We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mariam Oyinloye a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mariam, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?
The story about how Abimbola made it’s first dollar. On August 19, I did a vendor’s market called The Young Bosses In Buisness Season 2 Youth Market. We got our first client before the market even opened up. It was a mom of an another young buisness owner. It meant so much to me to get support, espically our first sale. I feel ever grateful to that mom for supporting me and getting her daughter on the sustainable life style. They given reviews about how they love it and want to buy more. It made me feel like my buisness was appericated.
Mariam, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
In a world where innovation knows no age and bounds, meet the remarkable 15-year-old entrepreneur who is rewriting the rules of business and compassion. Mariam Oyinloye, a teenager with a vision, has founded a groundbreaking social enterprise called Abimbola. Abimbola is dedicated to eradicating period poverty among young girls.
Empathy in Action
Mariam’s journey began with a simple realization of saving the environment and helping girls to have access to reusable menstrual products. Many girls her age
were forced to miss school especially in developing countries because they lacked access to menstrual products. Unwilling to accept this as the status quo, she took matters into her own hands and founded “Abimbola” a social enterprise on a mission to ensure no girl misses out on her education due to period poverty.
A Unique Approach to Social Enterprise
What sets Mariam apart is her innovative approach to social entrepreneurship, her determination and her open mind. Rather than relying solely on donations and sales, Abimbola partners with charities to create sustainable solutions. The company produces and sells eco-friendly menstrual products, with a percentage of the profits directly funding initiatives to provide free products to girls in need.
Ending the Silence
Beyond the tangible impact, Mariam is determined to break the stigma surrounding menstruation. Through Abimbola, she advocates for open conversations about periods, aiming to foster a supportive environment where girls can discuss their experiences without shame.
Collaboration for Change
Mariam understands the power of collaboration. Abimbola is actively seeking partnerships with charities dedicated to supporting girls’ education and health. By joining forces, they aim to amplify their impact, reaching more communities and providing sustainable solutions to period poverty.
Challenges Faced and Overcome
Running a social enterprise while juggling school at the age of 15 is no small feat. Mariam has faced challenges, from navigating the businessworld to convincing skeptics that a teenager can make a significant difference. Her resilience and unwavering commitment have proven that age is no barrier when fueled by passion and purpose.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Mariam Oyinloye is not just an entrepreneur; she’s a beacon of inspiration for young people worldwide. Her story challenges the notion that making a difference is reserved for adults. Through Abimbola, she encourages teens to harness their creativity and compassion to address societal issues.
Looking Ahead
As Abimbola gains momentum, Mariam remains focused on her vision – a world where no girl’s education is hindered by period poverty. With each product sold and every partnership forged, she moves closer to turning this vision into reality, leaving an indelible mark on the fight against period poverty.
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
The story of putting together initial capital to start my business. How I first got money to start my business, was through the Edge Social Catalyst program at Sheridan. They gave me advice about entrepreneurship, we had meetings every week about different aspects of entrepreneurship and your business. This program was a huge jump-start in my business and with their program I was able to allocate money to start my business.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best way we’ve found new customers is by participating in vendor markets, especially the YBIB Szn 2 Youth Market. We got our first seven sales there, and it really kickstarted our growth. The lively atmosphere and connecting with the younger audience worked wonders for us.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.abimbola.shop
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shop.abimbola/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shop.abimbola
- Linkedin: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/mariam-oyinloye-17440528b
- Other: Mariam’s Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mariam.oyinloye/ Mariam’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083523190920