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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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Quote of the Day by Christelle Kwizera

June 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Christelle Kwizera, Founder & CEO, Water Access Rwanda (Rwanda)

Christelle Kwizera, Founder & CEO, Water Access Rwanda (Rwanda)

“Becoming a social entrepreneur was a way for me to combine my advocacy skills, desire to help, and my talent with money management and engineering, all of these for the good of individuals and communities.”

Christelle Kwizera, Founder & CEO, Water Access Rwanda (Rwanda) 

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In Quote of the Day Tags Social Entrepreneurship
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Entrepreneur Advice from Thiitu Karega / Start small, but start now!

June 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Thiitu Karega, founder, Binti Naturals, (Kenya)

Thiitu Karega, founder, Binti Naturals, (Kenya)

Start small but start now!…

“There is never going to be a perfect time to go after your goals. Start small but start now. I fail more times than I’m willing to admit but at least I’ve tried.”

Thiitu Karega, founder, Binti Naturals, (Kenya)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
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Margaret Hirsch, an impact-driven retail pioneer in Southern Africa

June 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Margaret Hirsch

Margaret Hirsch

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Hirsch’s is a truly South African family business and was founded 41 years ago by Margaret Hirsch and her husband Allan. Today, it is the largest independently owned Appliance and Electronics retail outlet in South Africa - Margaret now has the role of Executive Director of the company, Allan is the Chairman, son Richard is CEO and daughter Luci is Brand Manager. Lionesses of Africa chatted to Margaret this month to hear her shared insights during this Covid-19 pandemic, and its impact on her personally and on the business. She opens up very honestly about her personal experiences, and also her people centric approach to business.

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In Cover Story Tags Margaret Hirsch, Retail
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Pretty Kubyane, a blockchain technology entrepreneur in South Africa disrupting the hair supply chain industry

June 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Pretty Kubyane, co-founder of Coronet Blockchain (South Africa)

Pretty Kubyane, co-founder of Coronet Blockchain (South Africa)

Startup Story

In Africa, hair is big business, from the supply chain of human hair products, to hair suppliers, salon businesses, and associated services. Pretty Kubyane and her husband co-founded Coronet Blockchain, a company looking to create an end-to-end transparent supply chain by harnessing the power of technology.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Technology, Blockchain
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Linda Khumbanyiwa, a Malawian womenswear brand-builder celebrating local heritage and craftsmanship

June 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Linda Khumbanyiwa, founder of Lynne Kayenne Studio (Malawi)

Linda Khumbanyiwa, founder of Lynne Kayenne Studio (Malawi)

Startup Story

Creative entrepreneurs are often inspired by their cultural heritage, and for Linda Khumbanyiwa, founder of Lynne Kayenne Studio, that was certainly the case. Her inspiration came from Malawi, the country of her birth, and a deep desire to change people’s perceptions of it, through her creative work.

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In Startup Story Tags Malawi, Fashion
Comment

Business agility in turbulent times

June 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: by James Noble, Head of Wholesale, Retail and Franchising – Absa Business Banking

No business has been left unscathed by the COVID19 pandemic. Even businesses in the fast- moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector that trade in groceries, health, hygiene, long-life consumables and pharmaceutical products have been impacted due to shorter trading hours and more conservative purchasing behaviour by consumers.

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In Lioness Content Lab, Business Unusual Tags Absa, BU Management Advice
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Energetic Selling & Marketing; A New Way to Create Extraordinary Growth in Your Business by Lenka Lutonska

June 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lenka Lutonska

Lenka Lutonska

Book Review

So many women entrepreneurs find sales and marketing the tough part of their businesses, it doesn’t always come naturally to them. But in her new book, Energetic Selling & Marketing; A New Way to Create Extraordinary Growth in Your Business, author, entrepreneur and sales guru, Lenka Lutonska, has a different approach. By focusing energetically on five critical areas of business, she shows readers how to change their current ways of thinking and doing, and instead to experience growth by adopting a new way of selling and marketing.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Are you a ‘Lean-Back’ or ‘Lean Forward’ Business?

June 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

It was one of those mornings, our coffee machine had broken (to be fair it was very well used and abused, especially by our Head of Operations) and our IT/techno guru who doubles as the go-to expert for all things that involve electricity, plugs and buttons (not the business shirt kind) was nowhere to be found.

Panic, chaos and mayhem ensued!

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In Team Lioness, Business Unusual Tags BU Marketing & Communications
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In times of crisis, up the comms!

June 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Thembe Khumalo, founder and Managing Director of Brandbuilder

At a time when we are practicing social distancing in real life, we need to do the opposite with our customers. In other words, use this time to get closer. How can you do that?

Communicate, communicate, communicate!

