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Lioness Launch / Yawoa Foundation expands into Francophone Africa with the launch of its “Dreamy Memory” project using the arts to positively impact women's lives

May 26, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Estelle Dogbo

Lioness Launch

The Yawoa Foundation, founded by Estelle Dogbo in Nigeria & Togo, has recently expanded into Francophone Africa and launched “Dreamy Memory”, a caritative project using the arts to positively impact women's lives. With the support of Ellipse Art Projects, the concept started the production and exhibition of a portfolio of exclusive photographs created by Togolese emerging artist Parmenas Awudza, who was selected for his original and immersive work, and his sensitivity towards female empowerment. The works will then be showcased in Lome, and sold for the benefit of female patients of a neonatal unit at the CHU in Lomé, in order to contribute to their healthcare needs.

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In Lioness Launch Tags Nigeria, Togo, Art-preneur, Women's Empowerment
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Ebele Ezeamakam, a Nigerian flutist turning her talent into an inspirational personal development coaching business

February 19, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Ebele Ezeamakam

Startup Story

Ebele Ezeamakam is a versatile, creative and innovative musician and personal development coach from Nigeria. She believes in the power of music and its ability to induce progressive, positive transformation in an individual. Ebele continually strives for excellence in music compositions, music performances, interpersonal relationships by involving music training, coaching programs and Talk Shows. In the process, she inspires, influences, motivates and helps to raise a generation of people that thrive in Spiritual Development, Personal Effectiveness, Stress Management and Social Etiquette.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Art-preneur
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Finance Professional or Artist? Well, I am Both!

February 12, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Rewa Udoji

It has been a fortnight since I began my new role with my new family  - Chapel Hill Denham. I think I am almost fully settled in and I’m absolutely loving being here. I am glad that I made the decision to join the team. It’s also been an interesting couple of weeks in so many ways. Something that I’m finding particularly interesting is the number of times people have asked me why I made the move and the more common question is, ‘are you still an artist?’

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In Guest Blog Tags Rewa Udoji, Art-preneur
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African Art as a financial asset but what needs to happen first? 

May 7, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Rewa Udoji

In Africa, Art has rarely ever been a priority. In schools, the Arts are considered a lesser educational endeavour and pursuing a career in this space has long been openly discouraged. On the transactional side, African Art collectors were seen as eclectic with most buying African art more for the aesthetics than as an asset - the latter attribute however, being assigned to art by international artists. In recent years however, African art has been accruing higher prices at auction houses all over the world. This, coupled with increased demand have placed a spotlight on the African art scene, highlighting a lively arena that had previously been viewed as unsophisticated by the international art community.

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In Guest Blog Tags Rewa Udoji, Art-preneur
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Tigist Kebede, a passionate media entrepreneur showcasing great Ethiopian content

February 20, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Tigist Kebede

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

habeshaview Technology and Multimedia, a fast-growing entertainment and multimedia business in Ethiopia

Tigist Kebede, co-founder of habeshaview Technology and Multimedia, is an experienced entrepreneur specializing in the media, entertainment and telecommunications sectors. Throughout her career she has been driven by a passion for the Arts and Culture and combining this with emerging technologies and the best possible user experience for customers. Tigist is responsible for leading habeshaview, one of the fastest growing entertainment services in Ethiopia and with the Ethiopian diaspora community worldwide focusing on promoting and developing the culture and skills of Ethiopian content creators and bringing them to the global community.

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In Cover Story Tags Ethiopia, Tigist Kebede, Multimedia, Art-preneur
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Lorna Mashiba, an entrepreneur with a vision to become Tanzania’s leading art gallery 

November 20, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Lorna Mashiba, founder, Rangi Gallery (Tanzania)

Startup Story

Lorna Mashiba is the founder of Rangi Gallery in Tanzania, a virtual platform that connects African artists to Intercontinental art enthusiasts. As the founder of Rangi Gallery, she aspires to grow, empower and transform local talent beyond its borders.

