Meet Stephanie Douglas
Meet Stephanie Douglas, founder of Gym & Tonic, a sports and remedial massage therapy company. Formally an international and Olympics athlete, Stephanie founded her company in 2009.
Meet Matilda Egere-Cooper
Meet Matilda Egere-Cooper, founder of The Cultural Exposé, a creative listings site designed to uncover things to see and do in London and beyond.
About Us
The Twenty Ten Club is an award-winning social enterprise. Read how we strive to connect, inspire and support Black female entrepreneurs.
Meet Alexia Lenoir
Meet Alexia Lenoir, founder of London based event design company Alexia Lenoir Design. The company creates sumptuous decors and tablescapes for special celebrations.
Meet Samantha Clarke
Meet Samantha Clarke, founder of personal styling consultancy Zukuri UnLtd and the trend forecasting agency Zukuri Consulting.
Meet Denise Rawls
Meet Denise Rawls, founder of Strange Fruit Greeting Cards. The east London company creates colourful cards for colourful people.
Meet Cheryl Pullins
Meet Cheryl Pullins, founder of The Woman Entrepreneur’s Mentor, a boutique style company that partners with women entrepreneurs to help grow their businesses, increase their income and live a marvellous life.
Meet Seyi Olusanya
Meet Seyi Olusanya, founder of Cedar Events. The design, planning and management company specialises in creating luxury events at destinations around the world.
Meet Natasha Leslie-Badu
Meet Natasha Leslie-Badu, founder of Splash Styling. The London based fashion styling consultancy works with photographers, designers, personal and private clients, retail outlets and magazines.
Meet Cynthia Akinsanya
Meet Cynthia Akinsanya, cake designer and founder of Delights by Cynthia. The London based company creates bespoke cakes for celebrations, weddings, special events, gifts, corporate events and personal indulgence.
Yes We Can! event empowers students
St Matthew Academy’s “Yes We Can!” event empowers students. Find out what happens when a Hollywood Actress, a Secret Millionaire and a Chef to the Stars go back to school...
Meet Denise Brown
Meet Denise Brown, founder of Don’t Judge Me Clothing. In addition to running her London based label Denise is an acclaimed celebrity fashion stylist, fashion editor and tutor.
Meet Deida Massey
Meet Deida Massey, founder of the Chicago Illinois based Reel Beauty Inc. The organisation provides self-esteem workshops to aid young women in becoming productive citizens and rediscover their beauty inside and out.
Meet Kay Oldroyd
Meet Kay Oldroyd, the award-winning founder of Black Youth Achievements. The organisation’s annual awards celebrate the achievements of young people of Black Caribbean and Black African parentage.
Meet Abi Laditan
Meet Abi Laditan, co-founder of Brides of Culture, a London based bridal exhibition and website which serves as an interactive e-channel for brides and grooms from all ethnic backgrounds.
Meet Jessica Elliott
Meet award-winning entrepreneur Jessica Elliott of J’s Dance Factory and Dancing After School. Read Jessica’s exclusive interview conducted by St Matthew Academy’s students.
Meet Abenaa Pokuaa
Meet Abenaa Pokuaa, Director of Ohema Ohene. The London based fashion brand specialises in clothing which is quintessentially British with an African twist.
Meet Lisa Newton
Meet Lisa Newton, founder of Boogles, the award-winning London based bookkeeping company.
Meet Claudine Reid, MBE
Meet Claudine Reid MBE, director of social enterprise PJ’s Community Service. Read Claudine’s exclusive interview conducted by St Matthew Academy’s students.
Meet Ola Laniyan Amoako
Meet Ola Laniyan Amoako, Director of Urbantopia Books, an award winning publishing house dedicated to publishing culturally and socially diverse books, for readers of all ages.
Meet Lola Adeshigbin
Meet Lola Adeshigbin, CEO of Agnes and Lola. The online retailer showcases a kaleidoscopic collection of African fashion brands from a multitude of influences.
Meet Yemisi Mokuolu
Meet Yemisi Mokuolu, founder of Hatch Events, a London based events management company dedicated to delivering unique events that advance creativity, broaden culture and expand the arts.
Meet Rachael Williams
Meet Rachael Williams, an international model and the founder of We Girls Rock, an educational organisation offering young women the skills needed to plan and fulfil their future life goals.
About Us
The Twenty Ten Club is an award-winning social enterprise. Read how we strive to connect, inspire and support Black female entrepreneurs.
Meet Salem Ayesha
Meet Salem Ayesha, founder of London based ROOT2Tip, a range of nature-led hair care products for men, women and children with textured hair.
Meet Myrah Caesar
Meet Myrah Caesar, co-founder of AddVantage Save, a group purchasing organisation that works with small businesses to leverage discounts, save time and save money.
Meet Adwoa Agyemang
Meet serial entrepreneur Adwoa Agyemang, founder of the Women in Enterprise Awards and three companies – Ghanaian Londoners Network, Precise Marketing Solutions and Fawohodie Designs.
