Article: Lyllian Abrahamsson - Botswana-born entrepreneur and storyteller
Lyllian Abrahamsson - Botswana-born entrepreneur and storyteller
Botswana-born entrepreneur and storyteller connecting innovation, people, and sisterhood across worlds.
Lyllian Abrahamsson's journey has always been shaped by women, movement, and the belief that none of us rises alone. Born in Botswana and educated in Australia, her path has crossed continents, cultures, and industries — each chapter deepening her understanding of what it means to belong, to lead, and to lift others along the way.
Her early career in London, where she built and ran a fashion distribution agency and an independent luxury boutique, was defined as much by community as by commerce. Mentorship from women — and moments of becoming one herself — changed her direction, teaching her that success is not only personal achievement, but shared progress.
Since settling in Stockholm in 2006, Lyllian has worked across established global brands and early-stage ventures, often stepping into moments of change. Whether introducing new ways of working, guiding teams through growth, or supporting founders finding their voice, her role has consistently been that of a connector — between people, ideas, and opportunity.
Entrepreneurship and hospitality have further shaped her perspective. Founding and leading businesses in Botswana and working with hotel start-ups taught her the power of care, presence, and service — and the responsibility that comes with being the person others look to when building something from the ground up.
Today, through her work with Innovations of the World and Innovate Stockholm, Lyllian creates platforms where stories are shared, visibility is expanded, and women — especially those navigating business, family, and ambition at the same time — can see themselves reflected and supported.
To Lyllian, "I am your sister" is not a slogan. It is an active choice: to listen without hierarchy, to open doors rather than guard them, and to walk beside other women as they become who they are meant to be.
Who are you becoming right now?
I am learning that it is okay to say yes to myself.
I allow myself to enjoy my life — to prioritize what gives me peace, joy, and balance. I plan my days around my workouts; they are non-negotiable. This is my time to de-stress, build strength, and do something solely for me.
As a wife and a mother, I was conditioned to put everyone else's needs before my own. Today, I understand that to be a great mother, I must also take care of myself. That care shows up in many forms: training, rest, pleasure, and permission. I no longer feel guilty about buying my favorite champagne, a perfume I love, or booking a massage. I allow myself downtime — Sundays where I read, catch up on my favorite series, cook brunch for the kids, and order dinner without feeling the need to prove anything.
I am also becoming unapologetically myself. I no longer tone down my personality to gain approval. With age has come a preference for depth — in friendships, in work, and in life. I am learning to say no without guilt: no to social events I'm not up for, no to things that don't align. Sometimes that means choosing a quiet night at home, and sometimes it means saying yes to great people, good music, and champagne. Both feel equally right.
"With age has come a preference for depth — in friendships, in work, and in life”
When has another woman truly changed your direction in life?
My mother.
She is the most incredible woman I know, and although she has influenced me my entire life, I didn't fully see it until recently. As I move closer to fifty, my appreciation for her has deepened in ways I couldn't have imagined when I was younger.
I hear her voice every day — especially on difficult days. A lady must always put her best foot forward. No matter how hard things are, my hair is done, my nails are neat. That discipline, pride, and self-respect live in me because of her.
But what impresses me most is her heart. Her generosity, openness, and limitless kindness. When I was a teenager, our home was always open. Friends were welcome at any hour. There was always an extra plate at the table, no questions asked. Some of my friends even lived with my mother while I was away studying in Australia.
She didn't have much, yet she shared everything — with humility and without regard for status or class. My mother is a person of the people.
As I navigate divorce, financial challenges, and raising my children every other week on my own, I hope to embody even half of her strength and resilience — and still be the woman with the loudest laugh and the biggest smile in the room.
What does "I am your sister" mean to you — in real life?
To me, being your sister means showing up.
It means protecting other women's names when they are not in the room. It means choosing connection over competition. I am the woman who introduces her female friends to each other when I sense alignment — when I feel they could support, inspire, or add value to one another.
My openness to people and new experiences is central to who I am. My circle is deeply diverse — across nationalities, races, sexual orientations, and life paths — and that diversity keeps me curious and open-minded. The age range of my female friendships spans from early twenties to early sixties, and I feel equally at home in all of those spaces. There is something powerful in listening across generations — learning from women who are just coming into themselves, while being guided by those who have lived and endured.
I am always looking for ways to collaborate. What can we do together? That question matters to me.
A close friend once told me that no matter the time of day, she knows she can call me if she's in need. She knows I will be honest — but I will also remind her exactly who she is. Sometimes sisterhood is truth. Sometimes it's reassurance. Often, it's both.
How has your definition of success changed over time?
For a long time, success was about achievement and appearance.
It meant the right degree from the right university. The ideal partner. Perfectly dressed children in the right schools. The apartment in the right neighborhood, decorated with the right designer furniture. The job with the right title.
All of this came with sacrifice — especially time. Long hours at work, being too tired to enjoy family, and vacations overshadowed by stress about what waited back home.
I achieved those things — and then life had its own agenda.
Today, success looks very different. It is open communication with my teenage children. A deep, honest connection with my parents and siblings. It is choosing projects that align with my values and give me energy. It is trusting myself, knowing my worth, and protecting my time.
Success is community. Peace. Integrity. Freedom. Having the ability to choose how and with whom I work — and being fully present for the people I love most. It is building a life that feels true, not just impressive.
