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Lionesses of Africa

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the pride of Africa's women entrepreneurs

Lionesses of Africa

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Neo Mkwebane Chatyoka, an entrepreneur introducing the world to natural and organic skincare from Africa

July 17, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Neo Mkwebane Chatyoka, founder of Uhuru Botanicals (United Kingdom / South Africa)

Neo Mkwebane Chatyoka, founder of Uhuru Botanicals (United Kingdom / South Africa)

Startup Story

More and more consumers are becoming conscious of the products they put onto their skins, and are demanding more natural and organic products that are kinder to both skin and the environment. Uhuru Botanicals, founded by entrepreneur Neo Chatyoka, is a brand that celebrates Africa’s natural raw ingredients and turns them into skincare products that are both ethical and sustainable.

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In Startup Story Tags United Kingdom, South Africa, Beauty & Wellness, Natural Wellness
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Tara Fela-Durotoye, a professional make-up pioneer in Nigeria

June 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Tara=Collage.jpg

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Tara Fela-Durotoye is a Beauty Entrepreneur who pioneered the professional make up industry in Nigeria in the late 90's. She is the founder and current CEO of House of Tara International. She is considered a major force in the Nigerian female entrepreneurship community having created an impact business that has empowered tens of thousands of beauty entrepreneurs through the "Tara Beauty Entrepreneur" initiative. Tara continues to be a thought leader and major influencer through several in classroom and on line courses that focus on sharing her 20+ year experience with other budding entrepreneurs.

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In Cover Story Tags Nigeria, Beauty & Wellness
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Sonto Pooe, a South African entrepreneur harnesses the power of mother nature in her hair and body care brand 

April 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Sonto Pooe, founder of NativeChild (South Africa)

Sonto Pooe, founder of NativeChild (South Africa)

Startup Story

Anyone who suffers from skin allergies or has sensitive skin will know that getting back to nature in terms of the products used is often the best way forward. In South Africa, entrepreneur Sonto Pooe, founder of NativeChild, is building a world class natural hair care and body care brand for people of colour that is kind to skin and the environment.

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In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Beauty & Wellness
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Ruth Wewura Guribie, a Ghanaian cosmetics brand builder celebrating the natural power of shea butter

April 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Ruth Wewura Guribie, founder of Sava Shea Company Limited (Ghana)

Ruth Wewura Guribie, founder of Sava Shea Company Limited (Ghana)

Startup Story

For decades, women across the African continent have known how good shea butter is for the skin. Now, Ruth Wewura Guribie, the founder of Sava Shea Company Limited in Ghana, is creating a natural skincare brand that celebrates this much-loved local ingredient.

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In Startup Story Tags Ghana, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

LIONESS LAUNCH / Mozambique’s Black Khakhela launches new natural hair and skin care range

April 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Carmen Miral, founder of Black Khakhela (Mozambique)

Carmen Miral, founder of Black Khakhela (Mozambique)

Lioness Launch

For conscious consumers looking to buy proudly Mozambican natural skin and haircare products, entrepreneur Carmen Miral, founder of Black Khakhela has the answer. She is launching a new range of ten products that celebrate Mozambican culture and ingredients, and which are completely natural. Fans of Carmen’s business and brand will be delighted to see this new range as it is not only of the highest quality, but also supports the growth of a local cosmetics industry in the country.

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In Lioness Launch Tags Mozambique, Beauty & Wellness, Haircare
Comment

Nancy Ernesto, an Angolan entrepreneur bringing the world of Avon beauty to the country

March 29, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nancy Ernesto, founder of Avon Nancia Comércio Geral (SU) LDA (Angola)

Nancy Ernesto, founder of Avon Nancia Comércio Geral (SU) LDA (Angola)

Startup Story

The beauty industry is a growing one across the African continent, and in Angola the market has great potential. For entrepreneur Nancy Ernesto, founder of Avon Nancia Comércio Geral (SU) LDA, this represented a great opportunity to bring a renowned, empowering global franchise into the country.

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In Startup Story Tags Angola, Beauty & Wellness
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Marla Edwina Taquidir, a Mozambican entrepreneur with a passion for creating 100% natural skincare products

February 7, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Marla Edwina Taquidir, founder of  Muthiana Orera (Mozambique)

Marla Edwina Taquidir, founder of Muthiana Orera (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Taking a very customer-centric approach to skincare that celebrates and takes care of every individual’s needs is what drives Marla Edwina Taquidir and her business, Muthiana Orera. Today, the company is building a reputation for creating natural, high quality, proudly locally produced skincare products that are appealing to customers.

