From being overqualified and overlooked to building a cultural movement centered on inclusion, representation, and healing — Lovia Opoku, founder of Reform Stigma, is turning personal rejection into community empowerment.
Rooted in Lived Experience
“I started my business because I was overqualified since I was 25. I kept running into the fact that my CV didn’t fit anywhere and kept hearing different assumptions and rejections, which made me feel excluded. I felt lonely — especially as a young, Black woman who couldn’t get anywhere in a system that once promised job security.
I noticed that people often wanted to reinvent the wheel instead of talking to the community and building something together + sustainable. This is something I want to change and at the same time stimulate knowledge transfer.”
That desire sparked a deeper dive into the world of subsidies and funding — not only to bring the project to life but to build a professional foundation. The result? A portfolio of six events, over 500 attendees, and a warm talent pool of more than 200 individuals within two years.
Building a Community, Not Just a Brand
“At Reform Stigma, we built our customer base through a community-first approach. From the beginning, we focused on creating real value for our audience by organizing community-driven events, creative workshops, and cultural programs that tackled urgent societal topics like diversity, inclusion, and representation.
We grew by leveraging storytelling, collaborating with grassroots organizations, and forging authentic partnerships with brands and cultural institutions. Our network expanded organically as participants shared their experiences, leading to strong word-of-mouth growth.
We also actively engaged with Gen Z and millennials through social media marketing, hyperlocal activations, and co-creation projects, ensuring that our activities remained relevant, fresh, and impact-driven. Our strength lies in connecting people through shared values, not just marketing.”
Lessons in Leadership
“One of the biggest mistakes we made early on was trying to do everything ourselves. As passionate founders, we wanted to control every detail, but that limited our capacity to grow and collaborate. We learned that delegating, trusting others, and building a strong team is crucial for sustainable impact.
Another mistake was underestimating the importance of clear communication — especially when working with diverse communities and partners. Assumptions led to misalignment at times. Now, we invest heavily in setting expectations, creating space for feedback, and aligning values from the start.”
Impact That Feels Like Home
“Our biggest achievement since founding Reform Stigma has been building a deeply engaged community and curating meaningful events that center underrepresented voices. From intimate storytelling nights to bold panel talks and creative workshops — each gathering has been a space for connection, healing, and impact.
We got there by staying rooted in our mission: to break down stigma through creativity, co-creation, and culture. We listened to our audience, collaborated with local creatives and partners, and made sure every event felt intentional and inclusive.
It’s not just about the number of attendees — it’s about the feeling people leave with. That’s where the true impact lives.”
On Starting Anyway
“Start before you feel fully ready — clarity comes with action. As women, we’re often taught to wait until everything is ‘perfect’ before we take up space. Don’t. Your perspective, your voice, and your vision matter — especially when they challenge the status quo.
Build your business around your values, not just a product. When your mission is rooted in purpose, people will feel that and rally around it.
Surround yourself with people who see you — mentors, peers, and even strangers who remind you of your power on the days you forget it.”
Looking Forward
“In 2025/2026, we’re taking our mission beyond Amsterdam — with plans to bring our community-led formats like Unity Through Art, Gen-Z Dialogue, and Stories Unfiltered to the UK and Ghana. We’re also working on launching our first membership model, giving creatives, changemakers, and brands access to tools, talks, and togetherness rooted in culture and care.
Expect more exhibitions, more bold conversations, and more spaces where storytelling meets social justice.
The goal? To become the go-to platform for creative community building, cultural empowerment, and stigma-breaking dialogue — globally.”
