“I’m passionate about filling gaps for underrepresented communities,” says Mariam Jimoh, a British entrepreneur of Nigerian heritage (pictured above). “If I see a gap that should be filled but isn’t, I think, what can be done about that?”
Her three businesses provide opportunities and products for the Afro-Caribbean community. Members of the Women in the City Afro-Caribbean Network, known as WCAN, gain access to mentorship, interview training and networking events. She’s also the co-founder of Onwe Press, which publishes unique stories from diverse voices. Her third business, Oja, is due to launch by the end of the year and will provide foods, products and beauty items from around the world through its app. Mariam uses Starling business accounts for all three ventures.
Work smart
How does she make time to manage multiple businesses? “I live by the Pareto Principle.” The Pareto Principle outlines the unequal relationship between input and output, for example 80% of a business’ income coming from 20% of its clients. “It’s about working smart, not hard. You shouldn’t aim for perfection, you should aim for efficiency.”