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Lionesses of Africa

276 5th Avenue
New York, NY, 10001
(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
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  • Events +
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
  • About +
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
  • Connect +
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
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    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

Quote of the Day by Nilsa Ribeiro

April 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nilsa Ribeiro, founder of OWNit Movement, Mozambique

Nilsa Ribeiro, founder of OWNit Movement, Mozambique

“Don’t ever let your insecurities stop you. People out there need you to try!”

Nilsa Ribeiro, founder of OWNit Movement, Mozambique

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Getting Started, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Brenda Katwesigye / Build teams and partnerships

April 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Brenda Katwesigye, co-founder and CEO of Wazi Vision Limited (Uganda)

Brenda Katwesigye, co-founder and CEO of Wazi Vision Limited (Uganda)

Build teams and partnerships…

“I would advise other women to build teams, partnerships, and also find a mentor. Going it alone can sometimes stifle the growth of a startup”

Brenda Katwesigye, co-founder and CEO of Wazi Vision Limited (Uganda)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Mentoring, Team building
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That silly little emotion called Guilt

April 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Paula Quinsee

If you're anything like me, then perhaps you are already starting to feel the impact of being in lock-down. Most days I wake up enthusiastic and ready to tackle my day and task list, but it does seem to be getting harder and harder each day as we head further into our extended lock down.

Read more
In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Paula Quinsee, BU Wellbeing & Mental Health
Comment

Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, a Ghanaian entrepreneur building a luxury, global handbag brand

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Akosua Afriyie-Kumi

Akosua Afriyie-Kumi

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Discerning buyers in some of the most cosmopolitan fashion capitals of the world are already familiar with the brand, A A K S, and its talented creative founder, Akosua Afriyie-Kumi. She regular exhibits at some of the most prestigious fashion and accessory showcase events around the world, always capturing the attention of the media, as well as enthusiastic followers and buyers.

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In Cover Story Tags Ghana, Fashion, Artisan Enterprise, Handbags
Comment

Alison Kirk, a South Africa entrepreneur and brand specialist helping clients to market their businesses 

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Alison Kirk, founder of Fliggy (South Africa)

Alison Kirk, founder of Fliggy (South Africa)

Startup Story

Every entrepreneur appreciates the importance of getting their businesses and brands noticed in the marketplace, but it can be hard work for many. In South Africa, serial entrepreneur Alison Kirk, founder of Fliggy, is coming to the rescue, with her extensive brand marketing expertise.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services
Comment

Nana Lusevakweno Luyindadio, an entrepreneur from the DRC helping women to create sustainable businesses

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nana Lusevakweno Luyindadio, founder of Cewon (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Nana Lusevakweno Luyindadio, founder of Cewon (Democratic Republic of Congo)

Startup Story

Many women in the Democratic Republic of Congo need to access key skills and resources in order to fulfil their potential, and that is where Cewon comes in. Founder Nana Lusevakweno Luyindadio is creating a platform which empowers women to make the change they need in their lives.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Democratic Republic of Congo, Social Entrepreneur
Comment

Is confidence really, inside out?

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Phindile Tapula, Founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation

As women we love clothes, we want our hair and skins to always look refreshed and healthy. I recently had an event themed around the frustrations and blessings of being a woman. The ladies shared that weight really influences their confidence. Skin problems was a topic where the ladies wanted to have more information on skincare as pimples and uneven skin really influences their confidences.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Phindile Tapula, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

The marriage of Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Mentorship 

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Yolanda Ndhlovu, founder of Essy Sandisiwe

When I was in university, 2 years ago, I wondered how my life would end up. I was worried. My academics were bad as I was involved with student activism and part-time jobs. I was a full-time student that studied part-time.

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In Guest Blog Tags Yolanda Ndhlovu, Leadership
Comment

Domestic Work. Like it or not it has to be done!

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

In this time where most of us are ‘stuck’ at home, there are a lot of things we suddenly have to do ourselves. I have seen many many posts about how tedious it is to have to cook every day and more than once a day. A lot of us were at work, in an office for most of the day; we either packed lunch to work or just grabbed a sandwich from the tuck shop. Well, suddenly we have to cook breakfast, lunch and supper. For some, it is for an entire family vs you living alone for most of the year.

Read more
In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Brigette Mashile, BU Remote Working
Comment

Perspectives on black female producers in South African agriculture

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: Absa / by Dr Langelihle Simela, Business Development Manager, Absa AgriBusiness and Wessel Lemmer, Senior Agricultural Economist at Absa Agribusiness

Perspective on black women in agriculture: participation, support and prospects. — In South Africa, agriculture is known as male dominated industry - a fact well supported by the 2017 census of commercial agriculture. Therefore, it must be understood that black women who aspire to be become successful farmers enter largely unchartered waters.

