Africa’s lionesses united to show their support for their fellow entrepreneurs.
The Lioness Lean In is a series of events that bring female entrepreneurs together to share stories, experiences and motivations. The empowerment organisation showcased the power among its members when it hosted just over 100 people in a virtual session earlier in July July in partnership with Volkswagen South Africa.
The event, usually held in the heart of Sandton, is one of the networking highlights of every month. Not only were the women given the opportunity to catch up with one another but the group were also introduced to a number of new businesses which has joined its ‘pride’. The morning was filled with motivated women who were ready to both share their entrepreneurial journeys as well as learn from the experiences of others. According to webinar host, CEO and Lioness Lean In founder Melanie Hawken, the ultimate aim of these events is to empower female entrepreneurs to make game-changing decisions. “It is also really important that we keep the lionesses motivated during this time of uncertainty as we are all faced with a number of our own challenges,” said Hawken.
Three entrepreneurs also had the opportunity to share their stories and experiences as a start-up. Lucy Beard is the co-founder of Hope on Hopkins, a small artisanal distillery in Cape Town; Thobile Nyawo heads up the powerhouse that is Nyawo Construction all across South Africa and Sinenhlanhla Ndlela is the dairy-free queen and founder of Yococo dairy-free ice cream.
Beard went from being a lawyer to co-owning a distillery with her husband. “Unlike many gin distillers we don’t buy in the base spirit to flavour, but prefer to make it ourselves, so that you know where it (and our carefully sourced quality ingredients) comes from,” she said.
Nyawo, on the other hand, continued to fight the long fight for females in the construction business for a long time. “The civil and building construction industry sectors are traditionally tough industry sectors to break into as a young, ambitious entrepreneur. But there are no hurdles in business that cannot be overcome with hard work and tenacity,” said Nyawo.
At just under 30 years old, Ndlela has turned into a dairy-free queen with a love for ice cream. “My ice cream products are dairy-free, handmade and each flavour is designed according to a chakra, it is intentional and made with love,” she said.
Each of these women, on their own journey, allowed participants to get a glimpse into the life of a female entrepreneur during this time of uncertainty. Nyawo encouraged the lionesses to keep going, keep on track and don’t lose hope. “You need to know who you are, set a standard for your life, and believe in yourself. Never settle for less than your best,” she concluded.
Details: www.lionessesofafrica.com
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