‘Celebrating our Sisters’ Foluke Akinlose, MBE

At the start of the year, we launched a content series across the collettephilip.com and Brand By Me brands called ‘Celebrating Our Sisters’, where we interview brilliant Black female changemakers, who are serious about social justice. We’re inspired by what they bring to the community and are excited by their hopes for 2024.

This month, we’re spotlighting Foluke Akinlose, MBE, Founder of PRECIOUS, a digital platform, network and resource for women of colour. Launched back in 1999 by Foluke Akinlose, MBE, it was the first publication of its kind in the UK. PRECIOUS aims to profile and celebrate the professional and entrepreneurial achievements of Women of Colour in the UK. They work with a range of corporate partners on various projects be it recruitment, events or helping them to showcase their products to the PRECIOUS audience. They host a number of events throughout the year, culminating in an annual awards event which celebrates the achievements of entrepreneurs and leaders in business and community.

Us: What are the best things about being a Black female founder?

Foluke Akinlose: Many Black female founders launch a business around a particular problem or issue that they’re trying to solve and are very intentional about it. So, for me, the best thing about being a female founder is the impact I’m having. My business is a legacy that I’m making. But then the flipside of that is still not being visible enough in society or being taken seriously enough. And lack of access to opportunities. I think some organisations, when they want to support organisations like ours, where Black people have founded it, they see the support they give as a charitable gesture. They don’t see Black women as entrepreneurs, which is patronising really. They see us as singers and entertainers and sports women, but not as entrepreneurs. It’s very frustrating.

Us: Tell us about the things that you do that foster community within your industry.

Foluke Akinlose: I think we really came into our own in a weird sort of way during lockdown. The women that I knew were looking for a safe space to really share their feelings. And to try and encourage people together to talk less about business despite everything. So we had some WhatsApp groups and were basically online every single day for the whole year during covid times. We’re still very active on the WhatsApp groups that we set up from lockdown. We’re also very intentional about bringing people together as people in real life, rather than through a WhatsApp group or Zoom call. I like bringing people together in real life as well, for coffee and things. And I think community is needed now more than ever.

Us: In what ways do you see issues of white supremacy showing up as your brand is becoming more successful and well-known?

Foluke Akinlose: For us at PRECIOUS white supremacy shows up in how we’re paid for particular initiatives that we run. It’s less, compared to our white or brown counterparts. And also, the good entrepreneurs, the exemplar entrepreneurs are seen through the sort of prism of whiteness. What I mean by that is that the entrepreneurs who are lauded the most are white women entrepreneurs.

Us: What piece of advice do you wish you’d had when you started your organisation?

‍Foluke Akinlose: I would say to ask for help as soon as you need it. People are usually happy to help you. And that perfectionism holds you back. I think a lot of Black female founders suffer from that. That everything has to be perfect before anyone can see it. And that’s not the case. Nothing actually has to be perfect to launch things. 

Us: What’s your go-to piece of advice for other Black founders?

Foluke Akinlose: I would say protect your peace. And know your worth in negotiation or any other pieces of what you’re about to embark on. What I’ve learned throughout my many years of business is to really know your own value. And don’t let anyone ever tell you different. 

Us: What are your go-to brand-building tips and tricks?

‍Foluke Akinlose: Brand building is all about consistency. So if you’re going to do a newsletter on a Monday, make sure the newsletter on a Monday goes out every Monday, and that your brand identity is the same across every single platform that you’re on. I would also say you don’t have to have lots of money to have a viable brand. You can start something really, really simple. But consistency is the most important.

Us: What’s the thing that you’re proudest of from the last year?

 Foluke Akinlose: It was quite a tough year this year personally and professionally in 2023. But delivering the 17th PRECIOUS Awards was great. And also delivering all the events that we said we would deliver this year; we managed to do them. And, yes, PRECIOUS still being here makes me proud.

‍Us: What are you most excited for in the year ahead?

‍Foluke Akinlose: This year will be our 18th year of the awards, which is really, really exciting. And we’re celebrating the 25 years of PRECIOUS itself in 2024, so a lot to celebrate! So we’re gonna be launching a couple of new things like a podcast, potentially, a book and something else – I can’t say what at this stage, but we are very excited. To be honest, 2023 was so difficult, lacklustre and a struggle to get through, so I’m just looking forward to the possibilities that 2024 could bring.

Us: What is your hope for 2024 and beyond?

Foluke Akinlose: I would love to see more female founders like me be more visible. And I also would love to see more support for Black female founders, not just piecemeal big-budget support but regular big-budget support. I want to see the community grow and prosper as well.

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Collette’s three main takeaways from Foluke’s interview:

1. Launch and then iterate

Don’t let perfectionism hold you back. Get your ideas out there first and then polish and iterate second.

‍2. ‘Community’ is defined by you

Wherever you turn to find understanding and support, whether it’s digital or face-to-face, that’s your community.

3. Be consistent

When your customers and supporters know that your brand and marketing is consistent it builds a sense of reliability and helps them to easily and immediately recognise your brand.
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What do you think?

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