One Rapelana, a creative and ethical accessory brand-builder in Botswana

February 11, 2024 Melanie Hawken

One Rapelana, founder, designer, and creative director of Xita (Botswana)

Startup Story

One Rapelana is the award-winning founder, designer, and creative director of Xita, a specialist accessory brand in Botswana. What began as a hobby in 2015 evolved into a full-fledged company in 2018, with One focusing on ethically sourced leather accessories, primarily jewellery and bags crafted from offcuts, remnants, and by-product leather. While One Rapelana outsources some aspects, including collaborating with women artisans for cotton bags used in packaging and branding, she remains a one-woman show, personally crafting each product and overseeing all aspects of the company. Armed with a degree in Marketing and Management, she is also a self-taught graphic, web, and brand designer. Her work has garnered recognition, featured in Glamour SA magazine, and her products were showcased at the Brooklyn Museum store for the African Fashion Exhibition in 2023.

Bernadette Umunyana, a Rwandan creative manufacturing business builder

February 11, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Dokmai Rwanda Ltd, a manufacturing business creating proudly Made in Rwanda accessories.

Bernadette Umunyana is founder and CEO of Dokmai Rwanda Ltd, a private, family owned, and women managed manufacturing company in Rwanda, producing since December 2014 leather handcrafted fashion accessories like handbags, backpacks, wallets and belts for women and men. The company currently employs 21 people of whom 70% are women. Bernadette is a very active and creative female entrepreneur, consequently she was looking to diversify her activities through a horizontal expansion with potential synergetic impact, and noticing the growing demand for wooden and upholstery furniture in the local market she decided to acquire in 2019 an existing carpentry workshop, INWOOD, Ltd.

Entrepreneurial Success: Growing Business in a Fluid Economy by Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula (PhD)

February 11, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

In her debut as an author, Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula (PhD) in her new book, Entrepreneurial Success: Growing Business in a Fluid Economy, provides ten powerful success insights for budding and established entrepreneurs alike. Zeroing in on her life’s work in her business enterprises at SECURICO and Zvikomborero Farms, she distills business administration concepts into everyday life principles that we all can admit we already know but fail to leverage.

‘Deep-rooted gender imbalance’ leaving cash on the table…

February 11, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

The VC numbers for Africa in 2023 were released a few weeks ago and, as usual, the dial for women just doesn’t seem to be moving. As the brilliant data crunchers at ‘Africa: The Big Deal’ show (here), male and all male funding teams in 2023 as with other years, continued to raise around 85% of the entire funding, that’s not only equity but also debt and grants. Women and all women founding teams raised a rounding error, 2.3% to be exact, with only 13% going to gender diverse ones. Their article is headed: “2023 Deep-rooted gender imbalance” and deep-rooted it is. We just can’t seem to shake off these 2% levels.

How we designed a business that allowed us to only do work we love

February 10, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

Are you tired of taking every job that comes your way, offering discounts, and working on assignments you're not specialized in? It's time to break free from the scarcity mindset, stop working ridiculous hours, and dealing with abusive clients. Let's dive into why this approach doesn't work.

Leveraging Technology for Business Success

February 10, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Shatho Babitse

In the rapidly evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, technology has become a powerful catalyst for growth and innovation. For women entrepreneurs, leveraging technology can open new doors, enhance productivity, and create opportunities for business expansion. Here are key ways women entrepreneurs can harness the potential of technology to propel their ventures forward.

5 Steps to Be More Articulate

February 10, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Laura Camacho

At least 80% of what we do, probably 99%, is communicating. We ask people to buy things, do things, approve budgets, make changes, show up, and go here, instead of there. Being articulate is an asset you can cultivate.

Learning to find joy inside yourself

February 10, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Marjon Meyer

‘ecstatic’ - adjective – feeling or expressing overwhelming happiness or joyful excitement, eg. “I am ecstatic about my team’s excellent results”

We have all experienced ecstasy (the legal version) and the feeling of immense joy. It could be due to a planned event you have been looking forward to, or an intense moment of deep happiness when a pleasant surprise comes your way. A business deal that went really well, being spoilt by a person who appreciates you, an unexpected blessing …. all these events bring about a deep sense of wellbeing, joy and happiness.

Lisa Munsamy, a South African transportation and logistics industry game-changer

February 4, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lisa Munsamy, founder, Lisa’s Carriers (South Africa)

Startup Story

Lisa Munsamy is the founder of Lisa’s Carriers in South Africa. She is a seasoned businesswoman with a passion for the transportation and hospitality industries, as well as a passion for Life Coaching. With over 18 years of experience in road freight, Lisa has navigated the ever-evolving landscape of logistics, ensuring seamless and efficient transportation solutions. She has also been the proud owner of a guesthouse for the past 14 years. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science Degree and is also a Certified Life Transformation Coach.

Yetunde Akande, a Nigerian impact-maker empowering the fashion industry

February 4, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Yetroselane Fashion Hub, a multi-faceted fashion business creating jobs, and empowering fashion entrepreneurs of the future

Yetunde Akande is an award-winning CEO and founder of Yetroselane Fashion Hub in Nigeria, a mission-driven company founded in 2008, transforming the fashion industry through sustainability and empowerment, and employing 45 people. The hub's contemporary womenswear fosters inclusivity and empowerment, complemented by their Fashion Academy preparing women for successful fashion businesses. Operating with a zero-waste policy in their garment factory, Yetunde collaborates globally for amplified impact. Recognized with prestigious awards, her designs grace global runways, including New York Fashion Week and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in Ghana. Committed to mentorship, Yetunde engages with organizations like WIMBIZ, AWE, and GAIN, shaping the future of aspiring entrepreneurs. She envisions a future of employment and thriving fashion ventures.

