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Quote of the Day by Femi Olayebi

June 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Femi Olayebi, founder of FemiHandbags (Nigeria)

Femi Olayebi, founder of FemiHandbags (Nigeria)

“Trust the process, and remember always that good things take time.”

Femi Olayebi, founder of FemiHandbags (Nigeria)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Perseverance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Mariam Lawani / Don’t get easily discouraged

May 18, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Mariam Lawani, founder, Greenhill Recycling, (Nigeria)

Mariam Lawani, founder, Greenhill Recycling, (Nigeria)

Don’t get easily discouraged…

“I would say do not see the limitations, they are there deliberately to discourage you. Engage in sufficient research, ensure your solution meets a need, and just do it!”

Mariam Lawani, founder, Greenhill Recycling, (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
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Quote of the Day by Maria Natália João

April 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Maria Natália João, founder of MNJ Eventos & Serviços (Mozambique)

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

"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)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Perseverance
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Quote of the Day by Bernie de Le Cuona

March 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Bernie de Le Cuona, founder of de Le Cuona

Bernie de Le Cuona, founder of de Le Cuona

"Know in your heart there is always a way to succeed. There is always a way to make things work.”

Bernie de Le Cuona, founder of de Le Cuona

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In Quote of the Day Tags Perseverance
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Quote of the Day by Dana Mroueh

March 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco (Côte d’Ivoire)

Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco (Côte d’Ivoire)

“I would advise you to keep in mind that perseverance and patience will be greatly needed.”

Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco (Côte d’Ivoire)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Perseverance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Patricia Majule: Be patient

March 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Patricia Majule, founder of Unique Favors TZ (Tanzania)

Patricia Majule, founder of Unique Favors TZ (Tanzania)

Be patient….

“Being a woman is an added advantage for you to be successful as an entrepreneur in Africa, because we are naturally strong and can endure hardworking tasks. The only thing you need to add is to be patient with your business as it takes 5 to 10 years to grow a brand. So to be successful one needs to be consistent with the idea and the business for it to grow; avoid procrastination; put God first in everything you do; and do not give up.”

Patricia Majule, founder of Unique Favors TZ (Tanzania)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Andra Massamba: Stay strong and focused

February 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Andra Massamba, founder of Uabalika (Mozambique)

Andra Massamba, founder of Uabalika (Mozambique)

Stay strong and focused…

“… never give up, however difficult and long the path is, never give up! I have Faith, Strength and Focus, and that is all, and it’s enough to achieve everything I want in life.”

Andra Massamba, founder of Uabalika (Mozambique)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Suzie Wokabi: You must be patient and persistent

February 14, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Suzie Wokabi, founder of SuzieBeauty, Kenya

Suzie Wokabi, founder of SuzieBeauty, Kenya

Patience and persistence are key....

"I have learnt to be patient. It took a long time to undertake research and develop the product range. I have also learnt to never say die. I have met people who thought I was crazy to imagine a project like this, but the passion I have keeps me going. I have never stopped believing in my dreams."

Suzie Wokabi, founder of SuzieBeauty, Kenya

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Suzie Wokabi, Perseverance
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Quote of the Day by Milena de Lurdes Valoi

January 16, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Milena de Lurdes Valoi, founder of Anellim (Mozambique)

Milena de Lurdes Valoi, founder of Anellim (Mozambique)

“Every morning we have two choices: to continue sleeping with our dreams or to wake up and pursue them - so insist, persist, but do not give up.”

Milena de Lurdes Valoi, founder of Anellim (Mozambique)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Perseverance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Joycee Awojoodu: Never give up

January 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Joycee Awojoodu, founder ORÍKÌ (Nigeria)

Joycee Awojoodu, founder ORÍKÌ (Nigeria)

Never give up....

"Be relentless, never give up. Pursue your dreams with fervor and network. You would be surprised how far having faith coupled with action will take you!"

Joycee Awojoodu, founder of ORÍKÌ (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Lilly Alfonso: Stay focused on your dream

January 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lilly Alfonso, founder of Lilly Alfonso fashion label, Malawi

Lilly Alfonso, founder of Lilly Alfonso fashion label, Malawi

It's not easy, but stay focused on your dream....

“It’s not an easy road. You will get people who will disappoint you… but you need to stay focused on your dream. We all learn and become better through our mistakes and challenges.”

