What is your name/ how you want to be addressed (
Dr. Atinuke
How can readers connect with you? (LinkedIn, IG, personal website)
Email: contact@empreneursolutions.com
Website: www.empreneursolutions.com
IG: www.instagram.com/empreneursolutions
LInkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/empreneur-solutions
Where are you from?
Lagos, Nigeria but now, I am also Canadian
What do you do?
I’m a multi-award-winning business grantee, celebrated author, business strategist, and entrepreneur with a passion for helping immigrant entrepreneurs in Canada start and grow sustainable businesses by accessing essential resources, including funding. My journey into this field wasn’t linear—it was shaped by my own lived experience as an immigrant entrepreneur navigating an unfamiliar business landscape with little guidance.
What inspired you to pursue this business/ career?
When I moved to Canada eight years ago, I launched EM Wigs Canada, a BIPOC-focused hair wig e-boutique, with minimal knowledge of the local business ecosystem. I faced countless challenges—securing funding, understanding business regulations, and building a customer base in a competitive market. Through trial, error, and determination, I not only built a thriving business but also became deeply invested in helping other immigrant entrepreneurs avoid the same struggles.
When COVID struck, I launched a weekly series to uncover hidden business opportunities across various sectors of the Canadian economy, including healthcare and real estate. By bringing in respected professionals from these fields, we highlighted overlooked opportunities that led to the creation of new businesses within my community. This experience reinforced something I had long observed—Black entrepreneurs have a strong desire to build generational wealth, yet many struggle due to a lack of knowledge about the business landscape. This realization deepened my commitment to providing accessible business education and resources to bridge this gap.
My passion for business strategy ultimately led me to specialize in grant funding, helping small business owners and startups secure the financial resources they need to thrive. Over the years, I have helped clients successfully obtain various grants, unlocking opportunities that have allowed them to scale their businesses, invest in new ventures, and create lasting economic stability for themselves and their communities.
Tell us about your Career/Business
I started my business during my PhD journey as a way to escape the struggles of science research. I wanted something creative and fulfilling, and that’s when I decided to launch an online wig boutique—EM Wigs Canada—offering high-quality, convenient, and affordable hairstyle solutions to women of color in Canada.
My mission was simple: I believe that whether it’s for fashion or to boost self-esteem and femininity, no woman should feel less of herself. This belief drove me to create a business in Guelph, Ontario, where I noticed a growing population of women and no wig shops catering to their needs. I wanted to provide women with the ability to look good without going broke, and my slogan, “Slay on a Budget”, became the foundation of my brand.
As I continued running the business alongside my PhD, I soon realized that over 50% of my clientele were from the Waterloo region, which suggested an even greater demand. This insight, coupled with my completion of my PhD in 2021, led me to take the leap and relocate to Kitchener—a decision that was both personal and professional. The move allowed me to better serve my growing customer base while expanding the reach of my brand.
Today, EM Wigs Canada serves a diverse clientele of women across all races, expanding beyond my initial focus to meet a broader demand for affordable, stylish wigs. What started as a side hustle during my academic journey has now evolved into my full-time business, and I couldn’t be more proud of how it has scaled and impacted the community. The ability to help women feel confident and empowered through beauty is truly fulfilling.
Back in my home country, I was already an entrepreneur, but when I started my business in Canada, I had little to no knowledge of the Canadian business landscape. Like many new immigrant entrepreneurs, I faced numerous challenges—lack of funding, limited access to business networks, and navigating an unfamiliar market. I made many mistakes along the way, and over the years, I’ve seen others struggle with the same obstacles.
From securing funding and understanding business regulations to building a customer base in a competitive market, the journey was far from easy. However, every challenge became a learning opportunity, shaping my expertise and deepening my commitment to helping other immigrant entrepreneurs succeed. Through trial, error, and determination, I not only built a thriving business but also became deeply invested in helping other immigrant entrepreneurs avoid the same struggles. This was the birth of EMpreneur Solutions.
At EMpreneur Solutions, I provide business advisory services, specializing in:
Beyond grant consulting, I continue to run EM Wigs Canada, where I provide high-quality wigs for BIPOC communities. Social responsibility is at the core of my business—I donate wigs to organizations supporting cancer patients, individuals with alopecia, and women experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions, helping them regain their confidence and dignity. Additionally, I serve as an executive member of the Board of Directors at Hope Spring Cancer Center in Waterloo, Ontario.
What truly differentiates me is my lived experience as an immigrant entrepreneur. I don’t just provide business advice—I’ve walked this path myself. I understand the challenges, and I’ve built my career around bridging the gap between immigrants and business success in Canada. My work is deeply mission-driven, focusing on economic empowerment, accessibility, and community impact.
I take immense pride in the countless businesses I’ve helped access funding, the entrepreneurs who have built thriving ventures with my guidance, and the impact EM Wigs Canada has had in uplifting individuals facing hair loss. Over the years, I’ve mentored more than 550 business owners across various industries, assisting them with business registration, overcoming challenges, and securing over $250,000 in grants in 2024 alone. Seeing my clients successfully secure funding and grow their businesses fuels my passion every day.