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In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Suzie Wokabi, leading lady of Kenya's beauty industry

January 26, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lioness-Weekender-Cover-26-Jan-2020.jpg

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

The African continent represents a rapidly growing marketplace for the beauty and wellness industry. What is really exciting is the emergence of a generation of African women beauty brand-builders who are creating world-class beauty and skincare products that are specifically formulated to meet the needs of African women consumers. In Kenya, Suzie Wokabi is one such trailblazer with her SuzieBeauty brand that is winning legions of consumer fans, both at home and abroad. 

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In Cover Story Tags Kenya, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Wilma Cavaleiro, an Angolan woman entrepreneur creating an app for hair and beauty businesses 

January 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Wilma Cavaleiro, founder of KUJINGA (Angola)

Wilma Cavaleiro, founder of KUJINGA (Angola)

Startup Story

Ask any beauty or hair salon owner or freelance stylist about the biggest challenges facing the successful running of their businesses and they will tell you that interacting with potential customers in the digital environment is one of them. In Angola, Wilma Cavaleiro, founder of app management company KUJINGA, has the solution.

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In Startup Story Tags Angola, Technology, Haircare, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Lebogang Ndhlovu, a South African entrepreneur making high quality beauty therapy accessible and affordable

December 29, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Lebogang Ndhlovu, founder of Amare Beauty and Consulting (South Africa)

Lebogang Ndhlovu, founder of Amare Beauty and Consulting (South Africa)

Startup Story

Every woman wants to look good and feel confident, and there is nothing quite like getting a great beauty therapy experience to help achieve that goal. Yet for many women in South Africa, getting access to high quality beauty treatments that are affordable can be a challenge. But in Johannesburg and Soweto, entrepreneur and beauty therapy specialist, Lebogang Ndhlovu, founder of Amare Beauty and Consulting, has the solution.

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In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, South Africa
Comment

Juvenália Brito, an Angolan entrepreneur building a professional make-up service  

December 15, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Juvenalia-Collage.jpg

Startup Story

When it comes to creating make-up for special events, television and photography shoots, it needs professional expertise. In Angola, a team of women experts in the specialist make-up industry have been brought together by Juvenália Brito, under the Juvenália Beauty brand, a business offering truly professional and beautiful make-overs. 

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In Startup Story Tags Angola, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Vanda Tchimuondje Costa, an Angolan entrepreneur building a business that promotes wellness and healthy eating 

December 15, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Okuouyuka-Collage.jpg

Startup Story

Health and wellness conscious women in Angola have a wonderful source of help when it comes to getting great support and resources to aid overall wellbeing. Okupuyuka Brunch and Wellness is a business that is the brainchild of three women entrepreneurs who want to create a one-stop-shop for women to eat healthily, de-stress with great wellness treatments, and exercise with like-minded women.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Angola, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Sam Blake, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur taking a holistic approach to skincare with her business

December 1, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Sam Blake, founder of Skinadore Holistic Skincare (Zimbabwe)

Sam Blake, founder of Skinadore Holistic Skincare (Zimbabwe)

Startup Story

As more and more people are becoming conscious about the type of products they put onto their skin, the desire to find more natural solutions is growing. In Zimbabwe, Sam Blake, founder of Skinadore Holistic Skincare and an experienced Aesthetician herself, has the solution.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Beauty & Wellness, Zimbabwe
Comment

Hape Marite Mphale, an entrepreneur creating natural hair care products and building a great brand in Lesotho

November 15, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Hape Marite Mphale, founder of Blackhair (Lesotho)

Hape Marite Mphale, founder of Blackhair (Lesotho)

Startup Story

The haircare business globally is big business, and in Africa, the market for high quality, home-grown brands that know exactly how to cater to the specific haircare needs of African women is exploding. In Lesotho, entrepreneur Hape Marite Mphale has created the Blackhair brand, a popular and rapidly growing natural hair care brand and range of products.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Haircare, Beauty & Wellness, Lesotho
Comment

Nandi Usher, an entrepreneur from Botswana making mobile beauty spa treatments accessible to everyone

October 27, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Nandi Usher, founder of Nandi’s Beauty Creations (Botswana)

Nandi Usher, founder of Nandi’s Beauty Creations (Botswana)

Startup Story

Every woman wants to look and feel good, but not everyone can travel to a spa. However, in Botswana, one enterprising woman has created a mobile beauty spa experience that is convenient and affordable. Nandi Usher, founder of Nandi’s Beauty Creations, is winning fans with her quality service and products.

