Every month at Lionesses of Africa, we showcase 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 (July), we are turning our attention to the women who are changing the face of the food and drink industry in Africa, and creating new products, building new brands, and launching exciting food/drinks retail concepts in the process.
Read moreFT Podcast with Dorcas Muthoni: “Starting a business young is a bonus” says Kenyan tech pioneer
Dorcas Muthoni, founder of Open World Ltd (Kenya)
This week saw Kenyan tech pioneer, Dorcas Muthoni, founder of Open World and creator of Open Business, sharing her thoughts on doing business in Kenya and the general lack of women in the tech sector in Africa as a whole, during a fascinating podcast interview with the Financial Times. Dorcas talked about the exciting new business opportunities in Silicon Savannah and also about how to avoid corruption in a country which has its challenges in the way that business has traditionally been done.
Read moreMilena de Lurdes Valoi, a Mozambican entrepreneur with a passion for creating beautiful cakes that make customers smile
Milena de Lurdes Valoi, founder of Anellim (Mozambique)
Special occasions deserve special treats, especially personalised cakes and sweet treats, and that’s where one Mozambican woman entrepreneur comes to the rescue. Milena de Lurdes Valoi, founder of specialist catering company Anellim, creates beautiful, personalised cakes and confectionary for clients who want to celebrate.
Read moreFinding balance between work and life
by Deborah Hartung, founder of Pivot PeopleTech
Take some advice from those clichés you know are true! --- We’ve all heard the sayings and tend to make fun of the instructions like, ‘put the oxygen mask on yourself before attempting to help other passengers’ or, my personal favourite, ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’. We can make fun of these and other clichés about rest, but they are true and we all need to pay a little more attention to finding that balance between work and life – especially as women entrepreneurs – in order to avoid burnout and to be better versions of ourselves.
Read moreMichelle Rumbelow, a South African entrepreneur building a unique ladieswear brand that women love to wear
Michelle Rumbelow, founder of Liviya (South Africa)
Following a successful career in clothing design and retail, Michelle Rumbelow is finally fulfilling a childhood ambition, to launch a ladies clothing brand of her own. Today, Liviya brings beautifully designed and manufactured leisurewear, lingerie and sleepwear, created for the busy woman who wants to feel and look good, 24/7.
Read moreEssential Read: Born to be an Entrepreneur by Kristyna Zapletal
Kristyna Zapletal
Born to be an entrepreneur by Kristyna Zapletal is a book for mindful entrepreneurs, and it’s very definitely not your typical business or startup book. It has been written for the aspiring entrepreneur who aims to address the needs of people in their community to create a positive social impact, while maintaining control over their own physical and mental wellbeing.
Read moreAnicha Abdul, a successful serial entrepreneur in Mozambique building a business portfolio that is a real inspiration
Anicha Abdul, founder of EP Management & Consultancy Services (Mozambique)
Building one business can be tough, but building several businesses at the same time takes real guts and determination, and Mozambican-based entrepreneur, Anicha Abdul the founder of EP Management & Consultancy Services, has both of these qualities in great quantities. It’s why she has built a business to be reckoned with.
Read moreQuote of the Day by Margaret Hirsch
Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of Hirsch’s Homestores (South Africa)
"It is our responsibility as business women to touch as many lives as possible and leave behind a legacy of knowledge."
Margaret Hirsch, co-founder of Hirsch’s Homestores (South Africa)
Read moreHow not to fall off the cliff
by Eldari Visser, Managing Director, Picketfence.Life
In recent weeks I had to experience very sad moments with people close to me. Beautiful lions were killed for traditional medicine and a very young girl passed away after a fatal accident. Life happens to all of us and the deep hurt cuts more than a cliff’s sharp edge.
Read moreJust face up to your problems and deal with them
by Brigette Mashile, founder of Roka Roko
The other week I spent an entire day sorting out traffic tickets while I was meant to be working in the business, making clothes. I did not expect this, I just thought it was a quick thing and would be sorted literally quick, quick! I mean, my car licence disc is expired, you go to have it renewed, you pay and leave. In my head it should be around or less than R300 each car. Ok cool, lets go.
Read moreClever people can make really stupid investment decisions
by Sylvia Walker, author of SmartWoman
Don’t be fooled into thinking that just because you are bestowed with brains, you will make great investment decisions. In fact, it could be quite the opposite - many a clever person has made some really bad decisions over time.
