I read a quote this morning that made me smile, and which I thought I would share. It goes: “Ordinary people say: It's Friday! Self-employed people say: It's Friday?" There is a ring of truth about this question that will resonate with all entrepreneurs I am sure. However on a personal level, I still definitely experience that Friday feeling each week, which is perhaps strange for an entrepreneur for whom every day is a work day. But there is something about sitting back at the close of business on a Friday and reflecting on what has been achieved, what still needs to be done, and planning for the week ahead. It’s also a day when I like to meet up with fellow entrepreneurs for a catch-up cup of tea and a chat; or with our impact partners to talk about current and future plans; or just visit the women entrepreneurs in the Lionesses of Africa community at their retail shops to find out how business is going, and to check out new products. So, I plan to continue enjoying my Friday feeling!

Have yourself an inspired entrepreneurial day! - Melanie

If you haven’t yet listened to the Lioness Radio Show, then I would really recommend it. Click here to listen to the latest show. There is nothing quite like hearing the stories and experiences of women entrepreneurs across the African continent and in the Diaspora, shared in their own voices. It brings them closer to us, no matter how far away geographically they may be, and makes their stories more accessible, more real. Podcast radio is a growing and powerful communications medium and one that Lionesses of Africa will be doing more of this year in order to reach more of the women entrepreneurs in our network. I will be sharing our radio plans with you all over the coming weeks, and talking about how you can get involved. Happy listening Lionesses! 

Have yourself an inspired entrepreneurial day! - Melanie

I love a good book, and particularly one that is written by a fellow woman entrepreneur who lifts the lid on her own unique business journey. In fact, one of the most enjoyable parts of my weekly editorial routine is reviewing each of the books we feature for our Essential Reads - yes, I still do each of these reviews myself, out of choice! It’s a great excuse to read a new book every week (not that I really need an excuse, nothing makes me happier than sitting down with a cup of tea and a great book to enjoy some precious quiet time). So, if you need a little inspiration from other women entrepreneurs, check out their books in our Essential Reads section. I also enjoy featuring Africa’s women entrepreneur authors, so if you would like to recommend a book you think we should review, drop me a line here. Happy reading!

Have yourself an inspired entrepreneurial day! - Melanie

Once again this year, we are dedicating each month to a particular business sector, showcasing women entrepreneurs from across the African continent who are leaders in their fields. You may have noticed that this month, our focus is on women in tech - those innovators who are pushing boundaries, finding new solutions to existing challenges, creating ground-breaking products and services that put Africa on the global map. If you haven’t met some of them yet, read about them in our special feature article this month and check out their startup stories here. Also, watch out for news of the digital women entrepreneurs we will be showcasing at the Startup Night Africa Berlin event in March. It’s going to be a great year for celebrating Africa’s women in tech. 

Have yourself an inspired entrepreneurial day! - Melanie

I love early mornings - they are my most creative times of the day. I sit at my desk before the sun comes up, with the doors and windows flung open, listening to the birds waking up and singing whilst I write. It’s the same routine, no matter where I am in the world - although there is no place quite like Africa! It’s peaceful, my mind can focus completely on the task at hand, and for a couple of hours I am at my most creatively productive. Ensuring I build this quiet, creative and highly productive time into my daily routine, without the interruptions of phones, people and emails, has been one of the most valuable lessons I have learned as an entrepreneur over the years. I can highly recommend it to anyone! 

Have yourself an inspired entrepreneurial day! - Melanie

I was chatting to a number of women entrepreneurs this past week during my travels, and one topic came up repeatedly in conversation that we all agreed with. And that is, some things will never go out of fashion, and in the world of entrepreneurship, one of those things is building solid, long-term business relationships with people who get what you do. They are essential - not only as they are critical to the continuing growth of your business, but also because they open doors to so many other people who can help you on your way. It’s not about filling your contact system with as many names as possible, it’s about building a meaningful network of business relationships that work on a mutually beneficial, win-win basis. 

Have yourself an inspired entrepreneurial day! - Melanie

I was watching the launch this past week of the SpaceEx Falcon Heavy rocket into space, the brainchild of serial entrepreneur and innovator, Elon Musk. It’s the first time a rocket this powerful has been sent into space by a private company rather than a government space agency. The rocket carried a playful payload: Mr. Musk’s red Roadster, an electric sports car built by his other company, Tesla. Strapped inside the car was a mannequin wearing one of SpaceX’s spacesuits. They are expected to orbit the sun for hundreds of millions of years. You have to love the ability of entrepreneurs to think big - and importantly, make big things happen!

Have yourself an inspired entrepreneurial day! - Melanie

Happy Valentine’s Day Lionesses! I hope that wherever you are in the world today, you are receiving expressions of love from those special people in your life. It’s always that day of the year when you see red hearts and roses in every retail shop window and on every online store, to mark the day. So today we are celebrating all those women entrepreneurs across the African continent who create special treats for this special day. If you are in need of Valentine’s Day gift inspiration, check out floral designers House of Agness in Mozambique, Niyacraft in Botswana and Blak Saffron Floral Boutique in South Africa; and our network of fabulous women chocolatiers across the African continent.

Have yourself an inspired entrepreneurial day! - Melanie

Hi! If you are a regular visitor to the Lionesses of Africa website, you will have noticed some great new guest bloggers who have joined our team. Their articles are really insightful and such a good read. We are now looking to expand our guest blogger team across the African continent, and we welcome guest blog contributions from those countries where we have large women entrepreneur communities, such as Mozambique, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Malawi, Zambia, Uganda, Botswana, Lesotho, Tanzania, and others. So, if you are a woman entrepreneur on the African continent and would like to become one of our guest bloggers, writing on your personal experiences and expertise as an entrepreneur, then send us a sample of your writing and your contact details to loacontent@gmail.com and we will be in touch. Here’s to giving voice to Africa’s women entrepreneurs! 

Have yourself an inspired entrepreneurial day!