’m an Executive, a PA, Sales Manager, etc. but what happens when this has been taken away from you or the role has shifted dramatically. Some people have completely lost their jobs during this time or their roles have been shifted to online and made them feel obsolete. For some people, like coaches or trainers, the transition is pretty smooth. But if your job was face to face or required you to be in a physical location to operate, your whole world has been rocked upside down.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Lori Milner, BU Wellbeing & Mental Health
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Quote of the Day by Neema Khatha Kinoti

April 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Neema Khatha Kinoti, founder and ceo, Ohana Family Wear (Kenya)

Neema Khatha Kinoti, founder and ceo, Ohana Family Wear (Kenya)

“Just do it. You will never know unless you try.”

Neema Khatha Kinoti, founder and ceo, Ohana Family Wear (Kenya)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Getting Started
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Eki Okubanjo / Focus on your strengths

April 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Eki Okubanjo, founder of Eki Oris Fashion Company (Nigeria)

Eki Okubanjo, founder of Eki Oris Fashion Company (Nigeria)

Focus on your strengths…

“Information is power, equip yourself with the necessary knowledge needed to grow your brand. Develop yourself, know your strengths and weaknesses - focus on your strengths and work on your weaknesses.”

Eki Okubanjo, founder of Eki Oris Fashion Company (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Quote of the Day by Lufuno T. Khorommbi

April 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi, founder, Orizur Consulting Enterprise (South Africa)

Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi, founder, Orizur Consulting Enterprise (South Africa)

“Failures are part of the journey. As a result, do not allow yourself to dwell on your failures - fail forward!”

Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi, founder, Orizur Consulting Enterprise (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Failure
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Djamila da Sousa / Stay calm and innovate

April 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Djamila de Sousa, co-founder, Karingana wa Karingana (Mozambique)

Djamila de Sousa, co-founder, Karingana wa Karingana (Mozambique)

Stay calm and innovate…

“This is a very unique moment in history where no-one has certain answers, as it is new to everyone. It is time to stay calm and think how to innovate in our businesses to stay relevant and to serve society. Now more than ever we have to join forces and support each other.”

Djamila de Sousa, co-founder, Karingana wa Karingana (Mozambique)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Business Unusual, Innovation
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Resist!

April 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Eldari Visser founder of Picketfence Life

For the longest time I have been playing with the idea to write this blog. Then time and Covid-19 got hold of me.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Eldari Visser, BU Cash Flow
Comment

It’s Business as Usual for female entrepreneurs 

April 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Tania Reid

The world has been caught up with a new challenge in the form of COVID-19, which has brought about a disruption in the way we do things. The old way of doing things has changed forever, and new things like social distancing, self-isolation, business unusual, church unusual, ‘everything’ unusual, have become the norm. The old saying, ‘The only constant is change’ has become so relevant in these ever-changing, uncertain times, and we have all realized that there is no room for anything as usual anymore.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Tania Reid, BU Inspiration & Motivation
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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 / 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 / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa
Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement 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
Image of the Day / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th
Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis
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 / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri
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 / The Joinery

Sustainable Tote Bags…We have always been big fans of The Joinery, the sustainable and ethical product design brand based in South Africa founded by Natalie and Kim Ellis, and their exciting Future Tex™ fa Image of the Day / Barbara McKenzie

Classic meets contemporary…If you are in the market for classic-inspired yet modern clothing which is both stylish and ultra-feminine and trans-seasonal to wear throughout the year, then Kendi Sapepa, found Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement 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 Image of the Day / Lunar

Stylish sustainable clothing…We have always been big fans of Lunar in South Africa, the sustainable clothing brand created by owner Nicola Luther and her talented team. Lunar has firmly established itself as one of th Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis 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 / Mash. T Design Studio

Award-winning furniture design…We are big fans of talented South African designer Thabisa Mjo, founder of Mash. T Design Studio in Johannesburg, and these fabulous side tables are firm customer favouri

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
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
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business
Isabel Mandofa, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a successful, high-impact agri-food business

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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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