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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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Ntsiki Biyela, a passionate South African winemaker changing the face of the industry

April 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Ntsiki Biyela, winemaker and founder of Aslina Wines (South Africa)

Ntsiki Biyela, winemaker and founder of Aslina Wines (South Africa)

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Many wine lovers from around the globe already know that South Africa is famous for producing some of the most exciting wines. But how many are familiar with the ground-breaking Aslina Wines, created by the country’s first black woman winemaker, Ntsiki Biyela? If you haven’t already read Ntsiki’s inspirational story, or tasted her award-winning wines for yourself, then you are missing out!

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In Cover Story Tags South Africa, Wine
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LIONESS LAUNCH / South Africa’s House of Cinnamon launches its Autumn/Winter 2020 collection

April 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Frances Edwards, founder of House of Cinnamon

Frances Edwards, founder of House of Cinnamon

Lioness Launch

This month in South Africa sees the proudly Afro-European accessory brand, House of Cinnamon, launching its exciting new Autumn/Winter 2020 collection. Inspired by enduring classics, the House of Cinnamon AW20 collection brings together classic and iconic pieces that will carry its customers through the seasons. The new collection features limited edition items that have been carefully designed with uncompromising attention to detail.

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In Lioness Launch Tags South Africa, Fashion
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Coronavirus. Thinking of the early next steps.

April 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

We have covered the initial shock and awe of this terrible virus. We did not have enough time to prepare (but there was never going to be enough time), yet whatever we managed to do in the short time we had, will have significant results.

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In Business Unusual Tags Team Lioness, BU Crisis Strategy, BU Recovery
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The importance of an ecommerce strategy

April 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: Absa / by Absa Business Banking

An ecommerce strategy is vital, but the relevance of your offering remains key. Internet traffic has increased by 50% during the COVID-19 crisis, but ecommerce conversion rates are dropping. Having the right channels are key, but at the same time, constant re-evaluation of the relevance of your proposition will sustain your business in the long run.

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags Absa, E-commerce
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I am my brand: How to build your brand without apology by Kubi Springer

April 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Kubi Springer

Kubi Springer

Book Review

If you ever wanted to find out how to build your own personal female brand to help you on your entrepreneurial journey, then award-winning global brand specialist Kubi Springer has the answer. In her new book, I Am My Brand: How to Build Your Brand Without Apology, Kubi brings all her experience and offers essential advice on how to develop and attain personal brand success.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Sophia the Humanoid

April 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Susan Frances, co-founder of Abilities

‘Sophia’ is not alone…we all need development.

In the past when organizations wanted to cut costs, they would take product specialists or salespeople and convert them into facilitators. Learning & Development (L&D) in many organizations was the business unit for ‘hospital passes’.

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In Guest Blog Tags Susan Frances, People Management
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18 Books, podcasts and videos to help you (and your business) grow

April 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Clare Appleyard, founder of Katannuta Diamonds

We live in an information economy, where you can find virtually anything you want, somewhere on the internet. Want to learn how to bake a cake? There’s a recipe website for that. Want to learn how to change the battery in your computer? There’s a YouTube video for that. Want to learn how to meditate? There’s an app for that.

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In Guest Blog Tags Clare Appleyard, Motivation, Books
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Practice contentment in the moment 

April 25, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Lori Milner

In the practice of Yoga, there is a principle about contentment called Santosha. This quote sums it up beautifully - “From an attitude of contentment, unexcelled happiness and joy are obtained.”As a self-leadership expert, I make sure I implement the principles I read and study so I can internalise it and become the change I want to make. My favourite quote which I am paraphrasing is ‘Information is not enough – otherwise we would all be millionaires with 6 packs’. It’s not enough to read about these principles, we need to integrate them and apply them in order to see results of personal growth.

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Mindful Entrepreneur
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How To Balance Work And Motherhood During COVID-19 Lockdown

April 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Grace Stevens

Female entrepreneur, baker extraordinaire and mother of four, Grace Stevens understands that during lockdown many entrepreneurs are thinking about their business’ livelihood and sustainability. However, for many women managing their businesses in such an unpredictable climate whilst providing the love, care and comfort their families need can seem like a daunting task. So, what is Grace's secret to this seemingly superwoman status?

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Grace Stevens, BU Remote Working
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Avoid home fatigue. Make the best of your home spaces.

April 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Kim Williams

Cape Town based interior creative and behavioural specialist Kim Williams says that during the lockdown we can be more creative with how we use our space if we are going to get the most out of spending more time in our homes. During the COVID19 pandemic, we should be able to connect with our domestic spaces on a deeper level, increase their functionality and adapt their aesthetics to suit our new needs.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Kim Williams, BU Remote Working
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Quote of the Day by Ubong Agina

April 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Ubong Agina, founder and creative director, Nubeeka Concepts (Nigeria)

Ubong Agina, founder and creative director, Nubeeka Concepts (Nigeria)

“The entrepreneurial journey is not easy. However, as challenging as it may be, success is sure with clear focus, consistency, and the ability to manage change.”

Ubong Agina, founder and creative director, Nubeeka Concepts (Nigeria)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Journey
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Entrepreneur Advice from Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka / Keep your goals in sight

April 24, 2020 Melanie Hawken

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)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Goals, Social Entrepreneur
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Quote of the Day by Keren Pybus

April 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Keren Pybus, co-founder and ceo of Ethical Apparel Africa, Ghana

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

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In Quote of the Day Tags Networking
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Entrepreneur Advice from Denise Umunyana / Listen to your heart

April 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Denise Umunyana and Celine Uwineza, founders of RightSeat (Rwanda)

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

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Passion
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Working from home tips for working moms

April 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken

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.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Phindile Tapula, BU Remote Working
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When a virus pandemic provides a personal and business opportunity 

April 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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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.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Sian Lovegrove, BU Inspiration & Motivation
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Quote of the Day by Jazeera Suwani

April 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Jazeera Suwani, founder of Say It With Chocolate, Kenya

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

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In Quote of the Day Tags Getting Started
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Entrepreneur Advice from Bukky Asehinde / Start with what you have

April 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Bukky Asehinde, founder of Bellafricana, Nigeria

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

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
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The S.M.A.R.T way to dealing with the Lockdown

April 21, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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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.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Saajidah Esat, BU Inspiration & Motivation
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Your Saving Grace. An Emergency Fund.

April 21, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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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.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Ronel Jooste, BU Management Advice, BU Resilience
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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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