Meet Lisa Nicole Bell
Meet Lisa Nicole Bell, the award-winning filmmaker, author, entrepreneur and CEO of Inspired Life Media Group. The company illuminates social issues and personal development tools using film, television, stage and new media.
Meet Fatima Wesson
Meet Fatima Wesson, founder of Lovebrown.com, the new site designed to celebrate black beauty and style. Read Fatima’s exclusive interview conducted by St Matthew Academy’s students.
Introducing the Interview an Entrepreneur programme
The Twenty Ten Club is excited to introduce the Interview an Entrepreneur school programme and our first participants from St Matthew Academy in Lewisham.
Meet Charlene Wilkinson
Meet Charlene Wilkinson, founder of I-dentity, a youth focussed organisation that provides Caribbean Studies programmes based in London.
Meet Barbara Campbell
Meet Barbara Campbell, CEO of publishing house Barb Wire Enterprises. The London based company currently produces Live Listings Magazine; The Official Guide to International Women’s Month magazine and Black Heritage Today.
Meet Karen Campbell
Meet Karen Campbell, co-founder and MD of specialist broadcast, online and urban music firm Shiloh PR.
Teen Mentoring Evening Recap
Twenty Ten Club Teen Mentoring. On Tuesday May 31 the Twenty Ten Club and St Matthew Academy hosted a mentoring evening for seventy female pupils from the school. Find out more here.
Meet Vanessa Sanyauke
Meet award-winning serial entrepreneur Vanessa Sanyauke, director of The Rafiki Network. The social enterprise provides leadership and mentoring for young people aged between 11-18 years of age.
Meet Angela Asieba
Meet social entrepreneur Angela Asieba of Nubia Magazine CIC. The organisation publishes two community magazines and provides young people with training opportunities within media and the creative arts.
Meet Naomi Fletcher
Meet Naomi Fletcher, the serial entrepreneur behind The Graphic Store design agency and The Cultural Group umbrella of educational companies.
Meet Remi Ray
Meet Remi Ray, founder of Trapped In a Skinny World. The London based online fashion retailer presents edgy collections celebrating women of all shapes and sizes.
Meet Margaret Kadi
Meet Margaret Kadi, founder of Project Sierra Leone. Based in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the company retails ethically made accessories produced by local artisans.
Meet Leah Samuel
Meet Leah Samuel, founder of TeyaLilly. The London based greeting cards company creates illustrated cards targeting the multicultural market.
9 numbers you need to know
Are you ready for the new tax year? Financial expert Katrine Richardson of Metric Accountants shares 9 key numbers you need to know.
Thank You
The Twenty Ten Club hosts monthly member events in central London. We’re currently welcoming new members. Interested in joining? If so, get in touch!
Meet Misan Odutola
Meet Misan Odutola, Creative Director of Asòtodun. The fashion label specialises in European style outfits made from African prints. Read Misan’s feature interview here.
Meet Ronke Ige
Meet serial entrepreneur Ronke Ige, founder of Emi & Ben and Bread + Butter Communications. As a result of her vision, drive and acumen Ronke was invited to become an Ambassador for the Prince’s Trust. Read Ronke’s feature interview here.
Meet Daniella Genas
Meet Daniella Genas, director of Aspire4u, a community interest company specialising in events and youth training. Read Daniella’s start up story and her plans for the future here.
Meet Natalie Lawrence
Meet Natalie Lawrence, founder of Natalie Lawrence Photography. Previously a winner of Photography Monthly’s Shoot the Front Cover competition, read Natalie’s inspiring start-up story here.
Meet Nikki Sharpe
Chief Executive
Youth Can Achieve
Youth Can Achieve is an organisation designed to provide aspiration, long term motivation and support to vulnerable young people aged from 7 to 30 years.
Based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, Youth Can Achieve was founded by award-winning social entrepreneur Nikki Sharpe, who also serves as a full-time lawyer and councillor.
Named Extraordinary Woman of the Year and a recipient of the Investors in Children Award in 2010, Nikki also received a Leadership in the Community award from the Network of Aspiring Women in 2011.
Why did you decide to start your company?
You know I never intended to start up Youth Can Achieve, but through providing motivational talks to young people, I realised that this should be my mission.
There is a real need for an organisation like Youth Can Achieve. A lot of people depend on this, and use my own personal experiences, to affect their own lives and focus on what they can achieve.
What was your career path prior to starting your first business?
I am a full-time solicitor and continue in this work. I started off at the firm I am with as a filing clerk and worked my way up the ladder; not deemed to achieve at school and not thought of as academic, nevertheless here I am.
That’s why I spread the word that anything is possible with self belief, focus and determination.
Did you always know that you would start your own business?
No, I did not know but I guess it was the right path for me. I have always had a caring side and business acumen and to use both to form Youth Can Achieve as a social enterprise to assist others is fantastic.
