From the Barclays Accelerator to Launching a Business in Lagos

As the year comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on my seven-year journey and felt compelled to share the next part of my article series with you. My hope is that my story inspires you, fills you with hope, and reminds you to believe in the impossible. ?

My journey in politics was a beautiful chapter, and my departure wasn’t due to any dramatic reason—only that God called me to a new path. ?Pivoting wasn’t easy, but I am a strong woman and I will work extremely hard to succeed.

The year has ended, and after two years of leaving politics, we are here, closing the year having launched a business in Nigeria.

A young woman from Essex, stepping away from politics to start a business in Lagos with her partner. I never imagined this would be the next chapter of my story—but it’s only the beginning. ?I am thankful for all the help I have received along the way from mentors, programmes and most importantly my family, friends and God.

God's call is personal, and not collective.

2017?

At the age of 22, while working at Metro Bank, I founded an employee network for ethnic minorities called Mbrace. One of our first major events was an art exhibition showcasing Black artists during Black History Month. Seven years later, Mbrace is still thriving and actively influencing the bank’s policies. ?

2018

I was elected as the first Black female councillor for the London Borough of Havering and its youngest councillor at the time. Having volunteered in various local roles for the Labour Party, I was honoured to be appointed as the Member Champion for Diversity and Inclusion across the borough. ?

2019 ?

At just 23, I was selected as the parliamentary candidate for Hornchurch and Upminster in the general election. At the time, I was working in Parliament, advising MPs like Meg Hillier and Claudia Webbe, both of whom supported me throughout my campaign and within the community. ?

2020

I launched an online campaign called Havering Racism and collaborated with a whistleblower to challenge systemic issues in the local council. For two years, we campaigned as a community, which led to the Local Government Association conducting a review that confirmed institutional racism and sexism. I contributed to the development of a refreshed action plan, which was launched in 2022 before my departure. ?

2021

I was honoured to receive recognition from the African Achievers Awards for my work in politics, diversity, and inclusion. Speaking out against racism and fighting alongside my community for change over the years has been deeply rewarding. It is a privilege to serve as a positive role model for Black women across London.

Throughout my time in public service, I worked full-time, often volunteered, and spoke at schools to inspire young people with my journey. ?

2022

I made the difficult decision to leave politics to pursue my dreams.? To support myself financially, I joined Turner & Townsend, a management consulting firm, where I worked with clients like Shell. Simultaneously, I was accepted into the Soho House x Creative Mentor Network Programme, which helped me begin building my dream business: a fashion marketplace for Africa, envisioned as “ASOS for Africa.” ?

2023

I presented my business idea at Soho House in White City and worked with my team to develop it further. Later, we were invited to Google to showcase our progress. By December, I was accepted into the Entertainment Week Lagos Programme, where I traveled to Nigeria to pitch my business. ?

That same year, I launched a Christian book club at Soho Works. While it was a fulfilling experience, I faced a setback when I left my job at Turner & Townsend. ?

2024

I focused on the accelerator programme with Barclays which taught me to build our product and get it out in the market.? I secured a new role at Transport for London (TfL) and self-funded my business. Although I faced challenges, including losing my business partners, I found strength in my boyfriend, whose expertise in e-commerce and technology became instrumental. Together, we spent the year building our business, traveling, and pursuing creative projects. ?

2024

In October 2024, we launched Kouture Paradise in Lagos, a fashion marketplace connecting African designers with a global audience. ?

This journey has taught me that while I once believed my purpose was in politics, God had other plans. Along the way, I faced personal losses, health challenges, and relocated from Essex to London. Despite it all, I persevered through faith and determination. ?

My story isn’t over, but if there’s one lesson I’ve learned, it’s to never fear change. Dream boldly, start where you are, and trust the journey.

www.koutureparadise.com

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