• Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA
Menu

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

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Community
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
  • Events +
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
  • About +
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
  • Connect +
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

The business of mask making

August 8, 2020 Melanie Hawken
pablo-308.png

by Brigette Mashile

Why don’t we make masks for sale? That was the message from my mom recently. I decide to call her to talk to her about my thoughts. Her question is on point, this seems to be the only item anyone with a sewing machine should be doing currently. Ignore all the wedding, graduation, party or any other event outfits you had orders on; if the last time you touched your sewing machine is 10 years ago… now it’s the time to bring it out again. There is an advert flyer I say it said South Africa needs 36 million masks and you can get to make some of them. What a number!

Read more
In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Brigette Mashile, BU Pivoting
Comment

Ignore the NO, focus on the YES

August 1, 2020 Melanie Hawken
pablo-281.png

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

Two weeks ago I submitted my writing to an organization that is looking for content writers. I was referred by a friend. After 2 weeks I was about to ask if they had received my work for the opportunity but I received the reply first. And it was a NO. I will admit, I feared that it was a no before I opened the email; I tried to reprimand myself. Why am I expecting the worst? Well I did receive the worst.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile, Perseverance
Comment

Domestic Work. Like it or not it has to be done!

April 19, 2020 Melanie Hawken
pablo-84.png

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

In this time where most of us are ‘stuck’ at home, there are a lot of things we suddenly have to do ourselves. I have seen many many posts about how tedious it is to have to cook every day and more than once a day. A lot of us were at work, in an office for most of the day; we either packed lunch to work or just grabbed a sandwich from the tuck shop. Well, suddenly we have to cook breakfast, lunch and supper. For some, it is for an entire family vs you living alone for most of the year.

Read more
In Guest Blog, Business Unusual Tags Brigette Mashile, BU Remote Working
Comment

Leading from the heart

March 22, 2020 Melanie Hawken
from-the-heart.jpg

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

Last week, I got an enquiry on my phone about us making a dress for a collection on Thursday - the problem was this message was coming in on a Tuesday. I immediately responded with the message that we unfortunately wouldn’t be able to make a dress by Thursday. This, of course was not a lie. The entire process of making a dress is just not possible in 1 day. Even one week is not enough. So many things can and will go wrong.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

The reasons I got tired

February 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
pablo-1025.png

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

During the festive season people talk about how exhausted they feel; that they have been working hard the entire year and need a break. Most people are referring to the period of a year, 12 months of constant working and no rest. These people are mostly in corporate, makes sense! Then there is us; and those other brave souls that do corporate and business! We have been working 24/7 every day of the year, with random rests brought upon us by the flu! Then on a more personal level, there was me last year who was exhausted from 5 years’ worth of work. Constant, continuous, painful work. With doses of stress sessions in between as to whether we would make it. To say I was exhausted is an understatement; I felt depleted.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Entrepreneurial Mindset, Brigette Mashile
Comment

Finding the best operating model for your fashion business

January 23, 2020 Melanie Hawken
pablo-973.png

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

When I started Roka Roko, I didn’t consider my options as to how I wanted to operate. I didn’t think that far ahead. My main goal was to make clothes people felt and looked amazing in. I had been postponing my dream for at least 10 years and finally the opportunity was here. So, I just dove in. As the years passed, I became more and more exposed to other fashion businesses and ways of operation. I toyed with a few operating models and realizedthat it is better to find one and stick to it. I mean,  you can 80% do one, and maybe 20% another; but your cash cow needs to be clear and strictly followed.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile, Management Advice, Fashion
Comment

Breaking Away 

December 14, 2019 Melanie Hawken
pablo-921.png

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

The moment you decide to start a business, understand that taking a conscious break will be impossible. A business has so many aspects to it that need your attention each day; so much so that taking a Saturday off is a sin. Imagine, a weekend day! You will feel bad for doing nothing all day, people will definitely contact you on that very day you are off; and you will want to speak to them. So ideally, taking a break as an entrepreneur becomes a struggle to pretend you don’t have work all day.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

The Things Clients Say 

September 15, 2019 Melanie Hawken
pablo-811.png

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

There is an idea formed by many of us that people who run businesses, or at least render some service to us, are not human like us.  For some reason we see them as the ‘lady at the coffee shop’ or the ‘petrol attendant’; we never ever relate to them as people who sleep at night and wake up in the morning.  This experience is the same for me.  I believe a lot of fashion business people like myself feel like this...no…just me? Ok LOL. I have seen that many clients are not aware of the things they say that could be offensive or just make no sense at all.  Most of the time, they say things that benefit themselves. 