Can you tell me more about some recent projects Youth Can Achieve has undertaken?
Recently we held a Fashion in Youth event where we invited local schools to recycle clothing and then strut their stuff on the catwalk. The winning school will have the outfits displayed in a city centre shop. Money was raised for the ongoing campaign for a National Children’s Day.
We also have an on-going Youth Mentoring Board and an Ambassador Programme training young people to spread the word of Youth Can Achieve in schools and communities.
We also worked on a Children in Need project to promote social cohesion.
Can you describe your typical working day?
I start early; say between 7.00-8.30am. I make priority lists and work through. It can take 4 hours to do emails. Some days I will leave to concentrate on other work. I then juggle hats between lawyer, councillor and chief executive.
How do you maintain a work life balance while running your organisation and maintaining your career as a solicitor?
It can be very difficult and you have to be mega-organised and rigid with your timetable.
What have been the highlights of running your own business?
You set the direction, doing something you love and using all your passion to see it succeed and help others.
What is the hardest part of running your own business?
Not having enough funding.
What has been your proudest business moment so far?
I think obviously winning the award for Leadership in Community as a result of the work of Youth Can Achieve but more importantly when a young person says to me that Youth Can Achieve has made a difference.
If you could turn back the clock would you do anything differently?
Nothing really – I would have done it sooner.
What, or who, inspires and motivates you?
Previous mentors, society and the injustice to people. The skills I have as a lawyer to help others and provide a voice for them and access to justice, plus great leaders such as Martin Luther King and President Obama.
Fast forward five years, where do you think your business will be in 2017?
Youth Can Achieve will have its own premises and a model of the Youth Can Achieve Employability Centre, which will be duplicated in other parts of the country.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering starting a social enterprise?
Be clear on your business strategy, research the market, corner your part of it, raise your profile and never give up.
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For more information visit www.youthcanachieve.co.uk and www.childrensdayuk.org. You can also find Youth Can Achieve’s Children’s Day UK campaign on Twitter and Facebook.
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Nikki Sharpe was interviewed by Octavia Goredema, founder of the Twenty Ten Club.
The Twenty Ten Club is an award-winning social enterprise designed to connect, inspire and support Black female entrepreneurs. You can also find the Twenty Ten Club on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Do you have a question for Nikki? If so, please feel free to post a comment below:
0Meet Tracy Reid
Founder
Stiletto Millionaires
Stiletto Millionaires is a social networking and support group for women in start-up businesses.
Founded in 2009 by Tracy Reid, the organisation’s mission is to educate, empower and enlighten its members through workshops, training courses, social networking and coaching.
0Meet Stephanie Douglas
Founder
Gym & Tonic
Gym & Tonic provides a range of advanced sports and remedial massage techniques.
Founded by sports massage therapist Stephanie Douglas, the company is located in Hertfordshire, London and Buckinghamshire.
Formerly an international track athlete, Stephanie Douglas competed in all major athletics championships including two Olympic Games and three World Championships, representing Team GB.
Stephanie qualified as a Sports Massage Therapist in 2009 and founded Gym & Tonic shortly after, with the aim to help each client maximise the potential of their body in order to perform to their best in work, in sport or at rest. This is achieved through regular treatment, education and body awareness.
Gym & Tonic’s services are designed to prevent and treat injuries, optimise the healing process and maintain your body in tip top condition to help enhance your lifestyle.
1Meet Matilda Egere-Cooper
Managing Editor
The Cultural Exposé
The Cultural Exposé is a creative listings site designed to uncover things to see and do in London and beyond.
Based in Kensington, London the company was founded by Matilda Egere-Cooper in April 2010. The Cultural Exposé features event, restaurant and exhibition recommendations designed to help users discover new cultural experiences in the capital.
In addition to hosting the listing site and The Culture Club events division, The Cultural Exposé produces and syndicates online content for Perriér.
12011 – A Year in Review
Now that we’re in touching distance of 2012 I wanted to wish everyone a very happy New Year and take a moment to say “thank you!” to all of the Twenty Ten Club members, our supporters and everyone who follows our blog.
2011 has been a special year for the Twenty Ten Club. Our members participated in our first ever teen mentoring evening at St Matthew Academy in Lewisham in May. In July we introduced our Interview an Entrepreneur school programme. Following that, in November the Twenty Ten Club supported a Global Entrepreneurship Week event hosted by the Government Department of Business, Innovation & Skills and MOSAIC to promote youth entrepreneurship.
The stand out highlight however has been the opportunity to share the inspiring stories of all of the entrepreneurs who have taken part in our weekly feature interviews over the course of the past year.
Over 80 Black female business role models have been showcased on our blog to date. In case you’ve missed any, here’s a recap of this year’s interviews. Thank you for your support and I hope you enjoy reviewing the past year’s entrepreneur profiles as much as I have.
0Awards
Future 100 social enterprise award winner, 2010
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