Keep your goals in sight…
“Being a social entrepreneur is often a journey of hills and valleys, and very fulfilling if you always keep your goals in sight.”
Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder, Gorilla Conservation Coffee (Uganda)
Read moreQuote of the Day by Keren Pybus
Keren Pybus, co-founder and ceo of Ethical Apparel Africa, Ghana
“Network, network, network. People want to help others and there are so many people that have done part of your journey, so learn from them”
Keren Pybus, co-founder and ceo of Ethical Apparel Africa, Ghana
Read moreEntrepreneur Advice from Denise Umunyana / Listen to your heart
Denise Umunyana and Celine Uwineza, founders of RightSeat (Rwanda)
Listen to your heart…
“Listen to your heart, find what you care most about, and don’t be afraid of making a decision to follow your passion.”
Denise Umunyana, co-founder and managing partner, Right Seat, Rwanda
Read moreWorking from home tips for working moms
by Phindile Tapula, Founder and Director of Bhekizenzo Foundation
Working from home is tough during this pandemic outbreak. As a mom, this time is demanding. From scheduling and prioritizing playtime, preparing food more often than before, being on time and prepared for Zoom meetings. I have decided to share some tips for moms to stay sane and better manage working from home. Disclaimer, these tips work for me, they may not work for you. I am sharing them in order to inspire moms to establish their own systems. I suggest you try these tips and if they work, great and if they don’t - change them and make up your own.
Read moreWhen a virus pandemic provides a personal and business opportunity
by Sian Lovegrove, Director of the Open University of Tanzania, International Studies Centre
In this post, Sian shares how she finds light in the darkness of the coronavirus pandemic.
As I sit here in Dar es Salaam looking out across a flat Indian Ocean, quiet golden beaches, with a frothy coffee in my sweaty hands it feels like the calm before the coronavirus storm. This is a time of great concern for our global friends and family and people are dying in their thousands. However, I am an eternal optimist and I am turning this period of hibernation, stagnation and global frustration into a business and personal opportunity.
Read moreQuote of the Day by Jazeera Suwani
Jazeera Suwani, founder of Say It With Chocolate, Kenya
“You won’t know if it will work unless you try, and if you try then there is hope for it to work”
Jazeera Suwani, founder of Say It With Chocolate, Kenya
Read moreEntrepreneur Advice from Bukky Asehinde / Start with what you have
Bukky Asehinde, founder of Bellafricana, Nigeria
Start with what you have…
“Start with what you have, who you know, and where you are. The hardest thing in life is actually to start”
Bukky Asehinde, founder of Bellafricana, Nigeria
Read moreThe S.M.A.R.T way to dealing with the Lockdown
by Saajidah Esat
As we enter into the extended period of the lockdown here, some of you may have found a rhythm to your days and established a set of thoughts and processes to help you stay positive and productive. I would like to share a tool that I have been using that has helped me immensely through these challenging times.
Read moreYour Saving Grace. An Emergency Fund.
by Ronel Jooste CA(SA), Financial Consultant, Speaker and Author of ‘Financially Fit and Wealthy’
The real value of having an emergency fund will only be fully appreciated during an emergency like the current pandemic. During the lockdown period imposed to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, both businesses and individuals are being severally impacted. Many businesses cannot trade during this period or are on a reduced level, resulting in no income or less income, but the expenses still have to be paid. Certain employees were put on unpaid leave or had to settle for a reduction in their salaries, but their living costs still have to be covered. Massive job losses are already predicted.
Read moreWhy it’s more important than ever to share your story
by Tapiwa Matsinde, founder of atelier 55
In times of crisis, we seek to connect to those who have been through or are going through what we are facing. Their stories are comforting, helping us to see that we are not alone, and give us a thread of hope that we too will make it through. And that is why sharing your story matters now more than ever because there is someone out there who is waiting to hear it and form that connection with you.
Read moreIt’s hard to start building something new when the ruins surround you
by Marlese Wallis, founder of MIES body products
My company, MIES body products, manufactures natural bath and body products made from plant based ingredients, which are not tested on animals or bad for the environment. My heart has been devastated by this hard blow on all of us due to COVID-19. As you, I think of my family who depend on me; I think of my employees who depend on me for their families; and it is just plainly stressful! Although I feel I am not ready to write an article, I feel it is also important for others like me to see that there are others like you in business, taking this massive blow.
Read moreQuote of the Day by Anja van Beek
Anja van Beek, founder of Anja van Beek Consulting and Coaching, South Africa
“People don’t buy goods and services, they buy connections, stories and magic.”
Anja van Beek, founder of Anja van Beek Consulting and Coaching (South Africa)
Read moreEntrepreneur Advice from Adele Dejak / Have a clear strategic plan
Adele Dejak, founder of Adele Dejak, Kenya
Have a clear strategic plan…
“Don’t start a business without doing proper market research, having clear strategic plans, and adequate capital.”
Adele Dejak, founder of Adele Dejak, Kenya
Read moreQuote of the Day by Nilsa Ribeiro
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 moreEntrepreneur Advice from Brenda Katwesigye / Build teams and partnerships
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)
Read moreThat silly little emotion called Guilt
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 moreAkosua Afriyie-Kumi, a Ghanaian entrepreneur building a luxury, global handbag brand
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.
Read moreAlison Kirk, a South Africa entrepreneur and brand specialist helping clients to market their businesses
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 moreNana Lusevakweno Luyindadio, an entrepreneur from the DRC helping women to create sustainable businesses
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 moreIs confidence really, inside out?
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