Eva Muraya, serial entrepreneur, brand innovator, and women’s champion

November 14, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

BSD Group, a regional award-winning brand strategy and communications company based in Kenya

Eva Muraya is the Founder and CEO of BSD Group, a regional award-winning brand strategy and communications company based in Kenya. It comprises four companies: Brand Strategy & Design Limited, Avid Public Relations Ltd, Whiteboard Advertising Limited and Brandquad Africa Limited, a knowledge sharing and talent development consultancy. Eva is an entrepreneur widely known in marketing and communication circles as a brand innovator and builder, with at least twenty years now in her crown. She has most recently gained attention as an advocate and champion for inclusivity and growth of women markets. She is a co-founder of the Kenya Association of Women Business Owners (KAWBO) and is currently a Director at the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) – Gender and SMEs.

Kathy Mann, a South African stress specialist creating positive change in people’s lives

October 24, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Startup Story

If the past 18 months has taught us anything, it’s the need to better cope with stress, and in South Africa, a real specialist in this field is Kathy Mann. Her consulting business offers help and advice to all those who are finding it difficult to cope with stress and looking for a better way of managing it.

Jolene Roelofse, a South African influencer marketing expert managing campaigns for businesses and brands

October 10, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Jolene Roelofse, founder, Fluence Africa (South Africa)

Startup Story

As a marketer for over 18 years, and after running her marketing and communications company since 2010, Jolene Roelofse, realized that there is a need for a focus on influencer marketing, that can be measured, outside of only the number of followers. Influencers who can be used for their reach and engagement with their audiences, to relay information about brand products and services. This led to the start of Fluence Africa.

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)

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.

Nabou Fall, an inspirational communications leader with a passion for coaching

September 19, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Vizeo, an advertising agency in Cote d’Ivoire helping companies get strategic about communications in Africa.

Nabou Fall is the CEO of Vizeo an advertising agency in Cote d’Ivoire which helps companies implement strategic publicity and public relations in Africa. She started her career as an executive board member for 15 years, as Sales and Marketing Director, Deputy Managing Director and Managing Director in Telecom companies such as MTN (Ivory Coast and Congo Republic), 2XTCOM Vodacom in DRC. She is a public speaker, personal development coach, and a coach of youth and women entrepreneurship, leadership and happiness. Nabou is a TEDx speaker, author and mentor in various empowerment NGOs, the President of Wimnet (NGO involved in women and youth empowerment ), and was recently appointed to be the president of the Women Investment Club in Ivory Coast. She is also the cofounder of Impact Hub Abidjan.

A short story and a lesson in Marketing, Advertising and Design

July 11, 2021 Melanie Hawken

by Claudia Folgore-McLellan

My business, Visual 8, was once recommended to a potential client through social media. When I made contact with this potential client and had quoted for the work requested in the initial brief, I received the following email question: "How does what you offer compare with what I can get online for half the price? This question is a very common one I've come across when dealing with entrepreneurs who have a stringent budget to work with for their start-up. My response to this question is pretty standard by now, pointing out a few truths in the matter and the key factor is PROFESSIONALISM.

Joanne Mwangi-Yelbert, a leading Kenyan marketing and communications industry leader

July 4, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

PMS Group Africa Ltd, an award winning and acclaimed 360°marketing and communications agency

As the Founder and current Chief Executive Officer of PMS Group Africa Ltd and Chair of COMESA’s FEMCOM, present in 21 countries across Africa with the primary goal of enhancing women’s economic power, Joanne Mwangi-Yelbert brings more than 23 years of multi-faceted experience in pan African commerce, integrated communication and public relations within both the public and private sector. Her partnerships straddle the globe and create opportunities for top talent in over 24 countries and four continents. Kenyan by birth, she is a culturally astute and discerning royal Ghanaian Queen whose culturally sensitive approach to socio-economic challenges make Africa and the globe, her home. Joanne has won numerous local and International Awards. She is a 3rd time finalist at The All Africa Business Leaders Award, is an Organization of Women in International Trade Woman of the Year award holder, a KPMG and Nation Media Group Top Entrepreneur of the Year and bearer of the coveted Head of State Commendation for her extraordinary achievements in formalizing the efforts to include women, youth and persons with disabilities in the Kenya Government’s Procurement policy.

Sarah Motshwane Sebetola, a South African corporate branding solutions specialist

May 2, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Sarah Motshwane Sebetola, co-founder, Tshepiso Branding Solutions

Impact Partner Content - Absa

Every business and organisation needs to get its brand message across to its customers and audiences, and to ensure it has that all important visibility in the marketplace. In South Africa, Tshepiso Branding Solutions, cofounded by Sarah Motshwane Sebetola, is a company bringing both brand expertise and solutions to suit all needs.

What return will PR offer your small business or startup?

May 2, 2021 Melanie Hawken

by Nadia Hearn

The most important part of understanding how Public Relations (PR) can help your business and brand is to get educated on the role PR plays and where it fits into your marketing plan. Understanding marketing, the different tactics and what each delivers, must inform your strategy so that it is spot on to deliver against your business objectives and marketing spend.