Whether you’re a new immigrant entrepreneur trying to navigate the Canadian business landscape, a small business owner looking for funding, or someone in need of high-quality, confidence-boosting wigs, I’m here to help. Success is possible with the right guidance and resources, and I’m committed to making that journey easier for others.
If you’re looking for grants, business strategy, or premium BIPOC-focused wigs with a social impact, let’s connect!
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that significantly shaped the leader you are today?
One of the most pivotal moments in my career was when I won my first business grant. As an immigrant entrepreneur navigating an unfamiliar landscape, I had struggled to secure funding, and after countless rejections, I finally won a grant using the same strategic approach I had used to secure academic scholarships. That moment was more than just financial relief—it was proof that access to the right information and resources could change the trajectory of a business.
This experience reshaped my leadership approach. I realized that many other immigrant entrepreneurs faced similar struggles, not because they lacked talent or vision, but because they didn’t know where to start. That’s when I committed myself to bridging the gap—teaching others how to access funding, build sustainable businesses, and break through systemic barriers. Today, through EMpreneur Solutions, I’ve helped hundreds of entrepreneurs secure grants, and that first win continues to inspire my work, reminding me that when one person succeeds, an entire community benefits.
How has your African heritage shaped your leadership/career/business journey?
My African heritage has been the foundation of my leadership, career, and business journey. Growing up in Nigeria, I embraced resilience, resourcefulness, and community-driven values, which have guided me as an immigrant entrepreneur in Canada.
Entrepreneurship is deeply woven into African culture, and witnessing business owners thrive with limited resources instilled in me a strong work ethic and problem-solving mindset. In my business, EM Wigs Canada, I celebrate African beauty standards by providing quality, affordable hair solutions for Black women. My passion for economic empowerment also led me to establish EMpreneur Solutions, bridging funding and resource gaps for immigrant entrepreneurs.
Rooted in collective progress, my leadership style prioritizes mentorship and collaboration. My journey reflects the strength of African entrepreneurs, and I remain committed to creating opportunities for others to succeed.
What role does your culture play in your career, leadership style, and decision-making processes?
My African heritage deeply influences my career, leadership, and decision-making. Growing up in an entrepreneurial culture taught me resilience, innovation, and adaptability—qualities that have shaped my success in Canada. My leadership style is rooted in community, mentorship, and collaboration, ensuring that success is shared. In decision-making, I draw from African wisdom, focusing on long-term impact, resourcefulness, and strategic growth. Ultimately, my cultural background drives my passion for empowering immigrant entrepreneurs and creating economic opportunities.
What legacy do you hope to leave for the next generation of Africans
I hope to leave a legacy of empowerment, resilience, and economic independence for the next generation of Africans. I want aspiring entrepreneurs—especially immigrants—to know that success is possible, even in unfamiliar environments, if they have the right knowledge, resources, and community support.
Through my work with EMpreneur Solutions, I aim to demystify business funding, ensuring that more African entrepreneurs can access the capital they need to build and sustain their ventures. With EM Wigs Canada, I want to redefine beauty standards and create a lasting impact by ensuring Black women have access to quality, affordable hair solutions.
Beyond business, I want my legacy to be one of leadership and service—one that inspires Africans to embrace entrepreneurship, leverage their cultural strengths, and uplift their communities. By breaking barriers today, I hope to make the path easier for those who come after me.
What about your heritage makes you proud?
My African heritage fills me with pride because of its deep-rooted resilience, rich traditions, and strong sense of community. Growing up in Nigeria, I witnessed firsthand the ingenuity and resourcefulness of people who built thriving businesses despite limited resources. That spirit of perseverance has been a guiding force in my own entrepreneurial journey.
I’m also proud of the emphasis African cultures place on collective success—on lifting as we climb. This value has shaped my leadership style, inspiring me to mentor and support other immigrant entrepreneurs through EMpreneur Solutions. Additionally, our vibrant beauty traditions have influenced my business, EM Wigs Canada, where I celebrate and cater to the diverse hair needs of Black women.
Above all, I take pride in the legacy of excellence, strength, and adaptability that Africans carry worldwide. Our heritage is one of innovation, cultural pride, and unstoppable ambition, and I am honored to be part of that story.
Any last words of wisdom?
Embrace every challenge as an opportunity to grow. Success is rarely a straight path—it’s filled with detours, setbacks, and lessons that shape you into a stronger, wiser leader. Stay resilient, stay resourceful, and never stop learning.
Most importantly, lift others as you climb. True success isn’t just about personal achievements; it’s about the impact you make and the doors you open for those coming after you. Keep pushing forward, keep building, and remember—you are capable of more than you ever imagined.
Is there anything else you would like to address that we didn’t ask?
No