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In Startup Story Tags Botswana, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Selma Uamusse, a Mozambican entrepreneur building a proudly organic cosmetics brand in the country 

October 20, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Selma Uamusse, founder of Nhani (Mozambique)

Selma Uamusse, founder of Nhani (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Many consumers are becoming much more discerning and knowledgeable about the cosmetics they buy and put onto their skin. But finding good quality organic cosmetic products that celebrate local, natural plants and production techniques can be difficult. That’s where Mozambican entrepreneur, Selma Uamusse, founder of Nhani comes in. She is producing great quality, organic cosmetic products that customers want to buy and can trust.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Linda Dempah, an entrepreneur building a natural beauty brand in Cote d’Ivoire that is empowering women across the globe

October 6, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Linda Dempah, founder of Adeba Nature (Cote d’Ivoire)

Linda Dempah, founder of Adeba Nature (Cote d’Ivoire)

Startup Story

Empowering women to feel chic and beautiful is the mission of Ivorian natural beauty brand, Adeba Nature. Formulated using fewer than five ingredients, this product range created by beauty entrepreneur, Linda Dempah, is creating a brand that is rooted in the existing traditions preserved in Ivorian villages.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Cote d'Ivoire, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Karen Potgieter, a South African entrepreneur creating a high performance, natural skincare brand 

September 29, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Karen Potgieter, founder of L’abeille (South Africa)

Karen Potgieter, founder of L’abeille (South Africa)

Startup Story

Everyone loves the idea of youthful skin but it can be hard to achieve in our busy lives. But help is at hand, thanks to L’abeille, a South African natural skincare brand that works at a cellular level, created by entrepreneur Karen Potgieter. 

Read more
In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Farida Yahya, an entrepreneur in Nigeria building an award-winning haircare solutions brand  

September 15, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Farida Yahya, founder of Lumo Naturals (Nigeria)

Farida Yahya, founder of Lumo Naturals (Nigeria)

Startup Story

The challenges facing many women in Africa of how to manage and care for their natural hair is one that entrepreneur Farida Yahya is all too familiar with. It was the inspiration for the launch of her business Lumo Naturals, which today creates a range of specialist hair products that both cleanse and treat the hair gently. Today, the brand is winning scores of fans who are looking for a natural solution for their natural hair.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Haircare, Beauty & Wellness
Comment

Lioness Launch: African Dermal Science launches its exciting Uso Skincare range in South Africa 

August 25, 2019 Melanie Hawken
Dr Theo Mothoa-Frendo, founder of African Dermal Science (South Africa)

Dr Theo Mothoa-Frendo, founder of African Dermal Science (South Africa)

Lioness Launch

This month sees South African specialist skincare company, African Dermal Science, launching its exciting Uso Skincare range. It is an advanced anti-ageing, doctor-developed skincare range that has been locally formulated to address the specific skincare needs of Africans.

Read more
In Lioness Launch Tags South Africa, Beauty & Wellness
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


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LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series - Navigating Artificial Intelligence In The Workplace

Lioness Radio Show Special Episode: Navigating AI in the Workplace - Tune in for an engaging conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI and unlock its possibilities for your business.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Teboho Seretlo, a passion-driven entrepreneur helping SMEs to grow
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold 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 brand c
Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi
Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company
Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p
Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized
Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has
Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y
Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates
Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he
Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold 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 brand c Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Jacqueléne Coetzer, a pan-African business consulting and specialist trade firm builder empowering other women entrepreneurs
Jacqueléne Coetzer, a pan-African business consulting and specialist trade firm builder empowering other women entrepreneurs
Schneidine Phidelmond, an entrepreneur building a holistic digital agency supporting WSMEs and SMEs in Mozambique
Schneidine Phidelmond, an entrepreneur building a holistic digital agency supporting WSMEs and SMEs in Mozambique
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa
Tania Kabeya, a passionate chef and entrepreneur building a uniquely African culinary brand
Tania Kabeya, a passionate chef and entrepreneur building a uniquely African culinary brand
Aasiyah Adams, a visionary South African tech founder helping individuals and organisations to thrive in the digital economy
Aasiyah Adams, a visionary South African tech founder helping individuals and organisations to thrive in the digital economy

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Featured
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Authentic Selling: Be Real to Seal the Deal by Kendrick Shope
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Afro-Optimism Unleashed by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer
Afro-Optimism Unleashed by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer

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