Many successful businesses are inspired by a combination of passion and friendship. That is certainly the case with Kakawa Chocolates, a Mozambican company that is winning a passionate following of chocolate lovers in the country.
Read moreJoelle Eyeson, an entrepreneur creating affordable eco housing solutions using rammed earth construction in Ghana
Joelle Eyeson, co-founder of Hive Earth (Ghana)
Creating affordable housing solutions in Africa is a key challenge for many countries, and particularly homes that are eco-friendly. But Joelle Eyeson, co-founder of Hive Earth, is bringing a new and innovative solution to Ghana, and one that is replicable across the continent.
Read moreFORBES: Kenya's Coco Chanel? African Luxury Is Getting Into Anthropologie, Harrods And Vogue
FORBES, May 4, 2018 | by Kitty Knowles, Senior Features Writer, Forbes Europe
The McKinsey Global Institute once famously described the African economies as “lions on the move.” But today it’s the continent’s “Lionesses” who are moving luxury markets around the world. Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, Swaady Martin and Adèle Dejak are all members of Lionesses of Africa—an entrepreneurship community with over 600,000 members that recently hosted Start-up Night! Africa in London in partnership with Standard Bank Wealth.
Read moreBecoming an authentic leader - Part 2
by Mignionette Fair, founder of Edita Services
In Part 1 of Becoming an authentic leader, I looked at what an authentic leader is and some of the important aspects of authentic leadership. This week, we look at the remaining aspects of authentic leadership including some characteristics of authentic leaders. After all, why would you want to lead like anyone else? That just means one of you isn't needed!
Read moreThe importance of giving clients the experience they deserve
by Tania Reid, Chief Experience Officer, Ithemba Office Solutions
I’ve been going to the same hairdresser for the past 18 years. A few minor things had changed, the shampoo lady seemed grumpy all the time, I was no longer being offered my regular cup of tea and my hairdresser was more often rushed, because appointments were overlapping. But because of my long relationship with my hairdresser, and the fact that my hair always looked good, I could overlook all the minor irritations.
Read moreAfrica’s global women brand builders capture London's attention at the 3rd 'Start-up Night! Africa' event
Getting access to important new markets and networks is key for women entrepreneurs who are building global brands in Africa and the Diaspora. So on the evening of 26 April, Lionesses of Africa in partnership with Standard Bank Wealth International, brought its high impact Start-up Night! Africa event to London. The event aimed to showcase a number of exciting women owned businesses and brands from across the African continent and from the Diaspora in London, that are ones to watch globally in 2018 and beyond.
Read moreLIONESS CoLAB: YSWARA X ARDMORE for Orange Babies
The ever creative Swaady Martin, founder of YSWARA has joined forces with the very beautiful and soulful brand ARDMORE to create the umSisi Collectors' Tea canister to support ORANGE BABIES, a charity whose ultimate aim is to achieve an HIV-free generation in Africa.
Read moreQuote of the Day by Helen Njoroge
Helen Njoroge, founder of Tenders Kenya
"I encourage women, especially the young women to come up with innovative products and services and deviate from engaging in "traditional" entrepreneurial opportunities."
Helen Njoroge, co-founder of Tenders Kenya
Read moreLights, Camera, Action as Africa’s luxury brands collaborate for a unique photoshoot at Start-Up Night! Africa in London
The Start-Up Night! Africa event in London was the perfect occasion for a unique collaboration amongst the women entrepreneurs being showcased on the night - a joint fashion photoshoot featuring all the creations and products on show from each of the women pitching their businesses.
Read moreThe art of negotiation
by Aleshia van der Ploeg LLB. (RAU), Founder & Director of VDP Legal Consulting
As an entrepreneur, sometimes we are so desperate for business or too eager to simply sign a deal, not only do we lose sight of what we wanted to achieve, but we sell ourselves short.
Read moreCarrie Leaver and Shona McDonald, two social entrepreneurs creating a unique new co-working space for startups in Cape Town
Carrie Leaver and Shona McDonald, founders of Stoep Startup Co-Working & Stay (South Africa)
One of the biggest challenges for many startup entrepreneurs who work from home is connecting with other like-minded people in an environment which is supportive and creative. In Cape Town, social entrepreneurs Carrie Leaver and Shona McDonald have created the answer with their Stoep Startup Co-Working & Stay business venture.
