…now there’s an idea!

October 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken

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From the Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept

It was looking like it was going to be a quiet day in the Lionesses Hub. It was 9:30am, the Head of Finance (HoF) was deep into a third coffee, all was as normal. But was it? Emerging from the darkness that is the Finance PowerRoom (as the HoF likes to call it!), we were shocked to hear the announcement, “Retail is Dead. Long live Retail!” boom across the stunned room.

The COVID-19 Currency Survival Guide for Individuals

October 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Impact Partner Content: Absa / Absa Forex

Whether you’re sending or receiving money cross-border, investing offshore or planning a trip (post-lockdown, of course), here are the facts you need to know about foreign exchange (FX).

The 20% Rule by Catherine Gladwyn

October 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

According to author and entrepreneur, Catherine Gladwyn, as she details in her new book The 20% Rule, life can and does get in the way of our greatest dreams and plans sometimes. And she knows this from first hand experience.

Lioness Launch / One on One Coaching by Beyond the Dress

October 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Launch

Successful author and coach, Lori Milner is passionate about empowering women and equipping diverse teams with the tools and skills to fulfill their potential in their careers and personal lives. In working to fill the gap between the roles, demands, and challenges of the new working world, Lori’s full-service consultancy, Beyond the Dress (BTD), helps individuals to build harmony into their personal and professional lives. This month, she announced that one on one coaching will now be available.

Your car and cyber security

October 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Lufuno T Khorommbi

Have you thought about your car from a cyber security perspective? Which cars are we referring to? Cars that have the ability to connect to a smartphone; ability to connect to the Wi-Fi; ability to connect to Bluetooth and share information between the car and the Bluetooth device and or import information from the Bluetooth device to the car; ability to perform on android auto operating system. (This system can function independently from the phone).

5 Strategies to develop your Personal Brand online

October 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Usha Maharaj

Last night while talking to students of my upcoming Leadership Evolution Masterclass Series #LEMS, one of them shared that, before investing in my group coaching program, she and her husband "investigated" me online. Fortunately, I have invested time and energy in developing an online brand that is consistent with and reflects who I am and how I serve. Through this process, she found the comfort she needed to click on a button and sign up for my group coaching program.

21 Income-generating ideas

October 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Ronel Jooste

What if you had sufficient income and not having to work 24/7? What if you had sufficient income to realize your dreams, live the lifestyle you dream about and create wealth in the process?

A Career or Business Pivot

October 11, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Kathy Mann

I love learning. It’s part of who I am and I’ve realized that life does not seem right unless I’m expanding my knowledge or skills in some way. It’s easy to satisfy this need in a full-time job and as an entrepreneur as there are always opportunities to create new offerings and collaborations.

Quote of the Day by Sylvia Walker

October 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“Ditch the guilt, the hatred, the regrets, the baggage. What is done is done and there is nothing you can do to change it.”

Sylvia Walker, author, Smart Woman, (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Filipa Carreira / Listen to your intuition

October 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Filipa Carreira, founder of Wamina (Mozambique)

Listen to your intuition!…

"Listen to your inner soul, listen to your power, listen to your intuition, listen to who you are and who you aspire to be."

Filipa Carreira, founder of Wamina (Mozambique)

Quote of the Day by Kimberly Addison

October 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“Whether you want to start a business or fulfill a particular dream, you are going to need the help of people and your team to get there and vice versa.”

Kimberly Addison, co-founder, '57 Chocolate (Ghana)

Entrepreneur Advice from Meg Faure / Expect to work hard

October 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Meg Faure, founder, Play Sense (South Africa)

Expect to work hard!…

“Expect to work much harder than you think you will, for less reward and for a long period of time. People often glamourize the entrepreneurial and start up journey when in actual fact it’s really gritty, dirty and difficult.”

Meg Faure, founder, Play Sense (South Africa)

Quote of the Day by Tlhologelo Mabelane

October 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“Let your why ground you and guard you with persistence. Know that there is enough room for all of us to succeed, and join arms to walk together with others.”

Tlhologelo Mabelane, founder, MabuTribe (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula / Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula

October 6, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula, founder, Securico Security Services (Zimbabwe)

Never cut corners!…

“Never try to cut corners. Your business and personal life should be anchored on a firm ethical foundation. From the first day you establish the business, even an informal hustle, you should establish a culture founded on ethics and good corporate governance principles.”

Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula, founder, Securico Security Services (Zimbabwe)

Quote of the Day by Laura Camacho

October 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken

“You don’t learn how to walk from reading a book, neither can a book tell you exactly the steps to build your business.”

