Mikayla, Technology Entrepreneur

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to change the world! I fluctuated between wanting to be a youth worker, working for a big corporate and helping people by working for a charity. In some way or another I have now experienced all three! 

What do you want most in the future? 

I want to know that I have done my best to have lived a life, and become a person, I am proud of. That doesn’t just relate to a career. To me, it means being the best wife, mum, friend and human I can be. 

What’s been your biggest achievement to date? 

Starting a business. This year, I started a company that helps start-ups and small businesses grow. We’ve had lots of interest, and have been able to scale to six figures this year. While it’s been challenging at times, I have loved the freedom to choose how to design my work around my life. 

What’s your advice to other women/girls? 

Learn how to listen to your instincts. It’s easy to do what people around you say you should do, but my biggest turning points have been when I have been brave and moved in a direction that felt right to me. 

What does it mean being a black woman in your industry?

I spent a large part of the early days of my career feeling out of place, underrepresented and tokenised. It was difficult to navigate this in the early days, but I learned to remove myself from places where I felt the cost was too high. 

 
Things though have begun to change and I increasingly see amazing black women breaking through and creating legacies across a spectrum of industries. Now, I think of being a black women in my industry as an opportunity to join a growing community breaking down barriers for the next generation. 

What school did you go to?  

School - Norbury Manor High School for Girls.

College - Cambridge Tutors College on a full scholarship.

University - London School of Economics.

What is the most important thing in the world to you? 

My husband, family and friends. They are always there to provide support and advice. This is so important; I don’t think anyone can achieve great things alone.