• Home
  • Blog
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA
Menu

Lionesses of Africa

276 5th Avenue
New York, NY, 10001
(212) 634-4540
The Pride of Africa's Women Entrepreneurs

the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

  • Home
  • Blog
  • Knowledge
  • Cover Stories
  • Startup Stories
  • Playbooks
  • Podcasts
  • Português
  • Events +
    • Events Homepage & Booking
    • Tech FoundHER Africa Challenge
    • Start-Up Night Africa Series
    • Lioness Lean In Series
    • Lionesses of Africa Annual Conference
    • Harvard University / Lionesses of Africa Conference
    • Young Lioness Lean In Series
  • About +
    • About Us
    • Impact Partners
    • Contributor Team
    • Contact
  • Connect +
    • Join the Community
    • Signup for FREE Newsletters
    • Share Your Startup Story
    • Share Your Lioness Launch
    • Share Your Lioness Co-Lab
    • Become a Contributor
    • Nominate to '100 Lionessess'
    • Become an Impact Partner
    • Contact LoA

RAISE: The Female Founder's Guide To Securing Investment by Julia Elliott Brown

April 28, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

If you are a female founder, in need of investment to start or scale your business – and struggling to get it, author and entrepreneur, Julia Elliott Brown, says ‘You’re not alone.’ In her book, RAISE: The Female Founder's Guide To Securing Investment, she says that when it comes to funding, female founders are seriously up against it. In the pale, stale and male world of venture capital, less than 2 per cent goes to businesses led by women. But Julia says, it can be done.

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment

Sticking to My Story: The Alchemy of Storytelling for Startups by Donna Griffit

April 23, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Donna Griffit

Book Review

Donna Griffit’s new book ‘Sticking to My Story: The Alchemy of Storytelling for Startups’ answers one of the big challenges for startup founders. You dream of standing in front of a group of investors pitching your startup while they shower you with money and praise. The reality, unfortunately, is vastly different as most founders fail to raise capital from venture capital firms or angel investors. A lot of this is down to an underwhelming pitch in a crowded sea of startups. Donna has a solution by learning the alchemy of storytelling.

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment

Embracing the Calm in the Chaos: How to Find Success in Business and Life Through Perseverance, Connection, and Collaboration by Stacy Igel

April 15, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Stacy Igel

Book Review

If you want to know how to protect your assets, from your brand, to your customers, to your cash flow, then Embracing the Calm in the Chaos: How to Find Success in Business and Life Through Perseverance, Connection, and Collaboration by Stacy Igel is a great read. This book will walk you through the highs and lows of creating a business: how to rise up from the midst of discouragement, what it’s like to hire and fire employees, collaborations with celebrities and philanthropic organizations, and the rollercoaster ride of making deals and partnerships.

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment

The Spirit of Warriors: Conceived in South Sudan, Born in Uganda, Discovered in America by Lilian Okech

April 2, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Lilian Okech

Book Review

Lilian Okech is the author of The Spirit of Warriors, a book about how a young woman draws from her experience as a refugee and designs a successful life. She shares how she spent the first 15 years of her life in a refugee camp in Uganda, and her journey to the United States. She also shares how she survived sickness as a child, sexual abuse, constant hunger, and forced marriage to become a successful entrepreneur. This book will excite, inspire and most importantly help you to truly cultivate the spirit of a warrior.

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment

Twelve-Minute Risk Management: Strategies and Tools Small Business Owners Need Right Now to Navigate Today's Business World by Ivy Walker

March 26, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Ivy Walker

Book Review

In Twelve-Minute Risk Management: Strategies and Tools Small Business Owners Need Right Now to Navigate Today's Business World, author Ivy Walker reminds us that 70% of small businesses will fail within the first ten years. She says that with threats to small businesses multiplying daily, you can't afford to put your head in the sand and hope for the best. But with limited time and resources available, how and where do you begin to mitigate and manage your business risk?

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment

Get It Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation by Ayelet Fishbach

March 19, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Ayelet Fishbach

Book Review

If you are struggling to maintain your motivation levels and reach your entrepreneurial goals, then the new book from psychologist Ayelet Fishbach, Get It Done: Surprising Lessons from the Science of Motivation, is a great read. Discover a compelling framework for setting and achieving your goals from a psychologist on the cutting edge of motivational science.

