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A Christmas Fantasy: Wishes Beyond Material Possessions

December 29, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

For dreamers like me, the holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in the wonder and magic of fantasy. I can let my imagination run wild and dream of the extraordinary. If I were to make an unconventional Christmas wish list, one that contains no material possessions (because if I told you the material things I wish for, you might faint!) here’s what would be on it:

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In Guest Blog Tags Thembe Khumalo, Dream
Comment

It’s Christmas – Go Ahead and be Delusional!

December 14, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Thembe Khumalo

Listen, I fully understand why it’s important to be realistic, especially with business goals. As an entrepreneur, it is how you plan your income and your life after all. But I am also a fan of the occasional delusional season - where you give yourself permission to dream - and I mean really dream, to imagine success and impact beyond what you generally, well, dream about. Why?  Because when you stimulate your imagination, you move things that were otherwise impossible into the realm of the attainable.

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In Guest Blog Tags Thembe Khumalo, Management Advice, Dream
Comment

10 Life Lessons they don't teach you in Harvard Business School

August 19, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

Most people go to Business School first and then go into business. I did it the other way around. There was no money to pay for any tertiary education, so I went straight to work and then I went into business not knowing anything about business or how it worked. I always tell people I attended the school of hard knocks!!  Remember, in the words of the great Rocky, ‘It’s not how many times you get knocked over, it’s how many times you just keep getting up!’ However, once I made it and made my fortune, I went back to school and did my Business Degree, my Honours, and ultimately my MBA which I received the year I turned 70.

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In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Dream, Entrepreneurial Mindset
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Empowered and independent women

July 14, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

As many of you  know my goal in life is to ensure that every woman, especially every African woman is financially independent. A financially independent woman has choices. She has money in the bank, she can live where she wants, she can drive the car she wants to drive, he can educate her children and, she can please herself. There is a old saying: "If you please yourself, at least you are pleasing someone.”

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In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Dream, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Stepping Out of Comfort Zones, Embracing Change to Chase Your Dreams

June 30, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Margaret Hirsch

Are you stuck in a job that pays well, puts a roof over your head and food on the table, but secretly, deep down, you really wish you could be doing something else?Something that would really fill your cup. I had this conversation with a friend recently. She has just turned 40 and is in a really good, well-paying job. She is top of her game but just feels that there is more out there. That’s exactly how I felt a few years ago and so I decided to make a change.

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In Guest Blog Tags Margaret Hirsch, Dream, Entrepreneurial Mindset
Comment

Quote of the Day by Millicent Motsoeri

March 30, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Millicent Motsoeri, founder, Heita Ngamla Holidays (South Africa)

Millicent Motsoeri, founder, Heita Ngamla Holidays (South Africa)

“Remember your dream is big and it won’t take a day to build, hence you must persevere and be patient. You are a winner!”

Millicent Motsoeri, founder, Heita Ngamla Holidays (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Dream
Comment

Quote of the Day by Adele Dejak

January 11, 2021 Melanie Hawken
Adele Dejak, founder of Adele Dejak (Kenya)

Adele Dejak, founder of Adele Dejak (Kenya)

“My big dream would be to become the Coco Chanel of Africa. It doesn’t get bigger than that.”

Adele Dejak, founder of Adele Dejak (Kenya)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Dream, Adele Dejak
Comment

Quote of the Day by Eugenia Langa

November 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
pablo-1188.png

“My dream is to be part of my country's growth on a level where everything can be sourced locally.”

Eugenia Langa, founder, Nweba (Mozambique)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Dream
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka / Keep reaching for your dreams

October 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka

Dr Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka

Keep reaching for your dreams!…

“There will be times when it becomes really difficult and you're thinking this is hard, but keep reaching for your dreams and the rest will follow.”

Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder, Gorilla Conservation Coffee (Uganda)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, Perseverance, Dream
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Prudence Seya / Do not be afraid to dare

August 13, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Prudence Seya, Founder, Web Training Academy (Cote d’Ivoire)

Prudence Seya, Founder, Web Training Academy (Cote d’Ivoire)

Do not be afraid to dare!…

“If you are looking for someone who can help you realize your dreams, look in the mirror. Do not be afraid to dare.”

Prudence Seya, Founder, Web Training Academy (Cote d’Ivoire)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Dream
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Eunice Andrade / Believe in your dreams

July 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Eunice Andrade, Founder, Fabrazilbyeunice (Mozambique)

Eunice Andrade, Founder, Fabrazilbyeunice (Mozambique)

Believe in your dreams!…

“Believe in your dreams and never give up. Go ahead and face the challenges and you will have success.”

Eunice Andrade, Founder, Fabrazilbyeunice (Mozambique)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Dream
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Pumza Ndlotyeni / Look for those gaps

June 12, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Pumza Ndlotyeni, Founder and CEO of Gebane Engineering Services (South Africa)

Pumza Ndlotyeni, Founder and CEO of Gebane Engineering Services (South Africa)

Look for those gaps…

“Never give up on your dreams, maintain a positive attitude, see opportunities amongst the challenges, and look for those gaps.”

