Lionesses of Africa celebrates Africa’s Women Fashionpreneurs during the month of April

April is Focus on Women Fashionpreneurs Month

Every month at Lionesses of Africa, we shine a spotlight on a particular industry sector where Africa’s women entrepreneurs are making a real impact, through their businesses, their innovation, their products, services and craftsmanship, and their passion for what they do. This month (April), we are turning our attention to the truly inspirational African Women Fashionpreneurs, those innovative pioneers of the fashion world who are putting the continent on the global map through their uniquely African yet world-class designs.

A growing number of incredibly talented, creative, innovative and pioneering women fashionpreneurs on the continent are building businesses and fashion labels that are making the world sit up and take notice. All this month at Lionesses of Africa, we are featuring and paying tribute to some of these amazing African Women Fashionpreneurs whose unique sense of style and creativity we love.  They are both inspirational and practically making such a difference to the fashion landscape on the African continent. 

Here are just some of the African Women Fashionpreneurs who are inspiring us this month:

Take for example, the founders of Bold Kampala (Ngyenzi ‘Nunu’ Mugyenyi, Angel Kalisa and Janet Mugume) who are changing the face of retail fashion in Africa; Deola Sagoe, the leading lady of African haute couture fashion; Juliana Nasasira, the founder of leading Ugandan men’s and women’s fashion design brand, Kwesh; and sisters Natalie and Kim Ellis, the founders of organically and ethically minded South African slow fashion brand, The Joinery. Each of these African Women Fashionpreneurs are leading the continent’s drive to bring a new approach to fashion design and brand-building in Africa - and we are so inspired by what they are doing.

“With a love for the fashion industry, combined with minimal savings and a huge leap of faith, we opened BOLD Kampala. Our mission is to increase the awareness, appreciation and active support of African fashion brands, both locally and internationally.”  

- Ngyenzi ‘Nunu’ Mugyenyi, co-Founder of Bold Kampala

“The decision to pursue fashion was brought on mainly by the realisation that it wasn’t ‘too late’ to go after what I’d always dreamed of doing, and that a career in fashion could be profitable in Uganda. Being an entrepreneur in a field that I love is a blessing. It allows me the freedom to be creative every day.”

- Juliana Nasasira, founder of Ugandan fashion label, Kwesh

“African designers need to celebrate their cultural roots and fashion history in order to become globally competitive.”

- Deola Sagoe, founder of African haute couture fashion house, Deola

“We believe in a fashion industry that values people, environment, creativity, sustainability, and it is everyone's responsibility to ensure that this happens.”

-Kim and Natalie Ellis, founders of The Foundry, and supporters of Fashion Revolution South Africa

At Lionesses of Africa, we also encourage everyone visiting our website and social media platforms to nominate those African Women Fashionpreneurs that inspire them, and we will happily profile them during the coming weeks. Our month-long Focus on African Women Fashionpreneurs is all about showcasing the best and most inspirational women in the fashion industry and their businesses, so be part of the process and make a difference to a woman fashionpreneur that inspires you.