Entrepreneur Advice from Hanneli Rupert: Believe in yourself

March 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Hanneli Rupert, founder of Okapi and Merchants on Long (South Africa) — **Hanneli Rupert**, founder of Okapi and Merchants on Long (South Africa)

Believe in yourself....

"You have got to believe in yourself and your brand. Listen to what other people have to say, but know who you are and what you want. Set your goal and work towards that and don’t change that. Also, take time to reflect on your goal. It’s very easy to get distracted and go down the wrong path."

- Hanneli Rupert is the founder and owner of 'Merchants on Long' and Okapi. This young South African entrepreneur opened her chic, African concept store, Merchants on Long, stocking ethically-produced, luxury hand-crafted, African sourced design, art and fashion products. She is one of the industry's most compelling advocates for ethical production and sourcing and has her own ethically produced, African luxury handbag line, Okapi. In 2012 Hanneli launched her first pop-up store in London-based concept store, The Shop at Bluebird.

Quote of the Day by Miyoba Buumba

March 6, 2018 Melanie Hawken

"Don’t give up on your passion and dreams. In life we always have to push for the doors of success to open."

- Miyoba Buumba, founder of Mwabonwa Designs (Zambia)

Celebrating 30 Leading African Women Beauty and Wellness Brand Builders

March 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Africa's beauty and wellness sector continues to grow, with new and exciting products coming onto the market every day, most of them celebrating the unique, natural ingredients that are produced on the African continent. This month at Lionesses of Africa, we celebrate 30 women entrepreneurs whose remarkable startup stories we have featured over the past year and who are building great brands and developing world class products from all corners of the African continent.

The 5 Second Rule: Transform your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage by Mel Robbins

March 4, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Throughout your life, you've had parents, coaches, teachers, friends and mentors who have pushed you to be better than your excuses and bigger than your fears. What if the secret to having the confidence and courage to enrich your life and work is simply knowing how to push yourself? In her new book, The 5 Second Rule, Mel Robbins, show you how.

Getting fit for your business journey

March 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Eldari Visser, Managing Director of Picketfence.Life

If you ask me to join a gym I get a very uneasy feeling. The mere idea of putting myself through pain does not sit well with me. I prefer to go for the sexier options such as dancing or Zumba; or the calmer options like yoga or Pilates. I program my brain that these type of exercises will not hurt as much as going to the gym. Who exactly am I kidding? My body is going to complain, that is a fact. Don’t even mention all the good reasons that I can come up with for not getting started or not going each week.

Own your meetings and interviews

March 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Lori Milner: author, entrepreneur, thought leader and founder of Beyond the Dress

They used to say that your co-workers assessed your competence, likability and trustworthiness in about seven seconds, but the latest research conducted by Harvard Medical School suggests that all that happens now in just 250 milliseconds! And that’s all based simply on your appearance – so you really have to ensure you have it all worked out! Here are some tips on how to maximise your physical presence when it comes to meetings and interviews.

Becoming an authentic leader - Part 1

March 2, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Mignionette Fair, founder of Edita Services

Authenticity is a word that gets thrown around a lot in leadership, business and life. As with most things in life, we all define authenticity and authentic leadership differently.

Breaking through the glass ceiling

March 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Tatenda Rungisa, Human Resources Practitioner and co-founder of Twin Connect Solutions

Before I gained experience in my profession from the various sectors I had worked in, I frequently wondered why they were only a few successful women leaders and entrepreneurs. After working in different sectors I realized a few but huge hurdles have led to the demise of women leadership skills in the workplace. Women face challenges daily in their lives and for career women, the main one is that of penetrating into a male dominated sector or taking up roles that are societally termed “for men”.

Is Social Enterprise the new face of business?

March 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Over the last few years we’ve seen the theme of Social Entrepreneurship grow exponentially. From the 23 to 26 January, two awesome female social entrepreneurs from Cape Town returned from the World Economic Forum. They joined many other social entrepreneurs from around the world, ready to open the eyes of traditional business to new ways of using business principles to tackle major issues in our world, such as poverty, marginalization and climate change.

