Take care of yourself on this entrepreneurial journey

June 10, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko

It is no secret that the entrepreneurship life is challenging; in so many ways, especially in South Africa with an economy like ours. The problems are many but all linked to cash flow. If this is not managed it can result in health issues you never had before or worsening ones you already have. Getting sick or ending up in ICU because of an illness due to stress is the norm for those with stressful jobs and huge amounts of responsibility. As a woman, well, you are just adding to your already hectic life when you decide to become a CEO of your own business.

The ABC of business: Take off all those hats!

June 10, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa

Oh, the life of a start-up entrepreneur can be extremely challenging. Juggling a myriad of balls, usually with the smallest of resources! A few months ago I had a conversation with a friend, who generously helps me with my business branding and corporate identity. We spoke about the plans I had for the business and I had so many deadlines looming that I started to feel worn out. He reminded me of how big my plate had become.

How to have S.M.A.R.T Relationships

June 10, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Paula Quinsee, Relationship Expert

Difficult conversations are an inevitable part of the workplace, however many of us have had bad experiences with these kind of conversations in the past. The key is to learn how to handle them in a way that produces a positive outcome for all involved.

Celebrating Africa’s women entrepreneur gin pioneers on World Gin Day

June 9, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Did you know that Saturday 9 June celebrates World Gin Day? It’s a day when everyone and anyone (over drinking age of course…!) takes the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the art of gin-making around the globe. Here on the African continent, there are a number of women entrepreneurs who are gin pioneers, creating world class products and brands that celebrate this unique juniper spirit, but with a uniquely African twist.

Work It: Secrets for Success from the Boldest Women in Business by Carrie Kerpen

June 3, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Work It by Carrie Kerpen is an empowering guide for women in business featuring bold advice given by 50 high-profile women on how to succeed in work, leadership and life. And according to Carrie, you don't have to be a #Girlboss or "lean in" to have a dream career and live a life you love.

Tayo Bello, a highly creative jewellery designer from Nigeria taking her inspiration from global travel experiences

June 3, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Tayo Bello, founder of Bello Creations — **Tayo Bello**, founder of Bello Creations

It takes a huge amount of passion and personal conviction to change careers, and start a business. But Tayo Bello, founder of jewellery design company Bello Creations, successfully made the brave leap from IT specialist to jewellery entrepreneur.

LIONESS LAUNCH: Miminat founder Mimi Shodeinde launches a breath-taking new luxury home accessories collection

June 3, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Mimi Shodeinde, founder of Miminat — **Mimi Shodeinde**, founder of Miminat

Miminat, a London based Interior Architecture and Furniture Studio founded in 2014 by the uber talented Nigerian/UK design entrepreneur Mimi Shodeinde, is launching its new breath-taking collection OKUTA on 2 June. The Okuta Collection is inspired by ancient Yoruba stone murals, and explores the organic and natural forms of late 14th century Yoruba design. Its combination of wood, brass, glass, ceramic and gold leaf, embodies the richness that the African continent and Yoruba culture have to offer.

Úrsula Daniela Pais, a Mozambican business pioneer changing the face of the country’s retail sector

June 3, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Ursula Pais, founder of KA DA TERRA SUPERMERCADOS, LDA (Mozambique) — **Ursula Pais**, founder of KA DA TERRA SUPERMERCADOS, LDA (Mozambique)

Mozambique may be experiencing its fair share of economic challenges right now, but that has not detracted the pioneering entrepreneur Ursula Pais of KA DA TERRA SUPERMERCADOS, LDA, from seizing the opportunity to grow.

Always be closing: The ABC of business

May 31, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa

On Thursday, I had a full day of meetings scheduled in Cape Town City. I had a product-related meeting that lasted three hours till about lunch time. After I was done with my meeting I made my way to the car in the mezzanine parking lot. By this time I was ravenous and I needed to eat before going onto my next meeting. I packed all my sample products and display units in the car and took out the left-overs from supper that I brought from home. I made myself comfortable in the driver seat, and just took a moment to enjoy the peace and quiet and my meal!