Laura Camacho, founder, Mixonian Institute (USA)

Entrepreneur Advice from Petrina–Auino Mwanding / Your passion will keep you going

October 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Dr. Petrina–Auino Mwandingi, founder & creative director of KOVA (Namibia)

Your passion will keep you going!…

“You have to be passionate about your business idea. When things aren't working out and challenges overwhelm you, this is what will fuel you to keep going.”

Dr. Petrina–Auino Mwandingi, founder & creative director of KOVA (Namibia)

Meet 30 Mozambican women entrepreneurs making their mark

October 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Country Spotlight / Mozambique

For the past few years, Mozambique has seen a new generation of women entrepreneurs emerging onto the business scene, creating vibrant businesses across a range of sectors. Each one is making their mark in their own way. But what they share in common is a passion for the businesses they are creating, ambition for the brands they are launching, and a desire to create opportunities and jobs for local people. These true Lionesses of Africa are not just showcasing their own unique products and services to the world, getting consumers interested in buying what they have to offer, but they are also putting Mozambique on the map and stimulating interest from across the continent.

Lorna Scott, the pioneer of Africa’s craft gin industry

October 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Meet Inverroche, a luxury gin brand celebrating the Cape’s unique botanicals.

Lorna Scott is the CEO and founder of Inverroche Distillery in South Africa. Lorna has had many roles in her career, she once was an air hostess, then became the marketing and sales manager of a food service corporation, later to become the operations director of the same company. Lorna then changed her career path by becoming the deputy mayor of the Hessequa municipality which covers the region of Still Bay. Although her background was marketing, during her time as Deputy Mayor Lorna became involved in sustainable development. One of her main objectives was to develop the region as a tourist destination and create employment amongst the local community.

Louisa Gibbons, a South African entrepreneur passionate about children’s developmental and nutritional needs

October 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Louisa Gibbons, founder of Little Foodease (South Africa)

Startup Story

Recognizing that many families have increasingly busy lifestyles with limited time, entrepreneur Louisa Gibbons, founder of Little Foodease, is providing parents with solutions. A range of nutritious meals, fun mealtimes and stimulating playtimes that equip parents to fulfil their child’s developmental and nutritional needs, while giving them peace of mind to spend more quality time with their families.

Donna McCulloch - From would-be desktop publisher to dealer principal

October 4, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Impact Partner Content: Absa

About two decades have passed since automotive maven Donna McCulloch plunged headfirst into an illustrious career that started out as a fortuitous by-product rather than by design.

After completing her university studies, Donna McCulloch initially planned to venture into desktop publishing, but with almost zero experience, few employers were willing to give her an opportunity and without a fancy computer and the necessary software – which seemed to be requiring constant upgrades – it was difficult to get a foot in the door.

Download your FREE copy of the latest Playbook: Financing Business Growth

25 leading African women entrepreneurs share practical strategies, real experiences and advice. Playbook link

Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS

LATEST PODCASTS

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Lioness GoTrade Podcast Episode 1

Episode 1: Lioness GoTrade Podcast: your go-to resource for growing your business beyond borders. Lionesses of Africa and DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa launch a new podcast series to help women-owned and women-led SMEs break into new markets through cross-border trade. Our launch episode features four remarkable women, each with a different view and experience of cross-border trade.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 1: Business Funding Journeys Podcast features Melanie Hawken, founder & CEO, Lionesses of Africa and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, who share insights on creating greater access to finance and economic growth opportunities for women business builders in Africa. Also in conversation are three women entrepreneurs building sustainable, impact-driven businesses - Anne Rweyora, founder of Smart Havens Africa in Uganda, an enterprise creating affordable, climate-smart homes for women; and Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, co-founders of Mo’s Crib in South Africa, a high-growth, sustainable handmade decor manufacturing business.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 2: Business Funding Journeys Podcast focuses on women entrepreneurs in the agribusiness sector who are in growth mode. In conversation with host Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, are Yvette Dickson-Tetteh, co-founder of Pure and Just Food in Ghana, a high-impact business transforming fresh fruit into premium tropical dried fruit products; and Hadija Jabiri, founder of GBRI Business Solutions in Tanzania, which specialises in growing, processing and selling premium fruits and vegetables for local and export markets.

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys

Episode 3: Business Funding Journeys Podcast co-hosted by Melanie Hawken, founder of Lionesses of Africa, and Melissa Basque-Roux, Coordinator, AFAWA, focuses on the important topic of how to advance smart, inclusive investment in WSMES for sustainable economic development on the African continent. Guests in conversation and sharing their considerable insights include: Dipuo Phakathi, founder of Denic Cabinets in South Africa, Mariam Zein, MD of MAFCI in Mauritania, and Aniela Koffi, SME/SMI Manager, Commercial Banking Division, Ecobank.

