Edition – The most inspiring women leader of the year-2025
In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, true leadership shines brightest when it’s driven by purpose, innovation, and heart. Lee-Anne Kassel, a renowned businesswoman and the visionary force behind Kasselot Evanesse, embodies exactly that. Her brand empowers mothers across the globe through sustainable, stylish, and comfortable nursing attire designed to make motherhood both beautiful and empowering.
Inspired by her father and guided by an unshakable entrepreneurial spirit, Lee-Anne has transformed a simple idea into a globally recognized brand—earning prestigious awards, patents, and international acclaim along the way. Her journey is more than just a story of building a successful business; it’s a powerful narrative of courage, leadership, and creating meaningful change for mothers worldwide.
This edition celebrates Lee-Anne Kassel as one of The Most Inspiring Women Leaders of the Year 2025—a woman whose vision is redefining empowerment, one mother at a time.
Early background and inspiration
The journey of Dr Lee-Anne Kassel starts with the great values her father gave her, where he encouraged her to strive high in life. He then went on to study retail business management at Wits Technikon after matric, with a part-time job as a waitress. She later became a bookkeeper and state agent and gathered additional financial knowledge. This background sharpens her business skills and resilience. She also used this to start Kasselot Evanesse in 2000 by basing it on her passion to empower women. In 2025, she received an Honorary Doctorate in Advanced Management, which emphasises her as an international entrepreneur and leader.
About Kasselot Evanesse and its unique value
Kasselot Evanesse is the pioneer brand that offers the leak-free baby grow to the world and presents the patent technology that enables mothers to feel empowered. Innovation is the cornerstone of the company as the company has moisture-wicking mechanisms and breathable fabrics that offer unparalleled comfort. The brand is differentiated with a distinct product design and also by a mission-led strategy. The brand is also concerned with sustainability due to the use of environmentally friendly materials. The mother’s vision, empowerment, and dignity are the main themes of Kasselot Evanesse. Its global recognition in prestigious awards also highlights its impact, making it a leader in maternal comfort solutions.
Lessons from leadership and entrepreneurship
Over the years, Lee-Anne has learnt that entrepreneurship requires three Ds. Desired determination and dedication. All businesses go through storms, yet a strong spirit will make the business survive. She also focuses on the value of statistical research, consumer insights, and decision-making. Intellectually, she is also highlighting the role of statistical research, consumer insights, and decision-making. Patents, trademarks, and legal protection should be observed to protect the intellectual property. She is also concerned with due diligence and the transparency of the partnership. The qualities that Lee-Anne needs include positivity, faith, and continuous learning. Also, she believes that growth comes from patience, residence, and constant improvement. They also ensure brand sustainability in a highly competitive market.
Impact on society and mothers
Kasselot Evanesse changed the way breastfeeding is approached globally. Its leak-proof nursing wear helps mothers gain confidence, dignity, and freedom. By addressing comfort and hygiene, the brand promotes maternal health and prevents common challenges like thrush and cracking. In addition to the products, Evanesse is changing social conventions by normalising breastfeeding and rendering it more accessible. Its practices in sustainability act as an inspiration in eco-friendly ways of living and motivate other brands to act in the same direction. Women-led entrepreneurship is also assisted by the fact that its patented designs are known all over the world. For Lee-Anne, impact is measured not only in sales but in how mothers’ lives are uplifted.
Long-term goals and global vision
Lee-Anne’s vision extends far beyond her current success. She is expanding Kasselot Evanesse into sportswear and children’s clothing, aiming to make Evanesse a household name globally. Kasselot Evanesse is looking for a company or brand in America to license her patents to. The American market is too big to supply and manufacture from South Africa, so producing within the U.S. will support the local economy and create more growth opportunities. Still in her mission are innovation, quality, and sustainability. In the long term, Kasselot Evanesse will become an icon of empowerment to every mother. Through her constant innovations and
expansions, Lee-Anne will make sure that the legacy of the brand will give generations of women who will be redefining comfort and style in family-based fashion.
Advice for aspiring leaders
The advice given by Lee-Anne is based on empathy, strength, and vision. She thought that a leader must believe in something, be disciplined, and persistent even in the case of setbacks. It is important to defend intellectual property, partner, and remain faithful to your purpose. She also encourages leaders to approach challenges with a winning attitude and confidence in the process. Leadership to her is the capacity to inspire others, the capacity to construct a favorable environment, and to passionately lead. Her mantra,
“Failure is the first step of success.”
This is the guiding principle that assists leaders to be strong, flexible, and innovative as they proceed with their entrepreneurial venture.
Encouraging more leaders
Lee-Anne says that leadership is earned over years of growth, learning, and experience. He thinks that leaders have the chance of taking responsibility and developing. Mentorship and education are also essential in training the future leaders. Taking a look back at her Honorary Doctorate in Advanced Management, she points out that practice and lived experience in business is the true key to success. Her leadership is not about power, but humility, conviction, and connection. By promoting open and inclusive environments, organisations would enable more individuals to be courageous enough to assume leadership positions passionately and ambitiously.
A quote she lives by
Lee-Anne Kassel says, “Fly like a butterfly and sting like a bee.” This motto, which was taught to her by her father, Raymond Kassel, has been her motto since her childhood. The term portrays grace, resilience, and strength, which are the ingredients of her leadership. In the case of
Lee-Anne, success consists in walking with grace but standing up when the need be. She still lives and conducts business along this philosophy. It is also a symbol of her faith in being creative and disciplined, soft, strong, and innovative in all her actions.
Conclusion
Lastly, Lee-Anne Kassel teaches us that we need to be strong, creative, and understanding in business. Entrepreneurship offers the challenge of finding new ways to guard your thoughts, create sustainable brands, and remain loyal to your mission. Her ideal of adopting power, grace, persistence, and imagination is also inspirational to leaders. Above all, her experience emphasizes the strength of having faith in the purpose. With such principles, you will be able to
become better professionals, motivate others, and build businesses that will not only perform but also empower communities.