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment

Name Your Price: Set Your Terms, Raise Your Rates, and Charge What You’re Worth as a Consultant, Coach, or Freelancer by Kate Dixon

March 12, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Kate Dixon

Book Review

If you currently wonder if you are running your business, or your business is running you, then you need to read Kate Dixon’s book, Name Your Price:  Set Your Terms, Raise Your Rates, and Charge What You’re Worth as a Consultant, Coach, or Freelancer. Too many consultants, freelancers, coaches, and service providers rely on gut feelings and the rumor mill to make pricing and terms decisions for their businesses. If that’s you, then you already know those strategies don’t work – they can prevent you from earning what you’re worth, keep you up at night, and may even get you into situations that can threaten the health of your business. But you can do better. 

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment

Resilient Women in Life and Business by Kim Hayden

March 5, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Kim Hayden

Book Review

Resilience is a key requirement in the life of any woman entrepreneur, and Kim Hayden, author and editor of the new book, Resilient Women in Life and Business, has some great insights to share on the subject. The book features insights and stories from 18 highly successful business women from around the world who share their current best thinking about life and business; and the importance of cultivating resilience.

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment

The Unconventional Entrepreneur: Launch a Successful Business & Live the Work-Life Dream by Alexandra N Nolan

February 26, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Alexandra N Nolan

Book Review

Alexandra N Nolan, entrepreneur and author of The Unconventional Entrepreneur: Launch a Successful Business & Live the Work-Life Dream, welcomes you to the spontaneous world of the Unconventional Entrepreneur! Alexandra was in her mid-20s - making a great salary - traveling all over the US. She really couldn't have had a better job, from what it looked like on the outside, but deep down she just knew that there was something more she was meant to do. Her book is the story of the journey to becoming an Unconventional Entrepreneur.

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment

Welcome To The Room, Mama: The Mompreneur's Guide To Getting Out Of Your Head, Ditching The Mom Guilt, And Building A Successful Business by Alyssa Morton

February 19, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Alyssa Morton

Book Review

Serial entrepreneur, Alyssa Morton, author of Welcome To The Room, Mama: The Mompreneur's Guide To Getting Out Of Your Head, Ditching The Mom Guilt, And Building A Successful Business, knows from first hand experience about the balancing act of entrepreneurship and raising a family. She knows these conflicting thoughts and limiting beliefs all too well. On her journey from desk job slave to successful businesswoman, she had to overcome barriers of imposter syndrome, scarcity mindsets, time mismanagement, fear of failure, and so much more. Now on the other side, she looks back on mothers everywhere who have so much to offer and achieve, but never take the leap.

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment

Dare to Launch - Mini MBA for First-Time Entrepreneurs by Anne Cocquyt

February 12, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

In a world of outdated entrepreneurship books and expensive MBA programs, startup founder Anne Cocquyt, author of Dare to Launch - Mini MBA for First-Time Entrepreneurs, combines inspirational examples of today’s entrepreneurs with practical steps you can immediately take to get results.

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment

Cash injection planner for entrepreneurs: A Fast-Action Guide for Bringing Cash Into Your Business in the Next 7 Days by Michelle Kulp

February 5, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

Michelle Kulp, entrepreneur and author of the book Cash injection planner for entrepreneurs: A Fast-Action Guide for Bringing Cash Into Your Business in the Next 7 Days, believes that The #1 responsibility of entrepreneurs is to make money. Yet the #1 reason businesses fail is due to a lack of cash flow. She says many of those failures are preventable…

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment

The Vacation Effect for Entrepreneurs: Grow Your Business Even Faster by Working Less and Having More Fun by Denise M Gosnell

January 29, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Denise Gosnell

Book Review

All too often, business owners end up stuck, feeling like the only way to grow is to work harder and harder, but in her book The Vacation Effect for Entrepreneurs, business strategist and lifestyle designer Denise Gosnell has a solution. She shows busy entrepreneurs how to create the free time they crave while growing the business they love.

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment

Legalpreneur: The Business Owner's Guide To Legally Protecting Your Business by Andrea Sager

January 22, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Andrea Sager

Book Review

Andrea Sager is the CEO and founder of The Legalpreneur and the author of fascinating new book, Legalpreneur: The Business Owner's Guide To Legally Protecting Your Business. Throughout this book, you'll be introduced to Andrea's million-dollar Legalpreneur framework - a step-by-step guide to help you legally secure your business. This is not just another business self-help book, filled with dense lessons and non-relatable stories. This book is a story about how to build the company of your dreams, through tried and trusted methods. Whether you're an up-and-coming entrepreneur, a seasoned Etsy seller, or a mom and pop shop looking to expand, Legalpreneur: The Business Owner's Guide to Legally Protecting Your Business is the only book you will need.