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
Comment

The Importance of Self-Management

June 26, 2019 Melanie Hawken
pablo-706.png

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

I have been thinking for almost 6 months about a lot of the processes and events I have had in business; obviously wondering what I have done right and wrong. This is due to the fact that after 5 years I woke up one day and felt like I was depleted.  Physically, mentally and emotionally depleted; the kind that needs a holiday with my mom on a quiet island, untapped without WIFI.  I’m exaggerating…ok, ok, but I’m not lying. 

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile, Personal Development
Comment

The Story of the Leather Wallet 

June 2, 2019 Melanie Hawken
pablo-681.png

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko (South Africa)

Last year I decided to make my sister a long lasting birthday gift, something I believed she could keep for a long time.  So I decided to get her a 100% leather bag set.  I got this idea after seeing some leather items at a market one Saturday afternoon (done by a supplier from Bloemfontein with a long track record and equipment to produce and engrave). Their quality was amazing and I took their contact details. I had an idea to make her a weekend bag, a hand bag and a wallet. Then I would find a way to personalize it so she always knows it’s from her big sister.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
Comment

Trying to Hire

May 25, 2019 Melanie Hawken
pablo-673.png

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

A month ago I decided it was probably time to look for help again. This was driven by the fact that I had been off work for a few weeks due to personal struggles and was more than just behind on everything.  Plus this, I had a wedding coming up. So the panic and anxiety and my friends made me do it! Well, great advice from them, though I was in no space to be my 100% self. I needed help, as any other human being does on this earth. I needed to hire.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
Comment

Learning the art of self management

March 10, 2019 Melanie Hawken
freeresources_Mastering_Self_Management_52e638cbce167.jpg

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

We are the first, in many ways, in this entrepreneurship boom happening currently.  Most of us are first amongst our families, friends and generally in all of history.  You know what this means…it means we have to find out, teach ourselves, and excel at something we have no history of from a personal perspective. Having a parent who had previously run a business, whether it failed or succeeded, would be just bliss.  Someone to ask specific questions to; someone to check in with all the time.  

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
Comment

We fear success more than failure

February 15, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Fear-of-success.jpg

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

I have always said that I am more fearful of my success than my failure.  I mean what is failure? How many rejections have you been through at this age; try and count and you will fail.  In my case, from my first attempt to touch a candle flame, or my mom refusing for me to not make it into the NETBAL EERSTE SPAN in high school, and to the tertiary Dmerits! There have been failures, but yet I am here.  So failure to me is just a T-Junction on a road - I went right but I was supposed to go left.  But…success… you see success is a new can of worms I have never experienced. It demands another me I have not met before, and definitely feels like growing a new tooth.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
Comment

Hard work pays off

February 10, 2019 Melanie Hawken
pablo-570.png

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

The journey of building my own business empire has been many things, including amazing, challenging, surprising and painful. Luckily, God is kind enough not to allow these experiences to happen at the very same time. Instead, they are spread across time. I believe this is the 5th year this year. Halfway to a decade, imagine! I think I should one day sit down and write all the major events that have happened during the building of my business, Roka Roko, and look at them as an audience rather than as the main character involved. Maybe I might cry from the sheer multitude of what small actions eventually add up to on this entrepreneurial journey.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
Comment

Fitness and the life of an entrepreneur

January 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken
empty-gym.jpg

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

I have cancelled my gym membership. I can hear a wave of horror and disbelief riveting through my people. I mean how dare I in this age of green healthy bodies. What am I doing? Honestly, it feels like freedom and something I have been trying to do for a long time. I have been signed up to some or other gym for the longest time all because someone said I must be part of a gym. They are right, but I do think there are other ways of achieving fitness? Other than being committed to a contract, I have failed over and over to honour.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
Comment

Dusty pink

January 12, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Screen Shot 2019-01-12 at 6.33.53 PM.png

by Brigitte Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

Would you believe I have been creating dusty pink bridesmaids dresses since the inception of  Roka Roko?  My second group of bridesmaids in 2014 was a chiffon and lace dusty pink dress design; and that experience was terrible.  Well, not because of the colour, but you can imagine I have had a few scary attachments to this colour.  I have had a love hate relationship with the colour dusty pink for a while now.  I think it is because as a creative you come to accept that things change and you expect the world to move with you…well no!

