Business Development

In Interviews&profile April 26, 2025 By Esther Ijewere

Abimbola Akinnuoye: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs & Building Thriving Communities in Canada

Abimbola Akinnuoye is the Founder of Leading Ladies Connect (LLC), a revolutionary all-in-one platform designed to empower women in business, leadership, and career growth. Based in Canada, LLC is focused on helping women kickstart and elevate their careers, offering tools, mentorship, and access to vital resources. Through this vibrant community, Abimbola is creating pathways for women to thrive in competitive industries.

Two Decades of Experience Across Industries

With over 20 years of experience in Business Development, Marketing, Entertainment, and Event Production, Abimbola brings a unique blend of creativity and strategy to her work. Her diverse background has helped her craft impactful events and campaigns that resonate with audiences and drive real change for women entrepreneurs in Canada and beyond.

Leading Lady Talks: A Platform for Female Trailblazers

Abimbola is also the host of Leading Lady Talks, a digital series and community platform that highlights the stories of inspirational women leaders. By sharing authentic experiences and expert insights, this platform motivates other women to step into leadership roles, overcome challenges, and scale new heights in their careers and businesses.

Women networking at a Leading Ladies Connect event organized by Abimbola, focused on female empowerment and business development — Leading Ladies Conference 2025

Strategic Partnerships With Top Brands

Under Abimbola’s leadership, LLC has collaborated with prestigious organizations including:

BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada)
Black Founders Network
L’Occitane
TD Bank

These collaborations have led to transformational programs, networking opportunities, and resources tailored to the unique needs of women entrepreneurs.

2024 DMZ Woman of the Year Award Nominee

In recognition of her outstanding impact, Abimbola was nominated for the 2024 DMZ Woman of the Year Award, a testament to her influence in the entrepreneurial and social impact space. Her work continues to shape a more inclusive, connected, and empowered business landscape for women.

Creating Meaningful Connections Through Events and Conferences

Abimbola’s true strength lies in building community through experience. From intimate workshops to large-scale conferences, she curates spaces where women can network, share stories, gain mentorship, and build lasting partnerships. Her events are not just gatherings, they’re launchpads for growth, healing, and transformation.

A True Force for Change in Canada’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Through her work with LLC and The Canada Plug, Abimbola has activated community partnerships and inspired thousands of women across Canada and internationally. Her mission is clear: to help women build strong brands, nurture thriving businesses, and become leaders in their industries.

In Career Gems March 4, 2024 By Women of Rubies

Nike Kay-Okunubi: Redefining African Fashion With Global Appeal

Nike Kay-Okunubi, the visionary force behind NIKI KAY, has reshaped the landscape of African-inspired fashion through her unique blend of tradition and modernity. Since its inception in 2013 in Nigeria, and later registration in Canada in 2020, NIKI KAY has emerged as a symbol of elegance and refinement, captivating audiences worldwide. Nike’s journey is a testament to her dedication to quality, her cultural roots, and her commitment to empowering both her customers and fellow entrepreneurs.

Evolution into Ready-to-Wear

Transitioning from its roots as a bespoke clothing brand, NIKI KAY has evolved into a sought-after Ready-to-Wear label under Nike’s adept leadership. With a background in Business Management and Finance, Nike has applied her expertise to propel NIKI KAY’s growth, understanding market demands and customer preferences with precision. Each NIKI KAY piece is a masterpiece, meticulously crafted to embody the essence of African heritage while embracing contemporary fashion trends. From intricate Ankara prints to minimalist silhouettes, every garment reflects Nike’s dedication to merging tradition with modernity, offering women globally a taste of African elegance.

Empowering Small Businesses

Beyond her success, Nike is deeply committed to uplifting small businesses within the fashion industry. Leveraging her expertise in business development and marketing, she provides invaluable support to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the complexities of the industry and achieve sustainable growth. Nike’s dedication extends beyond financial assistance; she actively collaborates with artisans and suppliers across Africa, fostering ethical and transparent partnerships that prioritize fair trade practices and community empowerment. Through NIKI KAY, Nike not only celebrates African culture but also advocates for the preservation of traditional craftsmanship and the empowerment of local communities.