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags Absa, Agri-business
Comment

Budgets in the time of Coronavirus

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

With everything changing daily, with suppliers going bust and customers canceling orders, how can we possibly budget? Is it not simply better to stick our heads in the sand and hope when we come up for air, the Sun is shining and that Spring has arrived? Does that actually help with your sleeping patterns? Sorry - no such luck!

Read more
In Business Unusual Tags Team Lioness, BU Management Advice
Comment

The Balanced Entrepreneur: A Guide to Creating a Purposeful Life and Living it Unapologetically by Jessica Dennis

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Jessica Dennis

Jessica Dennis

Book Review

The Balanced Entrepreneur: A Guide to Creating a Purposeful Life and Living it Unapologetically by Jessica Dennis, is an inspirational manual for entrepreneurs. It is relevant for those who are just starting out on their business journeys to those who are seasoned business owners. Jessica shares her experience and advice on how other women entrepreneurs can build successful businesses whilst at the same time living their best lives without qualification.

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In Essential Tags Books
Comment

Quote of the Day by Juliet Madamombe

April 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Juliet Madamombe, founder of Global Edge Training Institute (Namibia)

Juliet Madamombe, founder of Global Edge Training Institute (Namibia)

“There is no next opportunity that is better than the one you have at this moment. Too often we spend too much time attempting to perfect something that we haven’t started. Don’t let past mistakes define who you are.”

Juliet Madamombe, founder of Global Edge Training Institute (Namibia)

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Getting Started
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Georgina Angélica / Have a clear vision

April 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Georgina Angélica, specialist education and professional development consultant, Angola

Georgina Angélica, specialist education and professional development consultant, Angola

Have a clear vision…

“I strongly believe that you need to have a clear vision and mission to drive all your steps, so you don’t get lost when challenges come. I feel that a mentor to guide you is also a great asset to success.”

Georgina Angélica, specialist education and professional development consultant (Angola)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Vision & Mission
Comment

Minimise Cyber-Attacks During Covid-19 

April 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Adv. Lufuno Khorommbi, Cyber Law Consultant and MD: Orizur Consulting Enterprise

Did you know that using public WiFi increases your online vulnerability? Public WiFi comes as a great relief to many internet users since it relieves them from the burden of having to pay for data to access the much-needed internet services. These free services are conveniently available in public places like airports, restaurants, hotels, malls, etc in that promoting amongst others users’ productivity and mobility.

Read more
In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Adv. Lufuno T Khorommbi, BU Management Advice
Comment

Regenerative Economics. Rethinking your business and life options.

April 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Natasha Singh-Ally

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.

Read more
In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Natasha Singh-Ally, BU Crisis Strategy
Comment

How to find your happy place at home

April 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Michelle Wilbraham, Entrepreneur and Virtual Assistant at VA Connect

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic that we are all facing at present I thought that it would be very appropriate to encourage everyone to find that place that you can call your happy place.

Read more
In Business Unusual Tags Michelle Wilbraham, BU Wellbeing & Mental Health
Comment

Payment holiday. What you should know.

April 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Ronel Jooste CA(SA), Financial Consultant, Speaker and Author of ‘Financially Fit and Wealthy’

Covid-19 certainly calls for extreme measures. The financial impact on individuals and businesses is extreme. The impact on the economy is extreme. Individuals and businesses are desperately looking for solutions to carry them through the lockdown period as well as the recovery phase thereafter. Most banks and other credit providers have offered payment holidays. Payment holidays are a welcome relief and definitely one solution to consider. It is however important to fully understand what a payment holiday entails and what the impact is over the longer-term.

Read more
In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Ronel Jooste, BU Relief Programs Business Support
Comment

Quote of the Day by Sian Louw

April 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Sian Louw, ceo and owner of The Pacific Institute Swaziland (eSwatini)

Sian Louw, ceo and owner of The Pacific Institute Swaziland (eSwatini)

“Remember to believe in yourself and hold the clarity of the vision all day, every day. You have what it takes to live your best life and make your business a huge success.”

Sian Louw, ceo and owner of The Pacific Institute Swaziland (eSwatini)

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Vision & Mission
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Femi Oyedipe / Have big goals

April 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Femi Oyedipe, founder, Loshes Chocolate, Nigeria

Femi Oyedipe, founder, Loshes Chocolate, Nigeria

Have big goals…

“Show up every day, no matter what. Have the BIG goals but break them down into smaller ones that you can execute day-to-day.”

