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Lionesses of Africa

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The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Alice Kivuva, a Kenyan entrepreneur building a unique African-inspired sports brand 

October 17, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Alice Kivuva, founder, FiveStars Africa (Kenya)

Alice Kivuva, founder, FiveStars Africa (Kenya)

Startup Story

All avid sportspeople, especially cyclists want to find comfortable, fashionable and stylish activewear that makes them feel and look good, and which inspires them to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Entrepreneur Alice Kivuva, founder of FiveStars Africa, the unique African Inspired Sports Brand in Kenya, has created an activewear that does just that.

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In Startup Story Tags Kenya, Fashion, Sportspreneur
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Safietou Seck, a fashion entrepreneur from Senegal blending African and Western cultures in her designs

October 3, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Safietou Seck, founder of SARAYAA (Senegal)

Safietou Seck, founder of SARAYAA (Senegal)

Startup Story

There is a growing interest by textile lovers around the world in discovering handwoven fabrics from the African continent, and this interest is something that Safietou Seck, founder of SARAYAA, is tapping into with her business. Her clothing line effortlessly blends contemporary design with the inspiration of beautiful handwoven fabrics from the African continent.

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In Startup Story Tags Senegal, Fashion
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Leila Kigha, a Cameroonian entrepreneur on a mission to help women build legacy brands

September 26, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Leila Kigha, founder and ceo, KARA Group of Companies (Cameroon)

Leila Kigha, founder and ceo, KARA Group of Companies (Cameroon)

Startup Story

Leila Kigha is the founder and ceo of the KARA Group of Companies in Cameroon. She is a seasoned journalist turned entrepreneur on a mission to help women embrace their authentic selves so that they can show up and impact the world confidently. The Kara Group of Companies is an expression of her love and passion for helping women build legacy brands, the African print and shoes. The brand was born five years ago and is steadily growing and looks forward to employing and empowering more women from the local communities. She has over 15 years’ experience as a broadcast journalist, PR person and event organizer.

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In Startup Story Tags Cameroon, Fashion, Media PR & Communications
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Fatim Marina Keita, an entrepreneur and accessory designer from Cote d’Ivoire combining modern and traditional design

September 19, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Aya Keita,  founder and CEO, Aya K Design (Cote d’Ivoire)

Aya Keita, founder and CEO, Aya K Design (Cote d’Ivoire)

Startup Story

Aya Keita is the founder and CEO of Aya K Design in Cote d’Ivoire. An entrepreneur and seasoned designer, her activity is focused on the creation of high quality traditional-modern accessory for the international and pan-African market. She founded the company almost 4 years ago and now employs 10 people.

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In Startup Story Tags Cote d'Ivoire, Fashion
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Omotola Olaniyi-Omosebi, a Nigerian fashion educator empowering others through training

September 4, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Omotola Olaniyi-Omosebi, founder, Gmoty Fashion Academy (Nigeria)

Omotola Olaniyi-Omosebi, founder, Gmoty Fashion Academy (Nigeria)

Startup Story

Gmoty Fashion Academy in Nigeria, founded by the passionate fashion entrepreneur Omotola Olaniyi-Omosebi, is changing people’s lives by giving them training in fashion manufacturing skills and business. Her work is accelerating her students’ ability to access jobs and business opportunities in the fashion industry on graduation.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Fashion, Skills Training & Development
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Rahel Mwitula Williams, a Tanzanian entrepreneur building a socially responsible lifestyle brand to empower women

August 15, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Rahel Mwitula Williams,lead designer, ILAVA (Tanzania)

Rahel Mwitula Williams,lead designer, ILAVA (Tanzania)

Startup Story

Rahel Mwitula Williams serves as lead designer of ILAVA, a socially responsible lifestyle brand that uses fashion to empower women and inspire change around the world. Her role within ILAVA has not only reinforced her passion for seeking global change, but it has also led to her ability to impact women and leaders across the globe through various opportunities. To name a few, ILAVA was invited to showcase its latest collection at LA Fashion Week in 2017, and in April 2018, she had an opportunity to represent ILAVA at Northwestern University through a TEDx Talk (Redefining Philanthropy: Faces of Change Makers).

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In Startup Story Tags Tanzania, Fashion, Social Entrepreneur
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Kunjina Tesfaye, an Ethiopian creative entrepreneur building a proud ready-to-wear fashion brand

August 8, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Kunjina-Collage.jpg

Startup Story

Kunjina Tesfaye is the founder and creative director of Kunjina, a fashion brand established in 2017 in Ethiopia while she was a university student studying construction technology and management. The brand mainly caters to women and also makes some unisex items. Kunjina’s main sales outlet is the physical store located in Addis Ababa, and the business is also on its way to launching an e-commerce site soon. Kunjina currently has five employees working for the brand.

