Everyone has a dream. While some dreams never see the light of day some actually come true. For US-based Nigerian, Bolaji Adeola Ajike her dream was to see Black people controlling their world, doing their thing and getting credit for it. That dream ultimately gave birth to her first company named AfroGanix. Of course, to do this, she had to sail away from her comfort zone to where it was only the hand of fate that was directing her sails.
“I moved to Tampa, Florida in 2015. With my move to Tampa from Jersey I knew no one and knew nothing about the dynamic of Tampa Bay. When I decided to start my company AfroGanix, LLC in 2016 I literally had to meet new people and engage with others which I am absolutely petrified of doing. But, with the help of great friends I was able to step out of my shell and this has been the biggest blessing,” she recounted in a recent interview.
According to her, her mission is to assist in rebuilding and sustaining the economic infrastructure of the diaspora by supporting Melanated-owned businesses. She believes Blacks have the power not just physically but economically to change things in this world.
“What gives me happiness is finding and supporting us (Blacks). I make it my business to show others how easy it is to love on each other and support one another. Seeing Blacks all embracing each other is a beautiful thing,” she noted.
“I called my company AfroGanix because it was meant to symbolize so much,” she continued, explaining the very essence of the name and what it seeks to achieve.
“Afro- pays homage to our African origin and true aboriginal across the diaspora. Honoring our Afro hair, and reminding us all of our love for one another. Our economic success relies on us empowering one another, unifying, building and supporting one another.
“Ganix- is a play on the term Organic. Our true nature is that of creators and cultivators. Our ancestors across the globe worked together no matter how far we reached. Our fingerprint is evident across the globe. We all descend from the true organic creators & originators,” she stated.
With the vision to expose the world to black businesses, activists, and change makers causing economic seismic shifts across the globe she premiered GoddessTalk Show June 2019.
Bolaji Adeola Ajike is an entrepreneur with businesses in different fields. She was born in Lagos, Nigeria and raised in Surulere, Lagos until her family moved to the United States in 1995. She grew up in Willingboro, NJ (Boro). She’s oldest of four children.
She holds a B.A. in Communications Studies and and Masters in Public Administration from Mount St. Mary’s University, Enmitsburg, Maryland and Capella University, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
“I almost had that doctorate in Health Administration but I wanted to focus on my businesses and dropped out 5 years into the program. My mom hasn’t forgiven me yet. She wanted her Dr. Ajike so bad,” she joked.