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Thembe Khumalo, BU Communication
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The power of mindfulness meditation in stressful times

June 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Amanda Blankfield-Koseff, Founder and CEO of Empowervate

Mindfulness meditation is a great way to still the mind and stop the thoughts from causing stress and anxiety. Our brains have a default network which creates all kinds of thoughts all the time except when we are focusing on something and being “in flow”. All the other times, our thoughts continue. The problem comes when we get stuck on a thought, and obsess about it, which causes negative emotions like fear, worry, anger etc.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Amanda Blankfield-Koseff, BU Wellbeing & Mental Health
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Mapping your business journey

June 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Mandisa Makubalo, ceo, Unlimited Experiences SA

We are living in times where the way of doing business and living has been redefined for years to come. Pandemics are generally known for taking years to reach their full destructive potential, it is therefore critical for organizations to behave responsibly during the different phases of the pandemic. The consequence of irresponsible behaviour is a new era of disputes that are going to need to be resolved by employers.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Mandisa Makubalo, People Management, BU Management Advice
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Self-Compassion: A Valuable Stress Management Tool

June 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Kathy Mann, Author & Speaker

Have you ever been told that you are too hard on yourself? When you receive feedback do you scroll past all the good stuff and focus on the negative or ‘constructive’ feedback? This is was my norm for most of my life, particularly early in my corporate career.

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In Guest Blog Tags Kathy Mann, Stress Management
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A Step Closer to a Healthy Balance

June 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Catia Mondlane, Founder Estética & Cosméticos

When I started the organic journey, which wasn’t a piece of cake I have to say, I found very interesting facts about the powerful effects food has on the mind, emotions, and the physical, and how the immune system reacts to different situations.

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In Guest Blog Tags Catia Mondlane, Health & Wellbeing
Comment

Perfection versus Excellence

June 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Dr Ashika Pillay

In the quest for progress rather than perfection…

Is it possible to get out of your own way so that you can gain traction and get action on things that you would like to do? Sometimes the thing that can keep us stuck in unfinished cycles and continuous loops of inertia and inaction is a fixated view of getting things right vs getting the right things done.

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In Guest Blog Tags Ashika Pillay, Mindful Entrepreneur
Comment

Quote of the Day by Lelly Mntungwa

June 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lelly Mntungwa, founder, Msinga Clothing (South Africa)

Lelly Mntungwa, founder, Msinga Clothing (South Africa)

“I believe skills transfer is a sustainable gift - it can empower people to become income generators.”

Lelly Mntungwa, founder, Msinga Clothing (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Women's Empowerment, Skills Training & Development
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Entrepreneur Advice from Eunice Cofie / Have a teachable spirit!

June 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Eunice Cofie, founder, Nuekie, (Ghana/US)

Eunice Cofie, founder, Nuekie, (Ghana/US)

Have a teachable spirit!…

“Having a teachable spirit is important, because you don't know everything. You have to be willing to allow others to teach you what you don't know so that you can be successful.”

Eunice Cofie, founder, Nuekie, (Ghana/US)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Eunice Cofie, Mentoring, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Quote of the Day by Nunu Mugyenyi

June 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Ngyenzi 'Nunu' Mugyenyi, co-founder, Bold Kampala, (Uganda)

Ngyenzi 'Nunu' Mugyenyi, co-founder, Bold Kampala, (Uganda)

“It is often said that a business partnership is like a marriage. Choose your business partners wisely.”

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In Quote of the Day Tags Management Advice
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Entrepreneur Advice from Angela Franklin / Remain humble!

June 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Angela Franklin, founder, Chez Alpha Books, (Senegal)

Angela Franklin, founder, Chez Alpha Books, (Senegal)

Remain humble!…

“Remain forever humble in what you have accomplished through sweat and determination as it could be gone tomorrow.”

Angela Franklin, founder, Chez Alpha Books, (Senegal)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Quote of the Day by Rachel Phiri

June 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Rachel Phiri, founder, Silverbox Jewellery (Zimbabwe)

Rachel Phiri, founder, Silverbox Jewellery (Zimbabwe)

“I love being in a position to put smiles on my customers faces - a returning customer is the best compliment I can ever receive. Also, being able to make a living from my own ideas is priceless.”

Rachel Phiri, founder, Silverbox Jewellery (Zimbabwe)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Entrepreneur Advice from Bushera Bashir / Take that entrepreneurial leap!

June 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Bushera Bashir, founder, Trebene, (South Africa)

Bushera Bashir, founder, Trebene, (South Africa)

Take that entrepreneurial leap!…

“The only way to know whether or not entrepreneurship is for you is by jumping straight into it. What’s the worst that can happen? Worst is not you failing at it, but not knowing how great an entrepreneur you are.”

Bushera Bashir, founder, Trebene, (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Getting Started
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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 / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map
Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c
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 / 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 / Afrobotanics

Nature inspired haircare… Banish dry hair with the Afrobotanics Hemp Seed Oil moisturising conditioner created by Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur and advocate for natural hair and body produc
Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind
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 / The House of Agness

An elegant floral gifting idea… Mariana Agness Francisco Eria is a creative force in contemporary floral design. Her business, The House of Agness, is a luxury florist and gifting boutique nestled in Map Image of the Day / Eki

Silk Sensation…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Eki is known for its signature soft silks and ethereal c 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 / 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 / Afrobotanics

Nature inspired haircare… Banish dry hair with the Afrobotanics Hemp Seed Oil moisturising conditioner created by Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur and advocate for natural hair and body produc Image of the Day / Happy Coffee

Happy Coffee Experiences…If you are a fan of great coffee you will love Happy Coffee, founded by Princess Adeyinka Tekenah in Nigeria. She is a Coffee Entrepreneur and a Mom, and the founder of this growing ind 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

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
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
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

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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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