Lilly Alfonso, founder of Lilly Alfonso (Malawi)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Lilly Alfonso, Perseverance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Banke Kuku: The key is perseverance

January 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Banke Kuku, founder and CEO of Banke Kuku Textiles

Banke Kuku, founder and CEO of Banke Kuku Textiles

“Talent, hard work and education definitely help but like with every start-up the key is perseverance and understanding your product and customer much of which is learnt along the way. Running a creative start-up is by no means an easy exercise at all. Success wasn’t instant. I tried several things many times and eventually things are starting to take shape,”

Banke Kuku, founder of Banke Kuku Textiles (UK/Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Chita Mumba Zulu: Focus on what you want to achieve

November 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Chita Mumba Zulu, founder of Eternal Jewellery Zambia

Chita Mumba Zulu, founder of Eternal Jewellery Zambia

Focus on what you want to achieve…

“Determination and persistence are key to achieve anything in life, even when things don't seem to be working out, don't give up. Focus on what you want to achieve and with God by your side all things are possible.”

Chita Mumba Zulu, founder of Eternal Jewellery Zambia

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
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Quote of the Day by Shamila Ramjawan

September 24, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Shamila Ramjawan, co-founder of Famram Solutions (South Africa)

Shamila Ramjawan, co-founder of Famram Solutions (South Africa)

“Women and girls are strong. We can overcome anything. Never give up.”

Shamila Ramjawan, co-founder of Famram Solutions (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Perseverance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Nonkuthalo Thithi: Keep moving forward

December 20, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Nonkuthalo Thithi, founder of Styled to a T (South Africa)

Nonkuthalo Thithi, founder of Styled to a T (South Africa)

Keep moving forward….

“Just start! There are so many reasons why you shouldn't but the important ones are why you should. The reason you have that idea is reason enough, and the world needs more women entrepreneurs. Every yes you get is a step forward and every no you get is a lesson for the next opportunity. Do not get caught up in the no's, just keep moving forward.”

Nonkuthalo Thithi, founder of Styled to a T (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Bernice Dapaah: It takes patience and persistence

December 19, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Bernice Dapaah, co-founder of the Ghana Bamboo Bike Initiative

Bernice Dapaah, co-founder of the Ghana Bamboo Bike Initiative

It takes patience and persistence....

“I have come to learn to be patient and not to give up too quickly. It takes patience and persistence to bring a new and innovative product and ways of doing things to a community. There are early adopters who immediately embrace the product and there are traditionalists who resist the change that the initiative represents.” 

Bernice Dapaah, co-founder of Ghana Bamboo Bike Initiative (Ghana)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Christella Kirezi: Never give up

December 18, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Christella Kirezi, founder of Moz Crespas (Mozambique)

Christella Kirezi, founder of Moz Crespas (Mozambique)

Never give up….

"The greatest advice is to never give up even though it seems difficult or impossible to reach your ultimate goal. There will always be obstacles and difficulties to overcome.”

Christella Kirezi, founder of Moz Crespas (Mozambique)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
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Quote of the Day by Achenyo Idachaba

October 10, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Achenyo Idachaba, founder of MitiMeth (Nigeria)

Achenyo Idachaba, founder of MitiMeth (Nigeria)

“I just learned to use the challenges as stepping stones to reaching the desired goals.”

Achenyo Idachaba, founder of MitiMeth (Nigeria)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Achenyo Idachaba, Perseverance
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Quote of the Day by Johanna Mukoki

September 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Johanna Mukoki, co-founder of Travel with Flair (South Africa)

Johanna Mukoki, co-founder of Travel with Flair (South Africa)

"Any business is difficult to start initially, however, if you persevere you will ultimately make it if you have passion for what you are doing."

Johanna Mukoki, co-founder of Travel with Flair (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Perseverance
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Entrepreneur Advice from Vasie Seweramulu: Perseverance always pays off

April 18, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Vasie Seweramulu, co-founder of Safeguard Hygiene and Safety (South Africa)

Vasie Seweramulu, co-founder of Safeguard Hygiene and Safety (South Africa)

Perseverance always pays off….

“Perseverance always pays off at the end. There were many times when I thought of giving up and looking for a job, but knowing that there are countless opportunities out there, I never gave up. Always try to stay ahead of the game.”

- Vasie Seweramulu is the co-founder of Safeguard Hygiene and Safety, a South African company that manufactures and distributes household and industrial cleaning detergents, including bio enzymatic, locally produced, eco-friendly products. Vasie, a former school principal, joined forces with two of her family members and launched the business in October 2015. Their products are targeted at the retail and hospitality industries in South Africa and across the African continent.  Read Vasie's startup story. 

