By Paula Quinsee
Have you ever drawn up your Life Line over your lifetime? Drawing up your life line is a great way to identify both positive and negative experiences in your lifetime that have contributed to where you are today.
Read moreAll change is messy in the middle..
by Ashika Pillay
Being an entrepreneur, especially a female one is not all pretty business. We see the stories on the LinkedIn and Facebook, and perhaps even on Lionesses Of Africa, and we get a good case of either Imposter Syndrome and or Mrs. Doubt (Fire). Sitting in the aftermath of that hit can become ugly and unsettling. We question the choices that we’ve made, and paths we’ve chosen, and wonder if it’s all really worth the effort, and the not-so-prettiness. How can we find help to get out of the hole when we find ourselves there.
Read moreHow to finally take the plunge into your courage zone
by Lori Milner
“As you move outside of your comfort zone, what was once the unknown and frightening becomes your new normal.” - Robin S. Sharma
If you want to start running, you aren’t going to put your hand up for a monster marathon. You’ll begin with some light jogging and build your way up slowly. When you want to get into a swimming pool, you tend to dip your toes in first to test the water. Even though you know it’s not the best strategy to get in so slowly, it still feels easier than taking the plunge and jumping in. Why not adopt the same approach when it comes to stepping out of your comfort zone?
Read moreEmbrace Training!
By Lionesses of Africa Operations Dept
Last weekend we showed that one of the best ways to keep good employees and to encourage them to invest their lives into your dream, was through training. We quoted the great Ben Horowitz, (in his book here) who found out that one reason employees left was “The company wasn’t investing resources in helping employees develop new skills.”
Read moreAdri Williams, a South African entrepreneur changing women’s lives in Khayelitsha through cookies
Adri Williams, owner, Khayelitsha Cookies (South Africa)
Startup Story
Khayelitsha Cookies is an impact driven, hand-made cookie manufacturing business making a difference to reducing employment in South Africa, and empowering women to look after their families.
Read moreJessica Mkondiwa, an entrepreneur in Malawi creating an on-demand clothing business and creating jobs
Jessica Mkondiwa, CEO, Malawi Luxury Inc
Startup Story
Jessica Mkondiwa is a CEO of Malawi Luxury Inc, a ‘print on demand’ clothing line in Malawi. She started the business in September 2019 with the help of her friend, Harrison Soko, with whom she shared ideas and joined together. It has been almost two years so far and she has employed 15 people in the business, of which 91% of them are Malawians.
Read moreAn account that grows with your business
Impact Partner Content - Absa
In a move aimed at transforming the banking experience for businesses, Absa has launched a brand-new transactional account called Business Evolve Zero. Specifically designed for sole proprietors’ businesses, it comes with no monthly account fee.
Read moreLionesses of Africa launches The Business of Funding Podcast in partnership with Enygma Ventures
Lioness Radio / The Business of Funding Podcast
In response to the challenges facing Africa’s women entrepreneurs in getting access to essential growth funding for their businesses, Lionesses of Africa has launched The Business of Funding Podcast series through its Lioness Radio division. This new quarterly podcast show aims to inform and inspire, and is powered by Enygma Ventures, a private investment fund focused on investing in women-led businesses in Southern Africa, and co-founded by entrepreneurs Sarah and Jacob Dusek.
Read moreDream First, Details Later: How to Quit Overthinking & Make It Happen! by Ellen Marie Bennett
Ellen Marie Bennett
Book Review
Entrepreneur Ellen Marie Bennett, founder of professional apron company, Hedley & Bennett, knows what it takes to build a successful business, and the title of her new book, Dream First, Details Later: How to Quit Overthinking & Make It Happen!, says it all.
Read moreLioness Launch / Mozambique’s House of Agness launches new bespoke, luxury tea collection
Mariana Agness Francisco Eria
Lioness Launch
The House of Agness, founded by creative entrepreneur Mariana Agness Francisco Eria, is a contemporary Floral House based in Mozambique and specializing in bespoke, minimalistic floral arrangements. The company’s inspiration is based on minimalism and sustainability. The House of Agness range of products and services includes, but is not limited to, the delivery of signature floral boxes, bouquets, gift boxes and onsite floral services, as well as corporate event management and design. Signature flowers include roses, orchids, hydrangeas and peonies (seasonal). The company takes pride in the preserved flower collection where a rose can last for as long as 2 years in its lush acrylic boxes.