Read moreFinding the best sales tools for your business
by Karen Wessels, co-founder of VA Connect and co-founder of SnappSales
Recently I had the privilege of speaking to a roomful of successful businesswomen about the importance of sales. These business owners required ideas on how to build sales confidence and also practical tools to implement in their business to assist with scaling and growing their enterprises.
Read moreLIONESS LAUNCH: Suzie Wokabi founder of Suzie Beauty launches new skin care range in Kenya
Suzie Wokabi, founder of SuzieBeauty (Kenya)
SuzieBeauty officially launched the first Kenyan line of cosmetics products back in 2012 – developed by an industry professional, for the everyday African woman. This month saw the leading brand announcing it has expanded it’s range to include skin care.
Read moreAwards and Accolades: Vere Shaba recognized by Forbes Africa Under 30 List for 2018
Vere Shaba, co-founder of Shaba and Ramplin (South Africa)
The 4th edition of the Forbes Africa Under 30 list has just been published which once again celebrates the continent’s most promising young change-makers. This year’s list has been expanded to showcase 30 game-changers, all under the age of 30, in each of three sectors – business, technology and creative. The 90 in total are challenging conventions and rewriting the rules for the next generation of entrepreneurs, creatives and tech gurus. And, the multi-award winning South African entrepreneur, Vere Shaba, co-founder of green buildings solutions company, Shaba and Ramplin, has just been recognized in the business sector category.
Read moreThe ABC of business: Don’t ever get in the box!
by Lizl Naude, founder of Lilly Loompa
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results,” someone once said. We are all familiar with the phrase “Out of the box thinking”. According to Wikipedia it is a metaphor that means to think differently, unconventionally, or from a new perspective. This phrase often refers to novel or creative thinking.
Read moreLIONESS CoLAB: Katannuta Diamonds X Chocoloza
A collaboration between a bespoke diamond jewellery brand and a handmade luxury chocolate company might at first glance not be the most obvious. But for two South African women entrepreneurs who are passionate about luxury and a bespoke approach to their businesses, it’s a creative match made in heaven. Clare Appleyard, founder of Katannuta Diamonds and Vicki Bain, founder of Chocoloza, have just launched an exciting new collaboration, and its all on the theme of chocolate.
Read more100 LIONESSES: Nkemdilim Begho takes to the stage in Brussels to talk Technology and Job Creation, Growth and Competitiveness in West Africa
Nkemdilim Begho, founder of FutureSoft (Nigeria)
This month, Nigerian serial entrepreneur Nkemdilim Begho, founder of specialist IT company FutureSoft and co-founder of children’s accessory brand AlwaysMe by Ann Li, had the honour of speaking in Brussels at a high level European Commission conference. The event, which sought to tackle issues around Job Creation, Growth and Competitiveness in West Africa, attracted 300 high-level representatives from the European Commission, Regional Organisations (ECOWAS and WAEMU), Regional Development Banks, National Authorities at Ministerial level, financial Institutions and private sector stakeholders.
Read moreJacoline Wentzel, a South African specialist spa and beauty business expert with an enviable track record
Jacoline Wentzel, founder of The Spa Warehouse (South Africa)
Who doesn’t love a relaxing spa experience, but creating that perfect environment with the right atmosphere and products is key to the success of any luxury spa business. That’s where Jacoline Wentzel’s expertise at The Spa Warehouse comes in, providing specialist experience, advice and luxury products to spas across the African continent.
Read moreBrand Brilliance: Elevate Your Brand, Enchant Your Audience By Fiona Humberstone
Fiona Humberstone
As a modern entrepreneur you need an incisive vision; for both what your brand stands for and where it’s headed. You need to communicate in a way that always enchants your audience and you need to retain that focus in an increasingly noisy world. In her latest book, Brand Brilliance, bestselling author and branding expert Fiona Humberstone will take you on a comprehensive journey. She will help you to define your dream clients, refine your message and up your marketing game.
Read moreQuote of the Day by Mariana Agness Francisco Eria
Mariana Agness Francisco Eria, founder of House Of Agness (Mozambique)
“Entrepreneurship is like a destination that unlocks a new and more exciting journey.”
Mariana Agness Francisco Eria, founder of House Of Agness (Mozambique)
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