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Show Up by Tolu Michaels

January 16, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Tolu Michaels

Book Review

Successful digital entrepreneur and author, Tolu Michaels, says that almost everyone believes that success starts with showing up, but many don’t know exactly how to do that in business. In her new book, Show Up, Tolu provides some great insights and advice on how to show up and stand out from the crowd.


If you have ever wanted to know what you can do at a practical level to make yourself and your business stand out from the crowd when it seems that many people can do what you do and anybody with internet access can learn what you know? In her new book, Show Up, author and entrepreneur Tolu Michaels shows you just how to muster up enough courage to put yourself out there, do work you love and attract the sort of clients you like, even if you’re not visibly successful yet. In her inspiring and practical book, Show Up, Tolu provides an easy-to-follow guide which will help entrepreneurs to find the clarity they need to position themselves in a visible way. She shows how to build a valuable brand, together with strategies to communicate a powerful brand message in a way that people listen and take notice. Tolu also provides a framework for creating products and services that sell themselves, and the confidence to create a business that both founders and customers love. Her message is that you don’t have to change yourself to be seen or lose your voice to be heard. There is always room for the best, and you can become the best available option for the people you want to serve. Show Up by Tolu Michaels is the blueprint that every entrepreneur needs to make that happen. 

In Show Up, entrepreneurs can find out how to harness their multiple talents in the business; find a viable and profitable idea; build a personal brand; create products and services that sell themselves; create a personal website to stand out on line; create content that people want to read and that makes them say YES; and how to deal with imposter syndrome and keep showing up in business and in life.

Author Quotes

You may have started your brand in many different directions, but now it's time to get clear on your message, establish your expertise and position yourself for profit.

When you show up to your brand like this, you not only enrich your life, you give other people permission to do the same.

You have invested in yourself. You can't waste all that by playing small with your vision.

About the author

Tolu Michaels is a digital entrepreneur and unapologetic people lover. She teaches modern entrepreneurs how to position themselves as valuable experts and leaders so they can impact lives profitably. Tolu considers herself a Nation Builder and lays her building blocks by writing and teaching. She trains thousands of entrepreneurs and subscribers weekly. Her bestselling book “Show Up” helps entrepreneurs to create a profitable brand doing work they love, with clients they like. She serves on the Board of Godlovers Fellowship, an organization she started as a teenager. She is also the host and creator of She Shows Up podcast. Tolu's education includes Disruptive Strategy from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Engineering from Covenant University. As a personal brand strategist, she believes that personal branding should be purposeful and profitable. Through her digital programs, she has helped students and clients from several parts of the world get the clarity and confidence to show up online, communicate their value, and create a bigger impact with their work.

www.tolumichaels.com 


Why LoA loves it…

So many women entrepreneurs battle imposter syndrome and have a fear or hesitancy of putting themselves out there as the faces and voices of their businesses and brands. But Tolu Michaels, in her new book Show Up, provides all the reasons, together with the tools and resources, to successfully do just that, to get out there and show up as the proud founders of our businesses and brands. This is a great read for all those who need a boost of confidence, together with some practical and inspirational tools to put their best business face forward as they build their successful businesses and brands in the marketplace. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa

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Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

MEET THE 10 FINALISTS — We look forward to announcing the winning women founders on 19 November 2025.


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


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LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Vanessa Mhlom, a South African wellness brand builder
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Morongwe and Michelle Mokone, two social impact entrepreneurs building a high-growth, premium sustainable homeware business
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Dr. Phindi Cebekhulu-Msomi, an agripreneur focused on climate-smart solutions
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Retang Phaahla, a pioneer for South Africa’s indigenous teas
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy
Dr Margaret Kemigisha, a publishing entrepreneur passionate about childrens’ literacy

