Female entrepreneurs rise to the challenge

SANDTON – Lioness Lean In ambassador and event host Hlubi Mboya-Arnold added that it was women such as these who continue to not only drive our economy but also pave the way for other women.

Lioness Lean In ambassador and event host Hlubi Mboya-Arnold looks forward to witnessing the power of the lionesses. Photo: Supplied

The power of the female entrepreneurial community never ceases to disappoint.

Women from all across the country tuned in for a motivating and inspiring talk with the Lionesses of Africa on July 2. The Lioness Lean In event, which was forced to move from its location at Volkswagen in Sandton to the online space, has been able to reach a record number of women on a monthly basis, growing its community of powerhouses.

According to founder and CEO Melanie Hawken, this latest instalment of Lioness Lean In saw a record number of 157 participants join in. “We are continually breaking our own record and that just shows how motivated female entrepreneurs are even during trying times such as these,” said Hawken.

Lionesses of Africa found and CEO Melanie Hawken is proud to see the lioness movement grow. Photo: Supplied

Lioness Lean In ambassador and event host Hlubi Mboya-Arnold added that it is women such as these who continue to not only drive our economy but also pave the way for other women. “As I witness each event grow bigger and bigger, I am reminded of the power that we as females have. Not only do you overcome your personal and career challenges but you continually motivate others to do the same,” she added.

On the panel of speakers for this instalment was Jodam Manufacturers co-owner Jodi Fittinghoff who noted that while each business currently faces a number of challenges as a result of the lockdown, it is important to recognise the opportunities as well. “I know that we [female entrepreneurs] have so much to show the world and I think that Covid-19 has created a big window to that. It has shown us the opportunities that we have right here in our own country and what we can create with it,” said Fittinghoff.

Temba Travel founder and director Chantal Potgieter encourages more women to uplift each other. Photo: Supplied

Also on the panel was Temba Travel founder and director Chantal Potgieter who, as a travel business owner, was forced to think innovatively in order for her business to stay afloat during a time where travel practically came to a standstill for more than 12 months. “As you may already know, the word ‘temba’ means hope and hope has two daughters – anger and courage. You may be angry at the way that things are at the moment but we should have the courage to see that it does not stay the same,” said Potgieter.

She added that her business model was also aimed at uplifting her few female entrepreneurs. “As we offer travel packages and experiences, we are quite intentional with seeking out women-led and women-owned businesses in the travel sector. At the end of the day, we all want the same thing so why not help each other out along the way?”

Mboya-Arnold noted that these inspiring stories are a true testimony that even in the hardest and harshest of times, women are still there for each other and need each other now more than ever.