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In Startup Story Tags Ethiopia, Fashion
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Hortense Mbea, a Cameroonian entrepreneur building an African lifestyle brand 

August 1, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Hortense Mbea, founder, Afropian (Cameroon)

Hortense Mbea, founder, Afropian (Cameroon)

Startup Story

Hortense Mbea is a professional interpreter as well as a creative entrepreneur from Cameroon and the founder of lifestyle brand Afropian which was launched in 2017 in in Addis Ababa. A true nomad and multicultural woman, she was born in the USA and lived in many countries, while always staying very connected to Africa. The Afropian brand is Pan African and it gave Hortense the opportunity to bring together her passion for art and creativity and her mission to promote African excellence and unity. She gained international recognition with coverage from Vogue Italy, was invited to take part in prestigious events such as Addis Ababa Fashion Week and many shows and panels. Her vision is for the world to «Wear Africa Proudly », which is the motto of her brand. She fulfills her mission by providing quality, unique pieces which tell many stories of African tradition and are 100% Made in Africa.

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In Startup Story Tags Cameroon, Fashion, Home Accessories, Jewellery
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Lioness Launch / Nigeria’s The 1964 Brand launches its new Rebirth clothing collection for women 

July 18, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Olakunmi Oni, founder, The 1964 Brand (Nigeria)

Olakunmi Oni, founder, The 1964 Brand (Nigeria)

Lioness Launch

In Nigeria, Olakunmi Oni, founder of The 1964 Brand, proudly promotes self-care through minimalist clothing for the modern woman. July sees the company launching its new collection titled REBIRTH.

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In Lioness Launch Tags Nigeria, Fashion
Comment

Keren Pybus, an ethical apparel manufacturing visionary in Africa

July 11, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Keren Pybus

Keren Pybus

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Ethical Apparel Africa, an impact driven company based in Ghana and Benin, manufacturing at scale

Ethical Apparel Africa is a company co-founded by Keren Pybus based in Ghana and Benin, working with international brands who are interested in growing a manufacturing base in Africa with a positive social and environmental impact.

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In Cover Story Tags Ghana, Benin, Manufacturing, Fashion
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Kulukaya Sadiki, a sustainable fashion designer making an impact in Malawi

June 6, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Kulukaya Sadiki, founder, Glo-Ray Designs Sustainable Studio (Malawi)

Kulukaya Sadiki, founder, Glo-Ray Designs Sustainable Studio (Malawi)

Startup Story

The fashion sector is one of the most important sectors from a job creation and economic contribution perspective, and for Kulukaya Sadiki, founder of Glo-Ray Designs Sustainable Studio in Malawi, sustainable fashion is key. Her business approach is to incorporate fabric recycling and reuse into the production process to create timeless fashion pieces with minimal environmental impact.

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In Startup Story Tags Malawi, Fashion
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Kevine Kagirimpundu, a passion driven producer of eco footwear in Rwanda

May 30, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Kevine Kagirimpundu

Kevine Kagirimpundu

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

UZURI K & Y, a rising star of African footwear, creating beautiful shoes and skilled jobs

Kevine Kagirimpundu is the CEO & co-founder of UZURI K&Y, the eco-friendly footwear brand in Rwanda. She obtained her degree in creative designs & environmental build, and she also acquired her business development and leadership skills from global entrepreneurship accelerators. She is passionate about sustainable environment and leverages her skills to educate youth & women from urban vulnerable communities. In 2019, the Africa Netpreneur Prize Initiative named her among top 10 business heroes creating change across Africa.

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In Cover Story Tags Rwanda, Fashion
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Nunu Mugyenyi, Angel Nkwaya and Janet Mugume, three Ugandan entrepreneurs building an award-winning retail outlet

April 11, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Bold-In-Africa-Collage.jpg

Startup Story

In Uganda, if you are looking for the most exciting apparel and home decor brands, then you need go no further than the Bold in Africa retail outlet, launched back in 2012 by co-founders Nunu Mugyenyi, Angel Nkwaya and Janet Mugume. Today, the business is going from strength to strength, now showcasing over forty emerging apparel and home décor brands from countries across the African continent including Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Tunisia and South Africa.

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In Startup Story Tags Uganda, Fashion
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South African bespoke fashion brand, Roka Roko, launches new Ladies Fashion Design Individual Tutoring Programme

April 4, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Brigette Mashile, founder, Roka Roko (South Africa)

Brigette Mashile, founder, Roka Roko (South Africa)

Lioness Launch

Many people are interested in learning how to make women’s fashion clothes, but simply don’t have the skills or knowledge to know how to start. In South Africa, entrepreneur and experienced fashion designer, Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko, has the answer - a new Ladies Fashion Design Individual Tutoring programme.

