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How to get funding using media coverage

January 8, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Felicity Cowie, author of Exposure

In my earlier blog for Lionesses of Africa, What Exactly is Media Relations, I said there are at least eight mega benefits of media relations for any business to consider: Gain exposure with zero to low financial investment; Build credibility; Build pipeline faster; Get highly valuable shareable content; Find product-market fit; Become a thought leader and ‘category queen’; Get funding and more funding; Gain external validation.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Felicity Cowie, Media PR & Communications
Comment

How to become a thought leader and ‘category queen’

January 1, 2023 Melanie Hawken

by Felicity Cowie, The Media Relations Coach

In my earlier blog for LoA, 'What Exactly is Media Relations?', I said there are at least eight mega benefits of media relations for any business to consider…

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Felicity Cowie, Media PR & Communications
Comment

Monica Kabui, a Kenyan marketing expert helping businesses to build their brands

December 18, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Monica Kabui, founder and managing director, TreeAgama (Kenya)

Startup Story

Monica Kabui is the founder and managing director of TreeAgama in Kenya. She is a marketing specialist and an expert in brand building and training. Her business focuses on using marketing as a tool to empower businesses to be the best version of themselves and as a tool to solve business challenges innovatively. TreeAgama is homegrown in Kenya and has been in operation since it launched in 2013 and now has 5 employees. Monica's experience spans 12 years working in three different advertising and marketing agencies and her last stint was design department head leading experiential marketing agencies in the country. TreeAgama is passionate about building brands. 

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In Startup Story Tags Kenya, Media PR & Communications, Brand
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How to get highly valuable shareable content

December 4, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Felicity Cowie, author of Exposure

In my earlier blog for LoA, What Exactly is Media Relations, I said there are at least eight mega benefits of media relations for any business to consider:

  1. Gain exposure with zero to low financial investment

  2. Build credibility

  3. Build pipeline faster

  4. Get highly valuable shareable content

  5. Find product-market fit

  6. Become a thought leader and ‘category queen’

  7. Get funding and more funding

  8. Gain external validation

In this series of blogs, I give you more detail and tools to gain each of these benefits.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Felicity Cowie, Media PR & Communications
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Nokuphila Dlamini, a graphic design specialist in Eswatini helping SMEs to market their brands

December 4, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Nokuphila Dlamini, founder, Visibility Graphics (Eswatini)

Startup Story

Nokuphila Dlamini is the founder of Visibility Graphics in Eswatini, an e-commerce business that offers graphic design services to Small and Medium Enterprises in the country. She currently lives in Mankayane, Eswatini and holds a Bachelor's degree in Arts of Journalism and Mass Communication, majoring in Advertising and Public Relations. She also has a Certificate in Digital Marketing.

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In Startup Story Tags Eswatini, Media PR & Communications, Graphic Design
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Mary Njoki, an award-winning Kenyan PR agency founder

December 4, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Mary Njoki

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Glass House PR Ltd, a diversified PR agency helping businesses to position their brands in Africa

Mary Njoki is an award-winning entrepreneur in Africa, a thought leader, a PR guru who founded Glass House PR Ltd in Kenya in 2012 at the age of 23. She is an influencer, a technology enthusiast, trainer and mentor through a platform she also founded called a billion start-ups, connector and a leader. She has a background in Mathematics, Business Information Technology, and Public Relations. Mary has worked with renowned brands for over 10 years, and she has been recognized globally for her immense contribution in the field of PR. She is equally feted for her volunteering contributions in the Marketing and PR industry as well. Mary has worked alongside 100+ organizations across Africa and globally. Today, Glass House PR employs 30 people.

