Small Business Series: Meet the Founder

Join Grow London Local in bringing together Black and ethnic minority founders from across London – connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, share insights from your journey and get help with the challenges of running your own small business.

In this session, learn about resilience in starting and running a business.

Guest speaker: Adetokunbo T Oyelola, Creative Entrepreneur, Artist Manager & Co-Founder

Adetokunbo “T” Oyelola is a dynamic and versatile UK-based creative entrepreneur with more than a decade of experience building and growing businesses across music, events, hospitality and media. He is the co-founder of Soul Mama Music Venue & Restaurant, a London-based live music and food concept that recently broke crowdfunding records and continues to support local talent through immersive experiences. T’s career spans artist development, global concert tours, brand partnerships and creative business strategy.

In this session, Adetokunbo shares his journey navigating the challenges of launching and scaling creative businesses. His talk focuses on bouncing back from setbacks and draws on his personal experience of resilience in face of industry shifts, funding challenges and the perseverance needed to build ventures that support community, culture and commerce.

Guest speaker: Aysha Iqbal, Founder

Aysha Iqbal is the founder of Wize Communications and a former BBC/ITV News regions news anchor and TEDx host and upcoming TEDx speaker.

As a communications expert, she empowers founders to deliver high impact public speeches to promote their brand, deliver business pitches that land investment and elevate and enhance their communications skills to speak with credibility and gravitas.

In this session, Aysha talks about resilience as a small business owner.

Guest speaker: Kazi Shafiqur Rahman, co-founder

Kazi moved to the UK with his family in 1997 and grew up in East London. His journey started from very humble beginnings including early jobs such as cleaning toilets at London City Airport and those experiences shaped my mindset and work ethics. Kazi went on to co-found Sunnamusk, a UK-based Arabian natural fragrance brand that grew into a well-known name with stores across the country. He also co-founded Buddies London, a fast-food brand inspired by the “Good Ol Days”.

Kazi was recognised as Entrepreneur of the Year at the British Muslim Awards. He also hosts a podcast and shares his journey and lessons around entrepreneurship, faith-inspired business, and personal growth with the aim of helping others believe in what’s possible

Light refreshments are provided. Spaces are limited– reserve your spot today!

Date: Wednesday 25 March

Time: 12pm to 2pm

Location: Soul Mama, Ground Floor, 40 Celebration Ave, East Village, London E20 1DB (Opposite Stratford International station)

Agenda: 
12pm-12.15pm: welcome from Grow London Local

12.15pm- 12.25pm: Adetokunbo T Oyelola, entrepreneur, artist manager & co-founder

12.25pm-12.35pm: Aysha Iqbal, founder Wize Communications

12.35pm-12.45pm: Kazi Shafiqur Rahman, co-founder Sunnamusk

12.45pm-1pm: Q&A

1pm-1.45pm: networking and refreshments

1.45pm-2pm: feedback and close

If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected]

Event Disclaimer: Please note that photos and videos may be taken during this event for promotional purposes. If you prefer not to appear in any photos or videos, please inform the event host upon arrival.

Unable to attend? You can still book a free consultation with our business support managers.

Image of Adetokunbo T Oyelola, Creative Entrepreneur, Artist Manager & Co-Founder

Image of Aysha Iqbal, Founder Wize Communications

Image of Kazi Shafiqur Rahman, co-founder Sunnamusk

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Grow London Local