Christine Khasinah-Odero, a Kenyan entrepreneur on a mission to support new mums

March 21, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Christine Khasinah-Odero, founder of Supamamas (Kenya) — **Christine Khasinah-Odero**, founder of Supamamas (Kenya)

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Every mum and mum-to-be knows how important it is to learn as much as possible about being a parent and caring for those precious little ones. Seeing a gap in the market for a focused online and event platform that would bring the best information, networking and support for mums in Kenya, led to entrepreneur Christine Khasinah Odero creating Supamamas, a destination of choice for discerning mums.

Lioness Launch / Independent publishing house, LovingKindness Boma in South Africa, launches new children’s books

February 21, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Launch

LovingKindness Boma is an independent Publishing House of Mindful and Diverse books for children, launched by Swaady Martin in South Africa. It creates and sell children's books that entertain, educate and enrich the whole family. This month sees the launch of 7 books that will bring joy and understanding to readers.

Want to Publish a Book? Here are The Key Things You Need to Consider

February 21, 2021 Melanie Hawken

by Tapiwa Matsinde

There is a saying that everyone has got a book in them. Publishing a book is a great way to share your knowledge, skills, and experience with your world. However, knowing what to do and where to turn to for help can make it a daunting task. As with any project you embark on planning and preparation will make the publishing process a whole lot smoother. So, if you want to publish a book but are not sure of where and how to start here are some of the key things you will need to consider…

Susan Nel, an entrepreneur building a creative business that harnesses her passion for photography

February 7, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Susan Nel, founder of Susan Nel Photography (Namibia)

Startup Story

There is a well known saying that a picture says a thousand words, and in Namibia, entrepreneur Susan Nel, founder of Susan Nel Photography is helping her clients to tell their own unique stories through powerful images.

Liz Creates, a South African creative entrepreneur on a mission to help clients find their brand voice

January 24, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Liz Creates, founder of Ostara Studio (South Africa)

Startup Story

Every business wants to stand out in the crowd, to reach potential customers with their product and service offerings, and to make their brands resonate in the marketplace. In South Africa, that’s where Ostara Studio, founded by Liz Creates, comes to the rescue, bringing a wealth of specialist expertise in strategic brand communications and design.

Eunice Andrade, an award-winning communications leader and brand influencer

December 20, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

EA Comunicacao e Servicos, a powerful communications advisory service for Mozambique’s businesses and brands

Eunice Andrade is the founder of EA Comunicacao e Servicos. She is an experienced entrepreneur and multi award-winning business leader across the African continent. Her business is focused on branding, company advisory and public relations. She founded the company 22 years ago and now employs more than 10 people, many of them women. She has more than 25 years of experience in the area of public relations and company consultancy. Currently, she is a Brand Ambassador for Betway Mozambique, Jaba Mozambique, and is also a social activist and influencer for Wateraid in the fight against COVID-19. She bring a wealth of experience and expertise in the fields of marketing and public relations.

Lioness Launch / ASPIRE Luxury Magazine launches two new digital features

November 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Bella Ikeme, founder of ASPIRE Luxury Magazine (Nigeria)

Lioness Launch

For all those lovers of luxury brands and products on the African continent, ASPIRE Luxury Magazine in Nigeria, founded by entrepreneur Bella Ikeme, is already a destination of choice for online readers. This month sees the launch of two new digital features which aim to share more positive narratives about African luxury brands and showcase some of the most exciting luxury brands to emerge from the continent.

Ntokozo Mbuli, a South African entrepreneur developing television and film content with a purpose

August 30, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Ntokozo Mbuli, founder of Sugar Bean Pictures (South Africa)

Startup Story

The media can be a powerful force for good and positive change, and television programmes and films are particularly impactful in educating, informing and entertaining people. In South Africa, Ntokozo Mbuli, the creative force behind television and film production company, Sugar Bean Pictures, is on a mission to develop powerful content with a purpose beyond just entertainment.

Lethumusa Kulube, a South African entrepreneur driving change through digital communication

August 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken

Lethumusa Kulube, founder of Stractiv8 Impact (South Africa)

Startup Story

These days, digital communication has become the most powerful tool for any business to reach those all important customers and markets. But for many non-profit organisations, the process of building a digital communication strategy and tools can be overwhelming. In South Africa, entrepreneur Lethumusa Kulube, founder of Stractiv8 Impact, has the specialist solution and approach that is needed.

Presenting without PowerPoint

February 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken

by Laura Camacho

My favorite way to teach communication skills to my client companies is through a series of 2 to 3-hour workshops over many months. It’s hard to sit still all day and science shows that people have a really hard time paying attention after 90 minutes of teaching. Furthermore, it’s great when learners can build their body of knowledge on a topic over time.

LIONESS LAUNCH South African entrepreneur Jessica Alily and her family launch a uniquely African online comic book site

June 23, 2019 Melanie Hawken

Jessica Alily, founder of Vanimax Comix (South Africa) — **Jessica Alily**, founder of Vanimax Comix (South Africa)

Comic books are big business around the world, with millions of dedicated fans following their favourite heroes and heroines in illustrated stories each week. In South Africa, fans of comic books are now going to get their own uniquely African characters to engage with, thanks to Vanimax Comix. This new online comic book site, created by Jessica Alily and her family, is set to win a host of new fans across the African continent and globally.

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