Read moreEssential Reads: Cowgirl Power - How to Kick Ass in Business and Life by Gay Gaddis
Gay Gaddis
In Cowgirl Power, US advertising CEO and cowgirl Gay Gaddis shares insights and examples for women to lead in their lives like fearless, risk-taking cowgirls. She shows them how to enhance and exude confidence, developing personal power on all fronts.
Read moreConfidence For Women. My Personal Epiphany.
by Abigail Klopper, founder of Abigail K Photography
Last week I had a personal epiphany. I hadn’t intended to have an epiphany – who does? It happened as a result of writing an email to a group of close friends and dear colleagues and clients. I was writing from the heart. I was sharing my truth in that moment when the epiphany hit me. It hit me like an emotional brick. It seems so obvious to me now in retrospect, but in the moment, while I was organizing my thoughts to send the email, it struck me as profound. Side Note: This is such a testament to the value of journalling! My epiphany was… that I don’t ask for help!
Read moreWellness Management - a foundation of success in any business
by Tatenda Rungisa, Human Resources Practitioner and co-founder of Twin Connect Solutions
It’s said that, “Health and intellect are the two blessings of life.” This is true and the two words, “health and intellect” should be what every employer emphasizes on from the recruitment phase to the exit. Beginning a new job or internship can be an exciting and stressful time. Everyone is eager to prove their worth to colleagues and managers and excited to learn new skills, as well as share their own skills set and knowledge. While it’s good to be focused on finding a company that will help meet professional goals, it’s also important to consider how the future employer will help in terms of wellness. It is prudent to note that no amount of money is worth sacrificing one’s wellness.
Read moreUse Your Imagination to Access More Courage
by Laura Camacho, PhD, founder of Mixonian Institute
Einstein put it this way, “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." I say, let’s just play pretend something amazing and see what happens.
Read moreQuote of the Day by Jennifer Riria
Dr. Jennifer Riria, Group Chief Executive of Kenya Women Holding
"Women disproportionately face financial access barriers that prevent them from participating in the economy and from improving their lives."
Dr. Jennifer Riria, Group CEO of Kenya Women Holding
Read moreEntrepreneur Advice from Tepsii Tshikororo: Give yourself a chance
Tepsii Tshikororo, founder of Tepsii (South Africa)
Give yourself a chance....
"Stop analyzing, criticizing, and giving reasons why this won't work. Give yourself a chance and just go for it. Any mistakes you make are opportunities for improvement!"
- Tepsii Tshikororo is the founder of Tepsii in South Africa, a company providing education and training in copywriting and online entrepreneurship as well as offering business coaching. Tepsii was previously a sought after professional writer in the corporate space for 12 years using her bachelor’s of science from a top university in New England to write scientific, engineering, aviation, and other technical documentation. Today, she is passionate about putting her copywriting and coaching skills to use for clients so that you can bring in maximum profit.
Read more100 Lionesses: Three of Africa’s leading women brand-builders share their rise to the top
L-R: Margaret Hirsch, co-founder Hirsch's Homestores; Brenda Wilkinson, co-founder Rio Largo Olive Estate; Bernie de Le Cuona, founder de Le Cuona
A highlight of the forthcoming Start-Up Night! Africa event in London on 26th June will be a panel discussion featuring three leading women entrepreneurs from South Africa who have built successful global brands. They share their personal brand building stories, and talk about the opportunities for Africa’s women entrepreneurs to break into global marketplaces, the current interest from global markets in women owned brands that have a strong backstory, and the investment climate for Africa’s women owned businesses looking to grow.
Read moreLien Potgieter, a South African entrepreneur helping women to harness the power of colour therapy in their lives
Lien Potgieter, founder of The Colour Option (South Africa)
We have all probably heard the phrase ‘put a little colour in your life’, but entrepreneur Lien Potgieter is doing just that in the practical sense with her business, The Colour Option. She has created a range of online colour therapy courses specially for women who want to live a full, authentic life in relationships, business, and creativity.
Read moreDebra Mwodza, a South African entrepreneur helping small businesses to reach their goals
Debra Mwodza, founder of Quest Support Solutions (South Africa)
In today’s fast changing business environment, small businesses across all sectors continue to face challenges in reaching their goals. Business owners need to step up their game in order to stay relevant and ahead of their competitors - and that’s where Debra Mwodza’s Quest Support Solutions comes in.
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