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

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Pleroma Patch, a South African innovative wellness brand creating plant-based patches to support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health.

Vanessa Mhlom is the founder and CEO of Pleroma Patch and is a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. Pleroma Patch is a modern wellness brand pioneering a simpler, smarter way to care for your body, through transdermal vitamin patches. Pleroma’s discreet, plant-based patches support sleep, recovery, and menstrual health. Driven by her belief that dignified self-care should be a right, not a luxury, she is developing the ‘Patch It Forward’ initiative, a give-back model that channels a portion of each purchase toward expanding access to wellness essentials like menstrual and sleep support for underserved women and girls.

Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Mo’s Crib, a premium sustainable homeware brand founded by sisters Morongwe and Michelle Mokone in Pretoria, South Africa. From humble beginnings making origami at local markets, the company has grown into one of Africa’s leading exporters of handcrafted décor. Using recycled PVC waterpipes and natural materials such as banana bark, cane, and sisal, Mo’s Crib creates globally sought-after baskets, planters, furniture, and ornaments. Today, the brand supplies major international retailers including Crate & Barrel, Target, and Woolworths Home. Committed to social impact, Mo’s Crib empowers over 85 artisans, creating jobs while advancing environmental sustainability and African design innovation. The business was launched in 2019 and today employs 280 people.

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Hazile Group, a South African agribusiness focused on sustainable food systems, renewable energy, and water stewardship

Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi is a social entrepreneur and thought leader in climate resilience, and a 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Future Award finalist. She leads Hazile Group, a black woman-led enterprise driving climate-smart solutions in agriculture, energy, and water. The company’s core mission is to address food insecurity, water scarcity, and energy transition while uplifting marginalised communities. Hazile's focus on rural development, empowering farmers, and integrating climate-smart technologies directly supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals, notably zero hunger, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, and climate action. She also runs Acumind Consulting, guiding organisations toward inclusive, values-driven leadership and ESG strategies.

Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Setšong Tea Crafters, an agri-business specialising in the crafting of speciality indigenous teas from the natural flora found in South Africa’s rural Limpopo

A former quantity surveyor turned social entrepreneur, Retang Phaahla is the co-founder and CEO of Setšong Tea Crafters in South Africa, and the winner of the 2025 Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award. Her business celebrates indigenous tea knowledge while driving rural development. Based in Sekhukhune, Limpopo, the majority women-owned social enterprise collaborates with communities to produce a range of health-promoting teas (known for calming nerves, relieving tension, and supporting balanced blood pressure), and hosts cultural tours to promote eco-tourism and preserve heritage. Setšong’s business model has created sustainable income streams for rural women while reviving ancient botanical traditions. The business was launched in 2017 and has created 30 jobs for local people.

Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise promoting literacy through children’s storybook publishing and capacity building

Dr Margaret Kemigisha is the founder and CEO of Igaaza Creations, a Uganda-based social enterprise that promotes literacy through the publishing of children’s storybooks, offers social research consulting, and builds capacity among fresh graduates. Her work bridges development and applied research, supporting governments, development organizations, and the private sector with evidence-based solutions and creative tools for impact.

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Spez Catering

Special Occasion Cakes…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-

Image of the Day / Atelier Taila Carrilho

Statement Accessories…We love the power of accessories to make strong fashion statements, and Taíla Carrilho, founder of Atelier Taila Carrilho in Mozambique creates the most exquisite, eye-cat

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 / Hope Distillery

Boutique gin…If you are a gin lover, then check out Hope Distillery, a South African distillery in the heart of urban Cape Town. Established by Lucy Beard and her husband Leigh Lisk, Hope Distillery is a sma

Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene

Image of the Day / House of Cinnamon

Animal print pumps…These eye-catching animal print pumps from House of Cinnamon in South Africa are a great addition to any stylish wardrobe. Founded by Frances Edwards, House of Cinnamon is a proudly Afro

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured

Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger, co-founders of a first-to-South African-market serum-only skincare range

Startup Story

Dr Juanri Jonck and Bernadette Kruger are co-founders of Twenty 4 Skin, a unique South African medical-grade skincare brand. Juanri is a medical doctor with a special interest in regenerative medicine, so you could say she is a holistic regenerative GP, and Bernadette is a somatologist. The brand focuses on hormone optimization, aesthetic medicine, as well as skincare formulations.