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In Cover Story Tags Kenya, Media PR & Communications
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How to build credibility with media coverage

November 27, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Felicity Cowie, The Media Relations Coach

In my earlier blog for LoA, 'What Exactly is Media Relations?', I said there are at least eight mega benefits of media relations for any business to consider…

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Felicity Cowie, Media PR & Communications
Comment

How to gain positive business exposure with zero to low financial investment

November 13, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Felicity Cowie, author of Exposure

In my earlier blog for LoA, What Exactly is Media Relations, I said there are at least eight mega benefits of media relations for any business to consider:

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Felicity Cowie, Media PR & Communications
Comment

Lioness Launch / New motivational book launched in Botswana to inspire people in their daily lives

July 31, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Gaolapelwe Badumedi Matsetse-Mpete

Lioness Launch

For those people who are looking for some daily motivation and inspiration in their lives, entrepreneur Gaolapelwe Badumedi Matsetse-Mpete, founder of Bonton Botswana (Pty) Ltd, is launching a new book which promises to deliver motivation a-plenty to readers. The book is titled, “In Her Own Voice”, and combines personal memoir with motivational quotes to live by each day.

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In Lioness Launch Tags Botswana, Media PR & Communications
Comment

Elohor Oderowho, a Nigerian digital magazine creator promoting women-empowered lifestyles

May 29, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Elohor Oderowho, Founder and Chief Editor, Elowell Max (Nigeria)

Startup Story

Elohor Oderowho is the Founder and Chief Editor of Elowell Max which was established in 2020. Her initial pursuit was to promote healthy living and wellness among African Women. This passion started when she noticed that African women needed a platform solely dedicated to their growth in all aspects. Thus, she vowed to create a women's site like no other, giving every African woman something to feed on. Being a passionate writer, she begun creating awareness for African women on how to go about vital aspects of life including relationships, femininity, fashion and beauty on her website www.elowellmaxpost.com.

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In Startup Story Tags Nigeria, Media PR & Communications
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What Exactly is Media Relations?

May 13, 2022 Melanie Hawken

by Felicity Cowie, The Media Relations Coach

Media relations is frequently muddled up with public relations and that is very unhelpful for businesses seeking media coverage. Fundamentally, media relations is about working with journalists. Whilst the intention is to ultimately reach the public (be it customers, investors, talent or the world at large) via media coverage, it’s critical to understand that in all media relations work your audience is journalists. And journalists are under no obligation to do what you ask. You have no rights to approve or request changes to their work otherwise it wouldn’t be the independent third party endorsement which makes it so valuable.

Read more
In Guest Blog Tags Felicity Cowie, Media PR & Communications
Comment

Gugu Mpungose, a South Africa entrepreneur with a passion for media and storytelling that inspires 

May 8, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Gugu Mpungose, founder, Black Tie Media and Communications (South Africa)

Startup Story

There is nothing quite as powerful as women who share their experiences and insights through storytelling in order to inspire others. Gugu Mpungose, founder of Black Tie Media and Communications, is creating platforms through publishing, content creation and event experiences to tell stories and share information that can help and inspire others.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Media PR & Communications
Comment

Lioness Launch / South Africa’s integrated brand strategy consultancy, Maruapula Brand, launches new suite of tools for businesses looking to enhance their brand performance

May 7, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Kelebogile Makwala, founder, Maruapula Brand (South Africa)

Lioness Launch

Maruapula Brand is an integrated brand strategy consultancy based in South Africa, and focused on working with business and brand leaders who are looking to invest in and enhance their internal and external brand position and performance. Founded by entrepreneur Kelebogile Makwala, Maruapula Brand helps businesses create meaningful connections that get their brands seen, heard and valued by customers. The latest launch by Kelebogile and her team is a suite of strategic frameworks and brand tools to help businesses looking to enhance their brand performance and customer connectivity.

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In Lioness Launch Tags South Africa, Brand, Media PR & Communications
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Erica Paiva, a Mozambican woman entrepreneur building a strong personal media brand

April 10, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Erica Paiva

Startup Story

Erica Paiva is a creative woman entrepreneur from Mozambique who decided to use her own unique skills as a tv host, writer, actress, master of ceremony, and event planner to create a niche, personal brand in the marketplace. Erica’s brand has been in the market for 7 years, but she has been working for a total of 15 years.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Media PR & Communications
Comment

Sofia Maquile, an entrepreneur and digital influencer in Mozambique building an AV production company

February 13, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Sofia Maquile, founder & CEO, Smaqs (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Sofia Maquile is the founder and CEO of Smaqs in Mozambique. She is a young entrepreneur and Digital Influencer. Sofia's business is focused on making high quality digital pictures and videos for the international and pan-African market. She founded the business in 2017 and now employs and trains over 10 interns, 70% of them being from local communities. She has over 10 years of social media experience as a manager and influencer. Sofia strives for growth and motivates the young people to follow her path.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Media PR & Communications, Digital Marketing
Comment