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Perseverance
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace

Lioness Radio Show: AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace - Tune in for an engaging conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI and unlock its possibilities for your business.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
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
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Margaux Wong

Sustainable statement jewellery…We love the strong designs of the hugely talented Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong in Burundi. This international, multi-cultural jewellery and accessories brand was found
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 / Marabou Essentials

African print accessories…We love the celebration of African printed cloth in these handmade fashion accessories created by South African brand Marabou Essentials, founded by Fentse Mokale. This passion-f
Image of the Day / Oryx Desert Salt

Sustainable salt and pepper…At Lionesses of Africa, we are passionate about supporting  sustainable brands, and a great example is Oryx Desert Salt, founded by Samantha Skyring in South Africa. This growing
Image of the Day / Reform Studio

Sustainable fashion accessories…We love showcasing women business innovators, so this morning we are featuring the work of sustainable lifestyle brand, Reform Studio, an inspirational eco-focused manufacturing
Image of the Day /Femi Handbags

Full Bloom Style…Add a touch of summer florals to your wardrobe with one of the beautiful new Bloom handbags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their eclectic pops of colour, there&rsq
Image of the Day / Melvins Teas

Time for tea…If you love tea, then this Cool Chamomile tea from the Melvins Tea brand, founded by Flora Mutahi in Kenya is just what you need. The brand is part of Melvin Marsh International, the Kenyan-based f
Image of the Day / Afropian

Storytelling through accessories…Afropian, the Pan-african lifestyle brand founded by Ethiopean entrepreneur Hortense Mbea, is a rare, fully hand-made in Africa brand. It uses traditional know-how in a modern way t
Image of the Day / AAKS

Vibrant Ghanaian craftsmanship,…We just have to share one of our favourite accessories of the year, this beautiful hand-woven bag created by award-winning designer Akosua Afriyie-Kumi and her AAKS brand in Ghana. We lo
Image of the Day / Ledikana

Contemporary South African Chic…Knowing exactly how to spot a gap in the marketplace is key to the success of any fashion brand, and Mapholo Ratau, founder of Ledikana in South Africa, has achieved that goal. For h
Image of the Day / Margaux Wong

Sustainable statement jewellery…We love the strong designs of the hugely talented Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong in Burundi. This international, multi-cultural jewellery and accessories brand was found 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 / Marabou Essentials

African print accessories…We love the celebration of African printed cloth in these handmade fashion accessories created by South African brand Marabou Essentials, founded by Fentse Mokale. This passion-f Image of the Day / Oryx Desert Salt

Sustainable salt and pepper…At Lionesses of Africa, we are passionate about supporting  sustainable brands, and a great example is Oryx Desert Salt, founded by Samantha Skyring in South Africa. This growing Image of the Day / Reform Studio

Sustainable fashion accessories…We love showcasing women business innovators, so this morning we are featuring the work of sustainable lifestyle brand, Reform Studio, an inspirational eco-focused manufacturing Image of the Day /Femi Handbags

Full Bloom Style…Add a touch of summer florals to your wardrobe with one of the beautiful new Bloom handbags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their eclectic pops of colour, there&rsq Image of the Day / Melvins Teas

Time for tea…If you love tea, then this Cool Chamomile tea from the Melvins Tea brand, founded by Flora Mutahi in Kenya is just what you need. The brand is part of Melvin Marsh International, the Kenyan-based f Image of the Day / Afropian

Storytelling through accessories…Afropian, the Pan-african lifestyle brand founded by Ethiopean entrepreneur Hortense Mbea, is a rare, fully hand-made in Africa brand. It uses traditional know-how in a modern way t Image of the Day / AAKS

Vibrant Ghanaian craftsmanship,…We just have to share one of our favourite accessories of the year, this beautiful hand-woven bag created by award-winning designer Akosua Afriyie-Kumi and her AAKS brand in Ghana. We lo Image of the Day / Ledikana

Contemporary South African Chic…Knowing exactly how to spot a gap in the marketplace is key to the success of any fashion brand, and Mapholo Ratau, founder of Ledikana in South Africa, has achieved that goal. For h

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Gloria Sellwane Phala, a South African entrepreneur helping clients benefit from the transformative impact of yoga
Gloria Sellwane Phala, a South African entrepreneur helping clients benefit from the transformative impact of yoga
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs
Nondumiso Leshaba, a South African business builder providing professional business advisory and accounting services to SMEs

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
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
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan

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