Femi Oyedipe, founder, Loshes Chocolate, Nigeria

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Goals
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Download your FREE copy of the latest Playbook: Financing Business Growth

25 leading African women entrepreneurs share practical strategies, real experiences and advice. Playbook link


Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

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


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCASTS

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Lioness GoTrade Podcast Episode 1

Episode 1: Lioness GoTrade Podcast: your go-to resource for growing your business beyond borders. Lionesses of Africa and DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa launch a new podcast series to help women-owned and women-led SMEs break into new markets through cross-border trade. Our launch episode features four remarkable women, each with a different view and experience of cross-border trade.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys Podcast features Melanie Hawken, founder & CEO, Lionesses of Africa and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, who share insights on creating greater access to finance and economic growth opportunities for women business builders in Africa. Also in conversation are three women entrepreneurs building sustainable, impact-driven businesses - Anne Rweyora, founder of Smart Havens Africa in Uganda, an enterprise creating affordable, climate-smart homes for women; and Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, co-founders of Mo’s Crib in South Africa, a high-growth, sustainable handmade decor manufacturing business.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys Podcast focuses on women entrepreneurs in the agribusiness sector who are in growth mode. In conversation with host Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, are Yvette Dickson-Tetteh, co-founder of Pure and Just Food in Ghana, a high-impact business transforming fresh fruit into premium tropical dried fruit products; and Hadija Jabiri, founder of GBRI Business Solutions in Tanzania, which specialises in growing, processing and selling premium fruits and vegetables for local and export markets.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys Podcast co-hosted by Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, focuses on the important topic of how to advance smart, inclusive investment in WSMES for sustainable economic development on the African continent. Guests in conversation and sharing their considerable insights include: Dipuo Phakathi, founder of Denic Cabinets in South Africa, Mariam Zein, MD of MAFCI in Mauritania, and Aniela Koffi, SME/SMI Manager, Commercial Banking Division, Ecobank.

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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Pleroma Patch, a South African innovative wellness brand creating plant-based patches to support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health.

Vanessa Mhlom is the founder and CEO of Pleroma Patch and is a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. Pleroma Patch is a modern wellness brand pioneering a simpler, smarter way to care for your body, through transdermal vitamin patches. Pleroma’s discreet, plant-based patches support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health. Driven by her belief that dignified self-care should be a right, not a luxury, she is developing the ‘Patch It Forward’ initiative, a give-back model that channels a portion of each purchase toward expanding access to wellness essentials like menstrual and sleep support for underserved women and girls.

Read more →
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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Mo’s Crib, a premium sustainable homeware brand founded by sisters Morongwe and Michelle Mokone in Pretoria, South Africa. From humble beginnings making origami at local markets, the company has grown into one of Africa’s leading exporters of handcrafted décor. Using recycled PVC waterpipes and natural materials such as banana bark, cane, and sisal, Mo’s Crib creates globally sought-after baskets, planters, furniture, and ornaments. Today, the brand supplies major international retailers including Crate & Barrel, Target, and Woolworths Home. Committed to social impact, Mo’s Crib empowers over 85 artisans, creating jobs while advancing environmental sustainability and African design innovation. The business was launched in 2019 and today employs 280 people.

Read more →
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Hazile Group, a South African agribusiness focused on sustainable food systems, renewable energy, and water stewardship

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi is a social entrepreneur and thought leader in climate resilience, and a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. She leads Hazile Group, a black woman-led enterprise driving climate-smart solutions in agriculture, energy, and water. The company’s core mission is to address food insecurity, water scarcity, and energy transition while uplifting marginalised communities. Hazile's focus on rural development, empowering farmers, and integrating climate-smart technologies directly supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals, notably zero hunger, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and climate action. She also runs Acumind Consulting, guiding organisations toward inclusive, values-driven leadership and ESG strategies.

Read more →
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Setšong Tea Crafters, an agri-business specialising in the crafting of speciality indigenous teas from the natural flora found in South Africa’s rural Limpopo

A former quantity surveyor turned social entrepreneur, Retang Phaahla is the co-founder and CEO of Setšong Tea Crafters in South Africa, and the winner of the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award. Her business celebrates indigenous tea knowledge while driving rural development. Based in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, the majority women-owned social enterprise collaborates with communities to produce a range of health-promoting teas (known for calming nerves, relieving tension, and supporting balanced blood pressure), and hosts cultural tours to promote eco-tourism and preserve heritage. Setšong’s business model has created sustainable income streams for rural women while reviving ancient botanical traditions. The business was launched in 2017 and has created 30 jobs for local people.

