Ep 36: How To Pioneer A Business Niche With No Template

Those African Chicks - Exploring Identities of African Women

Tobi Oredein is the Founder of Black Ballad; after having worked at some of UK’s leading magazines, she started the online publication out of the frustration of lack lack of and misrepresentation of Black British women. Black Ballad is a social enterprise committed to retelling and elevating the human experience of Black women in the United Kingdom. As the pioneering platform of its niche, the journey has been arduous BUT Rewarding & Necessary. In our conversation, we talk about some of the expected and unexpected challenges of running a niche that has no template to follow. We also go into the impetus of the business pivot from an open source to a paid membership and so much more.

TOPIC DISCUSSED

• History of Slavery in UK
• Cécile Kyenge, Congoleese Italian Minister of Integration
• Black Disabled Woman’s Experience
• Being Black and Woke – understanding that being woke is a journey , be careful not to criticize
  • Black culture being used as a tool for commerce
• Jill Is Black
• Challenges and triumps of pioneering a social enterprise

The Black Girl Festival – Nicole Crentsil & Paula Akpan &

• Books Mentioned – Why I Am No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge

ON SOCIAL MEDIA

• Instagram - @blackballaduk
• Twitter - @blackballadUK
• Personal Instagram – iamtobioredein
• Personal Twitter – iamtobioredein

QUOTE CARD

“No one would give me a job, so I decided to give myself one” - Tobi O

“Being a Business Owner Allows me own my blackness 24/7 and its so liberating” - Tobi O

“Aim for the moon and you will sure land in the stars” - Tobi O

ANNOUNCEMENT

Affirmation Bracelets & Cuff now available for sale HERE

PRODUCED & EDITED

Mastered – Mude Productions

Music – Deep Hat, YT Audio Library