Eva Sonaike - The startup story of an interior and lifestyle brand creator bringing luxury design with a vibrant West-African aesthetic to the UK

September 25, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Eva Sonaike, founder of Eva Sonaike — **Eva Sonaike**, founder of Eva Sonaike

There is a growing global interest in African design, textiles and products, and talented Nigerian interior designer and lifestyle brand creator, Eva Sonaike, is taking the world by storm on the back of this trend. Her aim is to position the 'African' aesthetic in the global textiles and interior industry as part of her bigger brand-building picture.

Femi Olayebi - The startup story of a Nigerian bespoke luxury handbag designer who has created a whole world of bags to global acclaim

September 23, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Femi Olayebi, founder of My World of Bags and the Femi Handbags brand (Nigeria)

In the competitive world of global accessory and handbag design, one Nigerian designer is making the world sit up and take notice, with her unique take on beautiful, bespoke, handcrafted pieces that celebrate the art of craftsmanship combined with a uniquely African touch. Femi Olayebi is talent personified and her great eye for design together with a deep appreciation for African culture and textiles, has allowed her to create handbags and accessories that have a great story to tell and a wonderful visual appeal.

Bushera Bashir - The startup story of an entrepreneur building a luxury ethical cashmere fashion label in South Africa

June 19, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Bushera Bashir, founder of Trebene (South Africa) — **Bushera Bashir**, founder of Trebene (South Africa)

Every woman entrepreneur in Africa has a unique story to tell and usually an inspirational story of how their own personal entrepreneurial journey started. The back-story for Bushera Bashir, the founder of ethical fashion label Trebene, takes us on a unique journey from the birthplace of Cashmere wool, Kashmir, from where Trebene’s beautiful luxury cashmere scarves are handwoven, through to Cape Town in South Africa where they are designed, printed and retailed.

Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, founder of AAKS, Ghana shares her expertise as a panellist on The Guardian's Branding masterclass webchat

April 29, 2015 Melanie Hawken

The 'The Guardian' UK hosted an online webchat entitled: 'Branding masterclass - how to tell your business story in a new market' - on 29 April between 12 and 1pm. Representing Africa was the highly talented Akosua Afriyie-Kumi the founder and creative director of AAKS, Ghana. AAKS is a luxury accessories brand that handcrafts bags utilising traditional weaving techniques. LoA joined the webchat and got to ask Akosua her thoughts on the current Afroluxe market trend.

Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu's passion for leather sees her launch a new venture - Republic of Leather

February 6, 2015 Melanie Hawken

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Bethlehem Tilahun Alemu is a woman passionate about leather, especially when its handcrafted by talented artisan craftsmen and women in her home country, Ethiopia. So much so, that Bethlehem, who has achieved great success with her global shoe brand soleRebels, has in 2015 launched a new business, Republic of Leather, which creates bespoke, handcrafted luxury leatherwear for men and women. Given Bethlehem's track record of success as a leading woman entrepreneur we are sure her new venture is headed for great things.

Jenna Clifford - The startup story of a world-renowned South African jewellery designer and entrepreneur

February 2, 2015 Melanie Hawken

Jenna Clifford, founder of Jenna Clifford Designs, South Africa — **Jenna Clifford**, founder of Jenna Clifford Designs, South Africa

Jenna is an inspirational example to women entrepreneurs across Africa that despite significant challenges in personal and business life, with many setbacks and considerable personal heartache along the way, it is possible to find business success.

Aissa Dione – The startup story of an inspirational African textile revivalist who has captivated the world’s leading interior design brands

December 1, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Aissa Dione, founder of Aissa Dione Tissus, Senegal — **Aissa Dione**, founder of Aissa Dione Tissus, Senegal

Senegalese entrepreneur and textile designer, Aissa Dione, has made it her lifelong mission to revive her country’s ailing textile industry, and in the process, create products that are highly desirable the world over.

Swaady Martin - The startup story of this stylish purveyor of African Luxury

November 6, 2014 Melanie Hawken

Swaady Martin-Leke, founder and CEO of Yswara — **Swaady Martin-Leke**, founder and CEO of Yswara

The story of an Afropolitan entrepreneur building a unique global luxury brand by creating elegant, high-end products using the continent’s finest natural resources.

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