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Kebe Home

Handcrafted home decor …We are big fans of the work of Manuela Kamadjou, an interior architecture and design entrepreneur who transforms homes and spaces in Cameroon through her business, Kebe Home. Her new Echo V
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Beautiful bracelets… Introducing The Aruba Bracelets by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear atelie
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Vibrant textile design…This striking textile design by Eva Sonaike caught our eye this morning. Like the rest of the world, we love the African aesthetic which is increasingly finding its way into global interio
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The
Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis
Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene
Image of the Day / Ruahh

Heritage-inspired accessories…Michelle Hammond is the founder and ceo of accessories brand, Ruahh. Her Ghanaian heritage has provided a rich source of inspiration and symbolism that she is rightly proud of. Today, Mic
Image of the Day / Dvyn Treat Batamba’s

Premium Coffee Experience…We love a great cup of coffee in a morning at Lionesses of Africa, and so we are fans of Dvyn Treat Batamba’s great coffee brand in Mozambique, co-founded by Emilia
Image of the Day / Glo Creations

Tantalizing textiles…We love these eye-catching cushions, created by Gloria Kamanzi Uwizera who founded Glo Creations in Rwanda in 2008. Her textile design business also produces fashionable clothing and home
Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need.
Image of the Day / Kebe Home

Handcrafted home decor …We are big fans of the work of Manuela Kamadjou, an interior architecture and design entrepreneur who transforms homes and spaces in Cameroon through her business, Kebe Home. Her new Echo V Image of the Day / Pichulik

Beautiful bracelets… Introducing The Aruba Bracelets by Katherine-Mary Pichulik, the founder and designer behind the Pichulik line of accessories. Pichulik is an ethical jewellery, accessories and womenswear atelie Image of the Day / Eva Sonaike

Vibrant textile design…This striking textile design by Eva Sonaike caught our eye this morning. Like the rest of the world, we love the African aesthetic which is increasingly finding its way into global interio Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Luxury statement accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The Image of the Day / Dathonga Designs

Traditional craft elevated…We love the impact-driven accessories created by Márcia Nangy O’Connell, founder and artistic director of Dathonga Designs in Mozambique. Since 2010, she has establis Image of the Day / Aya K Design

Sophisticated sandal style…If you love design that combines traditional with modern style, then these sandals from Aya K Design, founded by Aya Keita in Cote d’Ivoire, are a must-buy. Aya is an entreprene Image of the Day / Ruahh

Heritage-inspired accessories…Michelle Hammond is the founder and ceo of accessories brand, Ruahh. Her Ghanaian heritage has provided a rich source of inspiration and symbolism that she is rightly proud of. Today, Mic Image of the Day / Dvyn Treat Batamba’s

Premium Coffee Experience…We love a great cup of coffee in a morning at Lionesses of Africa, and so we are fans of Dvyn Treat Batamba’s great coffee brand in Mozambique, co-founded by Emilia Image of the Day / Glo Creations

Tantalizing textiles…We love these eye-catching cushions, created by Gloria Kamanzi Uwizera who founded Glo Creations in Rwanda in 2008. Her textile design business also produces fashionable clothing and home Image of the Day / Eloli

African luxury couture…For those who want to stand out from the crowd, Dibo Ndumbe Eyoh, co-founder and co-creative Director of Eloli, an award-winning luxury African fashion brand in Cameroon, has just what you need.

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

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Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
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Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Mirza Jamal, a Mozambican marcomms expert empowering businesses and brands
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
Lovable Dladla, a South African entrepreneur turning a passion for baking into a growing business
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Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

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Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
Built on Purpose: Discover Your Deep Inner Why and Manifest the Business of Your Dreams by Betsy Fore
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The Magnetic Female Entrepreneur: The Art of Empowered Presence, Rising to New Levels of Impact and Influence, and Financial Success on Your Own Terms by Mary Grant
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out  by Fiona Soutter
Women Entrepreneurs Rewired To Rise: Powerful Habits that Break Through Burnout, Silence Your Inner Critic, and Build a Thriving Business from the Inside Out by Fiona Soutter
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup by Julia Austin

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