Native Child Celebrates Multiple Beauty and Hair-Care Industry Award Wins in South Africa

December 30, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Awards & Accolades

Native Child, the visionary natural beauty and hair-care brand founded by Sonto Pooe in South Africa, triumphed with multiple industry award wins to round out a successful year. Sonto scooped up double Gold Awards at the prestigious Gold Pack Awards held on 21 November 2023 which are known for recognizing innovation in packaging. The honors were bestowed upon Native Child for their outstanding Hair Colour bottle design, a creation attributed to the ingenuity of Sonto Pooe herself. Sonto and Native Child have been on a winning streak with the brand also securing the Clicks Supplier Enterprise Development (SED) Award for 2023 the same month.

Scale Your Small Business: The Definitive Guide to a Sustainable Business and Fulfilling Life by Linda Chung

December 30, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

For all those women entrepreneurs looking for a definitive guide on how to grow a small business, Linda Chung, acclaimed small business growth expert and coach, has a new book, Scale Your Small Business, to help you build your financial freedom and enrich your life and others.

Mauricia Cox, a South African holistic wellness and beauty brandbuilder

December 30, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Mauricia Cox, founder, Wellchemco (South Africa)

Startup Story

Mauricia Cox is an entrepreneur and water/wastewater treatment engineer in South Africa who has witnessed at first-hand the impact of pollutants on water sources. Her company, Wellchemco, revolutionizes the beauty industry with a focus on mindful beauty and holistic wellness. Through an ethically produced range of products, Mauricia aims to inspire a cultural shift toward a more conscious approach to personal care, blending technical expertise with sustainability. Passionate about environmental stewardship, she believes entrepreneurship can drive positive change. Wellchemco reflects Mauricia's commitment to contributing positively to people and the planet, challenging beauty norms with consciousness, compassion, and intention.

Avashna Ramnarain, a South African edupreneur creating innovative learning experiences for children

December 30, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Avashna Ramnarain, founder and CEO, Mindful Masterminds (South Africa)

Startup Story

Avashna Ramnarain, visionary founder and CEO of Mindful Masterminds in South Africa, is dedicated to transforming children's lives through innovative learning experiences, initiatives, and resources. She is a seasoned, award-winning marketing expert with over 15 years former corporate, Africa Marketing experience at one of the continent’s largest PC and Printing manufacturers where she earned recognition for initiatives in the education sector. She belonged to their leadership team, Sustainability team, as well as the Women Impact Network for Africa. With her esteemed career in Technology Marketing and a foundation in Psychology & Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Avashna initiated an undertaking to redefine the approach to enhance mental and emotional resilience in children.

Nelly Cheboi, a Kenyan edupreneur changing lives through technology

December 30, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Techlit Africa, a social impact business enabling children to fulfill their potential through digital skills development in Kenya

Nelly Cheboi is the founder of TechLit Africa, an organization that teaches digital skills in rural primary schools, and the winner of the 2022 CNN Hero award. Nelly grew up in the rural village of Mogotio in Kenya. She received a full scholarship to study computer science at Augustana College in Illinois in 2012 and graduated in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics and computer science. Nelly built a school in Kenya, called Zawadi Yetu, during her junior year of college in 2018, and started to transport donated computers from the United States to Kenya. In 2019, she founded the nonprofit TechLit Africa with another software engineer, Tyler Cinnamon, after quitting their jobs. The organization, headquartered in Kenya at Zawadi Yetu, teaches 4000 students aged 5–14 basic computer skills and redistributes recycled technology to enable the creation of computer labs in African schools. They have built 10 computer labs in rural Kenya and have plans for 100 more. In 2022, Nelly was named as one of the 30 under 30 on the Forbes list for social impact and in the same year was also the recipient of the CNN Hero award.

Are we mindful, vulnerable, and okay NOT being, OK?

December 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Nadia Absalom

I find it difficult at times to encapsulate what I would like to share with you. Then the little voice inside always nudges me and asks, “are you practicing what you are teaching? Are you keeping it REAL? Are you living the highest truest version of yourself?

Unleash the Spirit of Giving

December 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Marjon Meyer

Recently our training adventures took us to RCL Foods in Westville, KZN. I was amazed by the beautiful functional local art used in boardrooms, staircases and all open areas. Recycled items and nature are infused in beautiful ways. But what really caught my eye, was how many meals RCL Do More Foundation donate on a daily basis – well done! We are proud to be associated with you!

From Idea to Execution: The Ultimate Business Startup Guide by Tye Threats

December 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Book review

Entrepreneur, Tye Threats, author of the new book, From Idea to Execution: The Ultimate Business Startup Guide, says that if you are harboring a brilliant business idea but don't know how to transform it into a thriving venture, you need a roadmap. If you are eager to start your own business but feeling overwhelmed by the countless details and decisions involved, then Tye’s new book is your comprehensive roadmap to turning your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Burnout In the Modern Workplace: Are you tired of feeling tired?

December 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Marilize Jacobs

Do you constantly feel exhausted? Do you struggle with sleep? Do you feel that you are not coping at work? Do you generally feel unwell; perhaps even battling high blood pressure, frequent headaches and stomach issues such as cramps and diarrhoea? You might just suffer from burnout, a condition now officially recognised by The World Health Organisation (WHO).

