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Lionesses of Africa

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(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Entrepreneur Advice from Achenyo Idachaba-Obaro / Pace your business journey

September 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Achenyo Idachaba-Obara, Founder & CEO, MitiMeth (Nigeria)

Achenyo Idachaba-Obara, Founder & CEO, MitiMeth (Nigeria)

Pace your business journey…

"Pace your business and don’t run ahead of yourself either due to peer pressure or ill-informed advice. Don’t drive more miles than your business is capable of handling."

Achenyo Idachaba-Obara, Founder & CEO, MitiMeth (Nigeria)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Achenyo Idachaba, Entrepreneurial Journey
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Marlese Wallis, a South African entrepreneur building a natural body product brand celebrating mother nature

September 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Marlese Wallis, founder of Mies Body Products (South Africa)

Marlese Wallis, founder of Mies Body Products (South Africa)

Startup Story / First published March 19, 2017 / Updated September 7, 2020

Marlese Wallis is the creator and vision carrier of MIES body products. She studied Drama at Pretoria Technicon in South Africa and pursued an awesome career as a performer in the first Afrikaans girl band called Shine 4. It was during this time that Marlese made the very first product and only after moving down to Cape Town from Johannesburg, did she pursue it as a career. Eleven years later and MIES is still growing and building business muscles! Marlese loves all things natural especially body care, loves people, giving them work, and loves the hustle of being an entrepreneur.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, South Africa
1 Comment

Is remote working killing corporate culture?

September 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Paula Quinsee

With the majority of people working from home these days, there are less team and one-on-one interactions with the majority of communications being done almost entirely online. Some concerns that are already being flagged in organisations are that of: "employees are increasingly disconnected and as a result, projects can take longer to complete. New hires are failing to integrate effectively and young professionals can take longer to professionally develop without mentors at hand or behaviours to emmulate.”

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Paula Quinsee, BU Marketing & Communications
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Evolution or Revolution?

September 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

The Head of Finance (HoF) waltzed into the office this morning and called us all together. “Time to come down from the incredible high of the VW Lionesses Den and crack on with our Business Unusual take on business in difficult times! So let’s look at one of my favourite topics! - Crisis Transformation.”

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In Team Lioness, Business Unusual Tags BU Crisis Strategy
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Get better prepared for the impact of yesterday and the future of tomorrow

September 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Gercia Sequeira, CEO and cofounder of ITIS

I can't change the direction of the wind or the tides, but I can adjust my sails to rich my destination - Confucius

Suddenly everything changed, and the worst of all nightmares was the increasingly palpable uncertainty! And the voice that screams in every entrepreneurial woman’s heart is that, a time of crisis is a time of opportunity. It seems like a “cliché”, unreachable. However, it allowed us to identify the harsh reality. We weren’t prepared! Schools, supermarkets, people, the government, nobody was prepared.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Gércia Sequeira, BU Recovery
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Conquering the Rocky Battlefield of 2020

September 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Elizabeth Otieno

Earthquakes, locust infestations, food wastage and shortage, Forest fires, park fires, mismanagement of funds, police brutality, and don't get me started on the Covid-19 pandemic. When historians finally write about the year 2020, it will most definitely sound like a horror story lifted from the pages of an Edgar Allan Poe or a Stephan King novel. Nothing from the year feels real, and yet here we are reading this on our laptops, from the safety of our homes with our masks nearby. Even though it feels like a pre-apocalyptic era, it doesn't mean we should live in a state of constant melancholy.

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In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Elizabeth Otieno, BU Inspiration & Motivation
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How To Create A Content Marketing Strategy That Converts

September 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Wuraola Ademola-Shanu

Apart from being a Copywriter, I also double as a Content Strategist. And having gained an experience of over 5 years in the field, I’ve always been asked certain content marketing questions by clients, potential customers, business owners and content marketing enthusiast.

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In Guest Blog Tags Digital Marketing, Wuraola Ademola-Shanu
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Can movement be your medicine? 

September 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Dr Ashika Pillay

It’s a well-known fact that exercise changes the body and improves physical health. It makes us look better, and when we look better, we feel better. You may have also heard of “runners high” the common understanding that the body releases natural “feel good” endorphins after a run or workout. However, what do we know about its impact on the brain, on performance, mood, and focus? Is there even such a thing?

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In Guest Blog Tags Ashika Pillay, Health & Wellbeing
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5 Things to Consider To Turn Your Hobby Into a Business

September 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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by Tapiwa Matsinde

Turning your hobby into a business is a highly rewarding experience. Not only can it mean making a living doing what you love, but also learning more about yourself and just what you are capable of. Turning your hobby into a business is a big step, one that requires a shift in mindset from creating for pleasure as and when you feel like it to creating for-profit and having to put routines and goals in place.

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In Guest Blog Tags Tapiwa Matsinde, Getting Started
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Tiguidanke Mounir Camara, a new generation mining entrepreneur in Africa

September 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tiguidanke Mounir Camara, founder of Tigui Mining Group (TMG)

Tiguidanke Mounir Camara, founder of Tigui Mining Group (TMG)

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Tigui Mining Group, a business that represents sustainable mining which empowers communities

Africa’s mining sector is focused on sustainability, entrepreneurship, and contributing meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the continent. Local communities depend on these natural resources for their futures and this requires new ways of thinking, not to mention a new approach to ensuring diversity in the sector. One woman entrepreneur is leading the way - Tiguidanke Mounir Camara is the founder of the woman-mine owned Tigui Mining Group (TMG) and is carving a new and exciting pathway for women in Africa’s mining sector.

