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Is Fear Holding You Back from Living the Life of Your Dreams?

January 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

The only thing holding you back from living the life of your dreams is FEAR. Now fear comes in many different forms. I always tell my team members that it can either be:

False Evidence Appearing Real … or… Forget Everything And Run

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Fear
Comment

Collaboration

October 13, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

Collaboration is the name of the game! The old African saying “If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far go together,” it is so true, in business as well. I see so many startups who go really fast and then fail.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Collaboration
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The Work/Life Balance While Working Remotely

October 7, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

As traditional offices evolve into virtual workspaces, the impact of working from home on individuals is undeniable. We were forced into this during Covid and suddenly Zoom became a household word and we were able to continue working from home which felt really strange initially - but it was so super to be able to go to the loo without walking across a busy shop and to make a cup of tea when you felt like it and not wait for the “tea lady” to bring it to you at 10am and 3 pm!

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Journey, Family Business
Comment

The Success Is in The Succession

September 3, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

As you know I am a huge advocate for family businesses. Where do they start? Well with a couple getting married and one or both deciding that they want out of the usual routine of working for someone else and making a living, they decide they want to work for themselves and make a fortune. 

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Journey, Family Business
Comment

Ladies, We Are Enough

August 11, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

As we celebrate Women’s Day this week, I thought I would devote this to all of you wonderful women out there. My favourite story of all time - the first part happy - the second part sad. Our job as women is to change this narrative!

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership

July 29, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

When starting a new job or career very few people think of themselves as leaders and I was one of these. For a while I was happy to be a follower, but as I progressed in companies I always took the initiative, went the extra mile, and was very soon frustrated by the red tape and protocol of corporate companies.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, People Management
Comment

Self Discovery - Exploring the Journey

July 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

It’s always been amazing to me that I have lived in this body for so many years, and had never thought about myself, my journey, or my personal growth. I think that growing up in a poor household we were focused on keeping body and soul together and the next meal became the most important thing that we could focus on.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Journey, Personal Development
Comment

You have to be in it to win it!

July 9, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

“You have to be in it to win it!” The saying came from a discussion with a person who always wondered why they didn’t win the lottery and every week they would complain that other people won something and they didn’t until eventually one day someone said to them, “well if you want to win the lottery, the first thing you must do is buy a ticket”.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Knowing When To Let Go

June 24, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

You spend your whole life building up your business and getting everything going and then you must quit while you are ahead. This is one of the most difficult tasks you will ever have to do. It’s something that nothing can prepare you for.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, People Management, Entrepreneurial Journey
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Don’t let funding fool you

June 10, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

When one is starting a business, the word on everyone’s lips is FUNDING, “I need funding for this that and the next thing”, but what they forget about is not only MARKETING which is the most important thing of all but ACCESS TO MARKETS to ensure that their business is not only successful but more importantly sustainable.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Personal Development, Startup Capital
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Self-Love; A New Phenomenon, or Is It?

May 28, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

Being brought up in a strict Baptist home, we had very strong principles to live by. However, we were taught to look down on anyone who remotely thought they were good enough! As a child I was told that children should be seen and not heard, that I should only speak when spoken to, and if I did something that went against the grain, I was told to be ashamed of myself - AND I WAS! If I said anything out of place, I had a harsh - WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? thrown my way. 

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Personal Development
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How to manifest anything you want in your life

May 5, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

My mother came from a reasonably middle to upper class family where she had been brought up with everything she needed. She had married the boy next door, and they had moved to the old Rhodesia where they went to seek their fortune. They had two children, myself - and my brother five years later - and everything was perfect. My mother was living her dream, playing tennis at the country club and socialising over weekends and being the proverbial housewife. My father’s sudden death was devastating to her! She was quickly swindled out of the pension money she had been left and found herself having to cope with two children, no job and no money and she was only in her mid 30’s. 

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Quote of the Day by Margaret Hirsch

November 2, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Margaret Hirsch, co-founder and Executive Director, Hirsch’s (South Africa)

Margaret Hirsch, co-founder and Executive Director, Hirsch’s (South Africa)

“I am passionate about South Africa. We live in a country of wealth and abundance and it’s up to us as entrepreneurs to ensure this country goes from strength to strength.”

Margaret Hirsch, co-founder and Executive Director, Hirsch’s (South Africa)

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Margaret Hirsch, Passion
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Margaret Hirsch, an impact-driven retail pioneer in Southern Africa

June 28, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Margaret Hirsch

Margaret Hirsch

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Hirsch’s is a truly South African family business and was founded 41 years ago by Margaret Hirsch and her husband Allan. Today, it is the largest independently owned Appliance and Electronics retail outlet in South Africa - Margaret now has the role of Executive Director of the company, Allan is the Chairman, son Richard is CEO and daughter Luci is Brand Manager. Lionesses of Africa chatted to Margaret this month to hear her shared insights during this Covid-19 pandemic, and its impact on her personally and on the business. She opens up very honestly about her personal experiences, and also her people centric approach to business.

Read more
In Cover Story Tags Margaret Hirsch, Retail
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Quote of the Day by Margaret Hirsch

January 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa)

Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa)

"It is our responsibility as business women to touch as many lives as possible and leave behind a legacy of knowledge.”

Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa)

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Margaret Hirsch
Comment

Quote of the Day by Margaret Hirsch

December 10, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa)

Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa)

"You can work for a boss and make a living or you can work for yourself and make a fortune: the choice is yours."

Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of  Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa)

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Margaret Hirsch, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Awards and Accolades: Margaret Hirsch 2018 Women in Business Awards recognize South Africa’s leading women entrepreneurs 

November 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken
JDw%PEG2QpaDfjC3kCBMew_thumb_1502.jpg

The Margaret Hirsch 2018 Regional Women in Business Achiever of the Year Awards Evening took place at Emperor’s Palace in Gauteng, South Africa on 2 November. This prestigious event saw over 500 people, including top entrepreneurs and business women from around Gauteng attending the event to see who would be announced as the Regional and Branch winners. The event was co-sponsored by GRUNDIG, one of Hirsch's Homestore's most valued suppliers. Guest Speaker at the event was Melanie Hawken, the founder and CEO of Lionesses of Africa and a Champion of Africa’s Women Entrepreneurs.

Read more
In Award Programme, Award Winner, Lionesses Tags South Africa, Margaret Hirsch
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Quote of the Day by Margaret Hirsch

June 29, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of Hirsch’s Homestores (South Africa)

Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of Hirsch’s Homestores (South Africa)

"It is our responsibility as business women to touch as many lives as possible and leave behind a legacy of knowledge."

Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of Hirsch’s Homestores (South Africa)

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Margaret Hirsch
Comment

Quote of the Day by Margaret Hirsch

March 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa)

Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa)

"Never listen to anybody who tells you, you can’t do it. You know you can so just get on with it.”

Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of Hirsch's Homestores (South Africa)

Read more
In Quote of the Day Tags Margaret Hirsch
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Margaret Hirsch honoured with an international award for her work as an impactful social innovator

February 20, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Margaret Hirsch receiving her Impactful Social Innovators award in India

Margaret Hirsch receiving her Impactful Social Innovators award in India

Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of the Hirsch Group, recently travelled to Mumbai, India to receive a prestigious award as one of the 50 Most Impactful Social Innovators (Globally) at the World Sustainable Development Congress 2018.

Read more
In 100 Lionesses Project, Social Impact, Award Winner Tags Margaret Hirsch
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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
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
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder

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
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
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

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
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
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

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