Lwazikazi Kwaza, a South African entrepreneur designing and manufacturing luxury fragrances

March 2, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lwazikazi Kwaza, founder and CEO, The Melanin House (South Africa)

Lwazikazi Kwaza is the founder and CEO of The Melanin House in South Africa, an Afro-centric manufacturing powerhouse that currently designs and manufactures specialized luxury fragrances in all categories. The Melanin House was founded in 2020 with the aim to represent the elite African luxury market, where simplicity meets elegance, in an afro-centric, majestic, and fragrant way. The Melanin House manufactures utilizing the highest quality standards guidelines such as the SABS ISO:9001. This ensures high-quality fragrances are manufactured with sustainability in the process through the use of organic products. The Melanin House is committed to producing high-quality fragrances that tell fragrant and majestic African stories, which will remain in the charts of African-conscious business history, through memory.

Nuria Arbelo, a unique earring design brand builder in Mozambique

March 2, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Nuria Arbelo, founder, Brincadeira (Mozambique)

Nuria Arbelo is the founder of Brincadeira, a vibrant earrings brand with an exclusive design located in Maputo, Mozambique. Born in the Canary Islands, Nuria arrived in Mozambique for work in 2018. In 2021, she founded Brincadeira without knowing that, two years later, the brand would lead her to leave her profession as a project manager to become an entrepreneur dedicated to the design of unique earrings.

Refilwe Mongwaketse, an entrepreneur building a personal shopping and styling brand in South Africa

February 25, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Refilwe Mongwaketse, founder, Thuma Mina Personal Shopping (South Africa)

Born in the town of Kanye, Botswana, Refilwe Mongwaketse is the vibrant, energetic, and passionate founder of Thuma Mina Personal Shopping in South Africa. While her career background lies in Architecture and the Construction industry, Refilwe’s heart has always been drawn toward the captivating world of Personal Styling and Interior Design. Based in the bustling city of Johannesburg, South Africa, she has embarked on a journey fuelled by her unrelenting entrepreneurial spirit. For Refilwe, the transformative power of clothes has always been undeniable. She firmly believes that when we look good, we also feel good, allowing us to show up as our highest selves and perform at our peak level. Through Thuma Mina Personal Shopping, Refilwe has been able to ignite that fire within others and that has helped them to fulfil their dreams.

Olubunmi Otufowora, a Nigerian pioneer building a growing nutritious drinks brand

February 18, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Olubunmi Otufowora, founder, Boomsky Smoothies (Nigeria)

Olubunmi Otufowora is the founder of Boomsky Smoothies, a leading indigenous fruit processing and distribution company in Nigeria that produces 100% natural smoothies and juices. Operating for over a decade, Boomsky Smoothies was founded in 2010 and has bridged the gap between nutrition and busy executives who want a healthy drink on the go. With more than 14 years of experience in various senior leadership roles in one of Nigeria's top telecommunications firms, her strong professional insight has been instrumental in her success. Her passion for promoting healthy living through natural fruit drinks is evident in her company's exceptional growth and impact. Olubunmi is committed to positively impacting Nigeria's society by reducing post-harvest food loss. Her business is aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 3, and 12, and her efforts are reflected in the sustainable growth of Boomsky Smoothies over the years. Today the business employs 28 people.

Moleboheng (Lebo) Nhamahango, a Mozambican surface pattern designer bringing creative life to everyday items

February 18, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Moleboheng (Lebo) Nhamahango, founder and CEO, Nerah Decór (Mozambique)

Moleboheng (Lebo) Nhamahango is the founder and CEO of Nerah Decór in Mozambique, an online surface pattern design company. Lebo designs the patterns in Mozambique and then uploads them to the Red Bubble portal which allows her to coordinate her design prints on different surfaces according to a client's order. Through the Red Bubble portal, it allows Lebo to print and ship her product designs from USA to any country in the world. Lebo makes it easy for clients to access her designs, and by simply putting the Nerah Decór website in a client's URL, that client links to the online store where they can order according to their desire and collect their order on their doorstep!

Palesa Mkhulisi, a South African PR and marketing entrepreneur focused on creating value for clients

February 11, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Palesa Mkhulisi, founder, The Link PR and Marketing Solutions (South Africa)

Palesa Mkhulisi is the founder of The Link PR and Marketing Solutions in South Africa, a business focused on helping start-ups to create value, build long-term sustainability, and bring positive changes to their communities through tailored marketing and PR solutions. She is a 24-year-old entrepreneur with a passion for social development and a commitment to solving real-world problems. Raised in Soweto a township in Johannesburg she developed an early appreciation for the power of community and the impact that businesses can have on society. Beyond her role as an entrepreneur, Palesa actively participates in various community outreach programs and advising young business leaders. She is dedicated to fostering the next generation of socially aware entrepreneurs.