Claudia Folgore-McLellan, a South African creative entrepreneur helping brands connect with audiences

February 6, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Claudia Folgore-McLellan, founder, Visual 8 Creative (South Africa)

Startup Story

Visual 8 Creative, founded by Claudia Folgore-McLellan, is a graphic design and digital media studio based in Johannesburg South Africa. The business helps companies, entrepreneurs, as well as established brands, to communicate effectively with their respective target audience. We offer a thorough understanding of branding, print media creative following through into digital media.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags South Africa, Media PR & Communications
Comment

Lioness Launch / Specialist Nigerian baby product supply shop, Babies Essence, launches inspirational new kids book range

January 23, 2022 Melanie Hawken

Rainat Komolafe, founder, Babies Essence (Nigeria)

Lioness Launch

Babies Essence is a one-stop-shop selling baby, toddler and maternity items for parents in Nigeria, founded by entrepreneur Rainat Komolafe. She believes that at Babies Essence every step matters, and so is launching an inspirational series of two new books for kids between the ages of 5 to 12 years. The first book is the A-Z of Positive Affirmations for Kids, and this is accompanied by a Positive Affirmations Workbook, both written and produced by founder Rainat.

Read more
In Lioness Launch Tags Media PR & Communications, Publishing, Nigeria
Comment

Swaady Martin, an impact driven brand builder and social entrepreneur

December 12, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Swaady Martin

Lioness Weekender Cover Story

Yswara, a social enterprise that seeks to transform African agricultural commodities.

Swaady Martin is the founder and ceo of Yswara, a social enterprise that seeks to transform African agricultural commodities. The SWAADY Group is made of: YSWARA, a specialty tea company made in Africa, the first to offer a curated experience of fine and artisanal African teas. THE LOVINGKINDNESS BOMA, an Independent Publishing House of Mindful and Diverse Books for Children. Tounché, a non-profit organization producing global and diverse consciousness summit & events seeding Communities for Change.

Read more
In Cover Story Tags South Africa, Food & Drink, Media PR & Communications
Comment

Susan Nel, an entrepreneur in Namibia who turned her passion for photography into a successful business

December 5, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Susan Nel , founder, Susan Nel Photography (Namibia)

Startup Story

There is nothing quite as powerful as a great photographic image that captures life and work’s key moments, and in Namibia, Susan Nel and the photography business that carries her name, is doing just that. Whether it’s recording on camera a beautiful wedding, or creating a powerful image of a product that can spearhead a marketing campaign, Susan knows just how to get the right shot for the occasion.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Namibia, Media PR & Communications
Comment

Andrea Massamba, a Mozambican social media expert helping clients with their digital communication

November 28, 2021 Melanie Hawken

Andrea Massamba, founder, AM Support - Marketing and Publicity Agency (Mozambique)

Startup Story

Andrea Massamba is a founder of AM Support - Marketing and Publicity Agency in Mozambique, a business she started in June 2020, when she found an opportunity during Covid. She understood that some organizations had to close because of Covid, so she decided to start her business to help the organizations continue to be active on social media, supporting them with their communication, scheduling posts, producing content etc. And now she's growing step by step.

Read more
In Startup Story Tags Mozambique, Social Media, Media PR & Communications
Comment
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


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LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration in the Workplace

Lioness Radio Show: AI Series Ep. 2 : AI-Human Collaboration 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
Kelly Jean Valigy, a dynamic marketing and communications professional building a creative powerhouse in Mozambique
Kelly Jean Valigy, a dynamic marketing and communications professional building a creative powerhouse in Mozambique
Mbali Ndandani and Portia Nondo, two passionate ecosystem builders driving support for Africa’s crafters and fashion brands
Mbali Ndandani and Portia Nondo, two passionate ecosystem builders driving support for Africa’s crafters and fashion brands
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

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
Bridging the Confidence Gap: How Empowered Women Change the World by Sheena Yap Chan
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

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