Read more →
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise promoting literacy through children’s storybook publishing and capacity building

Dr Margaret Kemigisha is the founder and CEO of Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise that promotes literacy through the publishing of children’s storybooks, offers social research consulting, and builds capacity among fresh graduates. Her work bridges development and applied research, supporting governments, development organizations, and the private sector with evidence-based solutions and creative tools for impact.

Read more →

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…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-
Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat
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 / 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 / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o
Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma
Image of the Day / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i
Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business
Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene
Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro
Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…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- Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat 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 / 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 / KOVA

Luxury leather tote…Petrina Auino-Mwandingi is the founder and creative director of her own brand of leather products, KOVA, in Namibia. The business produces high quality leather handbags, primarily totes as well as o Image of the Day / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma Image of the Day / Amorambique

Capulana with style... If you love Capulana, then explore the new range of modern accessories from Amorambique, Mozambique, created by founder Patricia Vasco. This proudly Mozambican brand of accessories and footwear i Image of the Day / Suzie Beauty

Marvellous Make-up…When you need to take your make-up routine to the next level, professional Kenyan make-up brand, Suzie Beauty, founded by Suzie Wokabi, has you covered. Suzie founded her successful business Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range
Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range

Startup Story

Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger are co-founders of Twenty 4 Skin, a unique South African medical-grade skincare brand. Juanri is a medical doctor with a special interest in regenerative medicine, so you could say she is a holistic regenerative GP, and Bernadette is a somatologist. The brand focuses on hormone optimization, aesthetic medicine, as well as skincare formulations.

Read more →
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

Startup Story

Gillian Holl, founder of VELD Architects in South Africa, has built a business renowned for creating spaces that serve not as statements but as sanctuaries. It’s an architecture deeply connected to the African landscape, fostering a sense of belonging and calm.

Read more →
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management
Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management

Startup Story

Júlia Silota is the founder and CEO of J&G Environment Ltda, a Mozambican company operating in the environmental field, focused on the purchase and sale of solid waste, and providing solid waste collection services, solid waste management training, and environmental project evaluation. It was founded in August 2020 and began operations in 2023. It employs four people, two full-time and two part-time.

Read more →
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

Startup Story

Cláudia Machaieie is the founder of Sea Glasses in Mozambique. She is a 28-year-old with a degree in Marine Biology, a postgraduate degree in Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Biology and Conservation Ecology. She has completed several technical courses in monitoring and project management. She began her activity as a volunteer and social activist at the age of 14 and is currently a founding volunteer of SOA Mozambique and a volunteer with Solo Adventures. She has worked in public (IIP), private (SEPPA, Centro Terra Viva), and international organizations (Girl Move Academy, UN - World Food Programme) developing activities in administration, monitoring, and management of humanitarian and environmental programs. Currently, she is the social responsibility coordinator at TOPACK Mozambique.

Read more →
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

Startup Story

Matilde Mawelele Rungo is a digital transformation consultant, cybersecurity specialist, and founder of RealityTech Advisory in Mozambique, where she leads technology-driven projects for businesses and startups. She is also an evangelist and the creator of MTI – A Triad of Hope for Children, an initiative that integrates Evangelism, Technology, and Innovation to empower young people and communities. With a global vision, Matilde is committed to advancing individuals, organizations, and ecosystems through technology, faith, and meaningful social impact. The business was launched in 2024 and today has created jobs for 6 people.

Read more →

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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

Book Review

Successful entrepreneur Betsy Fore, in her new book Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams, shows how, by practicing a manifesting mindset, you can discover your deepest purpose. She calls this an “inner why” and believes finding it can unlock your greatest potential as a creator, founder, and builder of great products.

Read more →
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

Book Review

The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur by Mary Grant is a transformative guide for high-achieving women entrepreneurs, business owners, and coaches who are ready to amplify their influence, impact, and income. Written by Mary Grant, a seasoned entrepreneur and innovation expert with over 30 years in the fashion industry, this book unpacks the art of empowered presence, bold confidence, and defining success on your own terms. Through insights, strategies, and a fresh perspective on success, the author empowers women to harness their unique strengths, navigate challenges, and rise to their next level with clarity and unstoppable momentum.

Read more →
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

Book Review

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 is not just another business book. Most focus on strategies and tactics. This one rewires the woman behind the business—so your growth is aligned, sustainable, and actually feels good.

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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

Book Review

In the book, Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business, author Liz Elting, one of the most celebrated and successful women in America, has created a guide for how to not only dream big, but also win―both in business and in life.

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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

Book Review

In her new book, After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup, entrepreneurship expert Julia Austin shares battle-tested strategies to help founders and startup joiners build their venture from the ground up.

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