Nike Kay-Okunubi’s journey with NIKI KAY is a testament to the transformative power of fashion as a tool for cultural expression and economic empowerment. With her innovative approach and unwavering commitment to quality and ethics, Nike continues to redefine the narrative surrounding African fashion, inspiring women to embrace their heritage with pride and confidence. As NIKI KAY continues to flourish, it serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs and a celebration of African creativity and resilience.

To learn more about Nike’s work, visit her website: https://nikikay.com/

Instagram: @nikikayclothing

Facebook: Niki Kay

In Interviews&profile December 13, 2023 By Esther Ijewere

Maryam Muritala: Pioneering Change And Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Canada Vendors

Maryam Muritala is a foreign-trained lawyer whose expertise extends from Business and Technology to Copyright, Trademark Law, and Contract Management. As a seasoned Business Development Consultant, Maryam has successfully guided entrepreneurs across five continents, establishing herself as a driving force in the business world. In this exclusive interview with Esther Ijewere, Maryam shares her inspiring journey from Lagos, Nigeria, to becoming the founder of Canada Vendors and the visionary behind the renowned Brand Expo.

Childhood Influence

Born and raised in Lagos, Maryam’s entrepreneurial roots run deep, shaped by the influence of both her maternal and paternal grandparents. Inspired by her family’s commitment to service, Maryam’s journey into law was further fueled by her aunt’s encouragement. Her childhood laid the foundation for a life dedicated to building connections and providing opportunities.

Career Path

Called to the Nigerian Bar in 2008, Maryam initially delved into corporate law, working on diverse projects involving contract agreements. Her pivot to business development was a strategic move, opening doors to a realm where she could blend legal expertise with entrepreneurial vision.

Canada Vendors and Navigating Challenges

Witnessing the evolution of the digital marketing space post-COVID-19, Maryam founded Canada Vendors to empower businesses with structured online visibility. The challenges faced, from business registration hurdles to integrating digital marketing, prompted the Canada Vendors Team to host virtual info-session events, offering crucial support during the pandemic.

Brand Expo and its Purpose

Brand Expo, an annual business networking event initiated by Maryam, serves as a platform for businesses to showcase products, services, and brand image. More than a networking opportunity, the expo facilitates workshops, exhibitions, presentations, and networking events, fostering brand awareness, visibility, and valuable business connections.

The Entrepreneurial Journey

Against the backdrop of the pandemic’s impact on small businesses, Maryam launched ‘The Entrepreneurial Journey,’ a YouTube mini-series spotlighting the Canadian small business community. Emphasizing the benefits of technology integration and digital marketing, the series aimed to empower businesses with the tools for growth in the digital landscape.

Being a Woman of Rubies

For Maryam, being a Woman of Rubies means creating opportunities wherever she goes, wearing her crown proudly and tall. Her unique ability to seize opportunities aligns with the essence of resilience and strength that defines a Woman of Rubies.

Inspirational Figures

Michelle Obama, Ibukun Awosika, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg stand as women who inspire Maryam on her journey, reflecting values of leadership, empowerment, and advocacy.

Maryam Muitala, Esther Ijewere and others with Hon. Abike Dabiri during her visit to the City of Brampton

Nigerian Community in Canada

Maryam acknowledges the significant contributions of the Nigerian community to Canada‘s vibrant multicultural society. From business and politics to healthcare and technology, Nigerian trailblazers continue to positively impact various sectors, embodying the spirit of excellence in diverse communities.

Maryam Muritala’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of combining legal expertise with a passion for entrepreneurship. Her commitment to empowering others, evident in initiatives like Canada Vendors and Brand Expo, showcases the potential for positive change within the business landscape. As a Woman of Rubies, Maryam stands as an inspiration, embodying resilience, vision, and a dedication to creating opportunities in every endeavour.