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In Startup Story Tags Tanzania, Business Services, Art-preneur
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Estelle Dogbo, a social entrepreneur empowering African artists through global exposure

September 12, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Estelle Dogbo, founder, Yawoa Foundation (Nigeria)

Estelle Dogbo, founder, Yawoa Foundation (Nigeria)

Startup Story

For many African artists, the challenge is ensuring their work is visible, getting their work and names known, and connecting with potential curators and buyers in their own countries and abroad. Estelle Dogbo, founder of the Yawoa Foundation in Nigeria, is looking to make these ambitions happen.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Social Entrepreneur, Art-preneur
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Itumeleng Tshikalaha, a South African art entrepreneur sparking curiosity in the visual arts

March 21, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Itumeleng Tshikalaha, founder of 132 Art Gallery (South Africa)

Itumeleng Tshikalaha, founder of 132 Art Gallery (South Africa)

Startup Story

If you have ever visited an art gallery in Africa, you will know that there is a vibrant and growing art scene on the continent and one that is exciting art collectors both at home and abroad. In South Africa, the 132 Art Gallery, founded by entrepreneur Itumeleng Tshikalaha, aims to promote the work of talented established and emerging African artists to discerning collectors.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Art-preneur, Business Services
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Ifeoma Dike, a Nigerian entrepreneur connecting African contemporary art and artists with the global marketplace

May 19, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Ifeoma Dike, founder of IDD UK LTD

Ifeoma Dike, founder of IDD UK LTD

Anyone working in the fine art sector, particularly in Africa, knows only too well how difficult it is to find the right platforms to showcase work and connect with potential buyers, both private and corporate. That’s where passionate art entrepreneur, Ifeoma Dike, founder of IDD UK LTD comes in. Her specialist art agency identifies talented artists and showcases their work to the right people in the right places.

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In Startup Story Tags United Kingdom, Art-preneur
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Nira Sklair, a photographer entrepreneur in South Africa turning her passion into a fulfilling encore career

April 15, 2018 Melanie Hawken
Nira Sklair Photography (South Africa)

Nira Sklair Photography (South Africa)

Some people have to wait a lifetime to find their real purpose in life, one that harnesses their innate talents. For talented photographer, Nira Sklair, that time came after the age of 50 when life presented the opportunity for her to finally pursue her real passion and turn it into an encore business. 

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Business Services, Art-preneur
1 Comment

Sia Alexander - The startup story of a highly creative Nigerian social enterprise bringing joy to the marginalized Lagos youth

January 17, 2016 Melanie Hawken
Sia Alexander, founder of Children’s Art Workshop (Nigeria)

Sia Alexander, founder of Children’s Art Workshop (Nigeria)

For those underpriviliged young children and youth who live on the margins of the larger society in Nigeria, having the opportunity to be creative and enjoy being with others to express themselves artistically is a dream come true. One social enterprise is making this dream a reality - the Children’s Art Workshop in Lagos is the brainchild of social entrepreneur, Sia Alexander and is making a real difference to the lives of young people in underpriviliged communities.

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneurship Month, Social Entrepreneur, Art-preneur, Nigeria
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Pippa Hetherington - The startup story of a creative South African storyteller encouraging women to let their voices be heard

September 9, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Pippa Hetherington, founder of Behind the Faces (South Africa)

Pippa Hetherington, founder of Behind the Faces (South Africa)

Africa has many challenges and one of those is giving voice to those who need it. Pippa Hetherington is a social and information entrepreneur who is creating a unique platform, Behind the Faces, for encouraging women to let their voices be heard. Using storytelling as a catalyst, she is providing a powerful mechanism for these women to share their own personal stories of strength and inspiration, and to communicate with their compatriots across the African continent. 

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In Startup Story Tags Social Entrepreneur, Social Entrepreneurship Month, Art-preneur, South Africa
4 Comments

Keri Muller - The startup story of a talented designer and artist reinventing old books as objects of beauty

February 9, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Keri Muller, founder of Simple Intrigue, South Africa

Keri Muller, founder of Simple Intrigue, South Africa

Finding design inspiration literally in the pages of old books has given South African artist, designer and entrepreneur, Keri Muller, the opportunity to create incredibly beautiful decor pieces from recycled books. Her company, Simple Intrigue, and the unique products it creates, is a wonderfully refreshing antidote to so much of the bland, mass produced decor swamping the marketplace today.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Art-preneur
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Victoria Verbaan - The Startup story of a designer, illustrator and entrepreneur creating design products that are truly works of art

February 8, 2015 Melanie Hawken
Victoria Verbaan, founder and creator of The Smoking Daxi

Victoria Verbaan, founder and creator of The Smoking Daxi

Design conscious consumers across Africa and around the globe will love the highly individual and stunningly beautiful handprinted and illustrated designs and products from South African designer and entrepreneur, Victoria Verbaan.  Her uniquely named company, Victoria Verbaan and The Smoking Daxi, is one to look out for on the African design scene.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Art-preneur
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LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Sydelle Willow Smith, a pioneer of solar-powered mobile cinema in Africa
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder
Babette Kourelos, a passionate artisanal bread-baking business builder

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Femi Handbags

Statement Handbags…Add a touch of drama to your wardrobe with one of the show-stopping colourful bags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their iconic shapes and eclectic pops of colou
Image of the Day / Yococo

