TribesAndHistory: What is your name, and how do you prefer to be addressed?

Mayo: My name is Kowiyat Ajimobi, but everyone knows me as Mayo.

TribesAndHistory: How can readers connect with you? (LinkedIn, Instagram, personal website?)

Mayo: If they want to check out my business, they can visit our website www.theladypowerhouse.co.uk. To connect with me directly, my Instagram handle is @makemovesx3, and my LinkedIn is Kowiyat Ajimobi. If they want to follow the business, our Instagram is @theladypowerhouse.

TribesAndHistory: Where are you from?

Mayo: I’m Nigerian—loud and proud! But born and raised in England.

TribesAndHistory: What do you do?

Mayo: I’m the founder and CEO of The Lady Powerhouse. I’m a clarity coach for female founders, an accredited facilitator, and an award-winning social entrepreneur. My focus is on helping women gain clarity in their business journey, so they can thrive both personally and professionally.

TribesAndHistory: What inspired you to start your business?

Mayo: My understanding of why I started has evolved over time. Initially, I thought I knew why, but the more I reflected, the deeper I realized my purpose was. In short, I love being a destiny helper. I have a passion for supporting people—especially women—who struggle with self-belief or lack a strong support system. Every woman deserves the chance to be as successful as she wants to be. If I can play even a small part in helping someone on their journey, it brings me immense joy.

TribesAndHistory: Tell us about your business.

Mayo: The Lady Powerhouse is an incredible social enterprise built by female founders, for female founders. We support early-stage female entrepreneurs—helping them grow both personally and professionally. We focus on the women behind the business because, at the end of the day, a business cannot thrive without the person running it being in a good place.

I believe women shouldn’t be boxed into the stereotype that entrepreneurship is all about money. Many women are told they can’t have a family or freedom if they become entrepreneurs, but I want to change that narrative. I work with mission-oriented female founders who want more than just financial success—they want to build the lives they genuinely desire.

We’ve been around for two years now, so we’re still in the early stages. In the past year alone, we hosted 5 in-person events and 11 virtual events, and our community has grown to over 100 women. This year, we have so much more coming—people should definitely keep an eye out!

On a personal level, my role as a clarity coach stems from the work I do in my social enterprise. I help women align their ambitions with actionable steps and guide them through the process of achieving their goals. It’s all about support and strategy.

TribesAndHistory: Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped the leader you are today?

Mayo: I can’t pinpoint just one moment—every experience, conversation, job, task, and even failure has shaped me into the leader I am today. However, one defining moment was The Lady Powerhouse’s second birthday celebration, which was just a few weeks ago. I hosted an event with close friends, family, and members of our community. It was meant to be a simple gathering, but when I opened the floor for people to share encouragement for the community, unexpectantly, people started speaking about how much I had impacted their lives.

Usually, I feel awkward being the center of attention, but this time, it was different. Hearing their words made me realize the depth of my leadership. It was a powerful moment—I saw that I’m not just helping women; I’m truly making a difference. That experience affirmed that I’m a trailblazer, a game-changer, and a leader in my own right.

TribesAndHistory: How has your African heritage shaped your business journey?

Mayo: This is a tricky question for me because I was born and raised in the UK, and I sometimes feel disconnected from my roots. For example, I don’t speak Yoruba, though I really want to learn. That said, my African heritage plays a big role in my work. Many of the women I support are of African descent or from Black and Brown communities, which are often under-served—especially in the UK. Being able to relate to them culturally creates an instant bond and makes our work together more impactful.

One thing I admire about Nigerians is our pride. Growing up, I didn’t fully understand the importance of owning our achievements, but Nigerians don’t shy away from claiming what they’ve worked for. That’s something I’ve been learning to embrace—women should be proud of their accomplishments and celebrate their successes without feeling like they have to downplay them to be humble. In business, confidence is key. If you don’t believe in your own greatness, why would anyone else?

TribesAndHistory: What legacy do you hope to leave for the next generation of Africans?

Mayo: Legacy is such a big topic for me right now. It’s not just about the businesses or wealth you leave behind; it’s about the words, the memories, the impact.

Recently, I came across the French phrase joie de vivre, which means “joy of living.” That’s what I want my legacy to be—I want to create spaces and opportunities for women to truly enjoy life, not just survive it. Too many of us go through life in defense mode, constantly working or struggling. While hard work is necessary, I believe we should also prioritize joy, peace, and fulfillment. It starts with the women in my business, but I want this to extend beyond them. I want to create environments where people feel free to live life on their terms. And most importantly, I want my legacy to be one of joy, not struggle. Many Black leaders’ legacies are tied to battles they had to fight, but I want mine to be tied to happiness, freedom, and thriving.

At the end of the day, I want to look back and know that I lived fully and helped others do the same. And when people think of my impact, I want them to say, “This incredible, beautiful Black woman made a difference—not through struggle, but through joy.”