Pumza Ndlotyeni, Founder and CEO of Gebane Engineering Services (South Africa)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Dream
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Lilly Alfonso / Believe in your dreams

June 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Lilly Alfonso, Founder & Head Designer, Lilly Alfonso (Malawi)

Lilly Alfonso, Founder & Head Designer, Lilly Alfonso (Malawi)

Believe in your dreams…

“Know yourself - understand and believe in your dreams. Give yourself room to research and plan for whatever you are dreaming of venturing into.”

Lilly Alfonso, Founder & Head Designer, Lilly Alfonso (Malawi)

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Lilly Alfonso, Dream
Comment

Quote of the Day Dounia Tamri-Loeper

June 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Dounia Tamri-Loeper, founder of Dounia Home (Morocco)

Dounia Tamri-Loeper, founder of Dounia Home (Morocco)

“It was always my dream to share my Moroccan heritage and unique artistic style with people around the world.”

Dounia Tamri-Loeper, founder of Dounia Home (Morocco)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Dream
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka / Reach for your entrepreneurial dreams

June 9, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of Gorilla Conservation Coffee (Uganda)

Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of Gorilla Conservation Coffee (Uganda)

Reach for your entrepreneurial dreams…

“There will be times when it becomes really difficult and you're thinking this is hard, but keep reaching for your dreams and the rest will follow.”

Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, founder of Gorilla Conservation Coffee (Uganda)

Read more
In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Dream
Comment

Quote of the Day Nomihlali Ntsunguzi

June 3, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Nomihlali Ntsunguzi, founder, Nissi Human Capital Solutions, (South Africa)

Nomihlali Ntsunguzi, founder, Nissi Human Capital Solutions, (South Africa)

“As long as you have a dream that is big enough to fulfill your purpose in life, go for it!”

Nomihlali Ntsunguzi, founder, Nissi Human Capital Solutions, (South Africa)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Dream
Comment

Don’t wait for your dream to show up in someone else’s plan

May 27, 2020 Melanie Hawken
pablo-64.png

by Lori Milner

In addition to being a speaker, trainer and author I am also a coach. This word coach has never sat well with me because I’ve realized what I truly am is a ‘permission agent’. I have had many conversations with people over the years from wanting to start a new business to taking on a new hobby like running.

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In Guest Blog Tags Lori Milner, Dream
Comment

Entrepreneur Advice from Celine Uwineza / Find people to support your dream

May 15, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Celine Uwineza, founder, Right Seat, Rwanda

Celine Uwineza, founder, Right Seat, Rwanda

Find people to support your dream…

“Start! Surround yourself with people who believe in your dreams and support you.”

Celine Uwineza, founder, Right Seat, Rwanda

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In Entrepreneur Advice Tags Dream
Comment

Quote of the Day by Vânia Ribeiro

April 10, 2020 Melanie Hawken
Vânia Ribeiro, founder & ceo, Assinebwe, Lda (Angola)

Vânia Ribeiro, founder & ceo, Assinebwe, Lda (Angola)

“We women are more than special, we were born to shine. So make sure every day you wake up you do a little something to get closer to your dreams.”

Vânia Ribeiro, founder & ceo, Assinebwe, Lda (Angola)

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In Quote of the Day Tags Dream
Comment

Being seen as a grasshopper, YET feeling like a giant, in the business world

April 5, 2020 Melanie Hawken
pablo-28.png

by Nomihlali Ntsunguzi

It was the very first presentation I had to make to pitch for business after I had just started. The potential client was in an industry I knew very well, and I knew the human capital challenges everyone was experiencing. I was so excited yet anxious, but I was quite confident that my pitch was on point. As I walk into the boardroom, I recognize someone I know from church and I immediately felt relieved….my thought, “God indeed works in miraculous ways”. Little did I know that out of all the executives that were sitting there, I was going to get the worst treatment from the one I recognized.

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In Guest Blog Tags Nomihlali Ntsunguzi, Dream, Entrepreneurial Journey
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


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LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
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
Tshego Molefi, a pioneer transforming the waste management industry
Tshego Molefi, a pioneer transforming the waste management industry

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
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
Komeshni Patrick, a tech legal consultancy founder empowering forward-thinking tech businesses to grow
Komeshni Patrick, a tech legal consultancy founder empowering forward-thinking tech businesses to grow
Lebo Biko, a South African champion of women-led innovation in Africa’s agri-food value chain
Lebo Biko, a South African champion of women-led innovation in Africa’s agri-food value chain

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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
No More 24/7: Entrepreneurs, Take Your Life Back by Catherine Cowart Roe
No More 24/7: Entrepreneurs, Take Your Life Back by Catherine Cowart Roe

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