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In Cover Story Tags Guinea, Mining & Beneficiation
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Unpacking renewable energy technologies - Part 3 Wind Energy

September 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Impact Partner Content: Absa | by Justin Schmidt, Head of New Sectors, Absa

In article three of a four-part series by Justin Schmidt, Head of New Sectors at Absa, he will unpack Wind with next weeks final articles unpacking the technologies which are changing the future state of the industry. South Africa will see a large investment into generation from wind farms in the coming decade, with this source of energy equating to 23% of the total generation capacity by 2030. In other words, this will be the fastest growing energy source in South Africa in the coming decade. While this is promising you won’t be able to install a huge tower and wind turbine at your business premises. In this article, wind turbine solutions for households and businesses will be explored and although many of us would love to have a wind turbine producing energy at home, the practical implications are explored below.

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In Lioness Content Lab Tags Absa, Renewable Energy
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Ask & Act: 10 Inspirational Tips to Get You Started on Your Entrepreneurial Journey by Jo Macfarlane

September 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Jo Macfarlane

Jo Macfarlane

Book Review

Do you want to create the life and business of your dreams? In this debut book from award winning candlemaker and inspirational #SmallBusinessSaturday winner, Jo Macfarlane, founder of the brand that carries her name, you'll learn a host of useful insights and advice about business and entrepreneurship.

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In Essential Tags Books
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Lioness Launch / New Human Capital Advice service launched by South Africa’s Shiluvah

September 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Lioness Launch

Shiluvah, a specialist Human Resource and Labour Law Consultancy in South Africa founded by Kulani Shiluvane and which offers dynamic, customized and integrated people management solutions, is launching it’s new Human Capital Advice service. The new specialist service provides clients with all the human capital management advice they need over the phone or via email.

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In Lioness Launch Tags South Africa, People Management
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Quote of the Day by Edna Carolina Gabriel de Alegria

September 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Edna Carolina Gabriel de Alegria, founder of Fisiochic (Angola)

Edna Carolina Gabriel de Alegria, founder of Fisiochic (Angola)

“I don’t have any entrepreneurial background, I’m going with my gut feeling.”

Edna Carolina Gabriel de Alegria, founder of Fisiochic (Angola)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Entrepreneur Advice from Marta Roff / Think about what is important

September 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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Think about what is important!…

“We have been given the gift of time to stop and think what is important ... take advantage.”

Marta Roff, co-founder, Maputo Relocation Solutions (Mozambique)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Productivity Time & Energy
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VW Lionesses Den announces top three women entrepreneur winners

September 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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VW Lionesses Den Competition

Volkswagen South Africa in partnership with Lionesses of Africa, are thrilled to announce the winners of the VW Lionesses Den competition. The panel of judges have selected the top three pitches after calling on women-owned businesses all over South Africa to share a two-minute pitch to win a total of R175,000 cash injection for their businesses. The winners will use the capital to invest in their businesses and in turn, help drive the South African economy forward.

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In Events, Award Winner Tags Lionesses Den
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Bathabile Mpofu, a South African entrepreneur passionate about science education 

September 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Bathabile Mpofu, founder of Nkazimulo Applied Sciences (South Africa)

Bathabile Mpofu, founder of Nkazimulo Applied Sciences (South Africa)

Startup Story

Many young learners in South Africa never get the chance to perform science experiments as part of their studies, and this means that few go on to study science as a possible future career. Entrepreneur Bathabile Mpofu, founder of Nkazimulo Applied Sciences, is on a mission to change that.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Education, Edupreneur
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Sarah Morrow, a South African edupreneur creating an accessible, affordable preschool experience

September 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Sarah Morrow, owner of Little Leaders Preschool (South Africa)

Sarah Morrow, owner of Little Leaders Preschool (South Africa)

Startup Story

In South Africa, for many parents finding a preschool for their children to attend that is both accessible and affordable can be a hugely challenging experience, often with little reward. But one passionate, impact driven woman entrepreneur is changing that reality. Sarah Morrow, founder of Little Leaders Preschool is making quality, affordable preschool education available to parents and their children from all walks of life.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Education, Edupreneur
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Quote of the Day by Zuwaira Ikharo Shuaib

September 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken
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“I had to learn entrepreneurship and I am still learning on the journey.”

Zuwaira Ikharo Shuaib, founder, Amal Botanicals Baby Care (Nigeria)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Entrepreneurial Journey
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Natacha Nduwimana / Natacha Nduwimana

September 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Natacha Nduwimana, founder, Jelim Premier Events (Rwanda)

Natacha Nduwimana, founder, Jelim Premier Events (Rwanda)

Keep focused on your vision!…

“The big deal is not that you failed, it’s whether you stayed there and faced your journey towards your vision.”

Natacha Nduwimana, founder, Jelim Premier Events (Rwanda)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Failure
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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 / 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 / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu
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 / Quazi Design

Sustainable Home Decor…If you want to make a statement with your interior design and home decor, and at the same make a contribution to supporting eco-friendly enterprise, then these unique decor pieces from Qu

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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