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment

Artpreneur: The Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Sustainable Living from Your Creativity by Miriam Schulman

January 15, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Miriam Schulman

Book Review

If you are a creative who wants to transform your passion into a profitable business, then you need to read the great new book, Artpreneur: The Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Sustainable Living from Your Creativity by Miriam Schulman. Whether you’re a musician, photographer, painter, writer, dancer, singer, or any other creative with aspirations of making a living from your art, this is the perfect time to turn your creative ideas into a sustainable business. With gatekeepers no longer controlling the market, anyone with a laptop and a dream can make a thriving living from their creativity. Miriam Schulman shows you how.

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment

The Creative Business Handbook: Follow Your Passions and Be Your Own Boss by Alicia Puig and Ekaterina Popova

January 8, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Alicia Puig and Ekaterina Popova

Book Review

If you are a creative looking to build a business from your endeavours, then The Creative Business Handbook: Follow Your Passions and Be Your Own Boss by Alicia Puig and Ekaterina Popova is the book for you. Offering veteran insight and friendly, actionable advice from two self-made women who manage three six-figure businesses, this practical handbook acts as a roadmap to guide anyone wanting to build a profitable venture out of their creative passion.

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment

Walking with Gorillas by Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka

January 1, 2023 Melanie Hawken

Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka

Book Review

In her enchanting memoir, Walking with Gorillas, Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Uganda’s first wildlife veterinarian, tells the remarkable story from her animal-loving childhood to her career protecting endangered mountain gorillas and other wild animals. She is also the defender of people as a groundbreaking promoter of human public health and an advocate for revolutionary integrated approaches to saving our planet. In an increasingly interconnected world, animal and human health alike depend on sustainable solutions and Dr. Gladys has developed an innovative approach to conservation among the endangered Mountain Gorillas of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and their human neighbors.

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment

SOS - A Survival Guide for Women at Work by Chantal Korteweg, Marijn Wiersma, Tessel van Willigen, and Lidewij Wiersma

December 18, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Book Review

The SOS - A Survival Guide for Women at Work is a new book currently being co-authored by four inspirational women, Chantal Korteweg, Marijn Wiersma, Tessel van Willigen, and Lidewij Wiersma. This important book discusses topics such as impostor syndrome, female leadership, role models, networking, negotiating, conflict, guilt and parenting. Each of the four authors writes from their own personal experiences, combined with research on each of the topics, and interviews with global leaders. The book provides an SOS framework with solutions and suggestions for Self, Others and the System. A crowdfunding campaign has been launched for the book and can currently be found on Publishizer - the authors are asking women around the globe to show their support by pre-ordering the book to get it published on https://publishizer.com/sos-a-survival-guide-for-women-at-work/

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment

The Juggle is Real: Finding success and balance as a Mompreneur by Bethany Meadows

December 4, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Bethany Meadows

Book Review

If you are a Mompreneur, constantly juggling all aspects of your business and personal life, then Bethany Meadows’ new book, The Juggle is Real, will both resonate and inspire. She helps mompreneurs find success at home and in business, so they can achieve fulfillment and balance in both.

Read more
In Essential Tags Books, Mompreneur
Comment

Bigger Than You: The Entrepreneur's Guide To Building An Unstoppable Team by Kelly Roach

November 27, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Kelly Roach

Book Review

Bigger Than You by Kelly Roach is the entrepreneur's playbook to building an Unstoppable Team. Her book breaks down each of the simple steps and proven strategies to take your own team from 0 to hero and is relevant for business owners at any age or stage that want to improve the profitability and performance of their team.If you are a small business owner or entrepreneur that is burnt out, exhausted, stretched too thin trying to do it all....this is for you.

Read more
In Essential Tags Books
Comment
← Newer Posts Older Posts →

Tech FoundHER AFRICA CHALLENGE

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


CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


LATEST PODCAST

Lioness Radio Show Interview: Listen to Mr Jules Ngankam, Group Chief Executive Officer of the African Guarantee Fund, discussing the journey from Bias to Bankable - AGF’s Case for Financing Women Entrepreneurs.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

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
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.
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.

Featured
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Lerato Masuku, a South African construction business builder with a passion for infrastructure development and job creation
Olamide Alade, a Nigerian fashion brand builder with a passion for weaving cultural heritage into every garment
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
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation
Gladys Kgorane, an entrepreneur creating special events and wellness retreats for those looking for rest and relaxation

Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 6.01.32 PM.png
Screen Shot 2020-01-27 at 5.34.58 PM.png

Sign up today to receive the #1-rated newsletters for Africa's women entrepreneurs.

* indicates required
Required: Please select your newsletter(s):


LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
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
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
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

About Us  |  Contact Us  | PRIVACY POLICY | terms OF SERVICE  | Community Guidelines  

© 2025 LIONESSES OF AFRICA public benefit corporation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.