Vegan ice-cream heaven…If you are ice cream lovers like we are here at Lionesses of Africa, you will love the vegan ice cream from Yococo in South Africa, created by the talented Sinenhlanhla Ndlela. She is proving t
Image of the Day / Lilly Alfonso

Vibrant African style…Lilly Alfonso is a renowned fashion brand in Malawi created by founder and Head Designer, Lilly Alfonso. She is a two-time International Fashion Award winning designer for her contributio
Image of the Day / Pichulik

Statement earrings… Introducing The Aventurina Earrings by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear ate
Image of the Day / Uzuri K & Y

Handcrafted eco-footwear…We love the ethos of Uzuri K & Y in Rwanda, an impact driven  footwear manufacturing business founded by entrepreneurs Kevine Kagirimpundu and Ysolde Shimwe. They are changing li
Image of the Day / Margaux Wong

Sustainable statement jewellery…We love the strong designs of the hugely talented Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong in Burundi. This international, multi-cultural jewellery and accessories brand was found
Image of the Day / Nebü

Pure gold heritage…Helen Viljoen is the founder of Nebü, a transparently priced, pure investment-grade gold jewellery brand inspired by and made in South Africa. Helen creates legacy pieces for clients that w
Image of the Day / Afropian

Statement dressing…If you want to make a fashion statement, then how better to do that than with this dramatic bark-cloth dress by Afropian, the Pan-African lifestyle brand founded by Cameroonian entrepreneur Horte
Image of the Day / Vanhu Vamwe

Marvellous macrame…We have always been big fans of the uber-talented Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri, co-founder of luxury Zimbabwean accessory brand, Vanhu Vamwe, together with husband Simba Nyawiri. This show-stopping co
Image of the Day / Midunu Chocolates

Chocolate love…We are big chocolate lovers at Lionesses of Africa, so we love these beautiful looking and fabulous tasting chocolates from Midunu Chocolates in Ghana, handcrafted by entrepreneur and chocol
Image of the Day / Femi Handbags

Statement Handbags…Add a touch of drama to your wardrobe with one of the show-stopping colourful bags from Femi Handbags in Nigeria, founded by Femi Olayebi. With their iconic shapes and eclectic pops of colou Image of the Day / Yococo

Vegan ice-cream heaven…If you are ice cream lovers like we are here at Lionesses of Africa, you will love the vegan ice cream from Yococo in South Africa, created by the talented Sinenhlanhla Ndlela. She is proving t Image of the Day / Lilly Alfonso

Vibrant African style…Lilly Alfonso is a renowned fashion brand in Malawi created by founder and Head Designer, Lilly Alfonso. She is a two-time International Fashion Award winning designer for her contributio Image of the Day / Pichulik

Statement earrings… Introducing The Aventurina Earrings by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear ate Image of the Day / Uzuri K & Y

Handcrafted eco-footwear…We love the ethos of Uzuri K & Y in Rwanda, an impact driven  footwear manufacturing business founded by entrepreneurs Kevine Kagirimpundu and Ysolde Shimwe. They are changing li Image of the Day / Margaux Wong

Sustainable statement jewellery…We love the strong designs of the hugely talented Margaux Rusita, founder of Margaux Wong in Burundi. This international, multi-cultural jewellery and accessories brand was found Image of the Day / Nebü

Pure gold heritage…Helen Viljoen is the founder of Nebü, a transparently priced, pure investment-grade gold jewellery brand inspired by and made in South Africa. Helen creates legacy pieces for clients that w Image of the Day / Afropian

Statement dressing…If you want to make a fashion statement, then how better to do that than with this dramatic bark-cloth dress by Afropian, the Pan-African lifestyle brand founded by Cameroonian entrepreneur Horte Image of the Day / Vanhu Vamwe

Marvellous macrame…We have always been big fans of the uber-talented Pam Samasuwo-Nyawiri, co-founder of luxury Zimbabwean accessory brand, Vanhu Vamwe, together with husband Simba Nyawiri. This show-stopping co Image of the Day / Midunu Chocolates

Chocolate love…We are big chocolate lovers at Lionesses of Africa, so we love these beautiful looking and fabulous tasting chocolates from Midunu Chocolates in Ghana, handcrafted by entrepreneur and chocol

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Drienie Botes, an entrepreneur empowering women to achieve economic independence through beekeeping
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity
Tumelo Tshwagong, a South African agri-entrepreneur contributing to finding sustainable local solutions to addressing food insecurity

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The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms  by Mary Grant
The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out  by Fiona Soutter
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
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

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