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
Comment

To collaborate or not? That is the question!

December 9, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Collaboration.jpg

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

In the 4 years of this business, I have had ‘gazillions’ of collaboration offers and maybe 1 of them actually happens, maybe!  I don’t know if it worked or not.  Collaborations are agreed to and pushed forward because, well in life and in business we need each other. I am yet to be part of a real collaboration and see it through. There are many reasons why I haven’t been in one, some are real and others probably imagined! Have I lost out? Probably! Who knows what we can achieve when we come together for a common purpose. I have compiled a list of reasons I still haven’t done a collaboration; maybe some ring true for you as well?

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
Comment

My life’s work

November 24, 2018 Melanie Hawken
pablo-503.png

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

In the four and a half years I have been running Roka Roko I have been rejected just about a million times.  Each time there was a reason why of course. A reason I couldn’t understand but reviewed deeply to better myself.  At each of these times when I tried again and again after each rejection, I would feel like I am insane really. Why am I trying again? There is a saying that goes, doing the same thing expecting different results is stupidity; and some times I have felt stupid.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
Comment

Hands off my Sundays

November 18, 2018 Melanie Hawken
1-2.jpg

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

I don’t work on Sundays. No wait, I don’t do anything on Sundays! And this seems to boggle a lot of minds. People have numerous reasons why I should see them on Sunday. It’s fascinating. I have thus far taught my body to refuse all when I wake, I can literally spend the entire day (10 hours) in bed reading, eating and watching things on the laptop.  Lazy right? Yep, yep, yep. But I have my reasons - give me a chance to explain.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
Comment

The trendiest thread

November 9, 2018 Melanie Hawken
rBVaJFh4gMSACcKBAADl-nsMLIc736.jpg

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

The world follows the US and UK for everything…literally everything.  Maybe it’s because these places monopolize our media? It’s tougher to find out what is happening in Malawi than in Los Angeles.  And see how far Los Angeles is compared to Malawi and to us?  In fashion as well, retailers do their research in the UK and US first; then the rest of Europe.  We are one season behind, so we are well set up for this follow-on game. But I can tell you that South Africans, just like Africans, have their own preferences.  We take some of the trends, leave some, and make others in our own way.  This is a list of what I have noticed this year making clothes for South African ladies.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Brigette Mashile
Comment
← Newer Posts Older Posts →

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series - Navigating Artificial Intelligence In The Workplace

Lioness Radio Show Special Episode: Navigating AI 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
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold 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 brand c
Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi
Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company
Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p
Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized
Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has
Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y
Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates
Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he
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 / Adèle Dejak

Big bold 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 brand c Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he 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

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Mbali Ndandani and Portia Nondo, two passionate ecosystem builders driving support for Africa’s crafters and fashion brands
Mbali Ndandani and Portia Nondo, two passionate ecosystem builders driving support for Africa’s crafters and fashion brands
Kelly Jean Valigy, a dynamic marketing and communications professional building a creative powerhouse in Mozambique
Kelly Jean Valigy, a dynamic marketing and communications professional building a creative powerhouse in Mozambique
Jacqueléne Coetzer, a pan-African business consulting and specialist trade firm builder empowering other women entrepreneurs
Jacqueléne Coetzer, a pan-African business consulting and specialist trade firm builder empowering other women entrepreneurs
Schneidine Phidelmond, an entrepreneur building a holistic digital agency supporting WSMEs and SMEs in Mozambique
Schneidine Phidelmond, an entrepreneur building a holistic digital agency supporting WSMEs and SMEs in Mozambique
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa

LIONESS DATA & INSIGHTS


LIONESS PLAYBOOKS



Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 6.01.32 PM.png
Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 5.34.58 PM.png

Sign up today to receive the #1-rated newsletters for Africa's women entrepreneurs.

* indicates required
Required: Please select your newsletter(s):


LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Afro-Optimism Unleashed by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer
Afro-Optimism Unleashed by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer

About Us  |  Contact Us  | PRIVACY POLICY | terms OF SERVICE  | Community Guidelines  

© 2025 LIONESSES OF AFRICA public benefit corporation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.