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In Lioness Launch Tags South Africa, Fashion
Comment

Ijeoma Onuoha, a Nigerian fashion brand builder creating stylish yet affordable fashion for women 

March 28, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Ijeoma Onuoha, founder of Asoebigirl Limited (Nigeria)

Ijeoma Onuoha, founder of Asoebigirl Limited (Nigeria)

Startup Story

Every woman wants to feel and look good, and finding the right stylish clothing for any occasion plays such an important part in that process. In Nigeria, entrepreneur Ijeoma Onuoha, founder of fashion business Asoebigirl Limited and creator of the brand, Touchbyasoebigirl, is bringing her stylish designs within reach of every discerning woman.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Fashion
Comment

Judy Maina, a Kenyan entrepreneur manufacturing bespoke leather goods

February 28, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Judy Maina, founder Siafu Leather (Kenya)

Judy Maina, founder Siafu Leather (Kenya)

Startup Story

There is something rewarding in creating a bespoke product for a customer, especially when that product has been handcrafted using the finest raw materials. Siafu Leather, fouded by Judy Maina in Kenya, is doing just that, and her customers are loving the end results.

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In Startup Story Tags Kenya, Manufacturing, Fashion
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Adeola Ade-Ojo, a trailblazer putting Africa on the global luxury fashion map

February 7, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Adeola Ade-Ojo

Adeola Ade-Ojo

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Deola Sagoe Limited, the premier authentic African based luxury products provider

Adeola Ade-Ojo is a Nigerian born fashion designer who is popularly known by her design name, Deola Sagoe. Whilst studying Business Administration at the University of Miami, Florida in the mid 1980’s, Deola fell in love with fashion. On graduating in 1987, she returned to Nigeria ostensibly to begin a Masters degree in Finance. Deola’s Mother had been running tailoring operations called Odua Creations which was known for producing meticulously embroidered traditional menswear. In 1989, Deola joined her Mother with a view of expanding the label’s repertoire to encompass more contemporary designs for the ever developing, cosmopolitan Nigerian society. The following year, Deola began designing under her then married name Deola Sagoe, and the rest, as they say, is history.

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In Cover Story Tags Nigeria, Deola Sagoe, Fashion
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Abai Schulze, Africa’s champion of economic empowerment for artisans

January 31, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Abai Schulze

Abai Schulze

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

ZAAF, a luxury handcrafted leather and accessories brand creating economic opportunities for Africa’s artisans

Abai Schulze is the Founder and Creative Director of ZAAF, a collection of premium leather goods and accessories handcrafted by artisans across Africa. Her life journey has taken her from an orphanage in Addis Ababa to the United States and the rest of the world. Abai is committed to using her academic background in economics and fine arts from her alma mater George Washington University to create unique and practical expressions of beauty. Abai founded ZAAF in 2014 with the goal of creating economic empowerment to African artisans and a new perspective and standard of global luxury. Her vision is to create unique products people love and want to buy, as this is the most sustainable of approaching economic development.

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In Cover Story Tags Ethiopia, Fashion, Artisan Enterprise, Handbags
Comment

Silungile Mokoena, a South African fashion designer creating much needed manufacturing jobs

January 31, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Silungile Mokoena, founder of Sluvin Designs (South Africa)

Silungile Mokoena, founder of Sluvin Designs (South Africa)

Impact Partner Content - Absa

Silungile Mokoena is the passion-driven founder and CEO of Sluvin Designs a fashion house based in the city of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. The business was established in 1999 and now employs 6 full time employees and up to 10 part-time employees, contributing to the growth of the sector in the city. It also outsources some of the company’s accessory production to more than 15 women who specialize in beadwork and work from the comfort of their homes mainly in rural areas.

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In Lioness Content Lab, Startup Story Tags absa, South Africa, Fashion
Comment

Michelle Hammond, a woman entrepreneur fusing her Ghanaian culture with modern accessory design

January 24, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Michelle Hammond, founder of Ruahh (Ghana/USA)

Michelle Hammond, founder of Ruahh (Ghana/USA)

Startup Story

Often the inspiration to launch a creative brand is drawn from an entrepreneur’s heritage and cultural influences. In the case of Michelle Hammond and her accessories brand, Ruahh, her Ghanaian heritage has provided a rich source of inspiration and symbolism that she is rightly proud of. Today, Michelle’s customers can experience that sense of belonging she feels through her vibrant accessories.

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In Startup Story Tags Fashion, Ghana
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace

Lioness Radio Show: AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration 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
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
Thandekile Moloko, an entrepreneur empowering her clients’ financial futures
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

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
Gadifele Moeng, a South African entrepreneur empowering young people to find their voices through public speaking
Gadifele Moeng, a South African entrepreneur empowering young people to find their voices through public speaking
Elizabeth Karamangi, Linda Chawe, and Sophia Mrimi, three women founders building a specialist HR consulting business in Tanzania
Elizabeth Karamangi, Linda Chawe, and Sophia Mrimi, three women founders building a specialist HR consulting business in Tanzania
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
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
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

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Feminine Intelligence: How visionary leaders can reshape business for good by Elina Teboul
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
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

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