Unlocking Your Potential: Sales as a Career

February 4, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

No one has ever taken selling as a subject at school, yet over 90% of all business involves selling of one kind or another. When you hear the word salesman what usually comes to mind is a slick looking, fast talking, slimy person who is trying to take your hard-earned money from you. Well today and especially at Hirsch's Homestore, nothing could be further from the truth. Our salespeople are very kind, considerate people and they are known as "professional solution finders.” All day is spent finding solutions to other people’s problems. Be it from the perfect piece of toast for breakfast, to the most cost-efficient washing machine for a family of two, or ten; to the latest fridge/freezers which actually send you a message when your food is about to expire or run out! We have to know the model numbers, the features and benefits and of course the prices!

The Beauty of Success by Kendra Bracken-Ferguson

February 4, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

The Beauty of Success by Kendra Bracken-Ferguson is an ultra-modern blueprint for navigating the path to starting, growing and accelerating your career while sowing the seeds of self-awareness and self-reflection. You’ll discover how author and 3x founder, Kendra aligned her personal pillars of community, mentorship, education, and capital with her business goals to bring her vision for building a successful company to fruition.

“Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood.”

February 4, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lionesses of Africa Operations Department

Marie Curie, the winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 and then Chemistry in 1911, (see here for information on this incredible Scientist) is said to have once remarked: “Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood…”, and we have to admit that try as we might, we cannot understand the reasons for, let alone fathom the pain and suffering that 2023 brought to many millions across the globe. If Diplomacy really is the art of restraining power, as Henry Kissinger, the 56th U.S. Secretary of State, U.S. National Security Advisor and winner of the 1973 Nobel Peace Prize said, then we have to suggest that in 2023, ‘diplomacy’ failed.

Want to Improve Your Relationships at Work? Drop These 3 Habits

February 2, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

Interpersonal relationships can be one the greatest sources of energy builders and drainers for people. It has nothing to do with their colleagues but everything to do with them and their interpretation of a situation.

AI – a Lawyer’s Friend or Foe?

February 2, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Nicolene Schoeman-Louw

For many law firms, the thought of AI has not been all moonlight and roses. In many instances, there is a fear that it signals the end of our profession, whilst in other cases, a deep sense of distrust. The term AI is also a collective for Artificial Intelligence which refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. There are many times including Generative AI or Natural Language Processing such as Chat GPT. Other types include reactive machines and limited memory bases.

Why high performing coaches and consultants rely on a strong personal brand

February 1, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

Look, I realise how frightening it can be to step forward into a fast-moving marketplace that can sometimes also. be very confusing. But if you’re serious about professional growth and business expansion you’re going to have to overcome fears of being seen, making marketing mistakes, facing judgment, or stumbling in your pursuits. These apprehensions will rob you of your confidence and the elevation you desire. Try to make peace with the fact that you will make mistakes — everybody does after all, and then focus on building yourself a well-defined personal brand.

Natercia Jone, a Mozambican entrepreneur building a specialist artisanal liqueur brand

January 30, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Natercia Jone, founder, Dione’s Liquor (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Natercia Jone is a Mozambican entrepreneur and the founder of Dione’s Liquor, with more than 20 years of experience having operated in the cleaning and gardening, confectionery sectors. She is currently dedicated to building her business and brand, Dione's Liquor, which is focused on the production of liqueurs based on fruits, herbs and currently operating in the national market.

Eka Obaigbena, a Nigerian fast-casual dining pioneer

January 28, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Toasties Limited, a fast-casual dining restaurant chain reimagining the way Africans experience meals on the go

Eka Obaigbena is the founder and ceo of Toasties, a fast-casual dining restaurant chain launched in 2016 in Nigeria that aims to reimagine the way Africans experience meals on the go. Toasties' menu consists primarily of fusion sandwiches, salads, and various specials. Eka is also the Founder and CEO of Board, a food gifting and food experience company that presents edible art to its customers. Before launching her businesses in 2016 and 2020 respectively, Eka began her culinary journey in New York City’s French Culinary Institute (now The International Culinary Center) where she trained as a chef in 2011.

7 Questions to Plug Your Energy Leaks and Start the Year Strong

January 27, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner

January has the special aroma of a fresh start combined with energy, enthusiasm, and new dreams. This feeling typically lasts until the end of March, and then your energy begins to dip, and before you know it, you're counting down to Easter because you need a serious break. It's not like you waste your energy intentionally or even consciously; it's a slow drip like a nail in a tyre; it leaks air so slowly that you don't notice until it is completely flat or inches from it.

What's your favourite topic of conversation?

January 27, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

The quote by Elinor Roosevelt goes: “Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, and small minds discuss people.” Once you know this you can stop yourself being pulled into the conversations discussing other people - they are not worthy of your time. Events also come and go but discussing ideas, now that’s not only thought provoking but can be mind-blowing.

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