Gillian Holl, a South African architectural entrepreneur building a sustainability-focused business that responds to the needs of both clients and the environment

Startup Story

Gillian Holl, founder of VELD Architects in South Africa, has built a business renowned for creating spaces that serve not as statements but as sanctuaries. It’s an architecture deeply connected to the African landscape, fostering a sense of belonging and calm.

Júlia Silota, a Mozambican green business builder, focused on environmental waste management

Startup Story

Júlia Silota is the founder and CEO of J&G Environment Ltda, a Mozambican company operating in the environmental field, focused on the purchase and sale of solid waste, and providing solid waste collection services, solid waste management training, and environmental project evaluation. It was founded in August 2020 and began operations in 2023. It employs four people, two full-time and two part-time.

Claudia Machaieie, a Mozambican green business innovator transforming marine waste into reading glasses

Startup Story

Cláudia Machaieie is the founder of Sea Glasses in Mozambique. She is a 28-year-old with a degree in Marine Biology, a postgraduate degree in Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship, and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Biology and Conservation Ecology. She has completed several technical courses in monitoring and project management. She began her activity as a volunteer and social activist at the age of 14 and is currently a founding volunteer of SOA Mozambique and a volunteer with Solo Adventures. She has worked in public (IIP), private (SEPPA, Centro Terra Viva), and international organizations (Girl Move Academy, UN - World Food Programme) developing activities in administration, monitoring, and management of humanitarian and environmental programs. Currently, she is the social responsibility coordinator at TOPACK Mozambique.

Matilde Mawelele Rungo, a Mozambican tech-preneur helping to drive digital transformation in the country

Startup Story

Matilde Mawelele Rungo is a digital transformation consultant, cybersecurity specialist, and founder of RealityTech Advisory in Mozambique, where she leads technology-driven projects for businesses and startups. She is also an evangelist and the creator of MTI – A Triad of Hope for Children, an initiative that integrates Evangelism, Technology, and Innovation to empower young people and communities. With a global vision, Matilde is committed to advancing individuals, organizations, and ecosystems through technology, faith, and meaningful social impact. The business was launched in 2024 and today has created jobs for 6 people.

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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

Book Review

Successful entrepreneur Betsy Fore, in her new book Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams, shows how, by practicing a manifesting mindset, you can discover your deepest purpose. She calls this an “inner why” and believes finding it can unlock your greatest potential as a creator, founder, and builder of great products.

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

Book Review

The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur by Mary Grant is a transformative guide for high-achieving women entrepreneurs, business owners, and coaches who are ready to amplify their influence, impact, and income. Written by Mary Grant, a seasoned entrepreneur and innovation expert with over 30 years in the fashion industry, this book unpacks the art of empowered presence, bold confidence, and defining success on your own terms. Through insights, strategies, and a fresh perspective on success, the author empowers women to harness their unique strengths, navigate challenges, and rise to their next level with clarity and unstoppable momentum.

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

Book Review

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 is not just another business book. Most focus on strategies and tactics. This one rewires the woman behind the business—so your growth is aligned, sustainable, and actually feels good.

Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting

Book Review

In the book, Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business, author Liz Elting, one of the most celebrated and successful women in America, has created a guide for how to not only dream big, but also win―both in business and in life.

After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

Book Review

In her new book, After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup, entrepreneurship expert Julia Austin shares battle-tested strategies to help founders and startup joiners build their venture from the ground up.

According to author and entrepreneur, Catherine Gladwyn, as she details in her new book The 20% Rule, life can and does get in the way of our greatest dreams and plans sometimes. And she knows this from first hand experience.

“Ditch the guilt, the hatred, the regrets, the baggage. What is done is done and there is nothing you can do to change it.”

"Listen to your inner soul, listen to your power, listen to your intuition, listen to who you are and who you aspire to be."

“Whether you want to start a business or fulfill a particular dream, you are going to need the help of people and your team to get there and vice versa.”

“Expect to work much harder than you think you will, for less reward and for a long period of time. People often glamourize the entrepreneurial and start up journey when in actual fact it’s really gritty, dirty and difficult.”

“Let your why ground you and guard you with persistence. Know that there is enough room for all of us to succeed, and join arms to walk together with others.”

“Never try to cut corners. Your business and personal life should be anchored on a firm ethical foundation. From the first day you establish the business, even an informal hustle, you should establish a culture founded on ethics and good corporate governance principles.”

“You don’t learn how to walk from reading a book, neither can a book tell you exactly the steps to build your business.”

“You have to be passionate about your business idea. When things aren't working out and challenges overwhelm you, this is what will fuel you to keep going.”

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