Living your Best Life as an Entrepreneur

May 31, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Karen Wessels, co-founder of VA Connect and co-founder of SnappSales

When you wake up on a Monday morning thinking its Saturday, I reckon that’s a great start to the week! Although some of you probably wouldn’t agree with this because more than likely you’ll feel disappointed to realize its Monday. I love Mondays! To me it’s symbolic of a fresh start to the week, an opportunity to start on a clean slate and do even better than what we did last week.

Quote of the Day by Ally Angula

May 31, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“Back your dreams with action. Stand up for what you know is right and don’t let anyone tell you that it cannot be done.”

Ally Angula, co-founder of Leap Holdings (Namibia)

Quote of the Day by Akosua Afriyie-Kumi

May 30, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“In Europe, everything has been done. We (African entrepreneurs) have something unique: a very different mindset to work, and raw ideas that haven't been explored.”

Akosua Afriyie-Kumi, founder of AAKS (Ghana)

Quote of the Day by Adèle Dejak

May 29, 2018 Melanie Hawken

“My big dream would be to become the Coco Chanel of Africa. It doesn’t get bigger than that.”

Adèle Dejak, founder of Adèle Dejak (Kenya)

Quote of the Day by Divine Ndhlukula

May 28, 2018 Melanie Hawken

"We want to expand from being solely a Zimbabwean security services company into being an African giant.”

Divine Ndhlukula, founder of SECURICO Security Services (Zimbabwe)

Mozambique’s next generation women entrepreneurs share, inspire and connect

May 26, 2018 Melanie Hawken

In Mozambique there is an exciting new wave of young women entrepreneurs emerging, all building great new businesses and brands, and inspiring each other with their success. On 18 May, Lionesses of Africa together with Standard Bank in partnership with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, brought together some of these up and coming young entrepreneurs with an audience of young women who look to follow in their footsteps.

Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, a Mozambican entrepreneur making events and celebrations memorable

May 25, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, founder of Dali Banga and Mulandi Brindes (Mozambique) — **Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete**, founder of Dali Banga and Mulandi Brindes (Mozambique)

Everyone organising a celebration or a special event wants to make it memorable, and that takes a huge amount of creativity. For Mozambican entrepreneur, Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, founder of Dali Banga and Mulandi Brindes, she found a gap in the market to create two successful brands providing the solution.

Nicola Luther, a South African entrepreneur building an eco-fashion and lifestyle brand inspired by Nature

May 25, 2018 Melanie Hawken

In a world that is dominated by fast fashion, there is a beautiful, eco-conscious antidote for consumers looking for a handcrafted, designer alternative. Lunar, a two decade old, nature inspired fashion and lifestyle brand is now moving into a new era, led by South African entrepreneur Nicola Luther.

PANICKING ABOUT POPI?

May 25, 2018 Melanie Hawken

by Aleshia van der Ploeg LLB. (RAU), Director of VDP Legal Consulting (PTY) Ltd

I have had numerous clients hearing the adverts on the radio, or being misinformed by their fellow entrepreneurs, and calling me in a panic about the POPI Act - Protection of Personal Information Act. So let me unpack it for you...

Conversations are the currency of change

May 24, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Susan Cain delivering her TED Talk on the the power of introverts

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

Susan Cain is most famous for her Ted Talk ‘The Power of Introverts’. In a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. But, as Susan Cain argues in this passionate talk, introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated.

African Female Entrepreneurship: Merging Profit and Social Motives for the Greater Good by Amanobea Boateng

May 24, 2018 Melanie Hawken

Contributing to academic discussions on entrepreneurship and gender in Africa, Amanobea Boateng’s new book African Female Entrepreneurship: Merging Profit and Social Motives for the Greater Good, makes for fascinating reading. It provides coverage of recent trends and an exploration of the evolution of female entrepreneurship over time. This innovative new text, written from an African woman’s perspective, fills a gap in the current literature on this topic and places important focus on the role of female entrepreneurship in Africa’s development as a continent.