Read moreAisha Pandor, a digital innovator solving problems at scale
Aisha R. Pandor
Lioness Weekender Cover Story
SweepSouth, Africa’s first online platform connecting home services providers to work opportunities
Aisha R. Pandor is co-founder and CEO of multi-award winning SweepSouth, Africa’s first online home services platform. Venture-backed, SweepSouth was the first South African startup to be accepted into the 500 startups accelerator based in Silicon Valley. Aisha completed her PhD in Human Genetics at the University of Cape Town. Following her studies, she worked as a management consultant in the telecoms and mining industries. SweepSouth is an advocate for financial and digital inclusivity, and has connected over 25,000 previously unemployed/underemployed home service providers to work opportunities.
Read moreLynda Smith, a pioneering online community builder for the 50plus generation who want to make an impact
Startup Story
As the world’s population ages, the 50plus generation are looking to make a difference in the next productive phase of their lives, Lynda Smith is a thought leader in this space and founded 50Plus-Skills in South Africa. Lynda is a pioneer and has started a few businesses during her 40 years in business. She dreams about bringing social change while empowering others to grow.
Read moreShould I stay or should I go?
5 Reasons Your Social Media Marketing Needs a Content Strategy
by Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho
Have you ever tried writing a social media post and you simply can’t remember what you wanted to write about? Sometimes you are just all out of ideas or haven’t taken the time to outline relevant themes for your organization and sometimes your graphics simply don’t engage the way you would like them to. Do not despair, all your organization needs is a solid Content Strategy.
Read moreMoving My Body for Peace of Mind
By Phindile Ndlovu- Tapula
Hello Moms! Who else feels like stress loves them or they are in fact in love with stress? Does stress get you down, binge eating and moody? Does your mind race during the night fixing problems and anticipating for problems?
Read moreAre you an achiever or a competitor?
by Marjon Meyer
The slow and sometimes passive lifestyle of Lockdown in 2020 encouraged me to spend more time running as our escape and entertainment options were extremely limited. Teams and Zoom also have their limitations for human interaction and stimulation. I have always been a lover of the Great Outdoors, so it felt good to apply my tekkies to tar with the added bonus of becoming fitter and staying healthy. An unexpected bonus was that I was introduced to a group of running enthusiasts who I now consider my tribe, my running family and dear friends. Hours on the road invariably lead to beautiful and interesting conversations, especially for those who can run and breathe simultaneously (just for the record, due to the latter, my listening skills have improved rapidly).
Read more3 key skills you will need in #20won
By Paula Quinsee
Last year was supposed to be the year of #20plenty. This year, let it be the year of #20won.
Read moreVhongani Shumba, a South African entrepreneur building a gourmet flavoured butter brand
Impact Partner Content - Absa
For all those cooks who want to bring extra flavour into their meals, Mi Butter, founded by entrepreneur Vhongani Shumba in South Africa has the answer in a jar. Vhongani is the founder and CEO of mi butter SA, founded in 2016, a proudly local woman-led company introducing the market to the world of flavoured butters. She is a marketing and brand manager by day and small business developer by night. Vhongani has brought her company to life by her own hard work and tenacity, and today is involved in the daily operations of the business, providing strategic insights and ensuring that the quality of mi butter meets customers’ expectations.
Read moreQuote of the Day by Eugenia Langa
Eugenia Langa, founder, Nweba (Mozambique)
“My aspirations are to see more local companies being able to provide services to the major projects, especially in the Oil & Gas Sector and less dependent on the external markets.”
Eugenia Langa, founder, Nweba (Mozambique)
Read moreEntrepreneur Advice from Thokozile Mangwiro / Focus on your vision
Thokozile Mangwiro, founder, Nilotiqa (South Africa)
Focus on your vision!…
“Focus on your vision, it will pull you through the emotional roller-coaster; it will pull you through the fear and doubt that will surely come. A strong vision will lead to the success of your business.”
Thokozile Mangwiro, founder, Nilotiqa (South Africa)
Read more