Keeping me sane! 5 ways I manage the demands of running my business

March 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

There are many things I do that seem selfish to many people; probably because they look like that; and also because behind them, these things are mine only. I have learned all these things are essential for me to stay alive, sane and motivated to complete all the great dreams our clients have. Running a custom-made business is seriously a mind boggler. You have over 300 clients; and have to remember each and every name; each design; each finish; each personality; each account, etc. It can drive you insane, especially at peak business time.

Quote of the Day by Stephina Zwane and Salamina Mosese

March 1, 2018 Melanie Hawken

"You will find strength you never knew you had. So, DO IT!”

- Stephina Zwane and Salamina Mosese, founders of Sorele Media (South Africa)

Maria Auma, a Ugandan entrepreneur helping startups to build sustainable businesses with impact

February 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Maria Auma, founder of Blue Luxury Investments (Uganda) — **Maria Auma**, founder of Blue Luxury Investments (Uganda)

For many startups, taking their businesses to the next level can be challenging. In Uganda, one woman entrepreneur is helping small business owners to increase their production capacity and access finance. Maria Auma, founder of Blue Luxury Investments, is bringing her expertise and investment community to help startups to fulfill their potential.

Quote of the Day by Ashley Heather

February 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken

"Entrepreneurship is intensely personal - it is your passions and your energies made manifest for the world to see and growing a business has been an amazing process of self-discovery and personal growth."

- Ashley Heather, founder of Ashley Heather Jewellery (South Africa)

Entrepreneur Advice from Jenna Clifford: Be frugal with your money

February 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Women need to be resourceful and frugal when starting up....

“It’s the same old banking story – if you have no money they won’t give it to you; if you have money, they want to throw more at you. Women are very resourceful but they need leaders and mentors like me and material to read to give them information about the facts.” ..... “I have always saved bits of money and lived very frugally and invested the little I have made back into the business and not spent it,”

- Jenna Clifford is a world-renowned jewellery designer, known for her unique designs and superlative craftsmanship. Established in 1992, her company has steadily grown its clientele and improved its profile to institute itself as a powerful force in the jewellery industry. Her bold and dramatic designs are sought after by some of the most recognised business icons and celebrities from around the world. Today, Jenna Clifford Designs employs around 70 people, including some of the finest jewellery artisans and craftsmen in South Africa.

2018 Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards Africa finalists announced

February 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

L-R: Evelyn Namara, Audrey Cheng, Melissa Bime — L-R: Evelyn Namara, Audrey Cheng, Melissa Bime

The prestigious Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards, the international business plan competition created in 2006 to identify, support and encourage projects by women entrepreneurs, has just announced their finalists for Africa for 2018.

Finding your best expedition guide. How to select your business coach or financial advisor

February 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

I have wondered many times, if I am ever in the position to choose an expedition guide for a trip, who would it be? The likes of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Vin Diesel, Bear Grylls, or the steady hand of a game ranger? The most obvious question is ultimately who will die for me? Yes, it is that serious?

Quote of the Day by Gaceri Kirimi

February 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“You must start, however small or big. You must start and believe in your brand and dream!”

- Gaceri Kirimi, co-founder of Destello Laundry Cleaning Services (Kenya)

Entrepreneur Advice from Roxanne Edson: Persevere!

February 27, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Roxanne Edson, founder of Hidden Halos (South Africa) — **Roxanne Edson**, founder of Hidden Halos (South Africa)

Take a deep breath and persevere....

"Persevere - Even when it seems like there is no way forward, take a deep breath and remember how far you have already come!"

- Roxanne Edson is the founder of Hidden Halos, a South African non-profit organisation doing work around foster care advocacy and support and Foetal Alcohol Syndrome, as well as exit strategies for children currently in the State’s child welfare system. Roxanne has an educational background in Psychology, Criminology and Foundation Phase Education. She has also become extremely knowledgeable in Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and is passionate about creating awareness of this disorder.