Making the Distinction Between Challenges and Excuses: A Guide for Coaches and Consultants by Thembe Khumalo

December 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

As coaches and consultants, our ability to identify and address obstacles effectively is a crucial part of the work we do. Whether it's helping clients overcome their challenges or managing our own coaching and consulting practice, understanding the difference between challenges and excuses is vital. Here are some indicators of whether you are dealing with a challenge or an excuse…

Natasha Pearce, a champion of the Circular Economy empowering women with new skills

December 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Natasha Pearce, founder & ceo of Vivacious Eco Vixon (South Africa)

Startup Story

Natasha Pearce is the founder and ceo of Vivacious Eco Vixon located in Cape Town, South Africa. She is an award winning entrepreneur and her business is focused on the the Circular Economy. Vivacious Eco Vixon was founded in 2018 and creates reusable home and lifestyle products that are the eco conscious alternative to single use items we use in our everyday lives. All products are locally produced in Cape Town from textile and clothing industry discarded waste. Natasha supports different sewing projects around South Africa that empower woman with new life skills by upskilling them through learning how to sew.

Elicha Fernandes Valdez, an entrepreneur in Mozambique turning her passion for Macramé into a business

December 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Elicha Fernandes Valdez, founder, MacramêbyElicha (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Elicha Fernandes Valdez is originally from Cape Verde and has lived in Maputo, Mozambique for 3 years with her family. Graduated in Medicine, she found in Macramé a way to redefine herself, express her creativity and occupy her time, adding quality and beauty to her days. About 2 years ago she created the brand MacramêbyElicha and today shares her art with the world through his Instagram and Facebook pages.

Gita Langa, a Mozambican entrepreneur turning floral passion into business

December 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Floural, a growing specialist floral design and gifting business in Mozambique

Gita Langa is the owner and founder of Floural, a specialist business in Mozambique offering beautiful flower arrangements and floral gifts to customers in the country. She has an education in Auditing, Compliance and Business Management and a full-time job as Global Compliance Manager in an International non-profit organization. Gita has two big passions, compliance and flowers, and believes that God is her light and strength in all she is and does. She developed a passion for flowers in her childhood, influenced by her mother's love for Chrysanthemums. When young, she used to buy flowers for the home. She never imagined at that age that she would eventually open a florist business, as her dream was to be a fashion designer. At the time, she loved to design clothes and used to do it for herself and her friends - just one of her hidden talents.

Shhhh….The secret to building online marketplaces

December 17, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

One of the many joys of working at Lionesses of Africa is that we have membership in so many different industries, from Fashion and Beauty, to Security, to Health, to Agro-processing, to Construction, to Road Building, to PR and Marketing, to Tech in its many forms, to…, no day is the same. There are also a number of Lionesses who have built and are building marketplaces. Not so simple as we might think. There are so many issues to think about - and assumptions that will be hopeless and overnight just wipeout their dream. Here’s a hint - ‘If I build it, they will come’, never works. Welcome to the world of the Chicken and the Egg.

How to manage the silent stress of leadership cognitive load

December 17, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Phillipa Geard

Leaders are burdened with an immense amount of pressure and accountability. While it is the norm for employers to prioritize employee wellness, it is also critical that they recognize the potential hidden costs of stress on their health and productivity.

A Pirate's Map to a Content Library Treasure Chest

December 17, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Izane Cloete-Hamilton

Ahoy, mateys! Pack up ye olde sales sheets and dusty proposal drafts and set sail towards stronger salesmanship and writing. With this map, reach your ultimate goal – the Sales and Proposal Content Library.

Networking with a Festive Flair: Build Stronger Client Relationships during the Holiday Season

December 17, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

The holiday season is almost upon us, and as you’re heading out to your next Christmas cocktail party, think about how this is the perfect time to infuse some festive flair into your client relationships. To be honest, you may even be a little late in using this golden opportunity to strengthen your professional bonds and make a lasting impression. So, grab your Santa hat, pour yourself something sparkling, and let's explore how to network with a festive twist!

Willpower Isn't a Strategy. This Is How You Create Change That Lasts

December 17, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

Consider your relationship to willpower. It isn't a trusted friend who's always there for you; willpower is the scapegoat you blame when you hit snooze for the 7th time. When you blame, you lose control and a sense of power over the situation. So, if you can't count on willpower to make the changes you want, what can you count on? You need a reason to want to keep your promises to yourself, not only on the good days but on the days you don't feel like it. Especially the days you don't feel like it!

mag.nan.i.mous: Be the one everyone wants to do business with by Dayna Mason

December 17, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

Entrepreneur, Dayna Mason, author of the new book, mag.nan.i.mous: be the one everyone wants to do business with, says there are plenty of resources available that tell you how to convince people to do business with you. But, she believes if you want to inspire people rather than manipulate them and feel fulfilled in the process, then look no further than her new book. Dayna will show you how to establish relationships with others that will result in attracting all the business you could ever want.

Siny Samba, a Senegalese social entrepreneur combatting malnutrition

December 12, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Le Lionceau, a social enterprise producing nutritious baby food to build an inclusive, high impact food value chain in Senegal

Siny Samba, a food processing engineering graduate from Montpellier SupAgro, France, seamlessly blends her passions for cooking and supporting children in Senegal. Motivated by a commitment to contribute to her country's development, she returned to Senegal and founded "Le Lionceau" in 2018, a social enterprise producing nutritious, locally sourced baby food. Today the business employs 35 people. Through collaborations with smallholder farmers and women's groups, the company aims to build a sustainable and inclusive food value chain. Siny actively advocates for the importance of the first 1,000 days in a child's life, conducting awareness campaigns on maternal and infant nutrition. Her journey reflects a dedication to making a positive impact on children's well-being and fostering community development.

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