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)

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.

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

February 4, 2024 Melanie Hawken

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

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.

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

January 30, 2024 Melanie Hawken

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

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.

Lilian Mapuranga, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur building a chemical company focused on green growth

January 27, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Lilian Mapuranga, co-founder & COO, Chemexon Chemicals Pvt Ltd (Zimbabwe)

Lilian Mapuranga is the co-founder and COO of Chemexon Chemicals Pvt Ltd a chemical company focused on cleaning and sanitation chemicals. She is an MBA and Chemist with over 13 years industry experience and 4 years in the sanitation industry. Lilian was awarded as a TechWomen Emerging Leader 2014 (Hillary Clinton STEM Initiatives in Silicon Valley), was a ZimTrade EagleNest Top 22 Qualifier. Before Lilian became an entrepreneur, she was a business development manager at Integrated Hygiene Systems. Her tasks were oriented towards developing business, looking for new markets and increasing sales. Her focus was in change management and meeting customer satisfaction, something she has adopted into her own business and has helped her shape Chemexon.

Thaila Botes, a South African entrepreneur creating a hub for surf skate enthusiasts

January 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Thaila Botes, founder, Danuz and Charger X (South Africa)

Thaila Botes is the vibrant force behind Danuz and Charger X, a hub for surf skate enthusiasts in South Africa. As a devoted mom, fitness enthusiast, and lover of summer, family, and Jesus, Thaila brings boundless energy to both her family life and her entrepreneurial venture. Discover a journey where fitness, family, and faith intertwine, creating a life uniquely driven by passion and purpose. Welcome to Thaila's world, where each day is a celebration of health, happiness, and the sunny spirit of summer.

Natasha Mohunlal, a powerhouse trademark attorney in South Africa building a boutique law firm

January 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Natasha Mohunlal, Trademark Attorney & founder, Natasha Mohunlal and Associates Inc. (South Africa)

Natasha Mohunlal is a Trademark Attorney, the founder and Managing Director of Natasha Mohunlal and Associates Inc. based in Pretoria, South Africa, also known as NMA. She is a prominent entrepreneur, community activist, and visionary. She won the Women in IP award in Utah in July 2022. Her law firm won the SA IP law firm of the year 2022 at the Middle East Africa Business Awards. Her firm also won the Intellectual Property Law Firm of the Year 2023 at the Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Global Awards. She was also crowned title partner at the Influential Women of the Year Awards in March 2023, which took place in Cape Town. In the same year, she won the Lawyer Monthly Women in Law Awards 2023 and Prominent Women in International Law Award - WLA2023 Dubai. In July 2023, she was awarded the Top IP Leader award in Dubai, and was also selected for the 'Top 25 Exceptional Women in Trademark.’

Mildred Matara, a Kenyan entrepreneur building an insurance and investment business in East Africa

January 14, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Mildred Matara, founder and CEO, Mellow Ventures Insurance Agency & Mellow Ventures Investment (Kenya)

Mildred Matara is the founder and CEO of Mellow Ventures Insurance Agency and Mellow Ventures Investment in Kenya. She is a seasoned and passionate entrepreneur and her insurance business provides consultations and insurance underwriting services, working with class A-C insurance companies in Kenya and East Africa, serving customers in the East Africa region. Her Mellow Ventures Investment business is focused on dealing with General suppliers and retail sales and distribution in Kenya. She founded the business 9 years ago and currently employs 4 permanent employees and 6 casuals/ contract employees. She previously worked in the corporate sector for over 11 years with experience spanning different business sectors. She is currently in the process of venturing into the Agriculture sector to produce and add value to food products in the Western part of Kenya, where she hopes to assist in bridging the food security gap whilst creating a source of livelihood to the locals.

Nazlee Mayhew, an entrepreneur coaching business and money mindset in Zimbabwe

January 14, 2024 Melanie Hawken

Nazlee Mayhew, founder and director, Global Mindset Solutions (Zimbabwe)

Nazlee Mayhew is the founder and director of Global Mindset Solutions in Zimbabwe. She is a seasonal Business and Money Mindset Coach, a Social Entrepreneur, NLP Master Practitioner, and an emerging author. Global Mindset Solutions' vision is to empower, educate and equip women to enhance their leadership and business skills and help strengthen the communities they serve. This will enable them to reach their full potential faster, help boost economic growth and create financial freedom.

Mauricia Cox, a South African holistic wellness and beauty brandbuilder

December 30, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Mauricia Cox, founder, Wellchemco (South Africa)

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)

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.

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)

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)

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.

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